Affection's Facade

Cruel jokes at play

Elera's past pov

As I slid into the leather seat of the car, the familiar scent of polished wood and fresh upholstery enveloped me—a small comfort in its own way. James glanced at me through the rearview mirror.

"How was your day today, Miss?" he inquired.

"Not bad at all," I replied, my gaze settling on the mask that obscured the lower half of his face. It had been a staple ever since he'd picked me up at the airport, and today, curiosity got the better of me. "James, why do you wear that mask?"

He met my eyes through the rearview mirror, if only for a fleeting second. "I have a horrible scar, I guess it makes me feel like I frighten people easily. So it makes it easier for me to speak to strangers, I guess, Miss. Does it make you uncomfortable?"

I considered his words. "It's been four months, so I'm not a stranger, am I, Mr. James?"

"Not entirely, no, Miss," he conceded, eyes back on the road.

My gaze danced on him for a moment longer, thinking about the barriers we all put up, visible or invisible. "But if it makes you comfortable, I won't bother you about it again."

He offered a subtle nod, his eyes warm despite the mask. "I appreciate that."

And so, we drove on—each with our own thoughts, each with our own masks. Yet, in that brief exchange, it felt like one of those masks had been lifted, if only just a little.

"Your classes—how are they going?" James ventured as we navigated through the maze of city streets.

"Pretty easy, actually. I'm enjoying them," I shared, leaning back into the comfortable seat.

James chuckled. "You do look like a smart one."

I wore a look of mock-surprise, grinning. "Why, of course I am. That being said do you like my outfit, James? I picked it out myself."

He eyed my attire in the mirror. "If I may say so, you'll likely be the best-dressed on campus."

I grinned and struck a pose in my seat, even if it was a little cramped. "How do I look now?"

James chuckled again. "Like the daughter of all the world's most powerful families, rolled into one."

"Perfect," I said, satisfied. The car came to a gentle stop in front of my building. "Well, James, it's been a pleasure as always."

"The pleasure is mine, Miss Elera," he responded.

I swung the door open and stepped out, but not before giving James a final nod. "See you soon, Mr. James."

"Until then, Miss," he replied as I closed the door behind me, leaving me with a sense of satisfaction, a small victory in this vast, new world.

Inside, I made my way through the hallway, nodding at familiar faces and exchanging fleeting smiles. My phone buzzed; it was a message from Brandon.

"Study session in the common room. You in?"

"I just got home."

"I'll pick you up."

By this point, Brandon had become the only person, aside from Min-Ji, whom I spoke to regularly. In fact, he and Min-Ji had even talked on the phone a few times.

I pondered the invitation for a moment. My courses were manageable so far, but a study session could be both productive and a good opportunity to socialize.

"Count me in. Be here in 5," I replied before heading to my apartment to drop off my things.

Soon enough, he showed up, and we made our way to the common room. When we arrived, I stopped by the restroom as he secured us seats. Once I returned, Brandon waved me over to an empty seat next to him. Books, laptops, and papers were scattered across the tables, and the air was filled with a mix of concentration and subtle anxiety—the universal language of students everywhere.