Chapter Text
Apartment, 7:20 AM
In my dimly lit apartment, I found myself lying in bed wearing just my underwear. The room was a mess, with trash and clothes scattered across the floor.
As I rolled over, I groaned and squinted as the morning sun shone through the window blinds, casting narrow beams of light into the room. I reached for my phone on the nearby shelf and winced at the harsh glare of the screen.
"Ugh," I muttered under my breath.
After shaking my head, I focused on the display. It showed 6:20. I blinked, slowly registering the time. 6:20...
I jumped out of bed in a rush, nearly stumbling over my own feet. Grabbing the first pair of pants I saw - a slightly baggy pair of jeans - I quickly threw them on and reached for a white button-up. To my dismay, it had a strange odor.
"I definitely need to do some laundry today," I grumbled to myself as I tossed the shirt aside. Opting for a blue graphic T-shirt with a long white sleeve instead, I let out an exasperated sigh. I grab some socks and put my shoes on while hopping to the kitchen. I picked up my bag from the floor and put it on the island. Swiftly put my notebooks into the bag. Grabbing my keys I ran out the door
leaving the chaos of my paper-filled apartment.
The door creaked open as I hurried back inside. I grab my black jacket from off the coat hanger on my front door. I reached for my old and worn baseball hat that was left on the kitchen table, feeling its familiar texture in my hands before placing it on my head. "Can't forget you," I murmured, acknowledging the comfort it brought me.
I ran back outside of my apartment and then locked the door.
I walk down the dirty hallways of my apartment, smelling the aroma of old carpet and nicotine in the air. Wrinkling my nose at the smell, reminding me of a stagnant room with mildew. Although my apartment had its perks, it wasn’t the best place to live.
Especially if you're a college student.
The old lady next door is lovely, giving me her leftovers due to her making too much for herself, very grateful for that. I ran down the flight of stairs at the bottom of the building making my way to the exit. As I reach the door of the old apartment building, I pull out my keys and open it.
I walk outside into the crisp fall air, taking in a deep breath. refilling my lungs with fresh yet wet air of the season.taking in the smell of pine leaves and the fresh rainfall from last night. I feel a smile grace my lip before re-adjusting my hat to cover my jet black hair.
I walk down the same street to the bus stop I take every day to my school. The colorful trees swayed in the gentle breeze of the morning wind, their leaves falling down making the feeling of walking through forest -Well, if that forest had buildings of course. I looked down and pulled out my phone, checking the calendar. It read 4 weeks till winter break .
I let out a scoff, “ I haven't even left for a year and I’m already going back home” I groaned.
I put my phone in my pocket and continue walking
I feel my stomach grumble, crap I forgot all about breakfast. I put a hand over my stomach; I frown , making a pouting face.
I quicken my pace, bumping into a few people.
I look around and take in the scenery. The donut shop across the street had a sweet aroma coming from it, making my empty stomach grumble in hunger. I sigh and continue on walking to the bus stop, I’ll just buy food from the cafeteria again…or just starve for today. I pass by a clothing store, brown with beautiful wooden pillars outside on the concrete porch. It smelled of old cloth and leather, some overwhelming others like old houses and lavender. The grocery store with its fresh fruits from the local farms outside the city, and a small cafe that looks like a bar.
Ahh! my favorite places, especially on a day like this. Maybe I should stop by and grab something to eat from the cafe I thought.
I stopped and glanced at the cafe. I probably don't even have enough money to even buy a pack of cigarettes from the cheapest store here.
I took one more glance then felt my stomach growl, “fine, fine I’ll go get some food” I whispered sarcastically.
I turned around and started walking across the street making my way to the cafe.
I walked into the little shop and the door let out a little chime indicating that someone was there. I strolled over to the counter and looked up at the menu placed on the black chalkboard. There were many types of drinks and food on the board. I feel my head spin a bit from the colorful arange.
So many options, not enough time I thought. I sigh, picking my usual coffee.“Hello!” a chippy voice called.
I tilt my head down when I see the barista. “Oh…Hi” I greeted.
“Anything I can do for you today?” she asked.
I looked back up at the menu then spoke
“Can I have a ham crepe, banana bread, and a drip coffee with no creamer, Please” I put my hand in my pocket and started to pull out my wallet.
The girl nodded. “Would that be before here or to go?’ She mumbled.
