WMMAP - [S1] Shelter You - (愛)してる

Chapter 4: Small World

Athanasia's POV

"Athy! Breakfast is almost ready! Will you please come downstairs? You are going to be late!"

I clearly heard what she said. Yet, I just lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling above.

Whatever happened yesterday still lingers in my head. How would I even shake off that thrilling occasion?

Everything had a silver lining. The good part was, that I finally got to have a puppy. 'Raven' was the only name that came to my mind when I found him, and it was logical too. It symbolized the color of his fur.

The not-so-good part was, that I met an old acquaintance. I thought we would have exchanged more words, but that was not the case.

What a small world.

Then the worst part.

My savior was nothing more but a narcissist. Was that even a good term to describe my... rescuer? Obviously, he wanted lots of attention with all the commotion he made yesterday.

A glimpse of Lucas' odd expression deliberately became visible in my head.

It was as if he was bothered by something. I did not know him well enough to make an assumption. After all, we only spent a few hours together yesterday.

"Athy!!"

I shrieked when Lily came to my room. I did not even know at what time she got here. My eyes were questioning her arrival, but when I saw how her eyebrows wrinkled, I thought it would be better if I displeased my nanny a little less.

The chocolate cakes were not going to bake themselves. And cookies too.

"I will be there in a couple of minutes."

I jumped out of my bed with a sheepish smile. Lily's frown made me giggle.

"Please be quick. I will wait for you in the dining room," she said before exiting.

Done with my morning routine, I headed to the ground floor in my usual uniform. Quietly as I sat down, though my eyes were scanning for a particular fluff ball. Should he be somewhere in the house?

Lily placed my breakfast in front of me. Running out of time, I decided to ask her once I was done with my meal.

"Would you mind if Lucas joins you on your way to school?"

My hand, which was reaching for the utensils, paused. Of all the names, she decided to mention that guy.

"Why?"

"Your school is not entirely far from here. Maybe you two will keep each other company along the way rather than go alone."

"Well, I don't mind. But, he is probably still sleeping in."

I lied. It was just I did not want to listen to Lily's morning lecture.

"Good morning to you too."

Unsure of the familiarity of the voice, I looked at Lily. She just smiled and pointed at the living room. I followed the direction and saw an unwanted guest. Our eyes did not meet though he knew that I was staring at him because he was smiling, almost disgustingly, at my dog.

As he lifted my puppy into the air, my lips parted, and ready to lash out at him. I thought he had ill intentions. But then, he exceeded my expectation and perhaps a little trust.

"Hi, there," Lucas greeted me, his eyes still darted on Raven as he wrapped a bandage around the puppy's paw. He scoffed, putting Raven back on his lap, "I am still sleeping in, huh? Said someone who woke up late."