Meanwhile at Evermoon College

CHAPTER 21

Meanwhile in the dorms,

Classes had ended for the day and most of the students were either in their dorm studying or playing Mario Kart in the shared living room.
There was an abundance of laughter and joy filling the dorm room, yet one very particular laugh was missing.

It has been a couple of days without much of a word from Athena, to basically anybody. They come back from class or practice and go straight into their dorm to scroll on their phone.
neither have they bothered to join the rest of the dorm students in any grocery trips or group activities.
The only person who talked to Athena was Rasputin who teamed up with them for the festival.

It's not that nobody noticed but Tabby told everybody what was happening and told them to just let it be for now, to see what happens.
Everybody agreed, yet it bothered just one person, Jasper.

The last race had ended as the theme song started playing in the background.
Jasper took this as an opportunity to gather the attention of the students.
"Congratulations for yet another win Gauge, but I need to have a word with all of you." Jasper stood in front of the screen.

"I think it's been long enough with the whole 'letting it brew for a bit' with this whole Athena shituation." Jasper continued.

"Believe me I've tried. She just ignores me or leaves the conversation." Severin rolled his eyes.
"Then play smart, not hard. Who all has she been ignoring?" Jasper looked around the room, basically all the students raised their hands except Rasputin who was conveniently grabbing a soda from the fridge.

"Great, Rasputin go do what your best at and dig a little into why Athena is behaving this way." Jasper commanded, making Rasputin scoff.
"Fine, but I will sue this whole college if I get body slammed in the process." Rasputin took a sip of his soda as he continued walking to the honor student dorm.

Rasputin knocked gently before opening the door.
Low and behold Athena was there, laying on their bed texting someone not paying attention to who just entered their room.
Rasputin rolled his eyes and kicked the bedframe earning a groan from Athena.

"Hey, I wanted to talk to you." Rasputin put in his best 'soothing voice'.
"Sure, what's up?" Athena finally sat up and took off their headphones.

"You've been off lately, are you okay?" Rasputin asked with a sweet smile.
"Yes, I'm fine." Athena was about to lay back down as Rasputin spoke up again.

"Look I know I'm not a ladies' man, but even I know 'I'm fine' means the opposite, so speak up." Rasputin nudged Athena.
"I just... I've been hearing stuff about Severin, and I just don't know what to believe." Athena confessed.

"Such as?" Rasputin dug a little deeper.
Athena groaned trying to come up with something to say, "That's the thing. I don't know what it is." Athena looked at Rasputin and shrugged.

Rasputin couldn't help but chuckle, "So you're saying that someone is talking shit about Severin, but they won't say what the shit is?"
"YES EXACTLY!" Athena jumped up.

"Athena let me ask you an important question." He sat Athena down again, who was paying close attention.
"Are we still in fucking high school?" Rasputin asked in a stone-cold voice.

Athena saw what he was getting at and lowered their head.
"mmmhm, thats what i thought." Rasputin nodded.
"So, what you're going to do is talk to Severin and ask for clarity. And after that you're going to talk to the shit talker and ask them for clarity." Rasputin explained.

Before Athena could say a word Rasputin continued. "Only then, can decide for yourself who to believe. And act the way you are behaving right now."
Athena gave Rasputin a nod of agreement and with that Rasputin left the room.