“Here, please,” I murmured.
The girl lets out a humming.
“And what is your order name?” She turned away from me and grabbed a paper sheet, getting ready to spell my name. “Cassian.” I pulled out my card and paid for my food.
I went to one of the many window seats in the cafe and sat down in a chair. I pulled out my phone, checking the time.
Damn, I missed my bus.I let out a huff of annoyance. I hear the door chime
I slouch into the couch. Tapping my fingers on the table to get rid of the high pitch buzzing sound in my ear. I heard my name get called from the counter and I got to grab my food. As I’m walking I hear the chime of the door opening, glancing over to see a face I once knew.
“Luther ?” I asked
A young woman with beautiful brown hair and stunning blue eyes that not even the sea can comprehend looks my way in shock.
“Cassian, ” she softly gasped.
Luther Rogers.
She was the queen bee of my high school, captain of the cheerleading team. If I’m correct ,She was dating the captain of the football team.
She had so many friends, big groups of other popular kids and yet….
out of all the guys and girls in our high school, she chose to be my… friend.
She changed a lot with just one glance.
Beautiful hair that shines a light gold in the light, rosy skin with light freckles sprinkled access her face like stars in the night sky. Her bright eyes are as magnificent as they are scary. She had it all, perfect body, perfect grades, shit, even her family’s perfect.
Everyone in my high school wanted to be her or be with her.
She was… the first girl I ever dated before I knew that I was gay, and the first to accept it.
Luther walked up to me, her hands were fidgeting with her red knitted-sweater“Hey.. Cassian, long time no see” she sheepishly says
I rubbed the back of my neck with a dry laugh“Hey Luther, it’s uh” I looked away, pondering on what to say next.
“It’s nice seeing you too” my smokey green eyes meet her malibu ones . The soft look she gave me was one that I missed with a burning passion.
I offered to sit with me and she agreed. Once she ordered her food and sat down, there was a cloud of awkwardness looming over with a tropical storm. Luther was the first to start the conversation, then again, she’s always been the self-assertive one.
“So Cassy ” she started
I hummed and looked up at her. She let out a little snort then spoke
“ You have food on your face.” Luther grabs a napkin and starts wiping my face. I scrunched up my nose leaning away for her hand that wiped my cheek. She sets it down on the wooden table. “How have you been for the past 5 years? ” She asked.
I glanced up at her, raising an eyebrow once locking eyes. Luther smiles nervously at me, putting a fist up to her mouth then coughed into it “sorry, i forgot that's a touchy subject-” I glared at her to stop from talking.
She closes her mouth and slumps into her chair, her arms across her body as I sit up to face her. “Luther. ” I hissed.
She flinched and the harshness of my voice.
A frown took over her face,she locked eyes with me.
It was quiet at the table, too quiet when you are meeting an old ‘best friend.
But what do you do when that old friend cuts off all contact ,blocks you on all platforms of media, leaving you in the dark knowing that you have connection issues?
You would be angry too if you saw that ‘ Friend ’ again, both of you would know what they’ve put you through.
I clenched my fist “What do you want, Luther?” I sneered.
She gave me a sour looked and spoke” I came her to get some food sense I missed my bus”
I sighed, putting my hat down on the table. Luther looked at me “Look Cassy-”
“Don't call me that” I barked.
Luther flinches, “Cassy, please. I understand that you don't want to see me but-”
“But what?” I banged my fist on the table.
The noise was loud enough to catch the cashier stations, Luther gave a fake smile then waved them off.“That fact that you left me, not even giving me answer when i showed up at your door stepped begging for answer, and” I let out a laugh of irritation
“And yet you think that you can waltz back into my life forgetting what you did to me.” I glare at her. I feel a stinging pain in my throat causing my eyes to gloss over, my lip trembles as I try to stop myself from crying a waterfall.
“You don't understand what it's like to lose a friend Luther.” I lowered my head as I sat back down in my seat.
Not now I thought. I grabbed a napkin and wiped my eyes, dabbing the small tears that had collected in my eyes. I glanced up to see Luther, her eyes held a sadder look than beforeShe clinched a fist on the table, her lip thimbles for a moment then she began speaking.
“I know that I have caused you a lot of pain, Cass-Cassian, and-and I deeply apologize for it. You don't have to accept it but...” she paused looking down at the table, she mumbled something under her breath.
