Chapter 68: A misunderstanding

I wasn’t intimidated. I walked away, their gazes following me, until I was out of sight, then sank to the ground behind a building.

“Haa…that was close.”

That had been a dangerous situation. One wrong move, and I wouldn’t have escaped unscathed.

Something wasn’t right. They’d attacked me without even listening to my explanation, their accusations forced and…excessive. No one had ever spoken to me like that before… except Linne. They’d been too intimidated. To speak to me like that…

“Unless they’re afraid of someone…more powerful than me.”

An idea sparked. I stood up and rummaged through my pockets, finding the student ID I’d taken from the unconscious girl.

“A second-year, huh?”

I’d taken other things as well. She’d come looking for them; I knew from experience. All I had to do was wait. I stretched and headed back to the classroom.

****

“What?”

“Just wondering where you went.”

Linne tapped her fingers on the desk, her gaze unsettling. I looked away.

“I don’t see your…fan club anywhere.”

I looked around pointedly. Her admirers were gone.

“Don’t you think so, Lady Linea?”

“Don’t be sarcastic. That was…uncomfortable.”

Linne shuddered, her arms crossed, her ample bosom jiggling, reminding me of last night.

I hadn’t done anything… untoward. I’d just…borrowed Linne’s warmth to ease the burning pain. Thankfully, it had been enough.

It had been a risky move, though, sleeping in the embrace of a…predator. Even sleeping required effort in this world. I always had to…try harder.

“Do you even know the meaning of the word ‘effort,’ Linne?”

“That’s what I want to ask you.”

“Ow! Don’t pinch me!”

I pushed Linne’s hand away, rubbing my cheek. She just smirked.

“Seriously, where did you go?”

“None of your business.”

“Then I’ll just have to…pinch you some more.”

As her hand reached for me, I blurted out,

“I…went out…and talked to some…senior students.”

Linne nodded absently, barely listening.

“I see.”

“Ow! Why are you pinching me?!”

“I never said I’d stop.”

Coward! Liar! Cheater!
My insults had no effect; she just kept grinning.

“I think I want to bite you now.”

I quickly shut my mouth. She was unpredictable; who knew what she might do? She grabbed my hand as I tried to stand.

“Where are you going?”

“What?! I can’t even go to the bathroom?!”

“You keep doing dangerous things on your own. No, I’m coming with you.”

“What?”

I thought I’d misheard, but her eyes were sparkling.

“I can protect you. It’s dangerous.”

“You’re the dangerous one, you pervert!”

Linne looked down, dejected. She was just pretending.

“Don’t give me that look. Just let go of my hand.”

“….”

“Linne?”

She wouldn’t let go. I couldn’t go to the bathroom like this. I felt a growing sense of urgency.

“Let go!”

I yelled, then pleaded,

“Please…”

But she didn’t move. This could get…messy.

“Fine! Let’s go, then!”

She finally released my hand, and I practically dragged her out of the classroom.

Holding hands… wasn’t a common sight at the academy. I could feel their stares, but I didn’t care. I had bigger problems than their judgmental gazes.

We reached the bathroom just in time.

“…You’re not letting go…?”

Another crisis.

****

We walked back to the classroom in silence. Linne finally spoke,

“Ellie, your face is red.”

Her face was also bright red.

“…Don’t talk to me.”

She was embarrassed too; why had she even…? Holding hands to go to the bathroom… I used to do that with Sister when we were younger, but now, it just felt…awkward.

“Pervert.”

It made sense; Linne was a pervert.

“Pervert? I only do this with…”

Linne stopped mid-sentence, then, after a moment of thought, she interlaced our fingers.

“Let go of my hand! This is too much, even for a pervert!”

“This is what a pervert does.”

Linne’s face was suddenly very close. I tried to back away, but our interlocked hands and her grip on my other hand prevented me from escaping. I was trapped against the wall.

Her brown eyes stared into mine, reflecting my own fear.

What was I afraid of?

Perhaps…the unknown. The fear of…change, of my life being irrevocably altered.

Linne leaned closer, her lips, full and red, drawing my gaze. So alluring… If I just surrendered to this fear…

“Mmm…”

I closed my eyes, bracing myself.

Kiss—

“Ah…”

A soft, fleeting touch on my forehead. My legs gave way, and I sank to the ground, my face burning. I glared at Linne, tears welling up.

“What was that for?!”

Perhaps my tone was sharper than I’d intended.
Linne looked flustered, avoiding my gaze.

“Um…s…sorry.”

Then, she turned and ran. I stared at the empty space where she’d been, my mind blank.

****

Linne was already in her seat when I returned to the classroom.
Of course she was here. Where else would she go?

I sat down heavily, but she just stared out the window, ignoring me.

My hand felt…empty. I flexed my fingers, then noticed Linne’s hand, larger and firmer than mine, a comforting presence… She was just a commoner; I didn’t need her permission.

“E…Ellie?”

“Be quiet. You’re making it hard to hold your hand.”

Linne finally looked at me, her eyes wide with surprise. I ignored her reaction and continued playing with her fingers.

“How does it feel? Hee hee. Begging won’t work.”

Linne’s expression hardened. I shivered, a flicker of fear.

Was she angry? Should I stop? I’d been holding back for a long time, though. I wouldn’t be intimidated by a commoner.

“…Ellie.”

“Eek! I’ll stop! I’m letting go!”

This was too…weak. I’d find another way to get my revenge. I wasn’t scared…

I quickly let go of her hand and moved away, but she caught my hand again, her grip firm. I almost yelped, but I bit my lip, suppressing the sound.

“Linne? What are you…”

She leaned closer, her face inches from mine, and

Kiss—

“Ahh…”

A soft, lingering kiss on my forehead. This time, she didn’t run. She just smiled.

Embarrassed by her gaze, I looked down, my heart pounding, my head spinning. I wasn’t flustered! My heart was just racing, and my head felt…light.

I was more worried about her misinterpreting my reaction.