POV: Rai Shinsei
Two weeks has passed since Rylie announced the final exam to my class as during that time span, my schedule was much more occupied than before as during the weekdays, my evenings were with Aria as I taught her the basics of Aura Manipulation and as for every Saturday, I used my evening to train Everett, who improved at an unbelievable rate as I noticed his body was slowly beginning to develop with muscles, rousing a proud sensation within me.
As for my free time after class, I spent it wisely as I would focus on my studies before training Aria as with my Saturday practically being taken up by Everett, I used my Sundays solely for myself as having a day off was much needed for my mental health and with Arthur gone for the day, I had the dorm all to myself as I laid in my bed and relaxed, listening to the calm breeze of the wind brush across my window, creating a pleasant hum that nearly put me to sleep.
Although it was only the peak of the afternoon, I felt content laying in my bed, regardless if I was wasting the day away as with Arthur gone and my schedule free, I planned on relishing in my peace, but despite what I wanted, my happiness would soon be taken away from me as with a few knocks on the door of my dorm, I felt something die within me as I stared lifelessly at the ceiling.
Nothing ever goes my way.
With a vexing sigh, I left my bed and opened the door to find a cheerful Aria, an awkward Everett and a calm Sarah, who for some reason avoided my gaze as their attire was rather casual—appropriate for the late autumn weather.
Hiding my annoyance from their sudden appearance, I matched my eyes with Aria's as I waited for her explanation.
"Hey Rai! Did we wake you up?" Aria asked as I brushed through my bed hair with my hand.
"No, but why are the three of you here right now?" I questioned curiously.
I wish they were only here to ask me a question, but having my contact information, I doubt that's the case.
Regardless, as long as they don't ask me to go anywhere-
"The weather is nice today, so I thought the five of us should hang out and grab something to eat! Everett and Sarah were free today, but I wanted to ask you and Arthur to come along also as I thought it would be nice if the five of us spent some time together!" Aria answered happily as I felt something die inside me once more.
"Unfortunately, Arthur isn't here and as for me, I…"
Amidst my response, I noticed Aria's expression begin to falter as in that moment, I was unable to reject her proposal as I felt an overbearing sense of guilt arise within me.
Damn it.
"I'm free, but I need a few minutes to get ready. You all are free to come inside." I replied with a sigh of defeat as Aria's face brightened while I allowed them to enter inside, prompting the three of them to observe my dorm curiously as I stepped inside my room and began changing into a more appropriate attire for the weather.
"Where is Arthur's room?" Sarah asked from within the living room as Aria and Everett glanced around my kitchen while I changed out of my white short-sleeved shirt to put on a black long-sleeved shirt instead.
"Arthur and I share a room." I replied nonchalantly as I put on a black jacket paired with black cargo joggers.
"What? Do you also share a room with your roommate, Everett?" Sarah questioned as Everett confirmed with a nod.
"I didn't know that guys have to share a room with each other. I assumed everyone had their own rooms. The Elite Ten must have it made for them as they get to have a whole dorm to themselves." Sarah remarked.
That reminds me…
I wonder if Atticus ranks among the Elite Ten.
He was quite strong, but not as strong as Arthur, although I'm certain that Atticus was holding back against me in our little scuffle.
Preferably, I'd rather not be involved with him anymore, but with Jordan following me every other day, it seems like meeting Atticus again will be inevitable.
With a sigh, I stepped outside of my room, closing the door behind me as I entered my kitchen, curious to know what Aria was doing as I noticed her scouring the inside of my refrigerator.
"Is there something you want?" I asked, startling Aria.
"No, but I was wondering if you knew how to cook as I noticed you have plenty of produce and fresh meat within your refrigerator, which is surprising as many students would rather eat fast food or food from the cafeteria." Aria replied as she closed my refrigerator.
"I usually cook unless there's an occasion such as the one today." I remarked as Aria noticed several bags of apples, which varied in flavors and colors as they rested comfortably on the countertop of my kitchen.
"How many apples does Arthur eat a day?" Aria asked with a chortle of disbelief.
"You wouldn't believe me even if I told you." I replied.
~
We soon left my dormitory and began heading towards the food court as amidst the three of them discussing where to eat at, I noticed Jordan following me once again as I pretended to be oblivious to his obvious trailing.
I've threatened him with a glare and I've even defeated him and yet, he still has the courage to follow me?
No, it's not that he's courageous…
It's that he fears the consequences from disobeying an order from Atticus than being defeated by me once again.
Atticus.
I don't know much about him, but what I do know is that I have a rough estimate of where he stands within the academy in terms of strength and that he holds enough social power to make a teacher obey his every command, which makes me believe that he must be from a noble family and if that's the case…
Then by all means necessary, I have to avoid him as I'm already pushing my limit by being involved with Aria-
"Are you okay, Rai?" Aria asked in concern as Everett and Sarah turned around curiously.
"I'm fine. Did you all decide on what we'll be eating yet?" I asked as Everett nodded with a smile while Aria's anxious gaze lingered momentarily.
"We were thinking about eating at the steakhouse if you're fine with that." Everett replied as we traversed our way through the bustling crowd of students.
"That's fine with me." I said as I noticed familiar faces watching me from afar.
Those are the same ones who approached me in the classroom on the first day.
As we approached the entrance of the steakhouse, I pretended to check my body for my wallet, gaining the attention of Aria, who was confused by my act of panic.
"Is something wrong?" Aria asked.
"I think I forgot my wallet." I replied.
"Oh that's fine. I don't mind paying for your meal today." Aria offered as I waved off her generosity.
"You've already paid for my meal once and besides, my dormitory isn't that far. You all find a table for us and I'll be right back within a few minutes." I replied with a grin as I began jogging away, leaving the three of them behind as in the moment they lost sight of me, I merged myself within the crowd of students as I headed towards a less populated area.
I'm sorry for lying to you, Aria, but there's something I have to deal with first.
As I headed towards my desired location, which was an empty alleyway behind a restaurant, I was suddenly confronted by Jordan and the three students who were watching me from afar as the four of them quickly surrounded me from every direction.
They're confronting me now?
Within a second of them confronting me, the four of them dashed towards me as I was forced to block and evade their first strike, sending me further into confusion as their actions were far from what I had initially anticipated while our commotion began to gather the curious eyes of many students.
This is unexpected!