'Isn't that Rey?!'
The boy in question was hiding behind the bushes, chuckling slightly to himself.
So many questions ran through Alicia's mind as she spotted him. She felt paralyzed, unable to move for some reason.
Perhaps it was because she had just been thinking of him aloud right before seeing him, or maybe it was due to some other reasons.
She felt downright embarrassed.
'D-did he hear any of the things I said?'
She would hope not! Especially the part where she admitted to not having any friends.
Alicia didn't know why exactly she felt it mattered whether Rey perceived her a certain way or not, but she just didn't want it to be the case.
And it was in the heat of this moment that she blurted out her thoughts.
"What are you doing here?"
By the time she heard herself, it was too late.
Her voice traveled faster than she could ever imagine, and Rey was now looking in her direction as a result of that.
'What the hell?! Why did I have to say it out loud?'
Rey's eyes met hers, and while she was slightly flustered by the whole thing, she did her best to maintain a calm demeanor.
She couldn't show any weakness.
"I… um…" As so many thoughts went on in her mind, Rey responded.
He actually replied her!
'I think this is the first time we're speaking to each other.'
It wasn't a big deal or anything, but Alicia just felt like this wasn't the right time.
She could sense hesitation in his tone, and it was clear he didn't want to speak to her.
Whatever business he had going on in the bushes seemed to be more important than talking to her.
Somehow, she found the forthrightness of his expression a little refreshing.
So far, her classmates acted hypocritically in front of her, despite being jealous backstabbers in reality.
The few who sucked up to her made her feel more uncomfortable than not.
'He's not saying anything more. Should I just walk away…?'
It didn't seem like he was being creepy or anything, and based on his reaction to her, he was so immersed in his activity that he didn't notice her coming.
Alicia's curiosity began to increase, little by little.
She wanted to know.
'Could it be…?' Her gaze shifted to the places he would have most likely been looking at if he didn't notice her.
She noticed guards on patrol, and a bunch of them stationary in a single spot, and a theory began to spring up from all those observations.
'Is he monitoring the guards? Why? Does he want to escape the Royal Estate?'
She didn't know much about Rey, but she had never thought someone would be so bold.
'I also have plans on investigating how to leave this place without detection, but I want to learn and grow strong enough to be guaranteed success.'
Right now, despite Rey having the guts to do something so extreme, Alicia felt it wasn't time for him to risk so much.
"You should be more careful. Be patient and study more…"
She didn't know when she blurted out those words
"A-ahhh…"
His voice and expression to her words confirmed her suspicion.
He was indeed trying to find a way out.
'It's good to see that I'm not the only one skeptical of this whole arrangement.'
Somehow, it felt like almost all her classmates were in bed with Adonis and the United Human Alliance.
They did as they were told, no questions asked.
But Alicia didn't want to live like this. She wanted to live on her own terms.
'And I'm not the only one, it seems.' A small smile escaped her lips as she stared at Rey.
'If only he was a little stronger…'
After standing awkwardly for too long, and Rey squatting behind the bushes, Alicia decided it was best to end the conversation.
"We should head back now. It's getting late…"
Rey slowly stood up in response to her words, uttering a very low "Yeah."
Before she realized what was happening, the two of them were walking side by side, all the way to their living quarters.
She didn't even know how it happened, and the two of them didn't even say a word to each other throughout their time together.
They just awkwardly strode along.
Alicia made to open the door to the quarters when she heard a voice that startled her slightly.
"I'll keep what you said in mind."
It felt so firm that she was surprised Rey could muster such words. More and more, she was beginning to see his bold side.
"Please do. And also…" She turned and gave him a smile.
"… I didn't see you in the library today."
Alicia didn't know what exactly she expected him to say in response to what she had just said, but she kept staring at him.
It seemed he was uncomfortable again, but he struggled to speak.
"Yeah… I… will be changing my schedule." He muttered.
"I'll read at night."
Rey's hand went forward to the doorknob, which was already being held by Alicia, and for a moment both of their hands touched.
"A-ah, my apologies!"
"Sorry!"
The two of them recoiled, apologizing almost at the same instant.
The awkward atmosphere around them refused to disappear no matter what.
"I-I guess I'll see you when I see you, then!"
Alicia swiftly twisted the knob and rushed in, leaving Rey standing at the entrance.
It was probably for the best that way, since she didn't want any unnecessary attention to fall on Rey just for hanging out with her.
She rushed to her room, ignoring the few glances she got from her classmates in the living room.
Once she arrived in her room, she instantly shut the door and locked it.
"Haaa…"
It felt like she had been holding her breath for an eternity once she finally exhaled and crumbled on her bed.
'Was he always like this…? Or am I the one who has changed?'
Alicia wasn't sure anymore.
However, if there was one thing she knew for certain, it was that she had now developed an interest in Rey… and perhaps it was the same for him.
'Maybe not. Argh… why did I have to mention the whole library thing?!'
It felt like she had ruined their silent consensus.
"W-well whatever. He said he will be coming in the night, huh…?"
Alicia sighed as she closed her eyes.
"I guess I'll have to be spending more time in the library."
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[A/N]
Thanks for reading!
Did you all see this coming? Who knows?
Let's see the world from Rey's angle once more!