Chereads / Etched in the Seams / Chapter 8 - Seventh: Study Buddies

Chapter 8 - Seventh: Study Buddies

Cain thought about Mirana and their encounter on the mild afternoon, where the trees and a few chirps could be heard in the innermost right corner at the library. Three weeks had passed since then. In actuality they would only miss each other. When Mirana enters, Cain leaves and vice versa. Their schedules just won't overlap. Cain wouldn't want to admit it but he missed her company. Even just for the few minutes of her presence, it left him quite the impression.

Cain enters the library once more when he met Kayden Reele and Tobias Standford. Obviously, both of them were studying. Exams are happens next week. Though Kayden didn't seem the type to hit the books, he needed to study after all. His parents would be disappointed if he got a score lesser than 90.

Kayden recognized Cain immediately. "Hey man, 'bout to study?" Kayden gestured the chair in front of him so they could talk more. "Yes, but I'd rather do it alone."

Kayden scoffed. "Alright, but Cain, I'd like to propose you something. You might take interest." His statement made Cain look at him suspiciously. "And what might that be then? If it may be business related, right now, I'm not interested." Kayden chuckled. "Well, such a shame then. Your older brother's proposal will fail for sure, that'll leave a dent on your family's fortune."

Cain froze in his tracks. "What do you know about it anyway? If it fails, then that's on hi-"

"If you saved it, you'd be in first place as heir, yes?"

"What benefit do you gain from this anyway? Why now?"

"I just happen to know that there were rats in the company, now I wouldn't want that. Your company specializes in finding these people. I trust you'd hold your end. Besides, I don't want father knowing what I've been up to so I can't pull strings on my end."

Kayden took out a Math book and opened it to a certain page. "Since I can't find the perfect time to tell you and our schedules are hectic and don't match, I'll tell you today."

"Fine, tell me the flaw of my brother's proposal." Kayden smirked and Cain sat in front of him. He told in detail what must be done and what he needs in return. "We'd make good allies Cain."

On Tobias's end, he is seated near the window, just straight ahead from the counter. He studied in peace and noticed Cain Rivers and Kayden Reele were talking. 'They must be plotting something.' He smirked and went back to studying. 'It's none of my business anyway. Those hard working heirs probably teamed up for something.'

The clock struck 2 PM and Johann, Mirana and Alistair entered. Today, the principal instructed that all class are dismissed for the whole afternoon because the teachers will be having a meeting regarding the examinations next week. The students can either stay in the classroom or go to the library to study. Strictly no loitering and going to different classrooms.

The trio decided to go the library. "Mimi, let's go sit there." Alistair pointed to the space three tables away from Tobias. They didn't notice Tobias until he called their attention. "Hey guys! It's me." Tobias waved to them and they went to where he was seated.

"Oh hey man, we didn't notice you."

"No problem, just study here though." They sat and took out their books and notebooks. Mirana studied history, for Alistair, it was science and Tobias and Johann, it was literature. They studied in silence and occasionally had small talk.

Cain saw Mirana from across the room. She is studying along with her friends. He hadn't seen her for the last three weeks. Kayden faced towards the maiden Cain is watching and stared back to him. He smirked. "Interested in her?"

Cain cleared his throat. "No, I just found her familiar that's all." It's a lie. A total lie. He didn't know whether to label her a friend or a part-time therapist. "I see. She's kinda pretty though." Cain didn't respond to Kayden and suddenly got up. "I'll excuse myself now. Since you and I have to study. Don't worry, I'll hold my end of the bargain."

"Great Cain, I sure hope you do."

Cain headed to where he met Mirana, he sat on the sofa and began studying. 'Let's focus on studying now Rivers. Soon enough, I'll be the chosen heir.'

Johann would catch Tobias staring at Mirana but shrugged it off. Mirana is beautiful. She had long eyelashes and plump pink lips. She had the mysterious beauty vibe. Not many people approach her since Alistair would be the one talking and shoo them all away. Some classmates interact with her from time to time.

Tobias caught Johann staring at him. 'What the?' Tobias shivered.

'I bet this bastard thinks I like him or some shit.' Johann thought darkly. He decided to shrug it off. 'Not like I need to pay attention to him.'

Mirana's left is where Johann is seated. Alistair is in front of Mirana and beside him is Tobias. "Hey Johann, do you have an eraser? I couldn't find mine. It's probably lost."

Johann checked his pencil case and took out a gray eraser. Mirana gratefully took it. Out of the blue, Mirana suddenly sneezed. Alistair, Johann and Tobias looked at her. Alistair laughed.

"Of all the years I've been with you, I can't get used to your sneeze." Mirana's sneeze forms the word 'achikoo'. "Well I'm sorry, that's how I sneeze. I can't change it even if I wanted too. Believe me I tried." Johann chuckled. "Your sneeze is as cute as your face." Tobias said. Alistair playfully slapped his shoulder. "If you like her, you have to impress me first."

"Noted my good sir." Tobias grinned. "Thanks for finding my sneeze cute unlike a certain someone." She emphasized it so Alistair would get the message. "Yeah, I wonder who that someone might be." Alistair countered.

'Yeah, this confirms it. Tobias like Mira.' Johann thought. "Hey Mira, I see your using the bookmark I gave you." He gave her a scented gray bookmark that had dog prints has a design. He bought it a few days ago. "Yup, I like it very much. The scent is long lasting too." Tobias eyes formed slits.

'I got some competition eh?'