“I want you to know that when I cut contact it was for a good reason, everything that happened was for a reason I-I just needed… ” Luther puts her hands on her head.
She lets out a deep breather before she gazes up at me again.
“Can I tell you later tonight? At the entrance?” She breathed out.
I hesitated for a moment then put her hand on her back, I felt her tince up from my gentle action “Sure, but don't beat yourself down because of this okay? ” I huffed. I rub her back just like the way she liked it when she was stressed.
“Can we talk at least?” She questioned.
I know that I may not forgive her now but she always has a good reason for why something happened.
I feel my lips lift up into a smile,
“Sure, lets talk”
.
.
.
I pull out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter while walking outside with Luther.
I run my finger over the lighter, red plastic holding the liter fuel inside.
Taking out the stick of tobacco, I hold in between the lip of the cigarette.
I hear the small crackling sound of the cigarette lighting. Soon the smoke came out and I took a big intake before removing the lung-killer from my lips blowing out the smoke
“Really?” I open my eyes, holding the cigarette in my hand before responding
“Really what?” Luther, letting out a sigh then pointed at the cigarette in my hand.
“You started smoking again.” she deadpanned.
She was right, I did start smoking again after she left. But hey, I'm still walking and talking, am I not?
“Yeah and?” I took another huff from my cigarette and blew it out into the chill fall air.
I see her hand grab the cigarette from my lip, “Hey!?” I yelp.
She held the cigarette from me and took a drag of it. She took it away from her lips and started coughing a fit up. I let out a little giggle from her coughing, she ran a hand over her mouth and started giggling with me.
“Forgot how to smoke a blunt, huh” I teased.
Luther face went red, she lets out a few more chougas while talking , “Yeah, well at least I don't poison my lungs everyday” She sneezed out
She dropped the cigarette on the ground then crushed it with her foot.
“Just smoking one wants me to get back into that life taking habit” she groans.
I sniffle a laugh from her whining. I walked to the door and opened it for her “Lady's first” . I gave her a wink.
She rolled her eyes and playfully punched me on the shoulder “Oh shut up!”
We let out more laughs before taking our seats earlier.
I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket, looking down I pull it out to check to see why it was vibrating
My lips press into a tight line before I let out a deep sigh. Luther stops her giggling for a moment before stopping.
Luther narrowed her eyes, “Is there something wrong?” She raised an eyebrow
I shake my head “No it’s just that I have to go” I hunched over the table before getting up.
“Alright, Want to meet up tomorrow then?” Luther leaned back into the booth.
I get up from the booth, grabbing my gray backpack and the second cup of coffee.
“Sure, nine am.” I threw my bag over my shoulder
“Nine it is” She gave a thumbs up with both of her hands.
I wave goodbye before heading to the door.
The familiar door chime raing as I made my way to the door-A tall, dark skinned girl with burning lavender eyes came through the door. I bump into her, muttering an apology before strolling away for her.
I think I know that girl. she seemed oddly very…familiar. I open the door. I feel eyes bearing into the back of my head and so logic, I turn only to see the girl staring me down. I raised an eyebrow with a scoff then turned away from her.
Who was that and why was she so…. angry?
Lunch hall 2:04 PM
I walk to my lunch table after getting pushed and shoved into the crowded hallway. I sat down on a chair in the heavily filled food hall. I then put my bag on the ground.
I rummage through it as I try to find my lunch for today
“Well damn” I grumbled.
I laid my head on the white- foodless table, cursing to myself for forgetting to do such a simple task.
I let out a soft whine knowing that I will have to purchase lunch-which mind you I have very little money.
My hat fell onto my face showing the unkempt hair underneath it.
Shutting my eyes, I try (yet sadly fail) to silence the loud dining hall. I heard the sound of a chair moving out of its place but I paid no mind.
I felt a light tap on my shoulder, I let out a small hum. “ Hey- are you okay? ” The faint yet husky voice asked.
It was smooth like a shot of Jameson whiskey. It was that type of voice where no matter how deep it is you can still hear it and understand too.
I pick myself up from underneath my arms and stretch, making my hat slide off onto the table. I looked up at the drake that was sitting across from me.
