As my third day of playing detective begins, Arthur can't resist cracking silly jokes about this mission. He even suggested that Balthazar might be playing a prank on me and that there's no reason to pursue this boy. His comment really rubs me the wrong way. While our old guardian may seem a bit eccentric, I have no grounds to question his intentions.
Still, this seemingly endless search weighs on me, leaving me perplexed all morning. Before I leave the bookstore, Eleonora offers a few comforting words, affirming that this matter truly is serious. She must have noticed my gloomy expression and wanted to reassure me.
When I reach the university, I already feel better. The familiar surge of adrenaline courses through me, energizing me for whatever lies ahead. It's been a few days since my last hunt, and I'm itching for some action.
I head toward the main building, considering attending another lecture. I won't earn a diploma, but extra knowledge never hurts. I also expect to see new faces, and if today's my lucky day, I might even spot the one I'm looking for.
With my plan for the day polished in my mind, I arrive at the lecture hall entrance. I notice the door is open, so I quietly slip inside and find a spot near the back, giving me a clear view of the room. Soon enough, students start trickling in, and the auditorium fills nearly to capacity.
Many of these faces are unfamiliar, so my hopes are high. I discreetly scan for even the slightest clue—listening to conversations, waiting for names to be mentioned, and glancing at notebook covers. I make some progress until the creak of the door distracts me.
Instinctively, I look over. My breath catches in my throat. It's the boy I met a couple of days ago. He quietly mutters a greeting to a professor and takes a seat a few rows closer to the front, still within my line of sight.
The murmurs fade as the professor begins the lecture. While other students try to focus on the material, I find myself unable to look away from the boy's back.
There's something about him that draws my eyes like a magnet. He has an air of quiet intensity, a kind of presence that sets him apart. Each time he shifts in his seat or runs a hand through his brown hair, my attention wavers.
He seems completely absorbed in whatever he's scribbling in his notebook. I wonder about him—his life outside this room. Is he always this absorbed, or is it just today? There's a certain mystery to him, something that makes my heart race a little faster.
As the lecture ends, I decide to wait until the crowd disperses before making my exit. Doodling another circle on my piece of paper, I listen to the sounds around me—snippets of conversations about the lecture, homework, and other irrelevant topics.
"Mr. Wilson, please read this and share your thoughts." a familiar voice draws my attention.
Out of the corner of my eye, I watch as the boy hands a stack of neatly organized papers to the professor.
"What can I expect this time?" the professor asks, genuinely intrigued.
"Just a few thoughts," the boy answers shyly, adjusting his leather bag on his shoulder.
"Your work is always unique. Every time I read your manuscripts, I'm pleasantly surprised. Thank you, Cody. I look forward to discussing this one."
My head snaps up so quickly that I feel a twinge in my neck. Did I hear that right? Or is my brain playing tricks on me?
Before I can fully process what just happened, the boy grabs the door handle and slips out into the corridor. I stand abruptly, accidentally bumping the table with my hip. Muttering a quick apology for the noise, I practically dash outside.
I can't afford to lose sight of him. This isn't just a step forward—it's a leap.