Byron's Secret (Slenderman Romance)

Chapter 25. The College

I stood in front of the college after a twenty minute walk from the school where I had previously－and quite forcefully－asked Byron out. Other than walking, I think I ran a bit there, only because I felt extremely embarrassed after what I did and what's worst is that I only felt that way after I realized what I had done. I said it so casually at first, this is exactly how I felt when I messed up my first date back in college. I hate it!

That was humiliating! What would Byron think of me from now on? What if he actually started avoiding me more than normal?

I entered the college grounds and blended among the crowd of students as I mentally scolded myself. Looks like I'll just have to stick to it and if Byron ever consider to hang out－which is a highly questionable－I'll just have to make the best of it.

But I can't say I'm not counting on it, I did say I want to know him a little more . . . though at the same time, I don't want to expect too much and get disappointed since he's not really the type to do such things. Even if he did, my chances are still low.

My debate stops as an absentminded guy bumped into me, causing the books he was holding to scatter on the ground, "Sorry." He mutters as he knelt down to pick his things up.

I gave him a hand and helped, "It's alright, I wasn't paying attention either." I responded.

As we stood, I handed him his books and smiled. The guy with dark brown hair, wearing an orange hoodie looked back at me with tired eyes. Because of the bags under his eyes, he looks like he hasn't been getting any rest. Well, that's college for him.

Suddenly, his expression changed into one of shock and realization, "You're . . ." He trailed off.

"What?" I sent him a confused look, "I-I'm Joy Lucille Williams," I quickly introduced myself, not knowing what to do.

After a few seconds of staring at me, the surprised look on his face disappeared as he smiled at me, "I'm Brian."

"Nice to meet you," I greeted before looking around and remembering why I'm here in the first place, "Um, if you're not busy, would you mind telling me where the administration office is?" I mumbled, this college is so big. This town may be small but there sure are a lot of students in here.

"Uh . . ." He shrugged, "S-Sure, why not?" He averted his gaze, "Why don't I take you there instead?"

"That'd be really helpful." I accepted his offer.

He didn't say anything else and just started walking towards the building. I would start a conversation but I don't know what to talk about, he also looks like he's around my age, maybe a year younger or two. It makes me wonder what course he's taking . . .

"I don't think I've seen you here before . . ." He suddenly spoke in a low tone, "You're definitely not a student so why are you here?" He said in an icy tone which caused me to be a little wary. He then glanced back and gave a smile which I hesitatingly returned. Well, that's weird.

"I'm applying as an art teacher, I heard the current art teacher is retiring." I answered as we reached the building and walked along the halls with a few other students.

"Oh, are you going to quit your job at the high school?" Brian asked out of the blue.

"No . . . How did you know I work at the high school?" I paused and asked, bewildered.

His walking slowed down as he turned to me with his smile faltering, "W-Well . . . word spreads fast around here." He shrugged, "Actually, I-I heard someone saying the new art professor is a teacher in the high school too." He smiled once again, "Here's the office."