Luines - Book 1

Chapter 07: Ryu Kazama

What was her wand doing in Quiapo Church? Hal thought in the middle of her class. Neon Requyem was seated in the front row, and was the only key to her answers now. She was itching to call off their three o'clock thing, but a challenge is a challenge. There was no point of backing down from that.

She sighed in boredom while she stared quietly at her Psychic Defenses professor, Professor Sagura. His messy mop of platinum hair, tan and constant talk on the waves and the beach in between lectures said he wasn't a typical delicate elf. He was one of those elves that got accustomed to human life, and never returned to their old ways.

Right now, he was discussing different ways to protect your mind from invasions. That was one lesson she knew doing since she was a kid, protecting her mind that no one can read it. What she needed was a lesson on protecting her heart this day, 26th of October.

The Luine dream felt so real this time around as if the universe was sending her a message. After hearing all the theories from Daraken and Charm, she didn't want to piece them all together yet. No matter how much she denied it, she couldn't let go of the thought of her dad's fate. She thought to herself, the sooner we get clearer answers about the Luines, the sooner we can get this over with.

We?

Hal looked around, searching for that voice. It was deep, a bit husky. It couldn't come from the gaggle of Sagura's fangirls, nor from the bunch of the Paladinism students who slept throughout the whole class. She lifted her head towards the side, and met eyes with Ryu Kazama, his onyx eyes have been studying her the whole time.

It couldn't be. How did he get inside her head?

He responded, You're too distracted. That's how.

She clasped her hands, while she looked away from Ryu Kazama. She cursed under her breath, as she held herself together. Her heart was beating vigorously than before; a trace of warmth rushed to her cheeks. She saw him often around Quiapo Church because his family had business there, but they never spoke in person. She remembered how handsome Ryu looked, especially when he handed food to elderly in the chapel. She uttered to herself, Don't let anyone or anything push you down. She felt herself debate against it, hoping her dad would answer. It would have been great to have her dad around but she had to deal with this alone.

She took a quick glance at him again and he had this quiet smirk of triumph. She didn't dare to enter his mind, but his calm eyes, his presence made her feel safe.

Her heart jumped out of her body. She bit her lip, and spoke in his mind. So, Ryu. You can read minds now, huh?

That's why I'm in this class. We must have mental fortitude to fight too.

How noble.

I've always wanted to ask you something, but you seem rather busy or out with Officer Drake. Are you dating him? I can keep a secret if I need to.

Hal almost choked at his words. Are you kidding me! He's just like a big brother to me. I'm single as hell. And you?

I'm single, available. He paused and summoned a breath. Hey, do you wanna hang out sometime around the Balete Tree in the campus?

Her first smile of the day. She could feel it rising. I got a thing later at three with the gang. How about tomorrow? Three?

Sure. Three it is then. By the way, have you been to Nocturne? I think I've seen you there before. You and you friend, the one that glows like a star?

She chucked. Her first laugh. Yes, and his name is Zee. I'm a big fan of Let Hell Break Loose. If only I get one of those VIP tickets to see them upfront, I'll be ecstatic!

Maybe, one of these days. I'm a fan too and I support Realm bands too. Their rock sounds as if they were unearthed from the bowels of your deep soul.

Hal nodded. Tell me about it! I can't wait for their new EP. They say it might get released soon!

It was becoming strangely comforting that her messed up head was focused on one thing: Ryu. They ran through the basics of where they live now, who were their friends and some likes and dislikes. Strangely enough, he had a collection of Japanese modern writers and kept the Art of War by Sun Tzu as his prized book; it was a gift by his dad. On the other hand, Hal's prized book was A Question on Heroes by Nick Joaquin, a gift too from her dad. They didn't have siblings, and seldomly they got to see their parents. Little by little, Hal lowered her defenses and let him in her mind too.

For once in her life, she forgot about her nightmares, while she let her smile go. She turned towards him while he smiled back. He had a cute smile, an awfully irresistible smile. She could stare at those eyes and smile any time. Then, there came an awkward silence.

He asked, So, you're hunting for Luines?

What is it to you?

You remind me of that girl in the front row. Neon Requyem. She was finding Luines too.

She gulped. How much do you know about the Luines?

History Class, courtesy of Professor Rita Hausen. All I remember was they're some sort of superbeings. I learned it in one of her famous field trips. Well, I'm not on the hunt, anyways.

He spoke the truth. He really didn't care about the Luines, but just her. That was all she could read from him. He had a glint in his eyes that spoke of mystery. The more she delved into them, she wanted to know who he was. Then, she got out of his head when Professor Sagura called out her name.

The class was about to end without her realizing it. She answered the professor's question and the bell rang. She stood and slowly got out of the classroom. She wanted to look back at Ryu, but she couldn't. She held her head high as she always did, but it didn't feel genuine this time.

She heard his voice again. It was nice chatting with you, Hal. Don't be a stranger. Next time let's do this outside of our minds.

Bye. See you tomorrow, Ryu.