Chapter 7: Rumors, Secrets, and Something Brewing
"If there's one thing I hate more than demon assassins and shadowy councils, it's rumors. They spread faster than wildfire, and just like wildfire, they're a pain in the ass to deal with. Unfortunately, today's gossip is all about me."
---
The day after the abandoned church debacle, school feels…different.
I walk through the halls, and everywhere I go, people are whispering.
"Did you hear about Akira? He was seen near the old church last night."
"They say he fought off a monster."
"Yeah, right. It's probably just some dumb prank."
Narration Mode Activated
"Wonderful. One near-death experience, and suddenly I'm the star of a supernatural soap opera."
---
As I slip into my homeroom, Reina catches my arm.
"Akira," she says, her voice low, "what's going on?"
"What do you mean?" I ask, playing dumb.
"You know what I mean," she says, narrowing her eyes. "People are saying you were at the abandoned church last night. With Selene."
I glance at Selene, who's sitting at her desk, calmly flipping through a book like she hasn't a care in the world.
"Relax," I say, forcing a grin. "It's just a dumb rumor. You know how people love to make stuff up."
---
Reina doesn't look convinced, but before she can press me further, our teacher walks in, and class begins.
The day drags on, but the whispers don't stop. By lunchtime, I'm ready to crawl under a rock and stay there forever.
"Maybe I should've let that demon crush me," I mutter, plopping down at my usual spot under the tree.
Selene joins me, her expression as smug as ever.
"Enjoying your newfound fame?" she asks.
"Oh, it's fantastic," I reply sarcastically. "Thanks for asking."
---
She smirks. "You should've been more careful. Now people are starting to notice you."
"Yeah, well, I didn't see you doing much to stop that giant molten death machine," I snap.
"I was busy keeping you alive," she counters. "You're welcome, by the way."
I groan, leaning back against the tree. "This is bad, Selene. If the Council finds out I've blown my cover…"
"They already know," she says, cutting me off.
---
I sit up, my heart sinking. "What do you mean?"
"They're watching you," she says, her tone serious. "Last night was a test. They wanted to see how strong you are—and how far you're willing to go to protect yourself."
"And what's their verdict?"
She hesitates, her green eyes darkening. "They're not done with you yet. Last night was just the beginning."
---
Narration Mode Activated
"Great. So not only do I have to deal with nosy classmates and awkward lunches, but now I've got a council of superpowered maniacs breathing down my neck. Fantastic."
---
As we eat, I notice Reina watching us from a distance, her expression troubled.
"She's going to figure it out," Selene says, following my gaze.
"Figure what out?" I ask.
"That you're not just some harmless idiot," she replies.
I grin. "Hey, I work hard to maintain my idiot persona."
---
Selene rolls her eyes, but there's a hint of amusement in her expression. "If she gets too close, it could put her in danger."
"I know," I say, my tone more serious. "I'll handle it."
"How?"
I don't answer. Honestly, I'm not sure. Reina's been my best friend for years—I can't just push her away.
---
As the day goes on, the tension only gets worse. By the time the final bell rings, I'm exhausted, both physically and mentally.
On my way home, I get another text from the unknown number.
Unknown: "We're closer than you think."
I stop in my tracks, my blood running cold.
Narration Mode Activated
"Okay, seriously. Who keeps sending me these messages? And why do they have the worst timing ever?"
---
When I get home, I immediately head to my room, locking the door behind me.
I pull out my phone, scrolling through the messages, trying to find some kind of pattern or clue.
"Closer than you think," I mutter. "What does that even mean?"
Suddenly, a knock on my window startles me.
I whip around to see Reina standing on the fire escape, her arms crossed.
"Reina?!" I exclaim, rushing to open the window. "What are you doing here?"
She climbs inside, her expression a mix of anger and concern.
---
"You're hiding something, Akira," she says, her tone accusatory.
"What are you talking about?" I ask, trying to play it cool.
"Don't give me that," she snaps. "I saw you last night. At the church. With Selene. And I saw…that thing."
I freeze.
"I want answers," she says, stepping closer. "What's going on? And don't lie to me."
---
Narration Mode Activated
"Well, this is awkward. Do I tell her the truth? Do I make up some ridiculous excuse? Or do I jump out the window and hope for the best? Decisions, decisions."
---
Before I can respond, my phone buzzes again.
Unknown: "She's watching you."
Reina notices the message and grabs the phone before I can stop her.
"Who's this?" she asks, her eyes narrowing.
"I don't know," I admit. "But whoever it is, they know way too much."
---
Reina looks at me, her expression softening. "Akira, if you're in trouble, you can tell me. I want to help."
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "It's complicated."
"Then uncomplicate it," she says.
I hesitate. Telling her the truth could put her in danger. But keeping her in the dark might be even worse.
---
Before I can make a decision, the lights in my room flicker.
Reina looks around, confused. "What's going on?"
A low growl fills the air, and I instinctively step in front of her.
"Stay behind me," I say, summoning a small flame in my hand.
The shadows in the corner of the room twist and shift, forming into a humanoid figure with glowing red eyes.
"Akira," it says, its voice a deep, guttural snarl. "The Council sends its regards."
End of Chapter 7