“Um...yeah im fine” my face flushed over. The drake flashed a shy smile, he put his hand out for me to shake it.
blinking in shock of the blue-or maybe a muted blue dragon. I shake my head a bit before taking his hand but not shaking it “ Sorry if i’ was bothering' ya ” The dragon lets out a light chuckle.
“ My name’s Mauri ” the dragon said but the sound of students chattering made it hard to hear.
“Sorry, I didn’t catch the last part, what did you say?” I learned by trying to hear him “my name’s Mauri'' He said louder.
Mauri puts his large claws under his chin, a soft smile traced his lips before speaking“ And you are?” I looked down at it and thought then shook his claw “Cassian-Cassian Evermore” I stared at him taking in his appearance.
Multi blue-colored scales cover his form lightened to a milky white. His eyes were a dark rusty brown like warm dirt. Long horns that curved up then inward. He had a mohawk that when looking down his neck, it was in a low bun. It had dark navy blue hair that shone a nice deep ocean color in the light.
I could tell he was a water dragon but I had never seen one with red eyes before, usually fire dragons or earth dragons have them. His maw was long with a few sharp teeth sticking out, hiding the fact that he could bite down on my neck and kill me.
His voice was the best part though, it was a voice so southern and deep it reminded him of a siren singing for the sailor into the water. And his height, god his height. He must be over seven feet tall at least.
I let out a sigh “So..” I dragged. I let out a cough to hide the red flush on my cheeks.
Mauri looked up from his claws with a slight blush on his face. I rubbed the back of my head and asked him a question “How- How's your summer g-going?”.
He raised an eyebrow, “You mean how my falls are going?” Right?” I feel my face go beat red as he said that.
“Y-yeah that's what I meant..” I looked away shily.
He lets out a small giggle, god it was heavenly. “ Well to answer your question, it's going… okay. It's practically my first year here. ” Mauri puts his maw in his claws and lets out a sigh
““ Hell-I'm still getting used to being here and seeing other dragons like myself. Moving from a small town to a city is quite the culture shock, yeah know? ” The drake looked back at me and said
“ But enough about me, how's your fall going?” The dragon questioned.
I Blinked.
What?
What the hell did he just say?
I tilted my head in confusion. “I'm sorry, what?” I started up at the dragon. He sounded like he was chanting a curse on this university.
The dragon gave me a confused start then his eyes widened “My bad. Keep getting my accent strong, ” Mauri laughed.
It was loud and deep like the start of a thunderstorm that off in the distance
“I asked how is your fall going? ” He said singly.
I nodded “My fall is going…Okay,” I fiddled with my hat.
It was a black hat with a few buttons on it and a baseball team logo name on it saying “The Red Knights”. The knight in question was riding a black horse with a longsword in its hand. It was red with hints of gold and silver but mostly red on the chestplate. Making it look like one of those medieval knights from Great Britain.
The dragon lets out a hum of approval. “What about the city?” he asked
I snapped out of my daze and glanced at him.
“I lived in this city when I was younger. It still gets boring here and there but if you wait sooner or later something interesting will happen.” I hope something interesting right now I think.
“What about you Mauri, what do you think of this city?” He turned to look at me ”I like this place. I get to explore like I wanted to all these year, it also bigger than my town back in Texas”
I hummed “What is it like in Texas?” I smiled.
“What the!?” someone yelled.
Before I or Mauri could turn around to check the commotion, we heard a thud.
“You should’ve watched your damn mouth before you sputtered all that shit about me you dumb bird” a female voice retorted.
The bird was holding his beak as it was pouring blood.
I stared at the woman then it clicked, that's the same girl I saw from the cafe that was staring me down.
But at that moment the bird that was on the floor was utterly fucked
Staring him down was the one and only Zephyr.
I look at the dark-skinned woman, feeling my stomach drop at the sight of her. Zephyr was an upperclassman; Where not just talking years here, Social status, reputation, etc. If you ask someone who heard about her or even ran into her, they would say how imitating she is, scary, tall, and takes no one- No one's bullshit.
I watched the fight play out, I could do something but I don’t feel like getting my ass kicked today.
“ First off, all the stuff I said about you is true” the dude hissed. Zephyr stepped close to the creature, her face scrunched up in anger “Well, next time you want to talk about someone behind their back, DON’T” the girl firmly stated.
