Without hesitation, Felicia turned and quickened her pace. Each step carried her closer to the moment she'd been crafting in her heart, the moment when her feelings would no longer remain a secret.
But in another empty hallway, Kaivan sat alone, absorbed in the Tome Omnicent. His gaze was vacant, his thoughts adrift among its pages and his memories. He didn't sense the danger lurking nearby.
From the shadows, Tania emerged. Her steps were light, but her intent was heavy. Her eyes gleamed like hidden blades. This time, I'll ruin him with a scandal, she thought, a small smile curling her lips. He'll look like a shameless man in front of everyone.
She approached with a sweet yet false smile, letting her hand brush against Kaivan's arm as if by accident. "Hi, Kaivan," she greeted softly, eyes probing his. "About your wounds… I'm sorry if I ever hurt you," she said, voice feigning remorse.
Kaivan glanced at her, weary. He knew well that her words were only a mask. "What's the point…" he murmured faintly.
Before he could continue, Tania stumbled forward, pretending to fall. Her body leaned into him, Kaivan's hand accidentally brushed against her chest. In an instant, her voice split the air.
"AAAH! Kaivan, why are you grabbing my Tits?!" she screamed.
The cry shattered the quiet. Students rushed in, filling the hallway.
"Unbelievable! He's a creep!" someone shouted.
Kaivan froze, his mind blank. "She fell… I didn't mean to!" he blurted, panic sharpening his words. But the more he spoke, the heavier the accusations grew.
Then, the thud of a bag hitting the floor cut through the chaos. A girl with jet-black hair strode forward, eyes as sharp as blades. Felicia.
Without a word, she pushed through the crowd. Every student who blocked her path was swept aside with precise strikes and swift kicks. Her movements were like a dance, sharp, elegant, deadly.
Cheers died away. Every eye turned toward Felicia. Tania, who just moments ago had been certain of her victory, turned pale.
Who is she?! Tania's mind reeled, her body stiff as Felicia stood before Kaivan.
Kaivan looked up, eyes widening. "Felicia…?"
Felicia didn't answer. She simply stood there, back to Kaivan, a silent shield that froze the world in place.
Once she was sure no one else would approach, Felicia drew a quiet breath and pulled a small mirror from her pocket. She adjusted her hair, checked her makeup, calm, unshaken. The crowd could only stare, spellbound by her poise.
With his usual gentle tone, tinged with uncertainty, Kaivan asked, "Why are you here? You usually wait in the workshop."
Felicia's gaze cut through him, sharp yet protective. "What happened? Why were you being attacked by those kids?" Her voice was firm, but her eyes held a quiet warmth, she hated seeing him hurt.
Kaivan opened his mouth. "I… it wasn't on purpose, "
But Tania's voice sliced through his words. She strode forward with a sly smile and glinting eyes. "Kaivan, you tried to confess to me, right? And then you grabbed my Tits in front of everyone… If you wanted to, you could've waited until we were alone, my house, maybe?"
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Kaivan stood frozen, face draining of color. Felicia stepped forward, undaunted.
"Who is she?" Felicia asked, her voice low and cold, eyes boring into Tania from only inches away.
Tania swallowed hard. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Felicia turned slightly toward Kaivan, her words as sharp as a blade. "Seriously? You confessed to her? What's so special? She's loud."
Tania faltered, but Felicia wasn't finished. "She's shorter than I am. I'm slimmer. My skin's clearer." Each word cut, smooth and merciless.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, fingertips brushing her red lips. "And her face? Nowhere near as pretty as mine."
Tania clenched her teeth, the world around her seeming to shrink.
She's mocking me? Panic clawed at Tania. Desperate, she turned to Kaivan. "Who is she? She doesn't even go here, does she?" But her voice had lost its footing, trembling, close to breaking.
Before Kaivan could speak, Felicia answered first. Her voice was clear, steady, carrying an undercurrent of fire. "I'm Felicia Noir Anggraini. Starting today, I'm enrolling here. And I… will be Kaivan's personal assistant." The declaration struck like an arrow, silencing the room. Even Kaivan stood speechless.
"Assistant?" Kaivan echoed softly, disbelief lacing his tone. "Personal?"
Tania stared at Felicia, anger and disbelief warring in her eyes. Felicia's words had erased her presence beside Kaivan.
With bitterness biting at her voice, Tania turned on her heel. "So… I don't stand a chance, huh?" she muttered, barely audible. She walked away, but her eyes smoldered with revenge. "I'll destroy all of this," she hissed as she disappeared into the crowd.
Kaivan could only watch her retreat, his thoughts scattered. "Hahh…" he sighed, quietly drowning in a storm he didn't fully understand.
Felicia studied his uncertain face, then spoke, soft but unwavering. "I won't let them bully you again. Do you still remember the promise you made to me back then?"
Kaivan remembered. His own voice, firm with resolve: I'll protect you, against everything you can't fight. In return, I want you to protect me from the threats that will come.
He looked at Felicia, searching the calm depth of her eyes. "You'll stay by my side… until when?"
Felicia's smile was small but sure, her answer tender and steady. "until you get home."