Prism of Equilibrium

Chapter 7: His Jacket Was Burning!

I kept my mouth shut the moment I was on the motorbike with Branson until now, in this enormous building, still with him behind a long black counter where people in suits were forming an endless queue beside us.

I can feel the coldness in their faces blending in with the cold temperature that strucked my fingertips. I hugged myself and pulled the two edges of my sweater's armholes down.

"Selena," Branson turned around.

"Uh-huh?" Although I've made him late, I can't spot any sign on his face that shows anger, or panic. He is back to his usual self.

"Come." said Branson. I followed him into an elevator.

"What place is this?" I asked him after the door closed.

"It's for humans, actually. But the highest floor is used for a meeting point, for the announcement about new teams, mentors, or for any useless meeting they held every so often and also, for the new kids." he smirked after he mentioned 'new kids'. "Like you." he looked at me. His curved lips stood out from all his facial features which are all sharp and angular.

"And the reason I'm here?" I questioned for I still can't see why I'm here.

"You're signing into a new school. You'll meet new people, have new friends, learn to survive and.." he stopped when he heard the tink from the lift and continued in a faster pace. "Just do what I tell you later on—keep acting. And if I suddenly can't be there with you, never eat what the guys with strange eyes offers you." said Branson, his face stern.

Before I could complain, two strong hands have pushed me out of the elevator, leaving my shocked expression on my face because I saw the floor indicator a millisecond before he pushed me out.

We're on the 202nd floor.

A bunch of girls wearing tight outfits walked out from the big hall ahead, towards our direction are winking, sending those looks, and blowing kisses seductively at Branson. These girls in my dictionary can simply be defined as sluts.

But still, it turned out that he is the golden boy and here I am, the Nothing Girl.

Branson put on a smile on his face while they were checking him out. But he rolled his eyes and shook his head when they left.

"Not your type, huh?" I nudged him with my elbow as I smirked. I expect him to laugh or do anything—-anything friendly, but he just rolled his eyes in pure annoyance and walked faster.

What the hell is wrong with him?

Don't tell me he is upset because of those girls. They can't be his type, can they?

'Duh. They're perfect. Of course he likes them.' Great, Branson is probably upset and my subconscious is back in the game.

"Shut up. They're not." I gritted my teeth mentally and tried to catch up with Branson in the crowd.

When I finally did, he was with a group of boys and girls the age of him. He noticed my presence and signaled me to go by pointing to the corner of the hall.

"Where have you been to all this time? It's been years!" A boy in suit patted his back and dragged him away. Why is that boy wearing a suit?

As I walked to the corner where Branson pointed at, I realized that the adults like Branson are wearing suits and dresses.

The kids around my age are here too. They are wearing casual outfits, however. That relieved me a lot because I need to blend in in this kind of place. A place full of strangers.

Standing here bored me. I need to explore. I straighten up and was about to search for something to drink before I crashed something.

"Ack." someone said. It's a voice of a boy.

I opened my eyes to reveal a boy around my age. He is a little bit taller than me, his shining eyes dark brown like his hair. He wears black from top to toe except his flaring red jacket.

Wait.

Flaring? I shook my head a bit to take a look better and yes, his jacket is flaring—burning. "Your jacket!" I shouted spontaneously.

He looked as shocked as I am. Then the burning flame on his jacket just fade away. Like that. Weirdly, his jacket wasn't burnt. "Oh, sorry." he held up his two hands. "It's my bad habit."

I nodded eventhough I am actually freaking out inside. Seriously? That jacket was burning!

I think he noticed my shocked expression because he asked me right away, politely. "Are you new?" He gave me a sweet smile, almost close to an apologetic one.

"I guess so." I answered him in disbelief. Have humans changed for good?

"Mm. You want to get a drink?"

"Yeah I was about to—"

"Then let's go!" he interrupted me, cheerfully.

What can I say? Maybe I should give another chance to humans. They are getting better. I followed him, slashing through the crowd.

"Wait here." he told me. He left for a minute and offered me a glass of drink when he came back.

"Thanks," I said and took it. It's weird. I don't even know this guy. I should ask for his name. "Uhh— shouldn't we uh, you know, introduce ourselves?"

"You're right." he gulped down his drink. "I'm Ca—"

"Yes, and I'm Branson." Branson suddenly appeared out of thin air and interrupted him. "Not so nice to meet you, though." he added and dragged me away from that boy. I sent an apologetic smile to that boy before facing Branson. What is it with Branson today?

"I told you not to take anything from strangers." He glared at the glass on my hand and took it away.

"You asked me not to eat. And his eyes are perfectly normal!" My nerves are cracking up as well.

"It doesn't make any difference! Just don't!" he said angrily. Veins are pressing up against his skin. Something's up. I can feel the frustration rushing in those veins. I can't just blame him for his sudden changes. I have to wait for him to let it out. Seconds of silent later, he breathed out his anger. "I'm sorry." said Branson. "I was worried."

"Because of that drink?"

"Not only that. I'm afraid they'll put you through The Test." he said as sweat trickles down his forehead. I don't know what is The Test or what is wrong with it, but I know that it's not good because he's not worried.

He's terrified.

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Hi guysss it's midnight now AND IM FUGGING HELL TIRED. PLEASE ENJOY THIS CHAPTER.
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