I.D.E.A. (International Diadem Elite Academy) [RECENTLY UPDATED!]

Chapter 4

"Sorry...I'm late."

It's Raleigh. That weirdo. It can't be. All of a sudden, Mavis could no longer feel her swollen shoulder and her sore wrist. All she could feel is the strong beating of her heart. She could not take her eyes away from him. For a moment, she thought she's seeing the Raleigh she knew from six years ago. It can't be.

As he walked closer to them holding a paper bag, Mavis was able to see clearly...that she's wrong. He still has the same cold expression he wore when they first met during class...the only expression she never saw on the Raleigh that she knew.

He just stood right in front of them looking straight at Jeremy. They both seemed like a breeze away from beating the shit out of each other. Then Raleigh turned his gaze towards Mavis who still has her arm firmly gripped by Jeremy.

Calmly, Raleigh handed her the paper bag he's holding. She couldn't possibly reach for it in her position with her right hand still gripped and her left hand a little too far from the opposite side. After about a minute, she felt him loosened his hand. Mavis immediately moved her hand away from Jeremy's and reached for the bag.

The prolonged clutch left a mark on her wrist. Mavis didn't seem to care at all. She opened the bag and saw a familiar purse. This must be Jasmine's.

"We need to get going.", Raleigh spoke still wearing the same cold expression. He just took Mavis' phone from Jeremy and grabbed her left arm.

"Aaaw..", She is suddenly reminded how her left shoulder was hurting just few minutes ago. Raleigh figuring just as much, went to grab her by her waist instead. Jeremy and Mavis both looked startled by the unexpected intimacy. But she realized that they are still both playing the role. She tried hard to hide her uneasiness and just went with it.

Raleigh then led her to his car, opening the door for her. She got in without looking back. He drove straight leaving Jeremy and his minions on the parking lot.

He was driving for a few minutes, already close to exiting the campus premises but they haven't spoken to each other yet, not even a word.

What has she gotten herself into?

After about an hour of driving, they arrived by the busiest part of the city where all the high rise buildings and commercial establishments can be seen. It was almost around 8:30 in the evening and the colorful urban lights are already making a scene in the dark skyline. The car stopped in front of possibly one of the grandest façade she had ever seen. If she's not mistaken, it's the Krause Empire Hotel deemed to own some of the most expensive suites in the world. What are they doing in a hotel?

Raleigh went out of the car, signaling her to do the same. He threw the car key to the valet waiting by the entrance. Not knowing what to do, Mavis just went out of the car and followed Raleigh who never even looked back to check if she really did what she's told. They reached the elevator and got in. She suddenly got a little self conscious being surrounded by middle aged men and women in formal attire. Raleigh on the contrary never even blinked. It's like he's used to this kind of environment. Looking at him more closely, Mavis realized that he actually blends perfectly well with these people. Although he's only wearing a white long-sleeved shirt tucked inside his plain beige colored pants, he still looked like he breathes expensive things from how he carries himself. He actually looked...good.

They reached the topmost story and walked till they reach the door to the only penthouse suite on that floor. With a swipe of his card, the door clicked open. Why does it have to be this grand?

Raleigh entered the room and threw the coat he's holding on the spotless white sofa in the middle of what looks like a thousand square meter space. There were 3 grand chandeliers hanging on the ceiling and the entire side of the room facing the ocean has glasses for walls. Situated in an oval shaped loft at the right side of the room is a king sized four poster bed with thick curtains that are tied neatly by the pillars. Raleigh went and entered another door by the far left end of the room which Mavis is guessing to be the washroom.