School Infirmary – Afternoon
Eric lay on the infirmary bed, pretending to sleep comfortably. Justin sat beside him, watching him closely.
Justin (thinking, frustrated):
"Why the hell do I feel like this? He… he murdered me before, and now… why does my heart feel weird? Justin, wake up! Don't fall for this again!" 😤
He lightly hit his own face.
Justin: "Come on, dude, get a grip!" 😤
Time slowly passed, and the afternoon sun filtered through the windows. Eric finally stirred and sat up, glancing around the empty infirmary.
Eric (thinking):
"Why am I feeling disappointed? He's just a tool… a way to reach my target. So why does it feel like… sadness?" 🥲
Before he could process further, he heard footsteps approaching. Acting quickly, he flopped back onto the bed, pretending to sleep. 😴
Through the door, Lussy's cheerful voice rang out:
Lussy: "Yeah, Justin! Move over, I'll feed him. He's my darling!" 🥰
Emily: "Guys, don't fight over this! Calm down!" 😅
Justin (indignant, whispering): "What the… is he your husband or something, girl? You're just ten!" 😤
He lightly pushed Emily, who stumbled.
Emily: "Hey! What the—" 😶
Thomas: (catching her) "Be careful!" 😒
Lussy: "Ugh, shut up!" 😤
Finally, Justin picked up his food and started eating, too hungry to continue arguing. Emily joined in, silently glaring at him but eating anyway.
Eric, lying on the bed, allowed a small, almost imperceptible smile to appear on his face as he watched the cousins bicker and feed each other. Something about their chaotic energy felt… strangely comforting. 😊
He realized then—these children, their innocence, their tiny disputes, even their laughter—it was a reminder of life beyond his mission, and for a fleeting moment, he felt… human.
---continue