The door opened and Aura came out along with the founder who looked very impressed.
"She has potential, you didn't even need to put in a word my prince." He said looking impressed and all smiles.
Francis finally stopped pacing and breathe a sigh of relief. He had been pacing the entire time and Ethan had begun to feel dizzy watching him.
' does he like her that much? ' he thought feeling a bit guilty about his thoughts and actions. ' I can't betray him... He's so into her, and she...' He looked at her as she responded to Francis's question with a smile of content.
' she looks like she's okay with him as well.' he wanted to be selfish but it was just an attraction, a small crush, he couldn't waste his friendship over this. Besides he isn't sure she's the one. She just looks like her and it feels like it could be. 'Could' emphasized. Let's keep it low, avoid sparking more attraction.
"Okay, we're late to class. We should be going now. Before the teacher arrives" he said disconnecting from his thoughts and moving ahead of the two of them.
"Okay Aura let's go" Francis said, taking her hands in his.
While walking behind Ethan, Aura felt something was off... Different even from the state they arrived here but she couldn't place her hands on the exact situation. He looked aloof from behind, or maybe it was because he was walking ahead of them instead of behind them, chatting quietly as he did before. Is it an image he had to maintain in class as a Prince? She didn't feel like it was so though.
For whatever reason she felt like he was with them physically but not as emotionally invested as he was a few minutes ago. What changed?
"Why does it feel like he got his period?" Francis whispered to himself in observation.
"You've noticed?" Aura asked, he didn't usually notice stuff. At least, not with her it was. 'the one thing he noticed, or person rather. It seems they really are good friends.' she thought walking alongside Francis.
"Hey poker face, hold up" Francis said earning a frozen Ethan.
He stopped dead on his feet and slowly turned back looking him dead in the eye.
"I've told you not to call me that, how many more times should I repeat that?" He said in annoyance, but it was mostly because of her presence. He could feel her curious eyes dancing with mirth. He felt a bit embarrassed, what a good time to tease him. Geez, what's up with him now?
Francis caught up with him and hung his arms around his shoulder and spoke In all seriousness
"Are you okay?"
This was why he was Ethan's closest friend, his best. He just knew. He could be playful at times... Too playful. But when he meant business, you could tell. You'd be looking for the jolly person that was right in front of you. He was smart when need be.
The question made Ethan realise that something was wrong with his actions.
And they noticed _
Both of them.
Aura was listening in for a reply, she looked so cute when she was curious.
'how is she suddenly looking cute? God I'm lost' Ethan thought ruffling his hair in the process making him look less refined but even more stunning...
Aura caught herself staring.
" I'm fine, really. Don't worry. " He replied to Francis and looked towards Aura she was staring, he could feel it, but she soon withdrew.
'control yourself, you have your friend here. You won't do anything rash.' he thought putting his act together.
"Look if it's because of the situation in Hasen, you don't need to worry. I've got your back, I believe our plan will slowly come to fruition. " Francis whispered enough for both of them to hear with a smile.
"What would I do without you bro." Ethan said breaking out in a smile.
"Of course pass out from being with snake friends." Francis joked earning laughter from all of them.
'she met him earlier, so she's his. No two ways about that. I've been alone since and I can still be.' Ethan thought smiling back at his friend. Clapping hands with Francis the both of them walked ahead with Aura behind them.
' they actually forgot me' she thought silently walking up to catch up with them while silently admiring Ethan. ' he's a loyal friend, maybe he'd be a loyal...' she quickly caught herself before she finished nodding in opposition. She couldn't, she felt like she was betraying Francis even though she hadn't done anything yet. She was sure that she wasn't in love with him yet and felt comfortable with him. She was still evaluating their relationship.
'Let's wait for the future then' she thought.
Someone signaled Ethan on the side. Her name was Stephanie McHenry the vice president of the student council.
"Excuse me president"
Ethan signaled Francis and Aura to go ahead while he responded by walking up to her. Aura glanced casually, before walking ahead.
They arrived in class and Francis opened the door announcing their arrival. All mummuring stopped, the entire class frozen, and everyone was staring at them.