The bird dude grumbled inaudibly. She sharpened her eyes with a threatening glare, and stated “Walls have ears…and if it gets back to ME….” she ran her finger across her throat. Like a knife.
At that moment, The bird man jumped to his talons and began to speak “How dare you-” Before the rest of the words escaped his beak, he felt the stinking pain of a fist colliding with his beak. He let out a cry, and as he collided with the floor(again) she stood above him. Cowering, he looked up at her, She kneeled, through gritted teeth,
“ I. Meant. What. I. Said.”
We watched the girl huff. Zephyr walked off and grabbed her backpack and left, her lackeys trailing behind her.
Small piercing words that would make a sailor blush come out of her mouth in a rush.
I see Zephyr stopped in her tracks and muttering something to her friends. She soon ran off in a different direction.
The Dining hall was slightly quiet but it went back to its loud noisey a few seconds later.
“Jezz-what was that about? ” Mauri asked,
“Some stupid drama, dosnet really happens often.” I groaned.
Mauri hummed “And the girl? She's pretty tough, " he pointed out. “Oh her, that Zephyr,” I said, eating some of his chips.
“Does she have a last name?” The dragon asks.
“no one knows, only her first name was put into the system” Mauri stared at me for a few moments then spoke once again
He lets out a hum “Okay then..” I glanced at him. He was fiddling with his claws while looking the way that Zephyr left.
I put down one of his chips then let out a sigh “Is there something you wanna say?” I asked.
He glanced at me then nodded. Mauri looks away then spoke “Well-Umm…I may or may not be her roommate” I stop eating and started at him
“What.”
“She’s my roommate” he deadpans.
I shake my head “No-no I heard you the first time…” I frantically spoke
“Then what? he questioned
“it’s just..” I paused,
“It's just- I didn’t expect…That.” I looked down and pointed at his sandwich, he nodded.
Mauri hummed and put his chin in his claws and huffed out a small laugh. “Tell me Cassian. Have you ever talked to her?” he asked
I put my finger on my chin and thought. “Well there was the first time I ever met her but that was a bad first impression..”
I took a bite of the sandwich. “ I remember it like it was yesterday”
Mauri grined “Well tell me about-later of course. We have two minutes left of lunch”
I gave him a soft smile “how about we meet after school then? At the cafe near here?”
The drake cheeks turned a light shade of red, he looks away and coughs “yeah that works out with me... “
I opened my bag and pulled out a piece of paper and started writing a number on it. I fooled it up and handed it to him “here” I said
Mauri takes the paper and smirks “Yeah know…Back where I’m from, giving someone your number means it is a date” He gave me a cheeky grin.
I feel my face warm up after he said that. I try to say something back to him but all that comes out is a jumble of words. Mauri gets up from the table and grabs his bag. He walked past before stopping “how dose 8pm sound?” He asked
I turn my head to look at him. Those beautiful red eyes, I could get lost in them. “Yeah 8pm works” I stuttered.
The drake gives me a soft smile. Gives me a wave goodbye before leaving for his class.
I stared at him walking off. I turned around, a small smile making its way on my lips.
As I enter that hallway, my alarm goes off.
“And I'm late…” I sighed
Engineering Hallway
I walk into my class, taking a seat at my desk. Proceed to pull out my notebook and sketchbook. I smell the wood in the air. I relaxed in my seat. I see my engineering teacher go up to the board and start the class.
I slouch in my seat as my professor goes about the assessment that is due next week, something about making a building and such.
I yawn as she went on.
I closed my eyes and started to dream. I feel my eyes open but not really. I looked around and saw that I was in a black, white, and gray house. “This place is…empty“ I muttered.
This feels too…real” I thought.
I walked around the room taking in more of the objects that surrounded me. I looked to my left and saw a small paper crane, it was a different color from everything else in there. As I walked closer to get a better view of the origami. It was a light shade of yellow that had a glowing presence to it. I reach my hand out and try to grab it but before I could I heard the sound of a door opening and then…
I open my eyes and let out a small hiss from the shining light. I looked around to see that I was back in my classroom.
Weird, but I’ve seen weirder I thought. I look at the clock and see that it's been only ten minutes. I sigh and look back at the front of the class to listen to what my professor has to say.
“That's it for today, any question?” The professor asked
The class was quiet, the old woman shrugged “Okay then, go do your work”
And with that, all the students start doing the projects.
