Believer ~Jean x Reader AU~

Chapter 20: Confrontation

Dear Maria Rose University Student,

Due to current events in recent days, campus security will be increased. All students are recommended to travel in groups at all time -pairs at the very least. The campus gates will be closed from the hours of 10 PM to 6 AM on weekdays and 12 AM to 6 AM on weekends. Men and women will not be permitted in the opposite sex's dorm during the hours of 8 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 7 AM on weekends -same applies for fraternity and sorority houses. Guards will be stationed at the gates, each dorm entrance, and outside the Houses. The campus will also be closed to the public and all festivities postponed until further notice.

Your safety is our priority. Please report any suspicious activity to the helpline at (XXX) XXX-XXXX or the nonemergency line. In cases of an emergency, please call XXX.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Erwin Smith, Dean of Students

I just stared at the email, my thoughts wandering. Honestly, I wasn't surprised that they were taking more action, but I didn't expect all that. The curfews I thought were a little ridiculous. I just thought that they were set too early, though the stationing of multiple guards was much appreciated. Having them was sure to ease the atmosphere on campus.

I just sighed and exited out of the email, bringing my gaze up. The early evening sun trickled in through my window, the raw light filtering through my mesh curtains. The luminance caused shadows to dance across parts of my dorm room, the bronzy hues moving elegantly. It wasn't really much, but it was still oddly beautiful. It was also peaceful.

I closed my eyes and leaned my head back. The gentle hum of the building's heat still rolled through the atmosphere since the weather was still swaying between nice and warm to bitterly cold. It was a peacefulness that could easily ease me to sleep. Which was what I was trying to do until I heard a knock at my door.

I perked up, my eyes opening as I glanced over to it. My heart hammered against my ribs as my pulse strummed in my ears. I stared at that door, confused as to why anyone would knock on it. Then again, I just figured that maybe it had been my neighbor's door and I just heard it.

I waited a few more moments when I heard another knock. There was no mistaking it. Whoever it was, they were definitely knocking on my door. So, not really wanting to, I climbed out of my bed and took steady steps to my door just as a third knock came, causing me to jump a little. With trembling hands, I grabbed the doorknob and slowly pulled the door open to be greeted by the view of Jean.

To my surprise, he didn't look as relaxed as he had earlier that day. He appeared tense with how his hands remained in the pockets of his jeans. His lips were pressed in a hard line that spelled that he was in a foul mood. At least, I believed he was.

"Hey. I need to talk to you," he said. He nodded into my room, continuing, "May I come in?"

Feeling numb, I swallowed, "Uh...s-sure."

I moved aside and granted him access. He moved in pass me and stood in the center of my room. I closed the door behind him and braced myself for whatever it was he had to say. And, knowing what I knew, it couldn't have been anything good.

"So," I swallowed, "what do you wanna talk about?"

He narrowed his eyes. "Oh, I wonder." He shoved his hands into his hoody's pockets. "Get your sketchbook back?"

And there was my bad luck catching up to me. Of fucking course.

"Listen," I huffed, glancing down at my feet. "I...I didn't mean for that to happen. I just happened to get there a few minutes before you two." I brought my gaze back to him. "I promise, I never had any intentions of telling anyone."

"If that was the case, then how come you never came forward, huh?" he snapped.

I dropped my eyes, stammering, "I-I don't know. I figured it didn't m-matter. Maybe even gave you two a little peace of mind."

"How generous of you," he said dryly. "So, were you just going to keep this a secret forever?"

I fidgeted with my fingers. That was a good question. Did I ever plan on telling him? That was a silly question. No...no, I never had any intentions of telling either of them. I mean, to me, it just didn't seem right. Then again, none of it was right.

"Listen, I get that you're pissed," I sighed, slowly glimpsing up. "But, I really and truly was never going to say anything to anyone."

"So, that's a yes," he swallowed. "You were just going to keep that to yourself and act all innocent?"

"That's not what I said," I panicked. My heart was beating my sternum wildly. "That's not what I said at all. All I meant is that I figured none of it was my business." I lowered my voice, whispering, "Look, I'm...I'm sorry. I'm sorry if...if I caused any panic or -"

"What a joke," he scoffed, shaking his head.

I watched as he planted his hands on his hips, shaking his head. He shifted his weight from one leg and to the other. He brought his gaze to me, those irises gleaming like bronzy flames. So many emotions floated at the surface of his features. The usual frustration, annoyance, and a dash of anger...they were all there. They were all present and accounted for...yay me.

He sucked in his cheeks, biting his lip and breathed, "Ya know...to be honest, I don't even know why I care about any of this. The campus knows now anyway about Alexandra and I. So, I shouldn't give a shit regardless."

I scratched the back of my neck. "T-then...why...why are you here?"

That caught his attention. His eyes slightly widened as his mouth became agape. It seemed I asked the magical question. I caught him off guard. He seemed to not know how to respond, which I found almost amusing. Okay, I did find it pretty amusing.

"I...I...I don't know," he replied, his tone low.

His stare met mine directly, his mouth still slightly open. His breath was growing harsh, his chest rising and falling heavily. His hands were now dropped at his sides, each balled into fists as if he was fighting himself.

But why?

**Ello my wonderfully sweet lovelies! Now is the big confrontation. It is confirmed that he is 100% aware that Y/N is the sketchbook's owner. There is no doubting it now. BUT, we're not finished yet! As always, thank you so much for everything! I'll see ya in the next chapter! Y'all are awesome sauce!! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross