The Gunslinger: Hogwarts Legacy X TRIGUN

Chapter Fifteen: Kindred Spirits

The following morning, I emerged from my common room, a sense of surprise striking me as I spotted Sebastian standing outside the door. My unresolved emotions from the previous day surged forth, and I instinctively turned my head in the opposite direction, avoiding eye contact. Determinedly, I walked past him and began descending the stairwell.

"Josie, wait!" His voice called out, an urgency underscoring his words as he hurried after me.

"Not now, Sebastian," I replied coldly, my tone as frigid as the air around us.

"Please, just a minute," he pleaded, his fingers gripping my sleeve.

I halted my steps abruptly, my frustration palpable. "What?" I snapped, my irritation clearly evident.

He took a deep breath, his gaze seeking mine with a mixture of remorse and sincerity. "I'm sorry. I should never have done what I did-"

"You're damn right!" I interjected, my voice sharp with anger.

He let out an exasperated huff, acknowledging his mistake. "It was wrong, I know that. But how long are you planning to stay angry at me?"

I scoffed, incredulous at his audacity. "However long I feel like, Sebastian. You shattered my trust. I can't believe you could do that to me and then have the nerve to ask when I'll get over it."

He gazed at me, almost as if he expected my forgiveness to be handed over with those words. Irritated, I rolled my eyes and turned to walk away. He remained rooted in place, his uncertainty tangible. The ache in my heart was almost overwhelming, the sensation of our connection unraveling a pain I never thought I'd experience. Sebastian's enchantment had severed something precious between us- I could no longer trust him in the same way. The hurt ran deep, a wound that gnawed at me, a reminder of the bond that had been tainted. The realization weighed heavily on me; I used to be wholly his, but now it felt as though there was nothing left at all.

Lost in my thoughts, I wandered through the corridors, each step feeling like a deliberate choice amidst the tumult of emotions. My gaze remained fixed on the floor, intent on avoiding the cracks between the tiles.. a minor distraction from the storm within. Startled from my reverie, I collided with another student unexpectedly.

"I'm sorry," I murmured, raising my eyes to find none other than Vash. His arm extended, his hand steadying me by my elbow. His eyes met mine, and the edges of his lips curled into a gentle smile.

"Are you alright?" Vash's concern was genuine, laced with a playful undertone. "Feeling okay after last night's adventures?" he quipped.

A breath of relief escaped my lips. "Yes, I'm fine," I replied, brushing a stray strand of hair away from my face.

"Heading to breakfast?" he inquired.

My uncertainty regarding my next move without Sebastian was palpable. The prospect of encountering him in the Great Hall or even the Room weighed heavily on me. The idea of attending class seemed nearly foreign today, an unusual departure from my routine.

Shaking my head, I confessed, "I'm not really sure. I was just walking."

With a playful grin, Vash extended his arm in a gallant gesture. "Can I at least escort you to class?"

A smirk played at the corners of my mouth. "I don't think I'm attending class either."

He held the back of his hand against my forehead, then let it gently rest on my cheek. "Are you sure you're feeling alright? What have you done with Josie?" His teasing touch warmed my skin.

Giggling, I pushed his hand away playfully. "I assure you, I'm perfectly fine. It's just..." I hesitated, a moment of vulnerability washing over me, "Seeing Sebastian," I whispered.