I M P A C T || N.DRAGNEEL

0.5

Seated in the monotony of a boring college lecture, the professor's words became mere background noise, drowned out by the constant hum of my racing thoughts. Lost in contemplation, my mind drifted far from the confines of the lecture hall. The clock seemed to move at a sluggish pace, each tick resonating with the tediousness of the lecture. Just as the stifling boredom reached its peak, the blissful sound of the bell rang through the air, rescuing me from the tedium. The sudden liberation from the lecture hall brought a sense of relief, and I eagerly joined the exodus of students, escaping the clutches of the mundane and venturing into the freedom that awaited beyond the classroom walls.

I was surprised to find Wendy by the campus building, leaning against the street lamp and waving with a smile.

I hurried towards her, concerned that Sting might have followed the same lead, spotting me with someone who I believe is linked to Salamander. "Hey," she greeted. Before I could inquire about her presence, she embraced me tightly, then pulled back with a big smile. "Got anything cute to wear to a club?" I blinked in confusion, "What?"

__

While the notion of going out, partying, and embracing the college experience with random hookups to savor my youth was appealing, I never really had the chance. Well, I did – I'm just exceptionally awkward.

" Are you close to him or something?"   The question that had been on my mind from day one finally escaped my lips, surprising Wendy as she styled my hair. I sensed her recoil, avoiding eye contact with my reflection in the mirror.

"I just assumed..." I started, applying my makeup while she finally met my gaze that had shifted away from her. "I mean, why else would he send you to bring me to the lockers when he could've asked his assistant instead?" I aimed not to come off as an overly curious reporter. She sighed, running her fingers through my hair as she continued styling, "Something like that... I guess the more you go to these fights the more you know them."

oh, she's gonna keep playing like that?

" How long have you been going?"

" Erm, since High School?"

" I thought they don't allow you unless you're over 21?"

" Uh, I had a fake ID"

" You really went through all that trouble just to see him?"

" Ugh! Ok, fine!"

I attempted to conceal my smile as she sighed and covered her face. "I've known him since middle school. The boxing operation is like a group that helps kids, basically orphans or runaways. I was one of them." I blinked, regretting having pressed her for an answer.

Opting for silence, I allowed her to continue her work undisturbed. "All I had was my mom; she passed away in 7th grade, and I was left with nothing. I didn't know who my father was, and I could care less. Then I met him, the Salamander. He took me in, supported me, introduced me to everyone else there, and practically raised me. His assistant provided the education I missed during my mother's passing, and they eventually helped me get into college."

I looked at my fingers, idly playing with them as she sighed. "I wasn't supposed to tell you this. I guess it slipped out," she said, stepping back to examine the beautiful work she had done on my hair.

oh, i'm such a dick

I turned around, offering her a small smile as I stood and pulled her into a hug. "It's okay... I won't tell anyone," I reassured, extending my pinky. "Pinky promise." She smiled warmly, "Aren't we too old for that?" I shook my head, "You're never too old for pinky promises."

With that, we entwined our pinkies, sealing an unspoken vow.

After that, Wendy seemed to open up more. The tension and weight of the lies and secrets she had been carrying seemed to dissipate. She appeared more carefree, as if she had been granted permission to be herself.

So, I finally asked, " Is he dating his assistant?"

She froze as I remained in my spot, rubbing my arm with my hand and avoiding eye contact. I felt my body heat up as she slowly turned around to meet my gaze. "Oh?" she exclaimed, showing her teeth in a wide smile. "Are you interested in the Infamous Salamander?" I shook my head, eyes widening, my face burning. "I'm just curious!" She hummed, "Yeah, okaaayyyy," still smiling.

With that, we both grabbed our purses and hurried out of her dorm, which she soon locked. "No, he's not dating her... or anyone," she finally answered, and I nodded. "So you've got a shot!"

I could only whine as she giggled and ran down the hall in her heels