Help! I unknowingly enrolled myself into a supernatural Academy-Chapter 66: The kiss

Carl finally caught up to the group, slightly out of breath, and when he heard Aiden’s earlier jab about tea parties, he tried to defend himself. "I just thought it would be impolite to leave without being dismissed properly," Carl said, his tone quiet but sincere.

Aiden rolled his eyes so hard it was obvious he had no patience left. "You still want to be dismissed properly by that villain of an old man? Really, Carl?" He shook his head with exasperation before waving his hand dismissively. "You know what, it’s none of my business. I only care about one thing: we need to agree on a time to meet before heading to that abandoned building. I don’t want anyone showing up late. That old villain will absolutely add another day to our punishment if even one of us doesn’t make it in time, and I refuse to give him the satisfaction."

The four of them walked together as they left the disciplinary building. Zane glanced at Aiden with a smile, his eyes glimmering mischievously. "How about we meet at nine o’clock tonight? I can even come pick you up from your dorm so we go together."

Ryker, walking slightly behind them, felt a surge of irritation. His glare burned into Zane’s back, though Aiden didn’t notice. Zane, however, sensed it and smirked to himself, ignoring Ryker’s obvious displeasure. Instead, he kept his gaze fixed on Aiden, stars practically dancing in his eyes as he waited for an answer.

Aiden frowned and answered flatly, "I can walk there on my own. You don’t have to come get me."

Before Zane could respond, Ryker finally cut in, his voice calm but firm. "What if we all meet in front of Aiden’s dorm building? That way we can walk together. If we go as a group, we can make sure no one’s late and account for everyone."

Aiden turned toward Ryker with a smile that lit up his face. "That’s a great suggestion."

Ryker’s heart nearly leapt out of his chest. That bright smile from Aiden made him want to smile back and pull Aiden into his arms right there, but he restrained himself. Remembering Aiden’s earlier words about not wanting to interfere with others relationship, Ryker forced his emotions down. His expression stayed stoic, betraying none of the storm inside. "Since we have all decided, I am leaving now," he said evenly. Without another word, he turned and began to walk away.

Carl shifted nervously before saying timidly, "I’m leaving too. I’ll meet you guys at nine." He quickly followed Ryker, hurrying off in the opposite direction.

Aiden didn’t even bother to acknowledge Carl’s departure. His eyes stayed glued to Ryker’s retreating figure, and his chest tightened. He wondered silently if Ryker had stopped caring about him since their last conversation. Today, Ryker had barely spoken more than a handful of words to him, and the thought made Aiden’s heart ache. He felt as if something precious was slipping through his fingers.

Zane, still standing at Aiden’s side, noticed everything. He saw the longing and quiet heartbreak in Aiden’s gaze as he watched Ryker leave, and jealousy flared up inside him. His hand shot out, turning Aiden’s face toward him. "What are you still looking at? He already left. Didn’t you say you didn’t want anything to do with him anymore? Then why are you staring after him like you want him back? It’s annoying."

Aiden slapped Zane’s hand away, his eyes flashing with anger. "What’s it to you? And when did I ever say I don’t want anything to do with him?"

"Don’t try to deny it," Zane shot back. "I heard it with my own ears. You told him, ’Ryker, stop doing this. I don’t want to be a third party or a homewrecker.’ I remember every word. So don’t pretend. If you said you didn’t want anything with him, then why are you still looking at him like that? Don’t you think you’re contradicting yourself?"

Aiden glared, his voice sharp with indignation. "That was a private conversation. Why were you eavesdropping? I didn’t know you were the kind of person who would sneak around and listen in."

Zane rolled his eyes. "I wasn’t eavesdropping, alright? I was there first. You two chose my sleeping spot to have your little private talk. How is that my fault? And let’s not forget, Ryker even went crazy and started throwing punches at people too."

Aiden barely heard the first part. His mind clung to one detail: Ryker had actually hit Zane because of it. His eyes lit up with excitement, and he leaned closer. "Wait, are you saying the reason Ryker hit you was because you listened in on our conversation?"

