Part 3
929 Words
Mirza, Elite’s resident bad boy, has just invited Shalina to the kick-off party as his date. Mirza raises his eyebrows, waiting for an answer.
“ Yes? “
I can’t believe he just asked me out.
“ Why would you ask me out? “
“ Why wouldn’t I? “
“ Because you called me farm girl in front of your friends “
“ First, they’re not my friends. Secondly, who said I don’t like farm girls? “
Shalina searches his face for clues, but those eyes give nothing away. “ I’m going to the party anyway. I’ll just see you there “
There. I didn’t say yes or no.
“ I suppose you will “
“ If you’re asking me out, I assume you’re not the one who left the note, then? “
“ What note? “
Shalina starts to answer but stops quickly. Her spidey senses are tingling.
Maybe it’s better if I don’t say anything. “ never mind “
“ I say so, farm girl “ he offers his hand for her to shake. But before she can, he slaps a glove on.
“ Germs, you understand “ Shalina stare, uncomprehending. But he just winks and uses his gloved hand to pull her closer.
“ Before I leave, I did promise to tell you the rules, Kirania “
Those damn rules again, “ Yes, the rules. But first, why are you wearing a glove? “
Mirza’s grin grows even wider, “ We’ll get to that “
“ As part of the rules, you mean? “ Mirza smirks. He leans in whispering in her ear.
“ You don’t like rules, do you, farm girl? “ he’s not touching Shalina, but she shivers involuntarily.
“ I don’t think anyone is a fan of rules “
“ Well, I am. And rules number 1 at Elite, no speaking to the Elect unless you’ve been asked to speak “
“ Well.. “
“ You’re an impatient one, aren’t you, Kirania? “
“ It’s Kirania again, now? Not farm girl “
“ It depends on my mood, farm girl “
“ But -- “
“ No interrupting. You’re already breaking the first rule. And we need to move on “ She struggle to hold her tongue.
“ Rule number two. No eye contact with the Elect, even when you’re speaking to them “ Mirza makes eye contact with Shalina, daring her to look away.
“ Do you have to follow these rules, too? “ Mirza doesn’t answer.
“ Rul number three. No touching the Elect. Ever “ he lifts his gloved hand, waving it in her face.
“ Hence, the glove “
“ Why should I follow any of these rules? “
“ Because they are the Elect’s rules. Are you done interrupting me? “ she nodded.
“ Go on then. Tell me about the Elect “
“ The Elect run the school “
“ And …”
“ … and I’m the leader of the Elect “ Mirza’s penetrating gaze makes her feel as though herself having a panic attack.
“ You’re the leader of the Elect? “
“ The one and only “
Now I know why everyone is so deferential to him.
“ Who started the Elect? Why do they exist? Did you get voted in as the leader -- “
“ You just can’t stop breaking the rules, can you? I told you. No talking unless I ask you a question. There’s one final rule “ he hands her a Metallic Blue Access Key Card.
“ You have to earn the right to use what we have “
“ What do you mean, ‘ earn the right’? “
“ The pools, the weight rooms, your food. Everything needs this key card “
“ Why would I need it for food? “
“ Right now, this card gains you access into the cafeteria, twice a day. Not three times “
“ Excuse me? “
” We don’t want you eating away your feelings, do we? “ Shalina glare at him, horrified. She purses her lips but keeps quiet. Mirza nods approvingly.
“ If you use the card wisely and impress me, I may just up your freedom. Until then, step aside “ Shalina realizes she has blocked the dorm room’s exit. She freeze, uncertain. Mirza scowls at her.
“ Move aside “ she reacts with instinct, and pushes back against his chest. “ did you just touch me? “
“ I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to “
“ You didn’t mean to? “
“ You threatened me “
“ I was trying to protect you “
“ Protect me? Protect me from what? “ Mirza’s guard quickly comes back up.
“ Are you always this nosy? “
“ But even nosy people know when to give up the fight “ tired of back-and-forth, she finally just open the door for him. He takes one look outside the room and stops.
“ Oh no… “ he quickly slams the door shut, a hint of fear in his eyes. From the other side of the door, we hear Nesya shouting.
“ Mirza, open the damn door! “
- Writer
