WMMAP - [S1] Shelter You - (愛)してる

Chapter 22: Marked

As time passed painstakingly slowly, the tension inside the class eased neither. Athanasia grew concerned as every minute swayed closer to the day of the school project. The day of the thesis that had to be submitted had arrived and all she could do was sort things out with the guy whose car she was sharing as they were making their way to her cousin's house.

"Lucas. About the assignment meeti—"

"There is no need for me to study. But since you are going to be there, I guess I will go too. Thought it would be fun being with you and all."

"That is not what I meant. I thought you made up with Ejekiel, but clearly, you didn't talk to him at all."

"Why do you always bring him up whenever you are with me?" He frowned, clutching the wheel tighter, not even bother hiding his anger.

"Lucas I—"

"Do you like him better than me or something?"

"Wh—what??"

"Or is it that gentle gesture he was faking in front of you all this time?"

"He wasn't faking—."

"Oh Now, you are Protecting HIM?"

"I wasn't protecting him!" 

Realizing he just snapped at her, he sighed, leaning against his fist while continuing to drive with one hand. 

"I was in such a good mood earlier just to be ruined by that bastard..." 

"I still haven't forgiven him... But eventually, we have to work as a team..."

 Lucas stole a glance at his princess. She was looking more morose, so he sighed and said, "If talking makes you happy, then I will talk to him."

"Just... Don't punch each other for fun when you meet him." 

"It's hard to resist since his face was asking my fists a lot lately. But I will manage somehow."

Athanasia let out a peal of small laughter. The atmosphere was slowly being lifted, seemingly brighter. Indulgenced by the soothing silence, Athanasia was the one to initiate and voice concern.

"Say... Lucas..."

"Hmm?"

"Graduation is coming up. What are you going to do next?"

"I don't really care about that sort of thing."

"Are you going back to Obelia once you are graduated?"

"What about it?"

"My dad called. He wanted me to stay a few more years. For another Degree. B—But I can always go and check on you, you know. If—If you ever gonna go back, of course. Maybe we can hang out during summer break or something?"

Lucas raised his eyebrow slightly, surprised yet undoubtedly amused with the topic that embraced his existence with it.  

"Are you worried that I might be leaving after graduation?"

"Are you not going to?"

"What if I leave? How would you feel?"

".....I don't know..."

"I'm not planning on studying any degree in the future. It's nothing but a pain to me."

"Ohh... So you are planning on going back—"

"Not until I fully claimed what is mine."

"What is yours?"

Just then, they converted their gaze to each other at the same time. Glittering blue jewels met glowing, yet tender crimson spheres. Lucas didn't say a thing but hummed in delight, turning his focus to the driving instead.