Zane gave a half-shrug. "That was part of it. But the bigger reason was because I told him I wanted to pursue you,such a crazy guy."

For a moment, Aiden was stunned, then he burst into laughter, unable to contain his joy. The sound was bright and genuine, echoing down the corridor.

Zane watched him, a smile tugging at his lips. "What’s this? Are you really that happy to hear I want to pursue you? I didn’t know you liked me that much." 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Aiden stopped laughing long enough to glare. "Yuck. Am I crazy? Why would I laugh because you want to pursue me? I’m hoping you don’t."

Zane smirked, undeterred. "Easy there, beautiful. You were clearly happy just now. No need to play coy. You already revealed yourself."

Rolling his eyes, Aiden retorted, "Don’t flatter yourself. I was laughing because I realized Ryker still likes me. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have fought with you. That’s what I was happy about. How on earth did you manage to twist that into being about you?"

Zane’s smile faded, replaced with a scowl. His voice grew sharp. "What? I thought you didn’t want to be a homewrecker. I thought you didn’t want anything to do with him. How can you still wish for him to like you? You’re contradicting your own words. Honestly, you’re being selfish."

Aiden’s patience snapped. His eyes burned with anger as he shot back, "And what exactly is it to you if I am selfish or not? You’re putting your nose where it doesn’t belong. This has nothing to do with you."

He lengthened his stride, determined to leave Zane behind. But Zane refused to let him go so easily. He reached out and yanked Aiden back, his grip strong. "Of course it concerns me. I want to pursue you. And anyone I pursue must have only me in their heart. Only me. If there’s someone else, it’s an offense."

Aiden rolled his eyes again, exasperated by how ridiculous Zane sounded. "You’re insane. Do you even hear yourself right now?" He tried to pull free, but Zane tightened his hold.

"Where are you going? You still haven’t answered me," Zane said, his tone insistent.

Aiden twisted, wiggling his arms to break free, but Zane held him fast. His grip was almost painful now. Aiden winced, glaring furiously. "What on earth is wrong with you? You’re hurting me, you dimwit!"

The words jolted Zane. He glanced down and realized his fingers were digging into Aiden’s arms too tightly. Guilt flashed across his face as he loosened his grip, though he still refused to let go entirely. His voice softened but carried a firm edge. "Then talk. Promise me you’ll let go of Ryker, okay?"

Aiden frowned, glaring at Zane in disbelief. "Can you please stop acting crazy? Why would I promise you that I’ll stop liking Ryker? Who are you to me? Don’t you think you’re being too ridiculous?"

Zane met his eyes firmly. "I’m not being ridiculous. Didn’t you hear me say that I like you and that I want to pursue you?"

Aiden shook his head, still frowning. "Do you know you’re taking this way too far? And you actually want me to believe that you truly like me?"

Zane leaned closer, his voice low and almost pleading, filled with urgency for Aiden to believe him. "Yeah, I truly like you. Please, believe me. I wasn’t playing with you."

Aiden let out a long sigh. The sincerity in Zane’s gaze caught him off guard, but he refused to yield. "Fine. Even if you really do like me, what does that have to do with me? Why should I listen to you and give up on the person I like? Let me make it clear for you. The person I like is Ryker, and it will always be him."

Jealousy began to burn in Zane’s chest, his temper flaring. "How long have you even known Ryker, that you already like him this much? I’m telling you, you can still like me instead."

Aiden scowled. "Then how long have you known me, Zane, that makes you so certain about your feelings? Just leave me alone. Even though I haven’t known Ryker that long, he’s still the one I like."

Zane’s voice grew sharper, laced with frustration. "Even though he already has a fiancée, and you two might not even have a future together?"

Aiden’s answer was unwavering. "Yes."

At that, Zane’s jealousy tipped over. Unable to restrain himself, he grabbed Aiden and pressed his lips against his in a sudden, fiery kiss.