Lacuna

Chapter 11 - Conflicted

"It sounds urgent," I muttered as I reply to his message: Just outside near the café earlier.      

          His reply was instant: ok. please wait for me.

          "Is he in a rush? What's going on?" I wondered until I spotted a black car stop in front of me.

          The windows rolled down as it revealed Lev in the driver's seat, alone.

          "Can you come in for a second?" Lev asks from inside the car.

          "I- Y-yeah, sure." I stuttered.

          Lev opens the door from inside and I carefully sat beside him. But he hasn't driven away yet.

          "I think that we should pretend to not ever know each other, Cole. As soon as we finish your credentials and stuff." Lev fidgets with his fingers nervously.

          "What? What do you mean?" I tilt my head.

          "I just think that it's safer that way." Lev clenches his fist as he grips the steering wheel. "I don't want you to get hurt."

          "I still don't understand the reason why you're saying this," I spoke. "What made you think that I could get hurt?"

          Lev releases the steering wheel as he rests his head on top.

          "I don't know, Cole." Lev sighs. "I'm scared, I'm not sure what to do."

          "Scared? Why?" I asked as I lean closer towards Lev.

"I just have this feeling that I'm putting you in harm's way if I let you get close," Lev spoke as he clenched his jaw.

          Not sure of what to say, I was left speechless and a few silent moments pass.

          "I'll need some time alone." He sharply exhaled as he turns his head towards me.

          "Can you go on your own for a moment? You still have the money I gave you, right? You can buy some food or sweets and explore for a bit." He continued.

          I quietly nod and exit the car. I watched him as he speeds away down the road, disappearing at a turn.

          I sigh. What did he mean?

          I shrugged it off and walked down the sidewalk.

          After a few steps, I spot an interesting-looking bakery down the corner.

          My stomach grumbles as I place my hand on top of it. I quickly walked towards the bakery and entered.

          The bakery was very neat and clean as I enter. The cakes on display were beautifully decorated.

          I surveyed the area and looked around.

          After searching through a few shelves and fridges, I came across an adorably decorated strawberry cake in one of the fridges. As I reached for the cake, another hand touched mine as it was reaching for the same cake.

          I quickly turned to see who the hand belonged to and saw a familiar face; it was Corvin, the crow student.

          "O-oh, did you want it?" I asked nervously.

          "You can have it." He smiles.

          "As long as you get out of my face." He continued as he walked away, grumbling.

          I widen my eyes in surprise but took the cake anyway and walked over to the cashier.

          "It will be twenty-five thousand veis, sir." the cashier spoke.

          It's more expensive than the box but I have more than enough. I counted the cash I have left and paid for the cake.

          "I hope Lev will cheer up soon," I muttered under my breath as I looked at the cake inside the bag and exited the bakery.

          I searched the area nearby in hopes to find a convenience store to buy some food for myself.

          "Ah, there it is!" I uttered my excitement. As I walk towards the convenience store, I pass by a dark alleyway and a very loud crash came to sound as it pierced my ears. Out of curiosity, I leaned at a wall nearby to hide as I eavesdrop.

          "Where's the cake we told you to buy, huh?" a male voice spoke as it kicked.

          Are they... fighting someone here? I leaned closer and took a small peek.

          By then, I saw the crow student covered in bruises fall down to the ground as he received a kick to the stomach from one of the three people ganging up on him.

          I immediately revealed myself and entered the alleyway as I take out the cake from the bag.

          "Is this the cake you were talking about?" I asked, glaring at them. "I'll give it to you if you let him go."

          "Oh, what's this? Someone's here to save you? Didn't know you had friends." One of them spoke as he lands another kick at Corvin. "We'll take it. Though we recommend that you don't get too close to him, he'll get you killed."

          All three of them walks away, laughing as one took the cake from my hands. As their laugh fades away, I rush towards Corvin.

          I quickly kneeled and reached for one of his bruises until he slapped it away.

          "tsk, I told you to get out of my face, didn't I? Don't act as you saved me just because you shooed them away. " Corvin spoke as he sat up from the ground.

          "I'm sorry, if you told me you needed it, I would've gone for another." I gently spoke, afraid that it might irk him. "Can I help at least? I can't stand seeing you hurt because of me."

          "Who are you to worry about me?" he raised his voice as he crosses his arms.

          "You're my classmate, right? Please, let me help." I begged.

          "Food." He spoke quietly as he looked away.

          "What?" I asked, not hearing him clearly.

          "Buy me food!" He yelled. "If you really want to help me, buy me food."

          "Really?" I asked, trying to make sure that he really had let me help him.

          "Yes, do you want to help me or not?" He glared.

          "Y-yeah!" I nodded as I awkwardly stood up and reached my hand out to help him stand.

          Corvin slaps my hand away. "I can stand by myself." He spoke as he walked towards the convenience store.

          I quickly follow him and left the alleyway behind.