Royal Academy - Meanwhile
Organic chemistry had never felt this unforgiving.
Benjamin sat near the window of the Royal Academy's chemistry hall, eyes fixed on the board as the professor explained hydrocarbons and reaction chains. His pen moved steadily, copying notes with precision, yet his mind lagged a step behind.
If Arron were here...
He would've explained it in five minutes-simple, logical, almost annoyingly calm. Benjamin exhaled softly through his nose, jaw tightening at the thought. Arron had always made things easier without even trying.
He glanced back at his notebook, rewrote the reaction once more, then circled it. I'll ask His Majesty later, he decided. Alex would know how to break it down properly.
The bell rang.
Students began filing out, conversations overlapping in the air. Benjamin slid his hands into his pockets and stood, shoulders naturally pulling inward-his usual defensive posture.
"Benjamin."
He paused.
Ava stood a little too close, her smile practiced, eyes scanning him like she was calculating something. "I was wondering if you'd like to spend some time together after class."
He looked at her once-briefly, neutrally.
"I'm not interested," he said. His tone was calm, clipped. "Not in girls. Not in anyone. Not right now."
Her smile faltered-but only for a second. She stepped back, clearly not convinced.
Benjamin didn't wait for her response. He turned and walked away.