I was back at the Academy cafeteria, nursing a delicious affogato at a window-side booth that overlooked the grand vista of the ever-bustling Academy City.
Around me, Cadets went about their day as usual, lining up to place orders or taking their food to go.
Nearly all of them were staring in our direction as they passed.
Yes. Our direction.
Sitting across from me on the other side of the table was a handsome young man who appeared to be around my age. He had leafy green curls and matching eyes, clear and vivid like a pair of polished jewels.
With those genetically gifted features, paired with his lean build, fair skin, tall stature, and the effortless charisma that seemed to cling to him no matter what he did, there was no arguing that he was one of the most good-looking Awakened in the entire Academy.
Dressed simply yet elegantly in a dark brown cable-knit sweater and beige slacks, the man occupying the spotlight was Jake Mel Flazer.
…Or rather, someone wearing his face.
