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<span class="mu-s">“The boot was giving me a rash, so I took it off and tried to limp back to my dorm room for some ointment.”</span> you said, a note of genuine embarrassment in your voice.
The security guard glanced down at your foot, and you moved it behind your other leg to hide it.
<span class="mu-b">“Well…why didn't you just ask someone else to get it for you?”</span> he argued, sounding a bit flustered.
You shook your head frantically.
<span class="mu-s">“No way! Do you have any idea how embarrassing that would be?”</span>
You gave the man a pleading look. If he somehow hated you more than you thought he did, then he might just escort you to the counselor’s office to be spiteful.
<span class="mu-b">“You wouldn’t have made it like that before the bell rang.”</span> he said, his eyes softening a bit.
<span class="mu-s">“I might have if you hadn’t stopped me.”</span> you thought, but didn’t dare say out loud.
He let out a sigh and shook his head. You prepared for the worst.
<span class="mu-b">“Do you need me to help you to your room? Or call someone?”</span>
You blinked in surprise.
<span class="mu-s">“Thanks, but…I'll manage on my own.”</span>
The man guffawed.
<span class="mu-b">“With only one good foot?”</span>
<span class="mu-s">“I might still be able to make it if you let me go~.”</span> you said in an optimistic tone.
He waved a hand at you.
<span class="mu-b">“Don't worry about it. Just tell your teacher to come see me later.”</span>
You gave him a grateful smile and bowed your head.
<span class="mu-s">“Thank you so much. I’ll be sure to get the, um–ointment and-”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“And get someone to help you to your dorm.”</span> he reminded you.
You slowly backed away, faking a limp to the best of your ability.
<span class="mu-s">“If someone's available, sure.”</span> you lied.
<span class="mu-b">“I'm serious, Moon. You can't do it all alone. I don't care how much karate you know.”</span>
You suppressed an eye roll, but you didn’t wanna ruin this moment. This was the most civil conversation you've ever had with this man. It was almost enough for you to forget that he was basically your arch-nemesis.
But, good things couldn't last forever. You knew that more than most. So as soon as he turned his head, you dove out of a nearby window without hesitation.
—----
After picking twigs and leaves out of your hair and slipping your shoes back on, you ran over to the gathering crowd of students and pushed your way towards the front.
<span class="mu-s">“Excuse me! Sorry! Coming through. Move…out of the…way!”</span>
You had to dodge a few elbows and shove some people out of your way. But after a few seconds, people started to notice you, and a susurration ran through the crowd far faster than you could have moved.
You picked up the words “Karate Kid” more than once. And you might’ve gotten a little annoyed if it wasn't working in your favor.
People started moving out of your way as if you were the neighborhood bully showing up at a playground.
Ben must’ve noticed the disturbance, because he was already looking in your direction by the time you reached him.
(Cont.)
