Shards of Memory [English - Under Revision]

Chapter 33: My King

Skylane

I was helping in the canteen kitchen, dusted in flour and sugar, when my phone rang. I wiped my hands on a towel and slipped outside to answer.

"Hello, Blaise?"

"Hey. I was going to fetch you, but Dalyn said you're already on campus?"

"Aww—sorry. Yeah, I'm in the canteen kitchen, giving them a hand." It wasn't that I forgot; I just hadn't expected him to fetch me from home when I usually ride with my brother.

He sighed, soft but pointed. "It's your break day, Sky."

"I know. I just can't sit still doing nothing. You know me."

"I can't stop you, huh?" I could hear the smile he was trying not to make. "I'm coming through the gate. Meet me on the bridge."

"Okay. I'll say my goodbyes. See you."

I ended the call, ducked back into the kitchen, and waved to the pastry team. "Call me if you need anything."

"Go enjoy your date, Queen. We've got this," someone sing-songed.

My face heated. Date? Maybe. Or maybe just... a friendly date.

I hit the restroom to freshen up, then crossed the garden. Students I passed greeted me with bright "Good afternoon, Queen!" energy. From a distance, I spotted him already at the bridge, leaning over the rail, tossing bread to the koi like a literal golden retriever in human form.

I took out my phone and snapped a photo—then a quick video—until he glanced up, caught me, and waved, grinning. I chuckled, ended the video, and walked onto the bridge.

He clocked the white "CAMPUS QUEEN" shirt I was wearing and smiled like I'd handed him a trophy. "You want?" He offered the last of the bread. I took it and fed the fish. The water stilled something in me.

"Sky."

"Mmm?"

"Look here." I turned—and blinked. He was filming me. For a second I froze, then smiled despite myself.

"So," he said, still filming, "where do you want to go?"

Suddenly self-conscious, I looked away and pulled a folded pamphlet from my shorts pocket. "Mmm... I don't know. There's a lot."

"You pick," he said, not even glancing at the pamphlet.

I scratched my cheek. "Fine, I'll choose—"

"Queen!" A fourth-year girl sprinted toward us, breathless.

I stepped to meet her, but Blaise's hand slid gently across my wrist, stopping me.

"She's on break today," he said, voice even. He eased my armband off and pocketed it. "Ask Harice."

"Bla—"

"No, missy. Just this once." The word came out like thunder.

"Bu—"

"Let's go." He started to guide me away.

"Wait!" The fourth-year caught my hand. Blaise turned, that warning look in his eyes. She swallowed and pushed through. "Sorry—let me explain. Our class rally needs one more couple to start. People are getting restless. Could you two join?"

My mouth opened. "B-but we're n—"

"Where is it?" Blaise asked, already smiling.

I stared at him. Bipolar much? One second murder glare, the next sunshine.

"I'll take you," the girl said, already trotting.

Blaise glanced back at me, smirk tugging his mouth. "What, missy? Want me to carry you?"