บท 26: In denial
"Have you heard of the organization called Genesis?"
Of course.
Bonnie enthusiastically tackled the history of this world, and why it was the way it was. But why was this brought up now?
"It seemed you heard about it." Ashley pointed out. "You told me you were in some sort of accident and lost most of your memory. So I assumed that was included."
"It was, indeed. Thankfully, I have one chatterbox in the ward that wouldn't stop talking."
"Whoever it was, he or she deserved thanks. He or she just saves me the time to go through the beginning." She cleared her throat, and then her expression turned firmer. "Since you already know about this world, that means you heard about the radical group called Genesis?"
"I do, but I don't see why you are suddenly bringing this up."
"Because the organization Genesis was targeting teens, recruiting them through any means such as brainwashing. Laguna High is the largest high school in the entire C6, which also means it was the perfect place to find prey for those people," explained Ashley. "The student council is not only in charge of the student within the school grounds but also, to prevent its students from getting involved with such organization."
"Interesting." Ike leaned back, his hand on the edge of the table, eyes fixed on Ashley. "Tell me more."
"In recent years, the number of missing cases, minors indulging in gang activities, and involvement in underground fights increased drastically. After a thorough investigation, we found out that people were recruiting students to join their group," she continued, only speaking what she deemed necessary. "That is why the student council is looking for capable students who could contribute to our cause and eradicate this group that is plaguing C6."
Ike blinked. "That's it?"
"Hmm?"
"You're telling me that you need me to babysit children who didn't know what's good for them?" Ike reworded it to how he perceived it, laughing dryly upon seeing the slight surprise in her eyes. "Funny, but babysitting children isn't in my plans."
"Don't you want a thrill?" she returned, receiving a short questioning hum as a response. "Babysitting children can be annoying. However, I can guarantee you that this would give you what you want."
Ike slowly leaned forward, resting his arms against the edge of the table. "My classmate, I don't think you know what I truly want."
"I'm afraid I do." The corner of her lips curled up into a smirk. "You are in denial for a reason I have yet uncovered. You can try to hide it, but a person's desire is hard to conceal. Especially if that is the only driving force one has."
Silence immediately fell on their shoulders, eyes locked on each other,
"If you want to hear about it, just tell me. I will brief you willingly and tell you everything you want to know." Ashley broke the silence as she smacked her lips, casting Bernis a look. The latter just finished his meal, so she faced Ike squarely once again. "We came to you without expecting an immediate answer. No rush. What's important to us is that you know our intention."
Ashley slowly pushed herself up, but kept her eyes on him. "I will really appreciate it if you reconsider." Her expression brightened up despite not receiving an answer from Ike.
"It'll be fun. I guarantee you that." She winked and then faced Bernis with an ear-to-ear smile. "Let's go, Bernis. You've finished your meal."
Bernis was wiping his lips with a handkerchief while standing up.
"Thank you for the meal," he expressed with a slight bow. "I'll come back next time to cook."
Ashley giggled. "I don't think he invited you, though," shaking her head before her eyes fell on Ike once again. "You don't have to send us off. Bernis bought more painkillers and medicines for you. He put them on the shelf over there."
With that being said, Ashley and Bernis picked up their stuff and left just like that. Meanwhile, Ike stayed in the same spot even when he heard the gate open and closed. His eyes were fixed on the empty chairs where Ashley and Bernis sat.
"You are in denial for a reason I have yet uncovered. You can try to hide it, but a person's desire is hard to conceal. Especially if that is the only driving force one has."
Suddenly, Ashley's words flashed across his mind.
"In denial, huh?" Ike laughed dryly, shaking his head. "I am not… in denial."
If anything, Ike would honestly admit he wanted fun and thrill. However, that wasn't enough to make him agree. He had met too many disappointments in life that it was literally traumatizing.
Thrill?
Fun?
Those things were always tempting for Ike. But Ike already learned his lesson in the cruelest way he could think of. That was why he pledged when he drank that poison — the one he specifically asked after winning in the Colosseum — that he would never seek the thrill of life. Not that there was wrong with having a little fun, but Ike was an insatiable entity.
Once he got hooked on something again, he wouldn't stop. It was a habit that cornered him in the dreadful, dark corner of boredom.
"Genesis, huh?" he mumbled as he picked up the cutlery to finish his meal. "They sound intimidating, but it's better to watch from the sidelines. Unless, of course, they come in my way… oh?"
His brow arched as a brilliant idea suddenly crossed his mind, making him smirk. "Unless they come in my way, huh? Heh. I think I know what sort of fun she was talking about — what a cunning little girl."
Ike laughed as he thought about the interesting little Ashley. Surely, the more Ike knew about her, the more interesting that 'shorty' was becoming. Soon, everything that Ashley talked about was forgotten as he enjoyed his meal and went on the night like usual.
Yet, deep in his heart, he knew for a fact his peaceful days were numbered. Perhaps Ike might've convinced himself that he simply didn't want to get tangled in a chaotic situation and life, but his heart, soul, and body knew that Ashley was right.
Ike was simply in denial. He could try to hide it, but it was only a matter of time before the raging desire in his heart would blow out of proportion.
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