I went to get up and do my projects, but I then heard my professor call my name.
I yawned again, stretched my back then walked towards her desk.
I took a seat from her.
She looked up from her paper and then spoke “Mr.Evermore..You're late … again” an elderly female voice grumbled. My professor looks me up and down and sees my disheveled look “And you were sleeping through class again?” She deadpans.
I give her a nervous grin. I need to get more sleep, but that is for my future to decide, I think.
Here, let's get to know my professor, “Hello Mrs . Brown” she glared at me
“I want to have a word with you, Now.” The 42-year-old woman demanded. I reluctantly followed her to her slick desk.
She sits down in the old leather chair, putting her chin on her aged hands. Gallus K. Brown was written on a sunlit golden stand. Pencils and pens shaped and straight as a military unit, with No dust and cobwebs covering her big engineering textbooks. Her neat and squeaky clean desk matched her stern and organized personality. But if you think her space was organized, her looks are on another level.
Ms. Brown was a beautiful woman. Dark midnight skin that seemed to glow in the afternoon rays, a white and red strawberry scarf hiding Ms. Brown's large afro. My professor went to face me “ Mr. Evermore, can you please focus”
I jolted back into reality, I wince back at the firmness in her voice. Mrs. Brown pushes up her red-rimmed glasses. “We need to talk about you being late every day” Oh…That
“Mrs.Brown let me explain-” She put a hand up for me to stop
“I don’t want your excuses Mr.Evermore, you are a twenty-three-year-old man, not some Joiner high kid” I furrowed my eyebrows at the statement.
“ Yes Ma'am, I know that. But-"No,” Mrs. Brown said sternly “ I'm putting you in a group project with another student in the class that’s has been having the same problem you have”
She pulls out a few pieces of paper and starts organizing them.
“I expect to be done by the end of this year” As she said that I heard footsteps coming toward us.
I turn and my eyes widen at the sight
“Ms. Zephyr, you’re 10 minutes late“ The old woman spoke,
Zephyr stood next to me, she looked like she had run a marathon. Her usually nice keeper hair was fizzled. She ran a hand through her short curly hair.
The dark-skinned girl sighed and took a seat next to me. I glanced over at her to take one more good look to make sure I was seeing this right.
Zephyr slouched in the seat, she closed her eyes and said “Can you stop staring at me?”
I quickly turn away and fidget with my hands“No, didn’t think I would be working with…you” cringing at the manner I spoke.
“Alright then.” Mrs. Brown started.
“ Ms.Zephyr, Mr.Evermore. I want a progress report by November on how you are doing. Do you understand?” She put her pen down and looked at us with an unwavering glare. I nodded “I understand professor”
Mrs.Brown turned her head towards Zephyr. She raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to speak. The purple-eyed girl looks up from her phone. Mrs. Brown stared at her “Do you agree with the Zephyr project? “ she asked
Zephyr muttered something from under her breath then nodded.
“Good, now I want you two to start today” I get up before Zephyr, heading back over to my original spot around the back of the room. She follows behind me.
I pulled out a notebook and paused.
I looked over to see Zephyr sitting in the chair right in front of me. She was bouncing her leg up and down. She looks nervous I thought. Putting my pen down, I started talking “So, your Zephyr”
She stops bouncing her leg “Yup, that’s me.” Zephyr was looking around, almost like she was looking for someone.
I glanced around the room seeing what she was looking for but found nothing.
I let out an irritated sigh “can you at least help me out?” I hissed. She stopped looking around and stared at me. I squirm under her gaze, Zephyrs unblinking eyes scanning over me with worry “Have I-no, perhaps- oh, never mind” She started.
I glanced away from her, rubbing a hand on the back of my neck.
Zephyr lets out a sigh and puts her phone down “I guess you're right..” she started
. She pulled out a pencil and a notepad, “so what are you thinking that we make?” she asks
I stare at her “Your..your not “
“Angry at you?” she said with a questioning tone.
I nod. She lets out a small chuckle “that's what they all think” she smiles softly
Zephyr puts down her pencil “Tell me what your name” She leans in.
I let out a scoff “Oh, I’m Cassian. But I think you already know that ” I muttered slightly.
