Project: Socialize (Chapters 1-197)

51. She can be Honest With Herself if She Wanted to

The next day, which is the last day of the deadline, was when I hoped that Irina would finally break from the stress my presence had presented her and confront me. That is exactly what she did. Although in the morning she still remained silent, but once lunch break came, that was when she took action.  
  
She first glanced over her shoulders at me, knowing that I will be observing her, in order to tell me that she will be leaving the classroom soon. I didn't display much of a reaction as I continued munching on the sandwich I had bought in the morning, and it would appear that Irina knows of this since she quickly looked away from me.

Just as she had informed me, about five minutes later, she got up from her seat and excused herself with a forced smile on her face as she spoke with those annoying students that crowded her. Once she left the classroom, I got up from my seat and walked out as well, ignoring the looks Loyd and Muria sent my way. This is my mission, so I can do this by myself.

Once I had left the classroom, I looked to my left and saw Irina, who was intentionally waiting for me. However, she didn't approach me to talk just yet, which I understand since there's plenty of people around us. She probably wanted more privacy, which was why she started walking down the hallway in search of a place where privacy could be offered. Since she's not familiar with the school yet, it would appear that she's struggling since everywhere she goes, she left with a dissatisfied frown. Being the good person that I am, I decided that I should offer her some help.

I coughed to gain her attention, which I did successfully. Then, with a slight turn of my head in the opposite direction she was walking in, I signaled for her to follow me. Her facial expression upon seeing that was one of a frightful shock. However, she seemed to have made up her mind and had summoned enough courage to follow me. Seeing that she's now ready to follow, I started leading the way.

During lunch break is when the students whose friends are in a different class from them socialize. There's constantly people in the hallway and the roof is a popular spot for couples to go to enjoy some time together. Therefore, the only place that has the fewest people is the secondary building.

I led Irina up the stairs to where the accessway was located, and I crossed the accessway into the secondary building. Just as I had expected, the secondary building was extremely quit when compared to the main lecture building with no one in sight. However, to be safe, I decided that we must find somewhere that is more hidden and concealed because it will be extremely awkward for both her and I if someone were to see us together at lunch in a somewhat secluded location.

I chose an unlocked classroom to be our meeting spot, and I entered the classroom with Irina following not too far behind. Once she's inside, I looked around the hallway before sliding the door shut.

"So," she said in a steady yet frightened voice. "What is it that you want?"

"What's bothering you?" I simply asked and getting directly to the point.

"Stop going in circles. Tell me, is it money?" She seemed to have misunderstood my speech. "Or is it—" she brought both hands up over her chest. "—my body?"

"I don't want money, I don't want anything," I simply said and looked coldly into her eyes. "I want to know what's bothering you? What is this thing that you might sacrifice your body for?"

"What do you mean?" Irina asked. "I got nothing to tell you."

"Yes you do," I stepped towards her until she backed up against the chalkboard at the front of the classroom. I then slammed my hand directly next to her face and onto the chalkboard. "Tell me," I whispered as I gazed into her eyes.

"I..." she whispered with her eyes wavering in either fear or uncertainty and quickly pushed me away. "I've got nothing to tell you. If you're not going to tell me what you're after, then I'll take my leave then. What a waste of time."