My day began as usual. Quietly and calmly, I was making my way to "San Eros." But still. Damn it, after "yesterday" I had slept badly. Leon… was he plotting something? Or had he been honest yesterday? What was I supposed to do? My thoughts gave me no peace. "Damn, damn, damn…"
I shouldn't have come to the student wing yesterday. I gave in to my feelings so easily. It was… embarrassing, and he… Ah, I could bet that just from these memories my face flushed red.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a car; it was as if it were accompanying me. I stopped abruptly and turned toward it. It, too, stopped smoothly, rolling a couple of meters forward.
I know this car. I know these plates. Why would Kai suddenly be interested in me? He got out of the car and walked toward me. An Asian prince stood before me. Half Chinese, half Korean. Tall, strong, with powerful shoulders that added to his masculinity. Stylishly arranged black hair, beautiful eyes, and a sharp nose made him seem even more imposing. His entire appearance spoke for itself — I am rich, handsome, and strong.
— It's been a long time, Maya. — His voice was low and slightly rough.
— Yes, a long time. — I simply stated a fact.
To be honest, I had no desire to talk to him. This would only complicate my situation. So many girls chase after him and his attention. I don't want to get dragged into love triangles on top of everything else.
— I have to go, sorry. — I looked into his brown eyes and froze.
— Let me give you a ride. — Care could be felt in his words.
— No, I don't want there to be any misunderstanding. Sorry. But don't do this. — Please, Kai, don't pay attention to me. I already have enough problems.
He adjusted my sweater, pulling the sleeves over my fingers.
— Please. —
I bowed and headed toward "San Eros," leaving him alone.
Meeting him refreshed my thinking a little. My head felt clearer, and now I wanted to sleep. It was early, and it was strange that he was heading to "San Eros" at this time. I usually arrive about an hour before classes to take a shower and put myself in order. As a rule, there is no one there at that time.
And anyway, just a couple of days ago I had promised myself that I would focus on my studies. As a result, all the men in the vicinity were trying to throw me off course. That's it, starting today — only studying, period. Exactly — studying, studying, and studying again.
I was in a fighting mood. But all of that fell apart in an instant as soon as I approached the entrance to "San Eros." Leon was standing there, and with him his assistant, Riki. No, no, no, I had just managed to forget about "yesterday." I need to get past without drawing attention. But I hadn't even come close yet when he was already looking at me. My whole face began to burn. What is happening to my self-control. No matter how much I like him, I must control myself. I don't want false hopes to wrap themselves around me. After all, that will only hurt me.
I need to pull myself together, return to my old track, and study.
I lowered my gaze to the floor, showed my ID to security, and walked quickly toward the women's locker room.
I didn't have much time for a shower. So I did everything as quickly and precisely as possible. In my locker there was a second set of uniform. It was already clean and smelled of refreshing fabric softener. I liked this about "San Eros"; everything here was arranged so that students would focus only on studying and not be distracted by everyday matters. I neatly folded my dirty set and put it into the locker.
In the evenings, the uniforms are collected, washed, and by the next morning they are already fresh. For me it was like a magical locker. It was wonderful.
I heard female voices. Two students entered the locker room.
— Oh, look, that ragamuffin is here. — The voice was as if soaked in poison.
I didn't care about them. I don't think our paths will cross outside of this place, so ignoring them is the best option.
— I heard she was seen with Kai this morning. — The second voice was calmer and indifferent.
— Kai? — The poisonous voice sounded surprised. She came closer to me. — Most likely she owes him something. Or rather, her parents do. — She mocked.
So pathetic. It's time for class. I'm tired of listening to nonsense. I need to focus on my studies. I headed for the exit, but one of the girls blocked my way.
— Wait, we're not finished with you yet. — It was a blonde with a pleasant appearance, but her voice gave away her true nature.
— Hey, you lackeys, scatter to the corners. — A voice. Sharp and strict. Yuna entered the locker room.
The very girl who had offered me her revealing uniform. Yuna — the heiress of an influential Japanese corporation. She was wearing short shorts, a top with a deep neckline, and high-heeled shoes. She moved gracefully; I could only envy her.
For me, heels are something unattainable. They occupy second place on my list of complete failures. First place, of course, is studying.
— Scatter. — She repeated again, in a more menacing voice.
The girls immediately left the locker room without a glance back or a word. I should have gotten out of there too.
— Wait. — She stopped me anyway. I turned toward her.
