Legends of Mirandis Academy

Chapter 53: Heroism

The next few days at school became quieter and quieter. A student's sexuality, Kelam learned, wasn't as juicy as rumors that had previously hounded the school. A scandalous one night stand between two of the most accomplished students in school, that was interesting. One of those students then getting into a suddenly public relationship with a girl who supposedly fought a student twice her size for the other, that was interesting. A well-liked student being outed against her will? Gross and offensive that someone would do that to her, that was a lot of it, but not interesting for long.

Plus with two intimidating muscle-men guarding her, one a star wrestler and the other with a (false) reputation of fighting a varsity linebacker, no one would come up to Luna anyway.

"I don't care if you're homophobic." Iridia's angry words and eyes seared the inside of his skull. "I don't care about any of the dilemma you're having right now." He scolded himself and the sharp stabbing in his gut. She was right, Luna was their friend, a scheming but wholesome girl who wanted what was best for her companions and shoved love out to them at any chance she was given. She deserved better than someone like Kelam, someone who couldn't push away the feelings that it was all wrong, that it was all immoral, not belonging in the world around him. He owed it to her to fix this, to fix himself so he could save her. Iridia, he thought, would know how to talk to Luna. Clearly they'd been confidants to some degree! Now he just had to find her.

And actually talk to her.

He was at the shop door again. It felt like he was invading now, where it previously felt like he was welcomed. The world beyond this door was one of safety, of refuge. He couldn't hear any tools whirring or any loud music, it was like it was empty—which he really hoped it wasn't. Either way, nothing was being accomplished by just standing there with his fingers loose on the handle.

Kelam took a deep breath, opened the door, and took a quick step inside. "Iridia?" he called out; his voice echoed off the concrete walls, but evidently did not find the right ears.

"She's not here right now," a deep voice called in response. Kelam rounded the corner, revealing himself to Mr. Duval, who was sitting at his desk patiently looking over student designs. "Is there something I can help you with, Mister Quincy?"

"O-oh." He wiped his palms on his jacket. "Iridia isn't here? I thought she was here everyday after school."

"Not today, no. She's..." He trailed off.

"Will she be? I was looking to talk to her."

The man's brows lowered and he tilted his head, examining Kelam. "I... don't think that's the best idea currently."

His lungs deflated like they'd been punctured. "Is she still too upset with me?"

"As of right now, I do believe so. She's rather hurt." Mr. Duval hummed to himself. "May I ask you something of a personal question?"

Kelam anxiously swallowed. "Sure?"

"I understand if you wish not to answer, but she once mentioned a boy that tried to kiss her against her wishes. Was that you?" Kelam shut his eyes and dropped his face in his hands. "I'll take that as a yes."

"You don't understand!" He took a step towards his desk where Mr. Duval twirled a red pen in his fingers. "I... I-I thought she wanted me to! Every sign was there, or I thought it was and my excitement just got the better of me." Heat rushed through his chest, the memory not of the moment, but of the feeling flooding his system. "She was so close, a-and the adrenaline clouded my head. I didn't realize how much I scared her. I feel so awful about it."

"I'm glad you realize the mistakes, at the very least."

"Did you know she was..." Mr. Duval raised a brow, and Kelam whispered, "...gay?"