Chapter 8- The Past Is in the Past, Or Is It?

November 16th, 2046, 11:30

(Tess's POV)

I was walking up Heroes Av. on my way to class when I heard steps behind me, not making an effort to hide that they were following me.

–What do you want?– I said halting.

–It's me, Noah, I just wanna talk to you for a second.

–Fast– I finished picking up the pace as he followed half trotting.

–So I wanted to ask ever since the other day at your lab. How did you learn all those things? Because learning how to do more than 15 different tests on a blood sample isn't something you learn on AP biology.

–None of your business.

–Your favorite phrase apparently.

–I s'pose that if you keep following me like some kind of stray dog looking for food I have no other choice but to tell you. You see ever since I was little my parents knew I was a gifted child. I learnt to read by myself at age 2 and already was on elementary by 6. I took advanced classes on middle by 12 and earned my place here.

–Where did you study?

–In the...

(Tess's flashback)

September 22nd, 2045, 18:30

–The Chicago Advanced Medical Research Academy– I muttered to myself as the giant glass structure stood right in front of me, with only 15 years I had achieved to get here. I was so excited that I almost forgot walk in.

Walking through the glass doors as my heart beat on my head was almost as exhausting as running a marathon. The entrance was an enormous hall with a glass elevator at the back, dotted with small couches and coffee tables. People sat on them chatting excitedly.

–Nam Seoyoung?– I heard someone call from behind me; no it couldn't be.

–Hwang Hyunjin?– I answered to the voice behind me, even though I tried to ignore it, he had bright blonde hair with olive eyes that shone with the sunlight refracting through the windows. I had always been friends with him, even when we were in Korea.

–Seoyoung, long time no see huh– he said reaching out to hug me, we had always been very close. I return the hug and we squeeze each other for a few seconds. After separating I speak up.

–How have you been? It certainly has been a long time since Busan. You seriously need to tell me everything.

–Yah! And what about you? You disappeared after you left Korea!– he pouted as he turned red as a tomato when I accidentally winked at him.

– Why are you blushing? Is something wrong?

–W-w-what? N-no– he stuttered as he covered up his face with the oversized sleeves of his blue hoodie. He looked very cute when he was this shy.

–So... you study here?– I asked trying to change topics.

–What? Uh, yes, yeah I am a student here. Are you coming to study here?

–Neh, but I actually aim to go to Boston's SHC you know.

–The famous SHC huh? Well no doubt you'll make it there, I am confident you'll make it.

–Thanks! I guess I'll see you soon.

–Neh, see ya Seo.

–See ya Jinnie!– I ended as I walked in the elevator and pushed the 12 button. Few seconds later I was walking out and towards a bedroom, it was a small room with two bunk beds and a small table with four chairs right in the middle. The room was well-lit and had windows spread across the right and left walls. No one but a red-haired boy were inside, he stared emptily with his forehead pressed against the window, his green eyes watching the sun set peacefully. I walked towards an empty bunk and laid my things down on it. I then laid down and rested on the bed. The small watch I was wearing marked 21:29 when I got up from the bed. I scratched the back of my head and scanned the room. Two other people aside from the red-haired boy had moved in the other bunks. I got up and sat on one of the table's chairs. There was a small bowl in the middle of the table, it had strawberries and some kiwi neatly cut inside it.

–Eat it if you want, I'm full–I heard someone say from the bunk on top of my bed.

–Thanks– I said as I reached to the plate and grabbed my metallic chopsticks. I grabbed a slice of strawberry and ate it. It was very sweet and really good–. So what's your name?– I said as I swallowed and grabbed another strawberry slice.

– Jianyu ,Kang Jianyu.

–Nice to meet you– I said through a mouthful of fruit.

–And what's yours?

–Oh that's not important.

–Really?

–Yeah.

–Well then, I'll guess.

–I'd like to see you try– I said teasingly.

–I'm guessing, family name, Nam, maybe a Seoyoung?

–How did you know?

–Pure luck.

–Huh, well then.

He smiled and showed of his shiny fangs with broad happiness