BOUND TO KILL MY MATE

THE EMRGENCY ROOM

SOFIA

“Oh, sorry,” she said, and I realized immediately that she was the girl who had led me to my room earlier. The one with that calm, easygoing presence that somehow made the institute feel slightly less intimidating. I straightened, blinking rapidly, trying to shake off my nerves.

“Hey… any problem?” she asked, tilting her head slightly, concern flickering in her eyes. I was about to shake my head in disapproval, insisting I was fine, but something made me pause. Maybe it was the exhaustion weighing on me, or maybe it was the subtle kindness in her tone. I decided honesty was better than pretending.

“Yeah… I’m famished, and I don’t have any cash on me. Plus, my phone’s been taken from me,” I admitted, feeling the words spill out, awkward yet relieving. She chuckled softly, a melodic sound that seemed to lighten the tension around me.This isn't funny.

“Well, I’m heading to the cafeteria now. Would you like to tag along?” she offered, her tone casual yet inviting. I hesitated for a moment, then nodded, my stomach reminding me of its insistent growls.

I held my bag close, following her as she led the way through winding corridors and open hallways.

The institute was vast. Even after wandering around for what felt like minutes, I could see there were countless wings, classrooms, and common areas I hadn’t explored yet. It was easy to feel lost here. The corridors echoed with laughter and chatter, the clatter of footsteps on polished floors, and faint music drifting from unknown corners.

Soon, we turned a corner, and my eyes widened. The cafeteria was enormous, more like a mini restaurant than a simple school canteen. Long tables lined the floor, people seated in groups chatting and eating, and a wide counter stretched across one end. Bright lights reflected off the polished floors, making the place look even bigger and more welcoming than I had expected.

“I don’t have money either,” I whispered nervously, feeling slightly embarrassed as I looked down at the floor. She smiled, as if reading my mind.

“Well, courtesy of the government… food is free here,” she said lightly. My eyes widened in disbelief.

“Really?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. She nodded, her expression calm, as if this was normal. I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

We approached the counter, placed our orders, and picked up trays laden with food. I couldn’t help but glance around, noticing the efficiency of the cafeteria staff and the organized chaos of students moving in all directions. We eventually found an empty table and settled in. I learned her name was Jane, and she had arrived at the institute only four days ago, just like me.

I dug into my food with almost desperate hunger, savoring each bite. The taste was familiar and comforting, grounding me in the moment. I gulped down a milkshake in long, eager sips, finally allowing myself to relax slightly.

I had nearly consumed half of my plate when a loud, siren-like sound made me pause mid-bite. My fork hovered in the air as I looked around, noticing a few speakers hanging from the ceiling. Jane gave me a quick glance, her eyebrows drawn together in confusion. I mirrored her expression.

Then, people around us began leaving the cafeteria abruptly. Students and staff alike moved quickly, their faces tense and anxious. Jane and I sat frozen for a moment, unsure of what to do.

Then I overheard one of the waitresses muttering under her breath: “I swear… these girls are going to be in deep trouble. Aren’t they supposed to be in the emergency room?”

“Huh?” I asked, turning to Jane. She looked as perplexed as I felt.

“Jane, where is the emergency room?” I inquired, my voice slightly raised in worry.

“I don’t know… but why do you ask?” she replied, glancing around nervously.

“Because we need to get there!” I half-yelled, pushing her gently. We hurried through the hallways, dodging students who seemed to know exactly where they were going. Our steps echoed on the smooth floors as we raced toward an open space marked with an inscription: “Emergency Room.”

We walked in, panting, and noticed people already kneeling in orderly rows. My eyes scanned the room, confused and apprehensive. What kind of place was this? Why were people on their knees? Before I could react further, I felt Jane’s hand tighten on mine, her tremor unmistakable.

“Where do you think you’re going?” a hoarse yet commanding voice demanded from the front. We froze instantly, like thieves caught in the act. My heart pounded, my palms slick with sweat. Jane trembled beside me, and I shot her a quick, confused stare, mouthing, “Who?”

She whispered, barely audible, “Dylan.”

The voice boomed again: “Turn.”

We turned slowly, our movements stiff and deliberate. Every inch felt heavy, as if our bodies had forgotten how to move. Jane’s eyes remained on the floor, but my curiosity overpowered my fear.

Gracious Lord… who the hell is this guy? My brain struggled to process the presence before me. He moved with a confidence that seemed innate, a command of the room without even speaking further.

No. Wait. Are you telling me this is the person I’m staring at? Not some Greek god cliché, but… what even is this

He looked barely older than twenty, perfectly sculpted in every way. Dark, piercing eyes that seemed to see right through you, lips pink and shapely, flawless skin, and an aura so powerful, so cold, it made the air around him feel heavier. There was a presence here, undeniable and intense, and I could feel it prickling at the edges of my awareness.

Is he… Dylan? I thought, my heart rate spiking. He was the most handsome creature I had ever seen, the kind that stole your breath before your brain could catch up. I was lost in my thoughts, probably staring too openly, when suddenly WHAM!! a heavy slap landed across my cheek, sending a sharp sting through my senses.WTF.

My hand flew to my face instinctively as I turned, startled and confused. The room seemed to tilt slightly, my pulse pounding in my ears. I could feel my cheeks burning, a mix of shock and disbelief. Dylan’s expression was unreadable, the faintest hint of amusement flickering across his features.

The moment left me dumbfounded. I glanced at Jane, whose eyes were wide, mirroring my own shock.