Later that day, Seb was early to return since she skipped her 2 hours of practice. Erica had to leave for her urgency at home for which Iven had to treat Seb with lunch which is the most unique combo of food. His expression was price less before and calm enough later to see her so exhausted everyday.
Next day
"Why do say off for the whole day everyday?", Iven dropped the question after the whole day when he met Seb finally.
"I can't help, I stay busy enough", Seb said sipping her cup.
- Don't you exhausted?
-If I would, I wouldn't come to see at early morning everyday.
-You have got some energy.
Their topic switched to Seb's choice of lunch out of nowhere and an small argument based on that. Even though it was childish, Iven found it cute. And Seb was mad on the fact. To her, it was like made fun of.
Finally Seb got all riled up and based on her character, she swapped the topic to a one, where she can attack Iven's weak point.
-Why do keep following me?
-Can't I?
-Clearly you don't need to study here, you also have a job. Did you forge your documents?
-I did not....
-Don't lie
-.....Yuka did.
Seb sighed. That's all the same anyways. They are all under his order anyways.
Iven continued,"They needed a break. They didn't seem to mind when I told them. Also, they can do pretty good without me. Moreover to add....", Iven leaned towards Seb's face,"...I don't need permission to spend more time with my girlfriend no, do I?".
Seb's face was immediately flustered. That's one of her habit to get flushed easily to flirtation. She blinked with popped out eyes and quickly turned away her face embarrassed.
"You'd rather...", she mumbled,"...not say that here Iven".
Seb seldom takes his name. When she does, it's a cue that she's being serious.
-Why is that so?
Seb looked behind with a complete change in expression. Unlike Iven, she's far sighted. She thinks of the consequences before taking any possible step. And regarding Iven, the results struck her since the first day.
"Are you embarrassed of me?", Iven hit her soft point.
Seb was quick to reply,"Don't misunderstand!".
-You can say me what's bothering...
Seb bit her lower lip and looked right through his eyes and started explaining from the first level," You see, people here knows that our first encounter was on the day of the match. Also, I am known quite well here, so even if I try, I can't avoid gossip. We just got together, that's not possible so soon, they will know that we have been acquaintances from before....and the rest....you can leave it based on your predictions....".
Iven's mind was always based on facts. He'll believe anything with a logic, and Seb explained it in full. Moreover, what he's got is a very understanding nature towards Seb. Thus, he got her well.
Iven nodded with agreement and smiled to assure Seb.
"Since that's cleared...", Seb began,"....my turn now".
Iven was confused and gave a perplexed tilt of head.
"What's the actual plan for you to came here?", Seb was against beating around the bush.
"I told you", Iven repeated," I just wanted to be with you more".
-Is that the only reason?
-Well....technically...
Seb stared at him for a while still giving him a chance to speak it out, else she'll have to. When he didn't, Seb finally had to break her mind to him.
-Aren't you actually here to look out for me? To be precise, to look out for.....Iason? If you tell me it's not true, I won't believe you.
-Well....you are sharp Belle. That is...true too....but trust me, I just wanted to be with you!!!
-Can't you have little faith in me? I'm not that weak, as you're thinking.
-No!!! Belle, you're not weak at all. But, Iason....he's not what you think...
-But I can handle him.....
-Did you.....when last time you're almost taken by him???
Iven's last line was a scold. Seb shut up, she looked down.
Whatever he said, makes sense. She was helpless when she had an encounter with Iason last time.
If Iven wasn't there by time, she would have surrendered.
Seb is herself not sure why she couldn't resist that time....why???
Is it because...they are alike?
No! No, they're not alike at all....then why couldn't she....
Iven studies Seb's fallen face and spoke," Belle, look at me", Seb hesitantly looked at him," It's not about about you being strong enough to look after yourself. I just want you to rely on me a bit, else the guilt of not being able to take care of you will always haunt me. I just...want to protect you by myself."
