Page 6 of Until We Burn
I need to get away from this class. Away from these horrible, absurd projections. Away from Kai and his disturbingly disarming gaze.
“This is too much for a morning class,” I mutter.
Kai laughs, raising his hands in defense. “Like I said. But hey, these are just assumptions based on some creepy projections. I could be totally wrong about you.”
“You are,”I insist.
“Alright, then.” He draws back into his chair, propping his elbow against the back. “Now, do me.”
My eyes widen. “I will not!”
“I mean, it’s your turn toanalyzeme.” Kai cocks his head, mischief flickering over his face. “Where’s your head at this morning, Diana?”
“It’s. . .it’s your fault!” I sputter, “Who uses the words ‘do me’ in an academic setting?”
“To be fair, the words ‘do me’ can be completely appropriate in the right context,” Kai defends.
“We are in broad daylight, Kai. You need to stop saying the words‘do me.’”
Mellonbaum halts in front of us, looking utterly disturbed. “Do I need to separate you two?”
“Yes—”
“—No.”
I want to sink into a hole and die. Kai, on the other hand, smiles at the floor with his arms crossed over his chest. I desperately turn towards the clock. 10:35. There are only ten more minutes left until the end of class.Ten minutes. You can do it, Diana. Just get this exercise over with, and you never have to get this close to him again.I gulp down the last bit of matcha in my cup before I turn back to him.
Kai raises his brow. “Well?”
A projection of broken and tattered wings unfurls behind him. It would’ve made anyone look weak and despondent, but Kai looks powerful and resilient instead. He bears the wings with a determined air, shoulders tall, chin held up high. At the same time, there’s a restlessness in his eyes I can’t ignore.
My mind fumbles and blanks. I fiddle with my empty matcha cup, avoiding his gaze.
“At first glance—” I gulp. “I can tell that you’re strong. You’re good at lifting things.”
“Come on,” Kai groans, “you’re hardly trying.”
“I am.”
“You’re not even looking at me.”
My fingers dent the paper cup as I meet him head-on again. “I’m looking at you now.”
And I wish I didn’t because the way Kai watches me, waiting for my next move, unhinges all the good sense in my head. Something quiet inside me burns, threatening to rise and consume me if I ever get too close to him.
“What do you see?” Kai prods.
Temptation.
“Your time is up!” Mellonbaum shouts.
I flinch, backing away in relief. I don’t bother looking Kai’s way. I don’t have to anymore because we’re done with this exercise and I get to leave.
Mellonbaum smiles smugly at the class. “If you thought you couldspend class time dawdling away on your little tablets instead of working on this exercise, you are very wrong.”
My stomach stirs with dread.
“The write-up for this exercise will be your first assignment. It will allow me to gauge your proficiency in writing and analysis,” Mellonbaum explains. “I encourage you to work closely with your partner in order to write the most meaningful, thought-provoking piece you can about one another.”
