Chapter 12: "Commute Confessions and Campus Quirks"
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Ok,enough of the serious gang stuff, let's move on to a daily life of our misunderstood MC. This chapter is like a slice of time from his life.Also, as a guide, the thoughts are in italics.Enjoy!
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Lucas Cain slipped into the back seat of Sebastian Mohram's sleek black sedan, rainwater dripping from his coat onto the plush leather. The neon blur of the city reflected off the windows, turning the world outside into a kaleidoscope of motion.
"Thanks for the lift," Lucas said, wiping his hair back. He thought of Sebastian as the ultimate manager–butler–bodyguard trifecta: always one step ahead, never flustered, and always giving him the VIP treatment.
Sebastian's gloved hands tightened on the wheel. In his mind, Alexander Cain had returned—stronger, wiser, and now masquerading as an acting student to gauge the reactions of both the underworld and his old allies.
"Of course, my lord," Sebastian replied in a low, respectful tone. He believed every lie Lucas fed him on stage the previous night was a genuine declaration of war and mercy.
Lucas blinked at the flattery. My lord? "It's Lucas," he corrected, flashing a grin. "Just Lucas."
Sebastian swallowed. 'Lord'? "No matter. Titles are mere details. He offered a small bow in the rearview mirror."
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A Rainy Commute
Lucas leaned back. "That meeting with Mr. Vance was wild. The guy really believed I was 'Alexander.'" He laughed, thinking of his own pantomime of menace.
Sebastian's heart leaped. He remembers. "Yes, and your performance convinced even our most skeptical director. He is preparing the circle to follow your guidance."
Lucas frowned. "Preparing? I thought they just wanted an audition tape."
Sebastian's eyes gleamed. "They prepare for war". "It is much more than that, sir. The circle awaits your command."
Lucas shrugged. "Speaking of commands—I'm starving. Think we can swing by that pizza place?"
Sebastian nodded eagerly. 'I will procure sustenance worthy of a king'.
"Yes, of course."
He tapped his phone. "I will alert the driver."
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "You have two drivers?"
Sebastian's lips curved into a proud, conspiratorial smile. "One for the car, one for… emergencies."
"Emergency pizza deliveries—vital". Sebastian's conviction never wavered.
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Dorm Arrival Under Cover
Sebastian parked under the dim glow of the dorm's porchlight. Lucas opened the door and shook off the rain.
"Home sweet—" Lucas slipped into a puddle as Sebastian produced a folded umbrella and shielded him from unseen observers.
Lucas looked up. "Thanks, man. You always have my back."
Sebastian nodded solemnly.' I must protect him at all costs.'
They entered the lobby where Mina, the barista turned midnight attendant, pressed a steaming cup of Storm Calmer tea into Lucas's hands.
"Big night?" she asked.
Lucas beamed. "Best night ever." He sipped, warming instantly. "You always know what I need."
Sebastian watched, envy and pride warring in his chest. 'She senses his essence, as do I.'
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Elevator to the Penthouse
In the elevator, Lucas rested against the mirrored wall, still savoring the tea.
"Sebastian," Lucas began, "about that 'circle' thing—do they meet often?"
Sebastian's face remained serene.
They gather at your command.
"They assemble only when you call, my lord."
Lucas blinked. My lord? He cleared his throat. "Right. I'll let you know."
Sebastian pressed the penthouse button. "Of course."
Lucas shook his head, smiling. "You're something else."
Sebastian's lips twitched into a faint smile. He appreciates my loyalty.
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Morning Campus—Trait in Action
The next morning, Lucas strolled onto campus with Sebastian at his side, ever watchful. The pair passed Dr. Sandoval's office.
Dr. Sandoval's [Memory Recall] trait reeled in his presence: 'the brooding genius returned from exile.' She tapped her chin thoughtfully.
Lucas waved. "Morning, Professor!"
Dr. Sandoval smiled wistfully. "Mr. Cain, your analysis of Kafka was… illuminating."
Lucas shrugged. "Just riffing off the syllabus."
Sebastian folded behind him, hand to ear: All accounts confirm her devotion.
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Café Politics and Brew Infuse
At Maya's café, the line was long. Maya's Brew Infuse trait let her craft drinks that tailored energy and emotion.
"Two espressos," Lucas ordered, stepping aside.
Maya paused. 'The Savior?' flashed in her mind. 'His aura radiates reassurance.', she thought.while pouring two cups with extra foam hearts.
Lucas paid, handed one to Sebastian. "Fuel for the soul."
Sebastian inhaled deeply. Ambrosia. "Excellent."
Outside, a pair of students whispered, "He's fundraising for underprivileged districts," "He just donated to the library"—all imagined from Lucas's polite tip.
Lucas shrugged. "I just paid!"
Sebastian, shaking with quiet joy: They believe every act of my lord.
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Oliver's "Help Me" Scene
By afternoon, Lucas found Oliver in the lounge, draped over a couch, sobbing into a textbook.
"Bro, what's up?" Lucas asked, sitting beside him.
Oliver sniffed. "My play's too shallow. I need depth."
Lucas ruffled Oliver's hair. "Try tragedy. Betrayal. You know—the works."
Oliver brightened. "Like last night's performance. You were so… intense."
Lucas shook his head. "Just channel the moment. Feel it."
Sebastian watched from the doorway, chest swelling. 'He teaches with the authority of a king.'
Oliver hugged Lucas. "Thanks."
Lucas grinned at Sebastian. "See? Manager-strategist approved."
Sebastian bowed from the doorway, tears of loyalty shining. My lord…
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Return to the Penthouse—A Quiet Feast
Lucas and Sebastian returned to the penthouse that evening. The table was set with steaming pizza, garlic knots, and salad.
Lucas sank into a chair. "You're killing me with this hospitality."
Sebastian poured wine—oak-aged emotional stability. "For your momentous return."
Lucas raised a slice. "To… whatever I just did."
They toasted. Lucas bit into the pizza; Sebastian watched every chew like a proud knight.
Lucas licked sauce from his lips. "Life's good."
Sebastian's heart soared. He's found comfort in my service. "Indeed, my lord. Indeed."
And as the city trembled at the supposed return of a demon-king, in the penthouse, a student and his devoted guardian simply enjoyed pizza and wine—caught in a perfect misunderstanding that bound them together across legend and reality.
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End of Chapter 12.