College Is Like A Chronic Migraine [Murder Drones Human College AU]

Aftermath

As J made her way back into the manor, her thoughts weighed heavy with guilt and regret. She knew she had let N down, had failed to understand the depth of his pain until it was laid bare before her. And now, as she passed through the grand halls of the Elliot manor, she couldn't shake the feeling of shame that clung to her like a shadow.

It was then that she encountered Uzi in the hall, her expression tense with worry. Without hesitation, J informed her of N's whereabouts, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency.

"He's in the garden," she said, her words rushed as she fought to contain the turmoil churning within her. "You should go to him."

With a nod of thanks, Uzi hurried off in the direction of the garden, her steps quickening with each passing moment. And as J watched her go, a pang of longing tugged at her heart. She wished she could be the one to comfort N, to ease the burden he carried with such stoic resolve. If only she knew sooner. If only she wasn't... J.

Returning to the dining room, J found herself met with a sea of expectant faces, their eyes alight with curiosity. She forced a smile, masking the turmoil roiling beneath the surface as she addressed the gathered guests.

"I'm sorry, everyone," she began, her voice tinged with false sincerity. "I couldn't find N."

But even as the words left her lips, a swell of unease washed over her. She couldn't bear to see the disappointment in Cyn's eyes, couldn't stomach the thought of letting her down.

And sure enough, as the truth sunk in, Cyn's face fell, her expression a mask of hurt and confusion. She couldn't understand why her big brother would run away again, why he would leave her behind without a word of explanation.

J's heart ached at the sight, a sharp pang of guilt piercing through her defenses. She had failed Cyn, had failed N, and now she had to face the consequences of her actions.

As the other guests began to chatter amongst themselves, their words laced with thinly veiled disdain for N, J felt a surge of anger rise within her. How dare they speak of him with such callous disregard, as if he were nothing more than a burden to be cast aside? Then she remembered. How dare she?

In a moment of clarity, J leaned in close to Cyn, her voice a hushed whisper as she spoke. "Go to the garden," she said, her words a silent plea for forgiveness. "N is waiting for you there."

And with that, she watched as Cyn slipped away, her heart heavy with regret. Turning to Thad, who sat beside her, J couldn't help but feel a surge of defiance rise within her.

"You don't have to pretend anymore," she said, her voice low but firm. "These people, they're not worth impressing. They're starting to make me sick to my stomach."

* * "

As Uzi made her way to the garden, her heart pounded with worry for N. She knew he was struggling, could see it in the way he trembled and fidgeted, his distress palpable in the air around him.

"N," she said softly, her voice a gentle reassurance as she approached him. "Are you okay?"

N's response was hesitant, his words a jumbled mess as he struggled to articulate his thoughts. His rapid blinking and rocking back and forth only served to deepen Uzi's concern, but she remained steadfast in her determination to help him.

"You didn't do anything wrong," she assured him, her voice steady despite the turmoil raging within her. "Sometimes people just... don't understand."

Uzi knew all too well the sting of judgment and rejection, the weight of being misunderstood by those around her. But in N's eyes, she saw a reflection of her own pain, a shared understanding that transcended words.