She lets out a google then spoke “Well Cassian, I guess you already know my name”
I let out a nervous laugh, I wasn’t expecting her to respond so…kindly. Maybe Mauri was right, maybe I shouldn't have assumed something about her before meeting her.
Zephyr starters down at her hands, she twirled her thumbs together. I put my hand on my chin and chewed on my lip.
Damnit Cassian, we have a project to get done! I thought. I don’t matter if you are feeling sorry for her right now, we have a 54 in the class at the moment.
I know that I don't like her but if we don't get this done, we are going to fail this semester.
As I was lost in thought, Zephyr started to speak.
“Look I don’t know what you heard about me but-” She started “No, let's get to work “ I said interrupting her.
She stares at me “Well then..”
“Shall we get started?” she asked
I gave her a small nod and then looked at the paper Miss Brown handed us. She leans over trying to see what it says. “Aha…what does that say?” She asked
“I have no clue “ I replied
I forgot how hard it is to read Mrs. Brown's handwriting. It's way worse than mine for sure.
Zephyr shrugs then says “why don’t we just make something?” She requests. I thought for a second then nodded “Yeah that sounds good” I pulled out a pencil, “what do you have in mind” I asked her.
She gives another shrug “I don’t know, what about you?”
I shake my head “got nothing here”
“Then how about we meet up tomorrow for this then, does lunch sound good?” She starts to get up and put her stuff away.
“Whoa hay, why are you packing up already?” I get up from my seat.
She stopped putting her belongings away and looked at me “it's almost time to leave, I have to head to my wrestling practice soon too” she said.
Zephyr smirks and then leaned in “what ya gonna miss me? “ she teased.
I sutter back, I ferowd my eyebrows as I let out a huff “no i'm not gonna miss you just want to know why you are leaving” I crossed my arms looking away from her. well that is the half truth I thought.
She let out a soft laugh then went back to packing her things “well then, meet me at the cafe at seven, it's three- blocks from here, okay?” she asked
I gave her a smile of understanding.
I watch her leave the classroom.
You know, maybe today doesn't that normal but I don't care. I find it fun to have someone to talk to, even if they are the biggest prick in school I thought.
Little’s Cafe 8:20 PM
I sit at the small table. I stared out the window of the cafe at the streets. I see a few cars driving by the store . The air was nice in the cafe, It was a good warm temperature. The building was big but not too big. There was an upper story with a balcony then went all around with large and tall windows to see the sunset...
The walls were a light baby blue color with white and black tiles on the floor.
I take a deep inhale of my black tea. I sip it only to wrinkle my nose from the bitter taste. “Forgot the sugar again Cassian?”
I looked away from the window to look at the southern barista from the counter “Yeah…Do you have any?” I questioned. She lets out a laugh then grabs some sugar, bringing it over to me. She sets it down on my table.
“You're usually never here this late at night, what's up with that?” Treston asked.
I grabbed one piece of sugar from the plate and then dumped it in my cup of chai.
“I’m here to see a …friend” I paused my mixing of the sugar, cringing at the word “Friend”
I went back to mixing the sugar and then set down my teaspoon. I grabbed the chai and took a sip of it, humming at the warmth it brought to my chest. She blinked then spoke, “You…seeing someone?” Treston leaned on the table that I sat at. I took another sip of my tea and nodded
“Yes, is it wired?”
She slammed her fist on the table.
I grab my tea cup from the table and then set it back down
“ Hell yeah, it's weird!!” She yelled.
I rolled my eyes.
Let me introduce you to Treston, she’s a lioness. Treston here is a senior at my university. I met her when I was a freshman. At that time she was a junior here. She is the star of the female wrestling team.
She is 5’10 and has an athletic build. Her main is very stylish to say, it is long, thick and shines a dark orange-red in the sunlight. It is one of her favorites about herself. She is pretty fun to be around when she is not yelling twenty-four-seven. I let out a small snort.
“Who are they, what’s their name? Have you met them before? Are you two dating-” I put my hand over her mouth.
“Chillout man, talk slower I can barely understand you” I take my hand off of her mouth. Treston took a deep breath and then spoke once more
“What’s their name?”
“His name is Mauri” She looked at me weirdly “Myuri?” I shook my head “No, Mauri. M-a-u-r-i “She tilted her head and then shook it off
“Alright, how old is he?” I opened my mouth and then stopped for a moment
I shrug “I don't know, most likely above the legal age to date him”
“You do know that the legal age for you may not be the same as for him..right?” she pressed.
