The pleasant atmosphere of the day disappeared the second our professor stepped into the classroom. And just like that.
The torture known as history class began.
I sighed dramatically, slumping into my chair as the teacher started rambling on about ancient wars and kingdoms.
I had never liked history.
Not even a little.
Still, I forced myself to stay awake, scribbling notes into my notebook while trying not to let boredom consume me.
But my sleepy mood quickly shifted into curiosity when I noticed Sylus standing beside me.
Invisible, as always.
No one else could see him.
Yet instead of paying attention to me like usual, he was staring directly at the teacher.
And had been for quite a while.
I narrowed my eyes suspiciously.
Leaning my head slightly toward him, I whispered under my breath, "How long are you planning to keep checking her out?"
Sylus slowly turned toward me, a teasing smile appearing on his lips.
"Jealous~?"
I rolled my eyes.
"She's married! You're literally checking out a married woman, you creep."
He chuckled before leaning down close to my face, his lips near my ear as he whispered softly,
"For your kind information, I'm not looking at her."
His golden eyes flickered toward the front of the room.
"I'm looking at the guardian angel standing beside her."
My body froze.
"What?"
"That guy," Sylus murmured, his playful smile fading into something darker, "has been staring at you for the past ten minutes, little mouse."
My heart dropped.
Slowly, nervously, I turned my gaze toward the teacher.
And then..
I saw him.
Standing beside her was another man.
Tall.
Dark-haired.
Handsome in an intimidating kind of way.
And worst of all..
He was staring directly at me.
My breath caught in my throat.
"Oh my God..." I whispered, my eyes widening. "Why is he looking at me?"
Sylus let out a low chuckle.
"Why do men look at women?" he teased. "You're not that clueless, are you?"
My face instantly heated.
"That is NOT funny!" I whisper-yelled. "Can you tell him to stop looking at me?!"
Sylus's teasing expression softened.
He gently placed his hand on top of my head.
"You don't need to worry about him," he said quietly. "Just focus on your lesson, hm?"
His voice was calm.
Warm.
Protective.
And somehow, despite the nervousness twisting in my stomach...
Hearing him say that made every bit of fear melt away.
It was strange.
The way his voice alone could make me feel safe. Like no matter what happened..he would handle everything.
And...That feeling...
It felt nice.
Really nice.
.
.
.
.
Soon, class finally ended.
The second the professor left, Laura practically ran to my desk with excitement glowing all over her face.
"Girl!! Did you hear about the party this weekend?!" she squealed, nearly bouncing.
My eyes widened instantly.
"Party?!"
.
.
.
.
Later that evening...
"No way."
"But WHY?!"
I groaned dramatically.
"Because I said so."
I stared at Sylus in disbelief.
He stood in front of my bedroom fireplace with his arms crossed firmly over his chest, looking like some strict overprotective father instead of my guardian angel.
And honestly?
It was making him annoyingly hotter.
"But everyone is going!" I whined. "Why can't I go?!"
He narrowed his eyes at me.
"Do you have any idea what happens at parties like that?"
His tone was serious now.
Completely serious.
I hesitated.
"I-I mean..." I mumbled awkwardly. "It's just a university party... students can't go that crazy... right?"
Sylus smirked.
Then suddenly-
He stepped forward.
My breath hitched.
He leaned down until our faces were inches apart, our breaths mixing in the tiny space between us.
My heart skipped violently.
His eyes locked onto mine.
"How naïve can you be... hm?" he whispered.
Then his hand rose slowly to cup my cheek, caressing my skin so gently it sent chills down my spine.
Like I was something precious.
Something fragile.
"Drugs," he murmured softly.
My breath caught.
"Alcohol."
He leaned closer.
"Weed."
His thumb stroked my cheek.
"And much more."
My eyes widened.
"Are you really prepared for all of that?"
"W-What?!" I stammered. "For real?!"
He chuckled softly before finally pulling away and straightening up.
"Yes."
My stomach twisted nervously.
"I... I don't believe it..." I whispered, though truthfully...
The thought alone was already making me nervous.
And scared.
Sylus tilted his head slightly.
"So..." he asked, raising one brow. "Do you still want to go? Or~?"
Without hesitation
I straightened up.
"Yes!"
He blinked.
"I still want to go!"
His eyebrow twitched.
"You just said-"
"I know what I said!" I interrupted quickly. "But I still wanna experience it at least once!"
Sylus stared at me in disbelief.
Then sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead.
"You are going to be the death of me..."
I grinned proudly.