Bet ~Jean x Reader AU~

Chapter 30: Extinguish the Fire

"As you all know, three days ago it was announced that the young lady who was attacked a few weeks back passed away," Professor Ral sighed, a hint of sadness at the edge of her tone. "Also, her identity has officially been released to the campus and public." She brought her gaze to each of us and continued, "Marianne Baegley was a freshman in her second semester. She was a volunteer at a local pet shelter, a diligent student, and about to join the SOA House. Out of respect for her and her family, classes will be cancelled for the remainder of the day and a memorial service will be held in the Cintal Center this evening at 6:30. Any students and faculty are welcomed to come and show their respect."

I watched as her stare scanned over each of us, that familiar sadness still hidden within the depth of her eyes. Honestly, she wasn't the only one displaying those emotions. The entire campus was dreary, the sun's golden glow not even capable of chasing away the gloominess which lurked. Everyone was bathed in grief over knowing the poor girl had succumbed to her injuries. Even I felt some sort of pain.

"Okay. Class dismissed," Professor Ral huffed. "Be careful everyone and remain on alert."

At that, the entire class disbursed, the sound of shuffling paper echoing through the air. I watched as Eren and his two friends as they hurried out of the room, the three nearly bolting through the crowd like lightning. Honestly, I wasn't sure if they were particularly close to Marianne, but their behavior made me believe so. As far as I could tell, they exchanged no words with anyone else or amongst themselves. They simply just left.

I finished gathering my things and made for my own exit. The halls were buzzing with students leaving their classes. That said, that didn't mean the humming of their words were cheerful. As I made my way past multiple groups I could hear some discuss the memorial. Most said they planned on attending the service while others said they were uncomfortable with going.

Personally, I related to the latter. I never had any classes with Marianne. In fact, I had never heard of the girl before the whole incident. I didn't see it as my place to randomly show up at the memorial and act like I knew her in life. That just felt fake to me. I felt it was better if I just stayed in my room and avoided the campus. After all, I didn't need to be in the way.

However, that all said, there was a nagging feeling that pulled at my chest. As much as I believed it wasn't my place to show up and pretend to be her friend, maybe it didn't hurt to just show my respects. I mean, whether we were friends or not was irrelevant. She had been brutally attacked and I wanted her to know she did well. She put up one hell of a fight...though I doubted she'd hear me from wherever it was she went to. It was doubtful my words would mean anything to her.

I wrapped my arms around myself and made my exit out of the building, the cold air greeting me. I could still hear the gentle humming of my peers all around me, but I paid them no mind. I just hurried on my way. The snow which had blanketed over the campus in January was slowly beginning to melt, patches of decayed grass becoming more of a sight to see. Shallow puddles glistened in the sun, that being the only remains of the snow which once laid there. That said, February was still a verily cold month and the gale made sure I knew that. It keenly sliced through me as it did every day and I just continued on. Slowing down would in no way benefit me.

I rounded the bend, my dormitory just in view. I was still going back and forth about going to Marianne's memorial service. For every excuse I had not to go, I had two for going. It was stupid, really. I was practically at war with myself, trying to convince myself to just stay in...but that part of me that felt rage when I heard the few place blame on her for her own demise was begging me to go. And, honestly, I was slowly caving in.

Maybe it wouldn't hurt to just go for a few minutes. I told myself, slightly biting down on my bottom lip. I mean, it wouldn't kill me. I sighed and pressed on, only coming to a halt when I collided into something hard. Or rather, someone.