What was her name?
"Whose name?" I navigated the crowded hallway, following the flow of uniformed students toward what I hoped were my classes. The beauty of being completely unprepared was that every direction was as good as any other.
The girl you're doing all this for.
"We're not discussing her." I kept my voice low, mindful of the crowd around me.
Fine. Then explain this: Why abandon your name for Ryan?
"Because 'Lorelle' has baggage I'd rather not carry around." I spotted an elevator ahead and adjusted course toward it. "Ryan's... just who I am,"
You are possibly the most self-deceptive human I've encountered.
Thank you. I try.
How can you let emotions drive every decision?
"Have you considered therapy? You seem stuck on this topic." I stepped into the elevator with the other students, claiming a spot against the back wall.
You are WEAK and will remain WEAK if you cling to these fantasies. Accept reality—you're the villain here. Continue playing the lovesick fool, and you'll die pathetically.
Well, when you put it like that, it sounds almost appealing.
You need professional help.
...Well... I think I do.
The elevator chimed, interrupting our internal argument. I closed my eyes, trying to center myself before facing whatever academic torture awaited.
Corruption. You claim to fear it, but you're running from a truth you've known since you arrived in this world.
Which truth would that be?
You're clinging to a dream that isn't real.
She's real.
The thought came with more force than I intended.
Fine. Assume she exists in this world. What happens if she's one of the Children of Destiny? What if she's meant for the Son of the Will? What if she's a heroine?
That question... I dreaded it.
I'd considered the possibility—dreaded it, actually. In this world, heroines belonged to heroes. That was the rule, unbreakable and absolute.
If you're too cowardly to face your fate, prepare to lose her to the Son of the Will.
"WOULD YOU SHUT UP FOR ONE SECOND?!"
The words exploded out of me before I could stop them. For a brief moment, my eyes flashed amethyst before returning to their normal gray. The elevator fell silent.
Every face turned toward me, expressions ranging from shock to disgust. Before me, a girl had her eyes wide open, trembling.
Oh, great.
"I..." I started to apologize, then caught sight of a familiar face glaring at me with undisguised disgust.
Could this day get any better?