I followed Lenna with my eyes as she entered the school building. She's bound to come up here, I thought, heading towards the stairs.
As I reached the second floor, Lenna rounded the corner, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw me.
"Oh, Senior! You startled me," she said, clutching her chest.
"Good morning, Lenna," I greeted her.
"Morning," she replied, a hesitant smile on her face. "Did you want to talk about something?"
"Is Hana at your house?" I asked, getting straight to the point.
"Yes, she is… Why?"
"Is she doing alright?"
"Yeah, she's actually quite calm right now."
"Can I come over after school to talk to her?"
"Well... sure, But my parents will be there."
"It's fine, I just need to discuss something with Hana."
"I'm going to go to class now," Lenna said, a hint of nervousness in her voice. She started to walk away, her steps quick and determined.
"Yeah, I'll wait for you after school," I replied, watching her retreating figure.
She stopped, turned back, and nodded silently before continuing on her way.
Hmm... she seems a bit awkward around me, I wonder why.
I turned to head back upstairs when a sudden rumble interrupted my thoughts.
Grumble!
My stomach growled loudly, a reminder that I hadn't eaten much at dinner.
Did I not eat enough earlier? Maybe a quick snack won't make me too late, even though I don't have my books for today.
I headed downstairs, the hallway bustling with students making their way to class.
As I made my way down the hallway towards the cafeteria, the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air. Students were enjoying their break, oblivious to the secrets and dangers that lurked beneath the surface of their ordinary lives.
Brak! Brak!
A sudden pounding on a nearby door jolted me out of my thoughts.
What the hell...?
"Help! Help! We're locked in here!" a muffled voice cried out from behind the door.
The voice was familiar. It was one of the seniors, the bullies who had tried to ambush me the day before.
"Is anyone out there?!" the voice pleaded.
Just then, the Harbinger materialized beside me, its shadowy form flickering in the dim light of the hallway. "I locked them in there," it said matter-of-factly.
"Really?" I asked, surprised.
"It's your choice whether to let them out or not," the Harbinger replied, its voice devoid of emotion.
I hesitated for a moment, considering my options. But then I shrugged, a mischievous grin spreading across my face.
"Nah, I'm going to the cafeteria," I said, continuing on my way.
The Harbinger chuckled softly and vanished into thin air.
The cafeteria was unusually quiet, most of the students still in their classes. I walked over to the vendor selling bread, a familiar scent of baked goods filling the air.
"How much is this?" I asked, pointing to a chocolate-filled pastry.
"That's 5k, This one's bigger, with more chocolate, for 8k."
I pulled out a 10k from my wallet. "And the mineral water?"
"4,000," he answered.
"Then one bread and one water, please," I said, handing him the money.
"Alright, young man.".
"Here's your change—" I began, but he waved me off.
"Keep it, it's only 1,000."
I thanked him and found a seat by the window, the bread and water a welcome respite from the morning's events.
I found an empty table by the window and sat down, unwrapping the bread.
Munch! Munch! The sweet, chocolatey flavor filled my mouth, a brief moment of comfort amidst the chaos of my thoughts.
Opening my phone, I scrolled through InstingConnection, the endless stream of images and videos a temporary distraction from the weight of my thoughts.
"Today's been boring as usual..." I sighed, the mundane routine of school life feeling even more stifling than usual.
"Xian, are you still here?" a soft voice inquired from behind me.
I turned to find Mrs. Nay, a beloved teacher known for her gentle nature and kind heart. Her small stature belied a fierce intelligence and a passion for teaching.
"Ah, Mrs. Nay. I was just grabbing a quick bite."
"I can see that," she chuckled. "But you better hurry. The bell is about to ring."
"Actually, Mrs. Nay. why are you still here? Don't you have any classes today?"
She sighed, a hint of weariness in her eyes. "I don't, but it's a school rule. Even if we don't have classes, teachers are required to come in."
I patted the empty seat beside me. "Have a seat, Mrs. Nay. "It looks like we're both stuck here for a while."
She gratefully accepted my invitation sit beside me. "What are you eating?" she asked, peering at my plate.
"Just some bread," I replied, taking another bite.
"Hmm... anyway, how are your studies going?" she inquired, her teacher instincts kicking in.
"Good, i'm just not in the mood to study today."
"Oh, Xian. Don't say that. Education is important!"
"Yeah, yeah," I mumbled around a mouthful of bread, not really paying attention to her.
"Don't 'yeah yeah' me, young man! You need to take your studies seriously!"
I finished the last bite of bread and washed it down with a gulp of water. "So, what are you going to do at school today?" I asked, trying to change the subject.
"I don't know," she sighed. "Probably just wander around and check on the students, I guess."
I rested my head on the table, a sigh escaping my lips. "Ordinary life seemed so peaceful..."
"Yeah?" Mrs. Nay chuckled. "But it doesn't stay that way when you get older."
"You think so?" I asked, intrigued.
"Absolutely," she confirmed. "Paying bills, taxes, dealing with loans... It's a miserable existence if you don't have a job. I'd be dirt poor right now if I didn't teach." She sighed deeply, a hint of melancholy in her voice.
"Mrs. Nay," I said, noticing the ring on her finger, "are you married?"
"Yes," she replied, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Why do you ask?"
< Chapter 037 > Fin.