His words, were comforting enough.
Thoughts were storming inside of Seb's mind.
She didn't know how to sort them out.
She hated herself for not being able to give Iven the chance to protect her, even though his words seemed utterly sincere and honest. She needed him, she knew that. But it wasn't her fault that she's not ready yet to depend on anyone. Her independent nature and knack of doing things all by herself has gotten the full of her. It's hard to get rid of such a thing which she practiced since young, even a bit.
But still, It's Iven after all. Isn't it alright to let go a little?
She indeed trusts him.
Then, why can't she rely on him?
"Huh...Belle?", Iven's voice was soft and weak," Let me be the one around you okay? You're strong and smart, but it is my duty too".
Seb was against the thoughts inside her head that moment.
She was annoyed with the though that she has to depend on someone else. That place is not even given to Erica, Seb is used to keep things to herself all this while.
Iven's intentions were safe, but the fault was within Seb.
She detested the idea.
She was irritated with herself, confused what to confirm...and totally wanted to escape the situation and let out her anger on something soon.
But her outside face was completely faking it.
She didn't want to disappoint Iven, he forced a natural smile on her lips to assure him of the situation for the time being. It was a acceptance of his proposal.
Iven returned a polite smile as well. It was sincere.
He casually wrapped his hand around Seb's shoulders and pulled her closer.
"Lucifer.....", Seb murmured.
Iven laughed,"When you'll stop calling me that?".
Seb escaped from a harder snuggle as she broke free from Iven's arm.
"Get going now, I'll have to go", She said.
-Aren't I walking you home?
-Did you forget? I have practices.
-Right, the model girl! You barely give me any time.
-Sorry Iven, can't help.
-Should I wait until you're done?
-Will you? For minimum 4 hours???
-You seriously need to grab a break. Will you be able to go home by yourself?
-Have been doing for 2 years now...
-....When this things were not around.
Seb was hiding her emotions. Every time Iven expressed caution and worry, he wanted to get away from him. She doesn't like such treatment.
"I have my bike here", she said to have him leave quickly.
-Give me a call when you're done.
-Will do, go now...
At practice
"Seb!!!", the Coach scolded fuming with rage," What on earth were you thinking?".
"Sorry", Seb kept it brief, still not feeling guilty by her face.
Seb wasn't in her right mind when she entered for practice today. Her state of mind was agitated enough, and she had to let everything out to ease herself. It was unfortunate for Chris, who volunteered to spar with her that day by the Coach.
All of Seb's annoyance was let out on Chris during the practice.
He wasn't even standing for a chance within every minute. He decided to quit after being thrashed for the 4th time, but the Coach won't let him.
In lieu of Seb's irritated self, she was turning blind.
In the 5th match, unintentionally Seb went for a move which they're not supposed to use during practice. It's a deadly move which is meant for dire situations during tournaments only.
Seb only realized it until midway through the move. By the time she did, Chris was already on the floor, conscious but motionless and with a not so peaceful expression.
It sure gathered a crowd, including the Coach, to aid a seriously hurt Chris.
Seb didn't even bother to move even a finger, she just stood motionless herself, without any impact of guilt.
"It's fractured", one of them concluded after examining Chris's bruised arm.
Not even the seniors dared to confront Seb with that, except the Coach, who was finished scolding within one single line.
"What's gotten into you Seb?", his voice was rough but understanding,"Are you going through any ordeal? We are not supposed to apply this technique, that's the agreement based on which I taught you that. You know that's dangerous."
"I got carried away", Seb said without looking up,"Sorry Chris".
Chris wasn't even saying anything.
Seb hid her smile.
Thrashing the kid so ruefully acted as a stress relief.
Serves the lousy punk!!!
Practice was shut down immediately, it was just 2:30 pm. The Coach had to drive Chris to the hospital.
Seb sighed of freedom.
She didn't have Volleyball, and Senior Jacob gave the day off since he had to go somewhere.
