✨ A Little Bit of Magic || READER X RAY || The Promised Neverland

✨ Chapter Twenty One

I know it was irresponsible of me to do, but I really wanted to see him. "Hey!" I giggled, running up to Zack's side. I had just finished dendro, and Zack had asked me if I wanted to hang out. I have some time before my pyro tutoring with Ray, so it's not like I'd be late or anything, right? Haha, psych. We were in the dining hall, talking about the costumes we'd chose, and what we hoped would happen during the Halloween party. "Something romantic," We'd both said at the exact same time. He was blushing, but I know it wasn't because of me. "Have you ever kissed anyone? Like- on the mouth?" He took a bite from his candy bar, frowning softly. "Too many times. Too many girls I didn't really like." Ah- This was my chance. To ask him about the type of person he'd be into. I tried to smile, my chest and cheeks growing warm. God, I hope I don't look like a clown. "I don't think I've asked before, Zack, but exactly what type of person do you like?" The boy shrugged, adjusting his headband. "Anyone who makes me happy, I guess. I don't really care if that person is a guy or girl, but it usually tends to be boys. Every crush up to today has been a boy so I've labeled myself as 'gay'. I just want to enjoy the time I spend with them." A genuine smile crept across my face, the purity of Zack's answer making me all fuzzy inside. "That's sweet," I replied, grazing his wrists with my fingertips. "Thanks, y/n. That me-" "Hey, y/n. What time is it?"

Someone took the seat beside me, dropping a heavy textbook into my arms. My heart nearly exploded from the shock, a very aggravated Ray glaring at me with one eye. I gulped nervously, drawing back my hands from Zack's. "Hey, Ray," He smiled, greeting my tutor. But holy shit, he wasn't having any of it. My angry instructor raised his pointer finger, shushing the football player. "It's 3:30, y/n. Three fucking thirty. On a Monday. Where are you supposed to be at 3:30 on a Monday, hmm?" Ray- Ray is scary when he's mad. His gray eyes were icy cold, glaring at me like he wanted to strangle me. My chest tightened up, words getting caught in my throat. "I-In class, w-with you," I stuttered out, shoving the textbook onto the table. He nodded his head, that cold glare barely laxing. Ugh, how do I fix this? I don't think I've ever seen Ray this upset, even when we were on bad terms. I hugged the textbook tightly, turning to the boy. "Should- Should we go now? We can still do the hour and 50, I-I-" "No. I don't feel like it." What? "R-Ray- I- I'm-" Ray glanced at me with his right eye, starting to move away from our table. "I'm cancelling our tutoring for the rest of this week. Your punishment is your weekend. Saturday and Sunday, from eight to five. You'll be spending it with me." Before I could process what he'd said, Ray was gone. I turned to a flabbergasted Zack, who's eyes were also wide in disbelief. "Well shit," he muttered, turning to me. I filled nervously, fiddling the hardcover textbook still in my arms. "Yeah, I'm standing in deep shit."

So what do I do now? I just- I just go to my room after dendro? Really? God, this feels so weird. "Bye Emma, bye Norman!" I waved at the two, who were heading for pyro with Professor Yuugo. And me? I was on my way back to bed. I didn't have a hang out with Zack planned, or tutoring, and I found myself bored to death. Ugh, this sucks! A groan escaped my lips, the fabric canopy of my bed doing nothing to entertain me. And on top of this seemingly perpetual boredom, I'd have to spend my whole weekend with that stupid Cyclops! It was my fault, but I don't think he should've taken away my weekend! The image of his hurt expression from yesterday flashed in my head. Ugh. I- I felt bad now. What can I do to take my mind off of this? Where can I go? The dining hall? No, I don't feel like it after yesterday. The library? Even worse. Any place that can help me relax, I guess. And one particular place came to mind.

I quickly sneaked into the teacher's dorm tower. Headmaster Isabella's office and home was at the tippy top of the grand apartment building. Professor Yuugo, Lucas, and Krone lived here as well, along with the other teachers whom I rarely see. Anyways; back to business. I took a deep breath, my fingers growing shaky. The obsidian black wand felt warm in my hands, the tip of the staff clicking softly as it met the cobblestone wall. What was the spell Ray used? Something like, "Secretum hortus," I whispered, a weak golden glow just barely sparking from my wand. Just like before, the passageway opened, a sigh of relief escaping my lips. The familiar swooshing of the lavender willow's weeping branches soothed my soul instantly. I tip toed over to the koi pond, the same five fish as last time continuing to wander around their little creek aimlessly. "I hope you guys are having a better day than I am," I giggled, disturbing the still pool of water with a finger. My touch had sent circular ripples through the puddle, the little koi seemingly excited by the action. Maybe- Maybe I'll stay here for a bit. I leaned on the faded purple bark of the willow, my eyes suddenly growing heavy. I'll just... take a nap. Just a quick nap.