"Why do you always have to be such an ass?"
The voice was sharp, cutting through the elevator's silence like a blade. I turned to see platinum hair with blue-streaked ends, piercing blue eyes filled with disgust I'd grown accustomed to over the years.
Ariana.
I looked at her for a moment, then closed my eyes. Some battles weren't worth fighting, especially when she was obviously stronger than me.
"Did you hear me?" Her voice rose, drawing more attention.
I sensed the danger too late. Her fist connected with my jaw, sending a jolt of pain through my skull.
"Ow." I rubbed my jaw, glaring at her while simultaneously checking for loose teeth. "Oh just fucking let go,"
But she wasn't finished. Her hand grabbed my collar, and I noticed her meta-watch reading: Power Level 7.
Shit.
"She just asked for your name, and you respond like the disgusting person you are!" Ariana's grip tightened.
"Let go," I said calmly, though internally I was calculating my chances of surviving this encounter intact. They weren't good.
I'm sensing elevated dark emotions.
Really? From the girl trying to strangle me? Shocking.
No.... from you.
....Tsk.
"It's okay," a softer voice interjected. "I shouldn't have asked. It's my fault."
I turned to see a blonde girl with braided hair and green eyes, clearly trying to defuse the situation. At least someone had sense.
"She said it's her fault," I told Ariana, gripping her wrist. "Now let go."
For a moment, we were locked in a silent struggle—her supernatural strength against my admittedly ordinary grip. I was losing.
"I hate you," she muttered, finally releasing me.
The elevator doors opened, and she stormed out, dragging the blonde girl with her.
"The feeling's mutual," I called after her, loud enough to ensure she heard.
Her free hand clenched into a fist, but she didn't turn around.
Sighs.
I stepped out of the elevator, noting the hostile glares from several students who'd witnessed the altercation.
More enemies. Perfect.
The lecture hall was spacious, with rows of seats facing a central podium. I chose a spot halfway up, near a window that offered a view of cherry blossoms swaying in the breeze. From here, I could see Ariana and her friend settling into seats near the front.
Why do you hate her so intensely?
"Who says I hate her?" I rested my head on the desk, using my arms as a pillow.
I can sense it—the dark emotions intensify whenever you look at her.
"Maybe you should mind your own business." I closed my eyes, hoping for a few minutes of peace before class started.
You're hiding too many secrets. Tell me about the novel you read.
So you want to know the future?
Yes.
But you already do know it. You figured out I was the villain without me telling you. How?
Silence.
"Right. Keep your secrets." I couldn't hide my sarcasm.
I have a question.
What now?
The girl from your past. Why do I sense overwhelming emotions when you think about her? That obsession... why?
I was quiet for a long moment, considering the question. It deserved an honest answer, even if only to myself.
"I don't know," I finally admitted. "When we first met, I couldn't stand her. Hated her, actually, same as everyone else. But somehow... she got past my defenses. Made me feel things I didn't want to feel. Before I knew it, I was in too deep to climb out."
You must have noticed... those feelings aren't normal. It's as though...
As though I was made' to feel that way?
The voice went quiet, which was answer enough.
I stared out the window at the cherry blossoms, their delicate pink petals dancing in the wind. Beautiful, ephemeral, and ultimately doomed to fall.
Rather fitting, really.