Chapter 81 Warm Embrace

Kia

The problem started to affect a significant number of people across campus. The narrative has been told in a great variety of ways, and we do not have any kind of control over any of those versions. Marcy deleted every single online post that was related to my problem; however, nothing else moved forward. The topic is still being discussed on the internet, and links to various discussions about it can be found in various places.

The streets are empty in the afternoon, and the silence draws attention to the fact that I am by myself in this part of the world. This makes my walk home in the afternoon feel a little bit unsettling. I have not called Ares yet because I don't want him to become concerned about me in the meantime. Before I can tell him anything, I have to clean up this messes first. I don't want him to accuse me of being dishonest because it would hurt my feelings. He congratulated me on my achievement by giving me presents, but God only knows how hard I worked for days just to study and pass that exam, and those presents are going to make it much more difficult for me to feel proud of my accomplishment. The question is: why? Because of the feeling of being threatened?

After several days had passed, it was clear that the truth had not yet been revealed. It appears that everyone is conspiring against me, and all they did was spread lies about various aspects of the situation. Some people came to me and pretended to help me, but in the end, they only succeeded in drawing my attention even further to the problems. They were making up stories, and I have no idea how they were able to express themselves in such a manner. I am not responsible for anything that has happened to anyone else. Even though I am kind to everyone, I was not prepared for the fact that they would ignore me and my efforts. Classes have been canceled until they are able to find a solution to the problems, but I have a feeling that the truth is never going to be revealed again. I don't have any allies among this group of robot people because all they do is lie and make stuff up.

Is this what Asteria has been trying to tell me for the past few times? — I can't believe how immature she still acts!

Nothing that I did was ever directed toward her in this location. My existence was becoming increasingly difficult as a result of her actions. I started by giving her some of the things that I owned, but all she gave back to me in return were things that would cause me harm:

"Hon, are you okay?"

When Ares called my name unexpectedly, I was startled out of my meditative state and brought back to the present. Due to the fact that today is his day off, we decided to have lunch together. He seems concerned by the way he's looking at me.

“Huh? Oh, yeah! I'm fine…" I was the one to respond.

"You are not telling the truth... "You can't keep eye contact with me every time you lie," he muttered to her. "I'm not going to believe you."

"Oh, don't worry about it. It's not that serious. It has nothing to do with anything outside of school..."

Sincerely, he inquired, "You are aware that you can put your complete trust in me in any situation, aren't you?"

I have no choice but to adore him. I just can't help it. He has been nothing but a good and generous friend to me throughout all of this. Even though he was never guilty of anything dishonorable, I am quick to condemn him because of just one lie. Do I really deserve to have him as a boyfriend?

"There are some concerns that are being voiced all over campus right now..."

"Because of the problems, you are unable to concentrate on your studies, right?" Do you want me to tell the dean about it?" "Do you want me to report it to the dean?"

As I watched Ares, who was completely oblivious to what was going on, I just let out a strangled gasp...

"This is a problem that pertains to me. Someone make up stories to make me appear bad—"

“Who? No. Wait. What false information have they disseminated?" Ares glances at me passionately. "Have they made you feel uncomfortable?" After that, he interrogated me by asking me a few different questions.

"Hon, you need to settle down... Would it be possible for us to finish our lunch first? I promise that I will explain everything to you in a little while..." I responded, and then I went on to continue eating.

He did nothing but comply with the request that I made of him. During the course of our meal, I became aware of Ares' strange behavior, which had suddenly emerged. It seemed as though he was preoccupied with thoughts so profound that he was unable to pay attention to what he was eating.

Coughing was the only thing I could think of to do in an effort to get his attention, but it was unsuccessful. During the time that I was eating, I did cast a sideways glance in his direction, but I do not believe that he noticed me. He is so absorbed in what he is thinking at this very moment. I don't even want to know what's going through his head. It seems as though he traveled to another dimension and left his body behind here with me.

After I had finished eating, I got up to get some ice cubes from the freezer, and as soon as I did, he immediately raised his head and looked at me in a bewildered manner. "Honey, where are you planning on going?" Oh my goodness, you already licked your plate clean! We are not even close to being done eating. Whatever the case may be, allow me to clean it. You are free to head to the bathroom and take a shower at this time. I was wondering if you had any classes this afternoon. He asked.

"Uhm… There is still one more thing about which I have not informed you, and that is... During the time that the investigation into the matter is still taking place, the dean informed us that we will not be permitted to attend any classes. So… You can count on me to remain in this location with you. Is that the worst you could say? You mentioned that today is a day off for you, so since you have the day off, how about we watch a lot of movies today? Do you have any entertaining films running through your head right now? I inquired in an effort to change the subject and move the conversation in a different direction.

I thought it had worked, but then he stood up suddenly, grabbed my hand, and pulled me closer to him. I realized then that it hadn't worked. After that, I found myself inside his chest. We continued to hold that position for a period of time that I am unable to estimate, but I can say with absolute certainty that it assisted me in becoming less anxious. As he does so, I can almost feel the tip of his nose sniffing my hair as he runs his fingers through it. This is the kind of solace I've been looking forward to experiencing again and again. The feeling of his gentle embrace is exactly what I've been looking for. I can't express how grateful I am that I had the opportunity to go through that once more.

"I know… I am aware that life is becoming increasingly challenging for you at this time. And... and I have no idea how hurt you are from these challenges that you have been experiencing. I have no idea. As your husband, who probably doesn't even notice anything, please accept my sincere apologies, hon. I would like to apologize for not living up to my responsibilities... You are in danger, but I can't even tell that you are in that kind of predicament right now despite the fact that it is my duty to safeguard you. I want you to put that matter to rest from this point forward so that you can focus on other things. I will take measures to ensure that it will no longer be a problem for you... That person will pay the price for making up stories, I assure you of that.

"But I haven't even begun to tell you about the problem yet..." I wanted to make a comment here.

"There's no reason to share that information with me. I do not want you to give it any more thought than is absolutely necessary. Simply put, I will look into it on my own. Therefore, I need you to have faith in my judgment regarding this. Do you trust me?" Ares inquired. There is something blocking my view of his face. I have not yet released his embrace, and I have no intention of doing so any time soon.

I responded to his question with a groan and a "mhmm."