Chapter 74: Chapter 74

HUNTER

I was nervous as if this was the first time I met Jonea. I even arrived at the place we agreed to meet an hour early. I kept checking the watch on my wrist.

"Hi!" Jonea greeted.

I turned around. She really came.

"Hi," I replied. "How are you? You didn't reply to my messages. I thought you—"

I was at a loss for words as Jonea stared at me expressionlessly. Wait, I felt something was different. Today, she seemed…

"Oh, aren't we going to the museum and art gallery today? I've checked the exhibition schedule, and I've also booked tickets for us. But how about we have lunch first?"

Jonea answered expressionlessly. "I was thinking of a restaurant. How about we go there?"

"Oh, okay."

I paused momentarily, contemplating Jonea's attitude and speaking, which were completely different from usual. It was as if she were a different person. She didn't look cheerful; she even tended to be too serious. Is she still upset with me?

We went to the restaurant Jonea mentioned. I was a bit surprised when we got there.

"Are you sure this is the place?"

Jonea didn't answer and just walked in. We chose a seat near the window, facing each other. I was baffled about where to start the conversation. She gave off an intimidating aura, and I didn't feel like I was facing Jonea right now.

"You really recommend this restaurant?"

I looked at the interior of the building. It was a very old traditional restaurant. I didn't even know there was a place like this in Blue Sapphire. This restaurant seemed so old-fashioned. The food served also tended to be the taste of old people who wanted to reminisce. Most of the customers who came were also old people.

"I heard this is the best restaurant near campus," Jonea said coldly. "Don't you like it?"

"No, that’s not what I meant!" I answered quickly.

I just didn't think she had such old-fashioned tastes. Did she want to remember her parents? Ah, I miss the Fallon family's chicken restaurant.

"Actually… I wanted to apologize to you about that time. Like you said, I shouldn't let them talk about your appearance. You've always been a tough girl, and I've known you all this time. And I've always admired you no matter what you look like."

Jonea didn't show any expression. Throughout our meeting, she just kept quiet while looking at me talking. This situation really made me feel awkward. I tried to lighten the mood.

"By the way, thank you for not being mad at me anymore," I continued.

"I didn't say I wasn't mad anymore, did I?"

"What?" I was shocked. "Is that so?" I muttered in disappointment.

Jonea was really weird today. She also ate traditional dishes with gusto and really enjoyed them. I've never even tried dishes like that before. But, for some reason, she was so beautiful today. Whatever she did, she was still lovely.

I have to find the right moment to win her heart back. I have to confess my feelings. I can't miss this chance.

***

DARAN

Wow, this wolf is so predictable. Jonea hasn't realized what this guy's intentions and goals are. How should I get rid of him?

All day long, I was going around with Hunter Abraham to complete the group assignment in place of Jonea; he kept looking for opportunities to make physical contact. I tried my best to avoid him. This is really annoying! I can't imagine if this red wolf did it to Jonea.

Even at the museum, he kept trying to kiss me! It was disgusting. The smell of the wolf's breath really bothered me. I had to hit him on the head because he was too much.

Hunter's eyes widened in shock. I should have killed him. Just hitting him wouldn't be enough!

"Jonea, I'm sorry I didn't mean to do anything bad to you!" he begged me like a sewer rat.

"Enough!" I said firmly. "I wanted to see you today because I had to. We have to complete the assignment together. I think a visit to the museum and gallery would be enough. I'm going home. Don't contact me again!"

I turned around and was about to leave Hunter, but he ran and stopped me.

"Aland!" he said in a hushed voice. "Don't you want to know about him?"

I narrowed my eyes. Who was he talking about? Was Aland related to Jonea? Is that the dragon rider? Should I read Hunter's mind?

"Let's talk about it another time!" I finally said.

I didn't want to make a mistake that would endanger Jonea. I thought Hunter was testing me. Maybe he knew I wasn't Jonea.

"Let me take you home. It's nighttime now, and it's quite dangerous outside."

I glared at him. "I'm pretty good at looking after and protecting myself. And I think you're far more dangerous than the threats out there."

“Jonea… Why did you… I didn’t mean it like that…”

I ignored him and immediately left the museum. I looked for a quiet place and to use my powers. I returned my form to the original.

Hunter ran and passed me. It seemed like he didn't realize it was me. Hunter kept looking around. Maybe he was looking for Jonea.

"Damn! I've messed everything up. It was going well at first. Where did Jonea go? Why did she disappear so quickly? Did she take a taxi?"

I walked away from Hunter. Today was enough to teach him a lesson not to bother Jonea. But he was pretty good at hiding his feelings. I had to find another way.

I went home and stood in front of Jonea's closed bedroom door. It seemed like she was already asleep.

Today was so tiring. I went back to the living room, sat on the sofa, and leaned my back.

***

JONEA

I woke up. When I checked the clock, it was already one a.m. I feel very thirsty. When I was about to go to the kitchen, I saw Daran lying on the sofa.

I approached and checked on him. "Daran? Why are you sleeping here?"

This was surprising because I rarely saw Daran sleep, especially at night. Had something happened to him while he was away meeting Hunter? Did Hunter hurt Daran?

Thinking about that possibility, I became even more panicked. I shook Daran slowly to wake him up.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

But Daran didn't move at all. He was sleeping very soundly. I returned to the room and got a blanket and pillow for him. Then I knelt in front of him. He even slept with a mask on.

"I feel guilty for making you go through all this. Am I too mean for only thinking about myself?"

I reached out to caress the mask on his face. What would happen if I took off the mask? Would I really see his natural face?

Unconsciously, my hand had moved and slowly removed the mask. My chest was pounding with excitement. The mask was half open. I saw Daran's sleeping face. He was so handsome and so natural.

Suddenly, Daran opened his eyes. I gasped in surprise and almost jumped back. Daran gripped my hand so that I couldn't move.

"You have to take responsibility," Daran said in a hoarse voice.

"I… didn't mean to. I'm sorry."

Daran pulled me closer until our faces were almost touching.

"You have to take responsibility for waking up the sleeping lycan king!"