WMMAP - [S1] Shelter You - (愛)してる

Chapter 5: Intertwined Path

Walking side by side with her childhood friend, Jeannette asked, "Ezekiel, do you think you take us there?"

His eyes darted to a certain girl, walking a few steps ahead of them, and said, "It would be my pleasure. If my presence is not a bother, of course."

"Athy?" Jeannette caught up with her cousin, "What do you think?"

"I think we can just walk..." Athanasia said.

"It's pretty far, though. Are you sure?"

"It is merely my concern for the safety of you both," Ezekiel said, "Do you plan on holding the puppy until you reach such a distance?"

Tied with truthful words, Athanasia kept her mouth shut. She looked at her cousin, who was waiting for her approval.

Eventually, she sighed and said, "Let's take his car and go together, all of us."

Athanasia only wished to spend some quality time with her cousin alone, but it surprised her that Jeannette was seemingly in need of Ezekiel's accompany.

"Shall I take you home as well?" Ezekiel offered, holding Jeannette's bag with one hand.

Athanasia blinked before lightly shaking her head with a smile.

"I will walk home with Lucas. Our houses are closer."

Upon hearing his name mentioned, Lucas stole a glance at the group. He heaved his eyebrow out of curiosity, but a smirk followed when he saw how Athanasia flinched, not expecting their eyes to meet.

"I will see you guys tomorrow."

Athanasia excused herself from her friends. Despite avoiding eye contact, she walked toward Lucas, who was leaning against the entrance's gate, arms folded.

"Done chatting?" He asked as soon as she walked past him. "Aren't you going to apologize for making me wait this long?"

"Lily didn't ask you to walk me home."

"What makes you think I want to walk you home?"

"Then why did you wait for me?"

"Because I want to."

"I Apologize for keeping You waiting. Happy?" Athanasia said while glaring at him.

"Apology accepted, your highness." He smirked with satisfaction. "Anyway, are you going somewhere with that Whitey?"

"...Whitey?"

"White Dog?"

"...Are you talking about Ezekiel?"

"Is that his name? Sounds like a dog's name to mEH— YoUch!!" He arched his back at the unexpected sharp pain. Her hand may look petty and harmless, but it could inflict critical damage on him. It stung a lot.

"That is the second time today!"

"Still counting."

Lucas growled, yet slightly surprised at her boldness. "You haven't answered my question. Where are you going?" He asked as they continue their walk.

"I'm having Raven checked. Do you want to come?"

"I have nothing to do anyway, so I guess I will join you, Princess."

"Athanasia."

One arm rested on his left chest; Lucas bowed his head slightly. "Any for you, Your highness."

She knew he was trying to piss her off, so there was no way she would give him the reaction he wanted. Instead, she neglected his existence along with that mocking laughter.