The library was filled with rows upon rows of shelves that housed thousands of books, reaching all the way up to the high ceiling. Sunlight filtered in through the large windows, casting a warm glow on the wooden floor and creating a peaceful ambience.
The sound of pages turning and the quiet whispers of students filled the air, creating an environment perfect for studying and focusing on academic pursuits. In the centre of the room stood a large wooden desk, behind which sat the librarian, who was busy assisting students with their queries.
The scent of old books mixed with the freshness of ink and paper created an aroma that was both comforting and nostalgic. I along with Stella, Sun-Jung and Ji-Ho sat on a bench of four, sharing copies and completing our homework.
After completing four mathematical exercises, along with numerous questions in chemistry and physics, the three hours allocated for studying passed by quickly.
"Finally done," declared Ji-Ho.
Just as she finished speaking, the bell rang indicating that the time was up.
"And the time's up too," I added.
Stella asked, "Leaving one question unanswered wouldn't make much of a difference, would it?"
"I don't think Ms Mun would have any objections to such a small detail," replied Ji-Ho.
Sun-Jung then asked, "What about one exercise?"
We all remained silent and looked at him, but made no comment.
"All right folks, let's head to the café, I think we've studied enough for the day", suggested Ji-Ho, breaking the silence.
"But we still have four periods left," I pointed out.
"Ah, who cares about classes?" Ji-Ho shrugged. "We can learn everything we need on our own."
"I'm with you", chimed in Stella, as she got up from her desk.
"Come on Sun, I don't think any of the teachers will say anything about our studies when the main focus of this academy is to learn combat abilities," Ji-Ho said, closing Sun-Jung's books and taking his pen from him.
Sun-Jung hesitated for a moment before finally nodding, "Okay".
We marked our attendance in the library register and headed towards the cafeteria, which was conveniently located right next to the library. In fact, many students would bring their snacks into the library after purchasing them from the café. After a quick five-minute walk, we arrived at the café entrance.
"Excuse me, may I join you all?"
A familiar voice interrupted us, and we turned to see who it was. Ruby Leplay stood before us with her long cobalt red hair, sparkling emerald green eyes, captivating physique, and fair skin. Wearing her academy dress, she appeared as the epitome of innocence and cuteness, and it was no wonder that she immediately stole the hearts of Ji-Ho and Stella. Before they could answer, I knew she had become a part of our group.
"Are you Ruby?" Stella asked as she stepped forward, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Yes, that's me," Ruby replied, and Stella said, "Of course, you can join us, and don't hesitate to ask next time."
"You are so beautiful," Ji-Ho exclaimed. "Are you really the same person we saw at the counter three days ago?"
"I was busy and tired that day and didn't have time to take care of my appearance, so it may have looked a bit messy," Ruby explained.
"I can understand that," Ji-Ho said, taking Ruby's hand. "Come on, let's go get something to eat.
"Hi." Finally, Sun-Jung spoke up, His face was flustered, but I could sense fear lurking within him. I guessed this was because of Ruby's presence.
And everyone ignored him, and walked past him, towards the fourteenth floor of the café.
"Ruby, weren't you supposed to be working at the café today?" I asked her.
"What are you talking about?" Ruby replied, giving me a look of confusion. "Did you forget already?"
"Forget what?" I asked, drawing the attention of the rest of our group.
"You gave me this card this morning," Ruby said, holding up my café point card. "So I wouldn't have to work at the café anymore."
'When did she?', I was taken aback, wondering when she had obtained the card. It was usually kept in my storage ring at all times.
"Oh, I must have forgotten," I said, still trying to make sense of the situation.
"Idiot," Stella, Ji-Ho, and Sun-Jung chorused in unison, mocking me.
Upon arrival at the same restaurant we had dined at the day before, the place was empty. Taking up a spot in the inner corner, we placed our orders, with Ruby using my café point card and giving me a suggestive wink. She was acting the part of the perfect girl and had formed strong bonds with Stella and Ji-Ho, while mostly ignoring Sun-Jung.
Throughout the meal, Ruby kept teasing me by subtly reaching for my groin with her legs. Despite the uncomfortable atmosphere, we finished our meal and headed back to our classes.
The day was filled with monotonous classes, including long lectures on literature, revised history, and chemistry until finally, it was time for students to disperse at 6 pm.
As I entered the dorm building, I made my way to the elevator and pressed the button for the 30th floor, where my apartment was located. I swiped my card and the door lock emitted a short beep, signalling that it was unlocked. I entered the apartment's gallery and walked towards the drawing room.
I removed my shoes and placed them on the rack. I also took off my socks and threw them into a nearby bucket for dirty clothes, putting on a pair of slippers I headed towards the drawing room, where the sound of the TV could be heard.
I walked into the drawing room and found Remi sitting on Ruby's lap, with her arms wrapped around her as they both watched "The Nanny" with great interest. They were snacking on fries on the table in front of them, and the room was littered with soft drink cans and discarded wrappers, making the environment appear untidy.
Without disturbing them, I walked inside my room, changed into a comfortable black t-shirt and pyjamas, and went into the kitchen to search for something to eat. Ruby got up from the sofa and followed me behind.
"Are you going to stay in my dorm from now on?" I asked her as I pulled the pizza out of the box and placed it on a plate.
"Can't I?" she replied, wrapping her arms around me suggestively as her chest pressed against my back.
"Sure, how is Remi doing?" I asked.
"It will take time, but there has been significant improvement. She seems to have become more open with me, but still fears beds," Ruby said as she released me and placed the plate in the oven, turning it on.
"I guess I don't need a psychiatrist then?" I asked.
"Definitely", she replied as she moved towards me and stood on her toes.
She embraced me and initiated a passionate kiss clinging to my neck as we locked lips for the next couple of minutes. After separating, she went to the oven and took out the warm pizza from the plastic plate.
Handing me the plate, she said, "I'll be sleeping by Remi's side on the couch, so go ahead and enjoy your meal. If you need anything, just call my name a bit louder."
Ruby took a slice of pizza in her hand and bit into it as she walked by me. With a seductive tone, she added, "And I mean it, for anything." She gave me a suggestive look before settling down on the couch beside Remi.
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