Zero to Hero (Prequel/prototype)

Chapter 9. New Rival

"Morning Ken, time to get up." Lovetta called out for Ken early Monday morning as she always does.

"What happened? Why do you look so tried?" Lovetta asked out of concern when Ken came out of his dorm looking much worse than normal.

"Too much happened last night, didn't get enough sleep. I will explain later when I'm not so sleepy." Ken answered while yawning.

Even though she is very concerned and wanted to know what happened last night, Lovetta decided to keep quiet for now.

When they met up with Clare in the common room, before Clare could even comment on the dark circles around his eyes, Alice came in from behind and hugged Ken tightly.

"Good morning, Ken! Hope you slept well." Alice said cheerfully while clinging onto him.

Both Clare and Lovetta were at a loss for words and didn't know what was happening and why this girl had suddenly got so friendly with Ken.

Too tired and hungry to explain, Ken told them he will try to explain what he can once they get to the dining hall and get their breakfast.

As the four got to the dining hall, Alice held Ken's arm the whole time while ignoring the glares from Lovetta and Clare. Getting both Alice and Clare to grab their share of the free meal, Ken, who's been getting bigger and stronger, welcomed the additional free food.

After two months, the staring and gossiping around Ken gradually decreased but with the sudden addition of Alice, who is also acting extremely intimate with Ken, the staring and gossiping for today was back to an all-time high.

As the four sat down with their food, Ken knew he's got some explaining to do.

"Long story short, Alice asked me out last night and we talked for a while. I happened to be her soulmate which I think means my blood just taste delicious to her? I guess she wants to hang out with us? I am not sure, I myself is quite confused and that is all I know."

"Basically, I find out that Ken's blood is the perfect fit for me and after talking to him last night, I have decided to be his bride."

"YOU WHAT?" Clare and Lovetta shouted in unison while turning to Ken.

"I know nothing of this marriage." Ken replied defensively.

"Us holding hands and kissing under the moonlight wasn't romantic enough of a proposal for you?" Alice answered slyly.

By now, the other two girls were ready to explode, and Ken knew he had to say something that would calm them down. Never knew how to lie or how to manipulate people, all Ken could think of doing is tell them how he really felt.

"Alright, calm down and hear me out. Up until yesterday, I had never thought about having a relationship or love simply because finding ways to fill my stomach was my only concern before coming to the academy. And now, I have only been focusing on learning the materials so I can pass the classes and not have all those people looking down on me.

What happened last night was not something I expected or knew how to deal with. I will admit that under the circumstances, when there were couples all around us making out and I was that close with such a beautiful girl, I just couldn't help myself and wanted to experience that sensation as well.

I know we did technically kiss but that definitely felt like you were teasing me instead of having any romantic intentions and honestly, I am glad now that it didn't escalate to anything more serious.

I don't think I'm ready for any romantic relationship right now because I want to stay focused on my studies and not end up like those that are spending hours every night making out in the garden."