Between: love and crime | english version

chapter seven

Elaya's POV:

On the way to the university, each step felt like navigating through a fog of confusion. The city streets were bustling, but my mind was filled with thoughts of the strange night and the sudden kiss.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I flinched, hoping it was Thy. However, the screen displayed a message from Alicia.

Alicia: "If you want to talk, I'm here for you. Don't let the confusion get to you. 💕"

A faint smile crossed my face, grateful for Alicia's support. Yet, uncertainties about Thy and his unsettling warnings hung over me like a Damocles sword.

Amidst the bustling university preparations, my steps became hesitant. How could I focus on lectures and seminars when my mind was clouded with questions and uncertainties? The campus, usually lively and energetic, suddenly felt gloomy and intimidating.

I took a deep breath, attempting to focus on the class, but thoughts of Thy and the events of the previous night persisted.

---

In the university lecture hall, the weight of the previous night lingered on my shoulders. As I took my seat, I noticed Alicia beside me, casting a concerned glance my way.

Alicia: "Hey, Elaya, feeling better? Have you heard from Thy?"

I sighed quietly and shook my head. "The night was... strange. Thy just appeared in my apartment, and then there was that kiss. I don't know what to make of it."

Alicia furrowed her brow. "That guy is really complicated. Have you talked to him?"

I nodded and recounted Thy's cryptic warnings, his concern for my safety, and his mysterious connection to my deceased father. Alicia's eyes widened in surprise.

"This is like something out of a movie! But seriously, Elaya, be careful. It sounds like a lot of secrets and potential dangers."

The lecture began, but my thoughts kept drifting. The ring of my phone interrupted the professor's monotonous voice. This time, it was a message from Thy.

Thy: "Sorry for disappearing so suddenly. The circumstances demand it. Take care of yourself."

The message brought no clarity, only more questions. When the lecture ended, uncertainty gripped me. Alicia tried to cheer me up, "Come on, let's grab a drink. Maybe that'll help you sort your thoughts."

The idea seemed tempting, so I agreed.

---

Arriving at the café, Alicia and I found a cozy spot. Between sips of coffee and bites of pastry, we continued our conversation.

Alicia looked at me curiously and said, "So, did he text you?"

I hesitated and replied, "Yes, he did, but it was rather vague. It feels like I'm caught in an opaque web of secrets."

Suddenly, the waiter appeared to clear our empty cups. His confident smile and the way he looked at me made me shift uncomfortably in my chair.

"Everything okay, ladies? Anything else I can do for you?" he asked with a noticeable wink.

Alicia chuckled quietly while I tried to remain polite. "No, thanks, we're good."

The waiter hesitated for a moment before saying with a wink, "In case that changes, I'm here."

As he walked away, I couldn't ignore Alicia's amused grin. "Well, someone seems interested in you, Elaya. Maybe a welcome distraction from all this drama?"

I rolled my eyes, trying to lighten the mood. "I really don't have time for romantic distractions, especially not from a café waiter."

While sipping my tea and discussing the events of the last night, I suddenly received a message from Thy.

"Elaya, stay away from that guy before I shoot him in the eyes," read the message, accompanied by a threatening undertone.

Confused and somewhat alarmed, I stared at my phone. "What's going on?" Alicia asked, noticing my reaction.

"I'm not exactly sure. Thy wants me to stay away from the waiter," I explained, furrowing my brow.

"Tzz, he has no right to tell you anything," my friend said amused.

"Hmm," I pondered. "Says who? You have nothing to say to me," I replied to his message.

"Watch your mouth before I help you with it," he warned.

I could feel the tension as I provocatively decided to ignore Thy's warning. "What's your problem, Thy? You can't just run off and then text whenever you please, telling me who I can talk to."

The response didn't take long. "Be careful how you talk to me, little one."

A challenging smile played on my lips. "I won't let anyone dictate who I talk to. Especially not you."

Alicia shook her head. "This will cause trouble."

Determined, I chose to ignore Thy's warnings in advance.

-----

By now, we had left the café and were on our way back to the university. Alicia tried to defuse the charged atmosphere. "Elaya, maybe you should really be careful. We don't know who we're dealing with."

I waved it off. "I won't let anyone scare me. If this guy really has a problem, he'll have to deal with it. Besides, I hadn't planned on getting involved with the waiter in any way."

The university was already in sight, and I felt the events of the last night and the unresolved questions in my head forming into a steadily growing storm.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated again. It was Thy. "You can be as stubborn as you want. But I hope for you that you can bear the consequences of your decisions, provoking me like that and then ignoring me."

I sighed and pocketed my phone. Alicia looked at me amused. "He'll probably spank you, hahaha!"

In the lecture, I could barely concentrate. Thoughts of Thy and his threat caused a flutter in my stomach. When the lecture ended, Alicia and I decided to go back to the café, attempting to bring a bit of normalcy to this confusing day.

Hardly had we taken our seats when the waiter reappeared. He smiled at me and said, "I hope I'm not disturbing. Can I get you something to drink?"

I glanced at Alicia, and we exchanged a brief, puzzled look. What did this guy want?

---

Jealousy in action, oh oh 😗💕