She was shedding her clothes, apparently changing into her uniform. Even her underwear was such that it made me uncomfortable.
— Get yourself a master or an elite lover. — She didn't look at me and continued changing. — They'll leave you alone quickly. Either a lover or a master will protect you. You'll fall under their wing.
I wondered why she was giving me such advice. Did I evoke pity in her?
— You seem quiet. — She looked me over from head to toe. — I've seen you with both Kai and Leon. Well, their taste is questionable. Doesn't matter. — She changed into a uniform that differed little from her previous outfit. The skirt was slightly longer than the shorts; that was the only difference. — To avoid problems, get yourself a lover or a Master. — She repeated.
— Thank you. — I bowed and left the locker room.
Even if those words were spoken out of pity, I was still pleased. She wanted to help. Thank you.
I rushed into the classroom and took out all the notebooks and the textbook I needed. He wasn't there. Ah, why am I thinking about this again. Studying, studying, studying. I opened the textbook and began reading sections from the previous lecture.
He placed the note directly on the textbook. I wanted to look at him, but he headed for the exit. I could see only his back, only his back, quickly leaving the classroom. I don't know why, but that upset me. I didn't dare open the note and put it into my bag. I needed to focus on my studies. I didn't know what he had written, but it could affect my mood. And without a good mood, there is no studying. I need to study.
I forced myself to throw away all thoughts and worries and focus on my classes. When you are completely immersed in studying, time flies by unnoticed. All five classes passed in an instant, and it was time for lunch. Entering the cafeteria, I remembered the note. My hunger disappeared, and a feeling of slight anxiety stirred inside me. Why am I so worried, it's just a note with one or two sentences. I immediately left the cafeteria and went to my second habitual place — the library.
There were few people in the library, mostly scholarship students without masters, who had to study in order to stay afloat. Today it was almost empty, two or three people. The room consisted of two floors. On the second floor, masters or the elite mostly studied. On the first, those who were either too lazy to go upstairs or ordinary scholarship students. It wasn't a hierarchy or a rule; this feature had taken root by itself. Most likely because the upper floors held literature used only by graduates or for research work, while the first floor had everyday student literature. Besides textbooks, there was a lot of fiction here, but as a rule, I didn't have time for it.
Fatigue and the poor sleep from last night were beginning to show. I was unbearably sleepy. No, no, no. I need to study and work through the incorrect answers from the previous exam.
Settling into my usual spot, I began to take out the exam sheet. Something fell out of my bag. The note. Maybe this was the right time to open it.
"Maya, I'll give you one day, and then I'll eat you."
What does that mean? In what sense — "eat you"?
Could it be?
My face began to burn.
I need to pull myself together and start studying; I'll think about this in the evening. With all my concentration, I stared at the exam sheet. There were many remarks and corrections. So, let's see in which areas I made mistakes. I started counting: statistics, microeconomics, securities market, taxes… and so on. I had errors in almost every subject. "This is a fiasco, Maya." Economics classes are considered some of the most important subjects. Some disciplines within economics are taught as separate courses. Subjects such as banking, analytics, game theory, corporate economics, and so on — all of them are studied more deeply and thoroughly. Sociology and philosophy are also core subjects. Senior students pay great attention to studying psychology. But I had problems on all fronts. I grabbed the sheet with the mistakes and headed toward the bookshelves. First, I needed to choose books that would help me work through my errors.
I wandered between the shelves, but what did Leon mean by "I'll eat you"? Was this all a consequence of yesterday's kiss… I felt my face flush again. I still remembered that feeling, the intoxicating haze. He had been so gentle, like a different Leon from the one I had seen before. My heart began to beat faster. I remembered his soft, slightly insistent lips. His touch had caught me off guard. Had I opened myself to him so easily? I should have controlled myself better. But the memory of his lips began to drive me crazy. I returned to my table without a single book.
"I'm really hopeless." Maybe it would be easier to just take my documents and transfer to a simpler institution. I placed my hands on the table and rested my head on them. I'll sit for five minutes, come to my senses, and then start studying with a fresh head. But my eyes closed, and I simply sank into sleep. This was a complete fiasco.
My eyes opened heavily and lazily. All because it had started to get dark outside, and the main lamps turned on automatically. Had I really slept that long? I looked around — there was no one. Carefully and discreetly, I checked my wristwatch — 16:30. Two and a half hours remained until closing. I need to study at least something. I sat up straight on the chair and stretched slightly to chase away sleep.
