friend chapter 8

The boy remained silent for the rest of the walk to the student council room.

“Here we are. The student council room.”

“Thank you, Lady Lumina Ashford.”

Wait. I stopped mid-turn. “How do you know my name…?” Jade only used my nickname. The boy smiled silently and removed his hat. His appearance began to shift. He grew taller, from my chest height to someone I had to look up to. The freckles on his nose vanished, and his plain face transformed, revealing sharp, distinct features.

“We met before. It’s been a while.” His voice was a smooth, elegant baritone. I blinked, struggling to process the situation unfolding before me. Golden eyes with a languid gaze, framed by dark navy hair. His beauty was dangerous. The morning sun glinted off his sharp nose. I was momentarily lost in his unrealistically handsome face, forgetting who he was, until he stepped closer, his breath warm on my forehead. ‘Oh my god…!’

It was Edward Oberstein. I paled, remembering my earlier pronouncements.

“Yo-Your Highness…”

“You said you wanted to melt because of my intense eyes.”

Oh, God. Even in my panic, I’d tried to maintain some semblance of decorum. ‘Who said that? Oh, right, me. Ha ha ha. I’m such an idiot.’ My face burned with shame.

“Th-that’s not… I mean…”

“Interesting taste.” Edward chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. I wanted to die.

“Come to think of it, you couldn’t even look at me last time… Were you shy?”

“….”

Two months ago, there had been a ball at the imperial palace for Edward’s birthday. I’d briefly met him then, accompanying my father. I’d kept my head down, afraid of attracting his attention. Shy? Absolutely not. Terrified, more like. Because he was a lunatic!

“Yes, I never dreamed my feelings would be revealed like this. Had I known you were disguised as a boy, I would have been more careful with my words. I apologize.” I plastered a smile on my face, clinging to the last shreds of my dignity. It was a perfect response. I was proud of myself. Why did he have to go around in disguise, making things so awkward? 

I know why, though.

Edward hated being the center of attention. Everyone looked at him with either fear or awe. He found their constant scrutiny annoying and often used transformation magic to move around unnoticed. I’d read about it in the original novel. Was I a transmigrator, or a reincarnator? Either way, I was failing miserably at it. I also knew Edward had a terrible sense of direction. I’d let my guard down. ‘That’s right. Something felt off.’ The boy had been too bold for a commoner and too knowledgeable about noble gossip. And those elegant golden eyes… It all made sense now.

“No need to apologize. I found it quite amusing.” Edward chuckled. Easy for him to say. I wasn’t amused!

“However, I don’t understand.” Edward’s gaze was intense, scrutinizing. I took a step back, unnerved by his proximity, and he closed the distance again.

“You like me, but you don’t want to date me?”

“Of course not. How could I possibly be Your Highness’s lover?”

“Why not? I’m interested.” His golden eyes held a look of sincerity, almost convincing, if it weren’t for the playful curve of his lips. I would have fallen for his act otherwise.

“I appreciate your kind words, but we’re not close enough to be lovers…”

“So we should get to know each other?”

“What?” My bewildered response was completely involuntary. What was he talking about? Oblivious to my inner turmoil, Edward smiled, looking pleased.

“Perfect timing. I was curious about you, too.” We could get to know each other gradually. Edward’s words were ominous.

“Ha ha. I’m not sure what you mean. By the way, Your Highness, aren’t you going in?” It was my way of telling him to disappear. He had a freshman orientation to attend! He should be at the auditorium, not here.

“Right. I don’t have time now.” He seemed to understand, opening the door to the student council room. “Next time we meet, be a little greedier. It’ll be more fun that way.”

“What?”

“Keep liking me.”