The breeze was gentle at the onset of Autumn. Still it gets cold at night, but the mornings are worth feeling. Seb stood among-st the wind exposing her face, messing up her locks. It was relaxing enough. All of her earlier state of mind got washed away.
She searched her pockets for her bike keys but remembered that it was punctured last time, so she left it at the repair shop in a hurry. She could have taken a Cab, but it was still bright.
She decided to walk the way.
It will take a longer time, and that was the plan.
She wanted some time for herself, unwilling to talk to anyone.
Only her, the sky and the breeze.
But things didn't go according to Seb's wish. As usual.
Her hopes are always attacked by some negative vibe.
This time too!
She couldn't have all the time to herself. She didn't expect also.
After 5 minutes of covered distance, Seb's sense alerted her. It was obvious that she's being followed.
The figure in black jacket and hat is utterly familiar. He had been there since she was out of the college.
Seb was sure that it wasn't one of Iason's tricks.
Based on what Iven said her, he is not naive enough to make it so obvious.
Also, it was not him alone.
Seb felt multiple eyes following her move at different areas. Only this guy was constant every where.
After another 10 minutes, Seb've had it!!!
Can't a person stay in peace? If you're gonna try something then do it! So that she can beat the shit outta them and get over with it!
After another 5 minutes, the person was too close.
Seb immediately turned with a jolt and a unworthy expression. She started taking huge steps of anger towards the strange person.
The weird person didn't expect that at all.
He knew he was being overly exposed, but it was not predicted.
He paused and stumbled on his steps, unable to run or leave.
Seb was standing right in front of him with folded arms.
He stood with his head bowed down, trying to avoid eye contact.
"Don't you guys have better job than being this retarded?", Seb suddenly said.
She knew who was the person.
He was startled himself. Seb is indeed sharp!!!
"Get out of that thing Yuka!", Seb scolded.
Yuka didn't react as he took off his hat, looked at Seb and gave a nervous laugh,"You're very smart".
"Don't underestimate me", Seb rolled her eyes," Did your boss make you do this kind of low things now that he doesn't have any thing better?"
Yuka lost his trail. Only Seb can talk like that about Iven, he couldn't protest. She's more dangerous than Iven himself.
"He just....", he said,"...asked us to keep an eye since you won't listen to him"
"He clearly bosses you around with anything he wants", Seb complained.
"It's not true!", Yuka said, Even we want you safe".
"Worrying and acting on something this foolish have a difference Yuka", Seb sighed," And here I just recovered from the morning situation".
She continued,"Whatever....call the others here, will you?".
-Others?
-Yuka, I'm not as stupid
-As I said earlier, you're clearly Iven's choice of person.
-Enough with that! Call them now!!!
Yuka laughed shortly and called obediently.
Within a while, there here Hamish, Jose, kenny, Mak and even Noah!
"Now you've included the kid too???",Seb burst out.
"He insisted on coming", Mak imposed it on Noah and shoved him forward.
Noah tried hitting Seb with his most childish innocent smile.
"Not working", was Seb's reply,"Try harder in my case".
"We're sorry about this Seb", Yuka said,"But we have to be on extra watch since Iason is on the loose".
Seb was clearly pissed, but she can't blame them. Iven's orders are last words for them. Her expression softened.
"I expect no better", she said,"Let's go now".
Everyone was surprised with her reaction as they exchanged glances.
"Go where?", Noah asked.
Seb sighed and smiled,"Since you guys are on job, and successfully interrupted my private time, I was thinking of treating you', she said sarcastically," Let's take a break, you guys are too obedient. You deserve a reward".....also teach Iven a lesson, she thought adding.
She resumed walking without further delay.
The boys were little confused, and little scared by the way she talked just now.
Surely they messed up and Seb was mad, but she was acting strange.
Iven is gonna get it through this time.
But what about them???
They cursed Iven for their situation.
They left their fate unattended....