I noticed a stack of textbooks next to me and a note. Another note? Before opening and reading it, I looked around and glanced at the second floor. No one.
I slowly and cautiously opened the note.
"Study, silly girl….
There are bookmarks in the books with the numbers of your incorrect answers."
I jumped up. He had been here. I had slept so soundly that I hadn't even felt his presence. My heart was pounding wildly.
I reread the note. The handwriting was the same as on the note he had handed me personally.
I don't know why, but the word "silly girl" touched my heart. It was so sweet, even despite the fact that he considered me foolish. Oh no… I covered my face with my palms. I'm behaving like a teenager.
But I like it. Is this right, Leon?
(A day earlier)
Maya left the student wing. I didn't have the strength to stop her. My heart was pounding wildly. I had apparently completely lost my head and my reason. I had just kissed her and she… In my mind, I replayed that moment again. Her plump lips, so tender, slightly salty, yet so seductive.
Damn! I… I… kissed her. This is madness.
I was so angry that at one point I even began to hate her. And then, as if everything was in a fog. But it was her. It was definitely her.
I wanted to chase after her, bring her back, and… kiss her again. No, no, I need to think with a "clear" head. I can't act so rashly, even in "San Eros."
Riki. I need to find Riki and question him. And yes, I need to apologize to him somehow for that outburst and those words. He clearly knows something.
I sent him a short message.
"My lounge in 30 min."
Even as I was typing the message, my hands were twitching nervously. This is already too much, I only kissed her… kissed her…
"For fuck's sake." If I think about it, that kiss was emotional. Because I realized that yesterday, at the pool, it had been her. Hope? Maya? But that only raised more questions. Why two names? Why is she hiding? What is her clan plotting? Does Kai know about this? I had seen him with Maya only once, when he helped her up. He. Right, he adjusted her sweater. He knows! I need Riki, for all the answers.
I sat waiting for Riki and wondered. This puzzle called "Hope–Maya" gave me no peace. Why did they complicate everything so much? What is the "Western clan" planning?
The door opened, Riki entered with his head lowered. Dead silence reigned. It felt as if I hadn't seen him for a year, though only a week had passed.
— Sit down. — I tried to be polite.
— Thank you, I'll listen standing. — His voice was ordinary. Not a drop of anger or hatred. He was calm.
— I'm sorry. — I didn't want to beat around the bush. I had been rude and snapped at him. I had already admitted this to myself, but not to him. — I think last time I went too far.
— You don't have to apologize to a mutt. — The little bastard was mocking me.
— Riki, are you dismissing my apology?
— Anything else? — He repeated, as if nothing were happening.
— Return to work.
— Sorry, but I already have a new master. — This goat was clearly mocking me. Taking revenge?
— Fine, let's go to my house, you'll explain this to my mother.
He turned pale, his round eyes stared at me.
— No. — And once again he whined in his usual playful voice. — Anything but your mother. I'd rather trim gardens naked than say the word "no" to your mother.
— She said that she was the one who hired you, and only she can fire you. And you just vanished! You're in big trouble, buddy. — And there's my revenge for your revenge. Hahahaha.
— Leon, save me. — He was smiling, but still frightened.
— Don't worry, I'll take the whole blow on myself. Just don't break like a virgin and come back.
— Okay. — His voice grew cheerful.
— About that day. — I began from afar.
— I'm sorry, I think I interfered where I shouldn't have. But my position hasn't changed. Please, Leon, stay away from her. Leave her alone. Please. — He bowed his head.
— Don't worry, I've already dealt with that. But that's not why I'm angry with you now.
— What did I do wrong again?
— You grumble like a disgruntled little husband. — It was time to ask truly important questions. — How long have you known about Hope and Maya?
— What are you talking about? — I could hear anxiety in his voice. He knew.
— You know! Is your family also part of the clan? — My voice grew rough. Because if this was true, he was my competitor, who had no right to stand beside me.
— Leon, do you trust me? Or do you consider me just a mutt? — His voice became strict, but quiet.
— That depends on what you answer! — This was beginning to worry me.
— Then let's go to your house. Maybe I can see your mother, and she'll protect me from you? — And there he was smiling and giggling again. — Let's go, Leon. If your mother is calling me, we must go.
This puzzle was starting to resemble a crossword in which questions appear only after the answers.