Cassian walked forward slowly, unsure of what the hell he was doing. His legs felt heavier than usual, but maybe that was just the hunger. Or maybe it was the fact that the girl ahead of him looked like she could kick his ass without blinking.
He cleared his throat softly. "Hello…"
"Leave me alone for fuck's sake!" she snapped without even turning.
Cassian froze.
Of course. Of fucking course. Another one of them. Everyone in this academy had the same attitude, loud, rude, and allergic to basic manners.
Yup, should've known. Doesn't matter if they're students, guards, or dogs… everyone's just a bitch around here.
He sighed and was about to turn away when she suddenly looked up.
For a second, both of them just stared at each other and the world went quiet.
She blinked, her eyes softening in surprise. "Oh… you're not with the maintenance crew?"
Cassian blinked too, but not for the same reason.
What the actual fuck… she's pretty. Like damn pretty.
Up close, she looked nothing like the other spoiled faces around here. Her hair was tied up in a messy ponytail, a few strands falling across her cheek, and her eyes big, dark, looked like they could slice him in half if she wanted. Her uniform was half-unbuttoned from labor, showing a hint of pale collarbone and just enough of her chest to make his brain start lagging.
Her waist was slim, hips curved in all the right ways, and even though her sleeves were rolled up, her arms looked delicate the kind that definitely didn't belong in a place like this.
Oh my god… how is a girl like this doing punishment duty? Look at that body, look at those— okay, Cassian, breathe, you hungry bastard. Don't get horny now, you'll faint before you get lucky.
"I-I'm sorry," she said quickly, lowering her gaze a little. "I thought you were with the maintenance team."
Cassian coughed awkwardly, tearing his eyes away before she noticed the direction his brain had gone. "Uh, no worries, miss. I'm sorry for disturbing you."
She dropped the box in her hands and straightened her back, her voice softening. "It's alright."
Cassian blinked again.
Wait… what?
Was she being nice? To him?
Unbelievable. He wasn't used to this kind of treatment, not from a student. Usually, they just shouted, kicked, or pretended he didn't exist.
"Well," he started hesitantly, rubbing his neck, "I just wanted to ask… why are you moving the old man's stuff?"
Her face changed immediately. The light in her eyes dimmed, and she looked down at the box she'd dropped.
"The old man…" she said quietly. "He passed away last night. The academy told us to clear out his things."
Cassian froze.
The air suddenly felt heavier.
He looked toward the empty spot where the old man's tent had stood just yesterday. For a long moment, he didn't say anything.
She went on, her voice softer now. "Honestly, I didn't think things were this bad here. I thought the cleaners had… at least something decent."
Cassian looked at her again, trying to read her expression. She wasn't mocking him. She actually looked disturbed like seeing this place had slapped her with reality.
"So," he said slowly, "you had no idea until now that this is how bad it is for us?"
She shook her head. "We always hear the academy gives a decent budget for the cleaners. There's supposed to be food, supplies, even basic pay."
Cassian frowned, a bitter laugh slipping out. "Really? Because what we get here wouldn't even feed a rat."
Her brows furrowed as she turned toward the others still packing up the old man's things. "Then why… doesn't it reach here?"
Cassian didn't answer. His mind was spinning.
So the academy did provide for them, but someone was stealing it before it ever got to the cleaners.
Who the hell was taking it?
He clenched his fists, staring at the dirt beneath his feet. For once, he felt something stronger than his usual bitterness, anger. Real anger.
Then the girl's voice broke through his thoughts.
"Hey," she said softly, "are you alright?"
Cassian blinked and looked up at her. "Huh?"
Her expression shifted to worry. "You look pale. Like… really pale."
He frowned in confusion then it hit him.
His head felt light, his stomach ached, and the world was starting to blur around the edges. His knees felt weak.
Oh, great. Perfect timing. My stomach's auditioning for death right when a pretty girl's talking to me. Nice going, Cassian. Maybe if I faint dramatically, she'll catch me in her arms. Yeah, right, she'll probably step over me.
He tried to say something, but his mouth was dry. The world tilted slightly, the sunlight felt too bright, and he could hear his heartbeat in his ears.
The last thing he saw before everything went fuzzy was the girl's surprised face as she reached out toward him.