บท 75: That was your first kiss
The class ended with a series of underwhelming battles that left everyone, including the teacher, visibly bored.
Andor exhaled smoke through his nose, shaking his head in disappointment as he watched yet another sloppy duel come to a close.
He stood from his lazy slouch against the wall, his expression as unimpressed as ever.
"Pathetic," he muttered, his voice carrying just loud enough for the entire class to hear.
"That wasn't a fight. That was two toddlers slapping each other with sticks." He sighed, taking another drag of his cigarette before flicking it into the dirt.
"I've seen more spirit in a wet sponge. You all are lucky I don't just send you home crying."
His words stung the remaining fighters, some of whom bristled while others stared at their feet. Andor waved his hand dismissively. "Get out of here. Class is over. Maybe you'll come back tomorrow with something worth my time."
The students shuffled away, their pride bruised but too intimidated to argue. I couldn't care less about their reactions I had my own thoughts swirling in my head, and most of them revolved around food.
As I packed up my things, my stomach let out a low growl, reminding me of what truly mattered right now. Food. Glorious, hot, comforting food.
I followed the flow of students, drifting toward the dining hall, when Amara appeared beside me.
Her emerald eyes sparkled with mischief, and her ever-present smirk told me she was about to bring up something I wasn't ready to talk about.
"So," she started, her tone teasing, "that was quite a show you put on back there."
"Thanks," I muttered, keeping my eyes forward. Maybe if I acted uninterested, she'd drop it.
But, of course, she didn't. "You know what I'm talking about, right?" She bumped my shoulder playfully. "That kiss. Was it your first?"
I stumbled over my own feet at her blunt question, my face heating up instantly. "What? Why are you asking that?"
"Oh, come on," Amara said, laughing. "It's written all over your face. So, was it?"
I groaned, dragging a hand down my face. "Yes, okay? It was my first kiss."
Amara's laughter grew louder, earning us a few curious glances from passing students. "Oh, that's too good. Your first kiss, stolen by a demon girl in the middle of a fight. You couldn't script something more dramatic if you tried."
"I didn't like it," I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended. "It was a waste of a first kiss."
Amara raised an eyebrow, her smirk softening. "Really? Why do you say that?"
The words hung in the air, and I hesitated, my thoughts spiraling inward. I didn't want to say it out loud, but the truth was painfully clear in my mind.
I had always imagined my first kiss to be... different. Special. And, if I was honest, with someone else entirely.
My thoughts drifted to Xyra, her striking presence filling my mind like a flame that refused to be extinguished. I could see her cocky grin, hear the way she spoke with that unwavering confidence that made her seem untouchable.
Xyra, who I had admired for as long as I could remember. Xyra, who made my heart race and my thoughts stumble over themselves whenever I so much as thought of her.
If it had been her... I shook my head, trying to dispel the ridiculous fantasy. It wasn't like it could ever happen. She was leagues above me, a goddess among mortals. And yet, the thought lingered, stubborn and persistent.
I let out a sigh, stuffing my hands into my pockets as I walked. "It's just... I wanted it to mean something," I admitted quietly, more to myself than to Amara. "Not to be some random, stupid moment in the middle of a fight."
Amara hummed thoughtfully, her teasing demeanor softening. "Fair enough. First kisses are kind of a big deal. But hey, maybe your second one will be better."
I shot her a glare, though there was no real heat behind it. "Thanks for the optimism."
We reached the dining hall, the smell of food hitting me like a warm hug. My stomach growled again, louder this time, and I quickened my pace toward the line.
Amara followed, still grinning but mercifully silent as I grabbed a tray and piled it high with whatever looked good.
As I sat down at a table with my food, I tried to push all thoughts of Mirra and the kiss from my mind.
I focused on the present on the warm soup, the fresh bread, and the sweet pastries that promised a moment of peace after a chaotic day.
But even as I ate, a small part of my mind lingered on Xyra, on what could have been.
And, unfortunately, on what had been.
Walking out of the dining hall, I was flanked by Amara and the rest of the group, who had resumed their relentless teasing about the fight and, of course, the kiss.
Mirra, walking several paces behind us, had settled for glaring daggers into the back of my head.
She looked like she was considering launching another attack, though thankfully she restrained herself. For now.
"Potion-making," Amara said, reading aloud from her schedule with a grin. "This should be fun. Ever made a potion before, Ren?"
I shook my head. "Nope. Not even close. I don't think anyone in my family has ever needed to brew anything. We're more... straightforward in our problem-solving methods."
"Well," Amara said, her grin widening, "get ready. Professor Devera's class is legendary."
"Legendary how?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
"You'll see."
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