Chapter Seven: FOOD AND CHILL?

[©Lynnifer Ice - November 19, 2022]

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"Time. Right, lots of time," Blake laughed awkwardly, momentarily avoiding my gaze.

"Sooo, how long do you two go back?" I rocked back and forth on my heels, "It must be a while since, well, you know." I tried looking at Blake's face, but all I could see was his side profile.

While his gaze was preoccupied with the wall of the elevator, I took the time to really study his appearance, discovering I hadn't paid attention to any of it before. His hair was charcoal black with a stripe of copper red in his fringe; his hair was short but fell to the length of his ears. Seeing his ears made me realize how ashen his skin was. I almost felt tempted to poke his ear, but something told me I should refrain from doing so. I then noticed that he was not much taller than me, either.

I'm not THAT tall, to begin with, just shy of five feet and three inches. Considering Blake appeared to be a head taller than me, I want to assume he'd be around five feet and eight inches. However, that Xinith guy is abnormally tall; I wouldn't be surprised if he were close to six and a half feet. That aside, I'd like to know why Blake is acting almost the exact opposite of earlier.

"We've known each other for probably at least a couple of decades. However, we haven't ever seen eye to eye for reasons known to at least most of the locals. People like me have never been fans of people like him," Blake slowly explained, drawing out each syllable as if carefully choosing his words.

"People like him?" I repeated, curious about where this conversation would go.

"Uh…," Blake stalled, peering over at me, "Has he explained to you that he-.."

"That he's a demon?" I finished for him just as the elevator doors opened. "Yeah. Besides that, I think he's a total creep and possibly a pervert aaaand a possessive arse."

"Has he given you trouble already?" Blake asked, locking his gaze on me as we left the elevator and headed to the building door.

"Trouble?" I repeated, arching my left brow. "Hah… You could say that," I gritted my teeth at just the remembrance of the bothersome memories.

"I'd offer you to stay at my dormitory tonight since it's just across the hall, but…." Blake went on to say as he opened the doors for me and followed me out, "I don't think that would be very safe for you."

"Not safe?" My curiosity peaked, "Why do you say that? Are your dormmates some kind of monsters?" I laughed at the light humor, walking beside him until he stopped in the middle of the sidewalk; although, I didn't recognize that until a few steps later and turned around. "What's the matter? I was just making a jest."

"Alex," Blake started softly, looking down at the ground, gliding his hands in his pockets and then scuffing the sidewalk with his right shoe before looking back up at me, "How much do you know about this university?"

I've got a bad feeling about this.

"Er… What do you mean by that?" I asked nervously, afraid he might say something that would scare me shitless.

"Just…," Blake sighed before moving closer to stand next to me, his hands still in his pockets, "Tell me what you know. I mean, do you have any idea what you've signed yourself up for?"

"Well, I know this is a very prestigious school where you either get in because you're super rich or from a very inclusive scholarship." I tried racking my brain about what little info I did know, "Plus, it's known for its very high quality of education and that the minimum amount of time spent here is four years and a max of ten years. Why do you ask?"

"You're too innocent for this world," Blake said with a gentle smile, ruffling my hair before continuing to lead the way. I quickly scurried after him when I realized I was falling behind.

"Hey, wait up! What's that supposed to mean?!" I asked as I caught up, my eyes studying his expression for an answer, but he was way too good with his poker face.

"I guess you'll find out when the time is right. For now, let's get you some food," Blake concluded as we neared a vast building.

We walked the rest of the short way in silence. My mind was racing, trying to figure out this jigsaw of a school mystery. Out of physical memory, I automatically walked through the building door when Blake had opened it for me. On a typical day, I would have thanked him immediately but was too absorbed in my thoughts, so much so that I bumped into someone's back.

There's something unusual going on around here, and I am going to make it my mission to solve this mystery! I will figure out what he's talking about. Come hell or high water, my detective mode has been activated.

The next thing I heard as I snapped back to reality was a very audible guttural growl. My eyes widened to the size of saucers as I took a step back. A very bulky man turned around and looked down at me with an expression that looked like he wanted to rip me to shreds. At first, I thought my eyes were deceiving me when I looked at his eyes and saw golden irises. I didn't have much time to doubt my sight because a hand from behind quickly covered my eyes, followed by an arm gently wrapping around the front of my waist. I felt myself being swayed to the right and couldn't help but feel stunned and confused.

"I am so sorry about that, Hinrik. Allow me to apologize on my friend's behalf." Blake politely stated in a slow manner, although I could sense a hint of hesitation in his tone, but the gulp may have given that away.

"Your so-called friend bumped into my back," the so-named Hinrik spat back in irritation. "Is she blind or something that she can't pay attention to her surroundings?"

"It's her first day on campus. Can't you cut her some slack?" Blake urged, turning a little further away from this Hinrik person.

"When have I ever been lenient toward any student that crosses me?" Hinrik growled back. "She ought to be taught a lesson just like all the rest. Why should she be an exception?"

"This 'she' has a name and voice of her own, you know," I blabbed without considering that my speaking could potentially worsen the situation.

- End of Chapter Seven -