She leaned in to get my answer but was only meet with a hand to the face “shut up, I know that”
I clicked my tongue “I'll ask him once he gets here”
Treston put the back of her hand on her forehead, her small ears pulled back to her head and then sighed dramatically.
“Okay then, when is your prince charming going to be here?” she asked. I pull up my wrist to check the time “Well it's currently 8:30, he was supposed to be here right now” I take another sip of my tea. Then again, I was 25 minutes early I thought.
Treston got up from her chair. She turned to me with those golden-colored eyes. She pulled back her well kept man into a ponytail “Well I have to go back to work or my boss is going to kick my ass, so goodbye!” She skipped off to the counter going back to her job. I sip at my lukewarm tea as I wait.
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Okay, if that damn drake doesn't show up in the next five seconds I'm leaving. I grimies and then looked towards the door.
1..
How long have I been waiting for him to show up…I’m getting tired, I could’ve had dinner by now
2..
I mean don’t get me wrong, it’s nice talking to someone once in a while but for someone to be this late is crazy.
3…Nope, I got shit to do.
I get up from the table. I say goodbye to Treston and walk to the door. As I was about to open the door, it suddenly slammed open. I stagger back but to my humiliation fall onto the floor, my belongings falling around me and my glasses falling off.
I cured under my breath as I crawled around to look at them, once I found them I looked up at the person that ran into me “Watch where you're going jackass…” I trailed off as Mauri stood there looking into my eyes as I said that “Fuck, sorry I’m late. I had night class today, "he stammered.
I got to my knees then started to pick up my papers ``It's fine, just tell me before so I don’t think you ditched this met up ”
Mauri got on one of his knees to help. “I would’ve told you but i never got your number” he looked up at my face and then smiled “Okay okay, I will make sure to tell you next time” I looked up from the floor. he held out his hand m, offering to help her up.
His rusty eyes sparked with kindness, I looked away from him, taking his hand to get up from the floor.
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“So… you and Zephyr are roommates Ah?” I sip at my new cup of tea. Luckily, Treston was still here to let us have a conversation. Mauri lets out a chuckle “yeah, we’re roommates. “ I let out a small hum as he explained the situation. .
He sips his coffee and then sets it down. “Well this makes no sense, She gave me a tour of the school” “Was it forced?”
“No, She ran up to me and asked if I was new, and of course I said yes. She gave me a whole run down on the school. She told me that she was hated but she didn't tell me she was that hated” he spoke.
I leaned back into my chair as he spoke “Don’t get me wrong, she can be a bit mean to me but she always apologizes in the end, I guess I see a whole nother part of her that you guys don’t see” Mauri sipped at his coffee. I represent my glasses.
I looked up at him with a small smile. “Well, if there’s something I learned over the years, it is that if someone sees another part of a person you don’t, you will have to live with it no matter what.” I took a sip of my tea.
Mauri looked down, thinking to himself. I looked up form the tea , I feel the awkward tension fall on us I let out a fake cough “well…Um...I never got your age” He looked me in the eyes
"I'm 19” Mauri said quickly
“Your..19?” He nodded
“Yes, does that surprise you?” I twisted my hand back and forth
“sorta, I thought you would be at least 20 or even 21”
He let out a giggle. I borrowed my brows and then tilted my head “What's so funny?” I questioned
“Your face, I never saw that expression on you “ Mauri let out light giggles.
I felt my face flushed after she said that. I looked away with a small smile appearing on my lips
We stayed at the coffee shop for 15 more minutes. When I checked the time It was almost 9:50 I looked up at Mauri “Well, this was a fun time but I must get going” I got up from the table.
Mauri gave a smile. He waved his hand at me “Have a good night Cassian” At the door I turned my head at him and then gave a nod. I opened the door and left.
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Mauri smiled as he watched him leave, then looked down at his cup of coffee and savored the warmth of the liquid. Suddenly, he heard a voice and saw Treston, the lioness, was leaning over the counter looking at him with an all-knowing grin
"You like him, don't you?" Treston spoke. Mauri's eyes widened in surprise and he stammered,
"No... No, I don't!" Treston lets out a playful smirk before turning on her heel to go back to work.