Under the Skin

Chapter 6: Friends?

The following week at the university was unusually busy. Kai could feel the buzz in the air as students talked about the three new transfer students. He heard snippets of conversation in the hallways and cafeteria—everyone seemed intrigued by the newcomers.

Kai found himself in the library, where he and Lila had made their usual spot. He was trying to focus on his studies, but his mind kept wandering back to his fight with Derek. He hadn't seen Derek since that night, and part of him was relieved, though he knew it wouldn't be the last time he'd face him.

"Hey, Kai!" Lila's cheerful voice broke through his thoughts. He looked up to see her walking towards him with a big smile on her face. "Guess what? We've got some new faces on campus."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I've heard. Who are they?"

Lila sat down across from him and leaned in conspiratorially. "I met one of them in my sociology class. His name is Jonas. He's pretty cool, actually. And then there's Kim and Tina. They're all friends, I think. We should go say hi."

Kai felt a pang of unease. New people meant new variables, new potential threats. But he trusted Lila's judgment, and if she thought they were worth meeting, he'd give it a shot. "Sure, why not?"

They found Jonas, Kim, and Tina in the cafeteria, sitting at a table by the window. Jonas was a tall, athletic-looking guy with short, dark hair and piercing blue eyes. Kim was petite with long, curly hair and an infectious smile, while Tina had an air of quiet confidence, her dark eyes observing everything with keen interest.

"Hey, guys," Lila said, approaching the table. "Mind if we join you?"

Jonas looked up and smiled warmly. "Not at all. Please, sit."

Kai and Lila took seats, and introductions were made. Kai noticed how relaxed and friendly the trio seemed, though there was something about them he couldn't quite put his finger on. They had an air of familiarity that felt both comforting and unsettling.

"So, what brings you all here?" Kai asked, trying to make conversation.

"We're exchange students," Kim explained. "Came here for the semester to experience a new environment, meet new people."

Tina nodded. "And to study, of course," she added with a slight smile.

As they talked, Kai found himself relaxing a little. Jonas, Kim, and Tina were easy to talk to, and they seemed genuinely interested in getting to know him and Lila. They discussed classes, favorite books, and the best places to hang out in the city. Kai noticed how seamlessly they integrated themselves into the conversation, making him feel like he'd known them for much longer than just a few minutes.

"So, Kai," Jonas said, leaning back in his chair. "What do you do for fun around here?"

Kai hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I write a bit," he said finally. "And, uh, I like to explore the city."

"Writing? That's cool," Kim said, her eyes lighting up. "What do you write about?"

"Mostly fantasy stuff," Kai replied, feeling a bit self-conscious. "Werewolves, vampires, that sort of thing."

Tina's eyes sparkled with interest. "I'd love to read some of your work sometime. Fantasy is one of my favorite genres."

Kai nodded, feeling a little more at ease. "Maybe I'll share some with you guys someday."

As the afternoon wore on, Kai found himself enjoying the company of his new friends. They were a refreshing change from the usual crowd, and their presence made him feel less isolated. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to them than met the eye.

Later that evening, as Kai walked home, he thought about the day's events. Jonas, Kim, and Tina seemed like good people, but he knew he had to stay cautious. He couldn't afford to let his guard down, especially with everything that had happened recently.

When he reached his apartment, he found a note slipped under his door. He picked it up, recognizing Viktor's handwriting.

"Meet me at the clock tower tonight. We need to talk."

Kai's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't seen Viktor since their last training session, and he wondered what could be so urgent. He quickly changed into more comfortable clothes and headed out, making his way through the city streets to the clock tower.

Viktor was waiting for him, as usual, the red umbrella a stark contrast against the darkening sky. "Good evening, Kai," he said, his tone serious.

"What's going on, Viktor?" Kai asked, his unease growing.

"We have some new arrivals in the city," Viktor replied. "Three of them, to be exact. They're werewolves, like you."

Kai's eyes widened in surprise. "Jonas, Kim, and Tina?"

Viktor nodded. "Yes. They're not a threat, at least not yet. But you need to be careful, Kai. They might have their own agendas."

Kai's mind raced. He had sensed something different about them, but he hadn't imagined they were werewolves. "What should I do?"

"Keep an eye on them," Viktor advised. "And be ready. Things are about to get a lot more complicated."

Kai nodded, a sense of determination settling over him. He had new allies, but also new uncertainties. He would have to navigate this new dynamic carefully, balancing trust and caution as he continued his journey towards mastering the beast within.