Chapter 7
Maybe that’s why the campus felt unusually crowded today. Students were out enjoying the day with parasols and picnic mats, playing games like cricket or simply relaxing. Anita usually preferred being indoors, but on a day like this, staying inside felt like missing out.
She came out with a book she had borrowed from the library a few days ago and leaned against a tree. Not being the type to carry a handkerchief, she just sat directly on the grass. Her yellow dress might get stained from the greenery, but Anita could afford to buy a new one if it came to that.
She opened the book beneath the shade of the tree, but the words didn’t quite register. Though shaded, beams of sunlight pierced through the branches, making her eyes sting. Eventually, she closed her eyes and leaned back against the tree to relieve the strain.
“Wanna grab lunch?”
“Throw the ball properly!”
“So this lecture is about…”
A gentle breeze carried all sorts of sounds her way. On a normal day, she might have moved somewhere quieter, but today, those scattered voices felt like part of a peaceful backdrop. Even if she pretended otherwise, avoiding Rutger had clearly worn her out.
“Asleep?”
Even when someone spoke close by, Anita neither opened her eyes nor responded. It never occurred to her the words were meant for her.
“Guess she’s asleep.”
Only then did Anita realize the voice was addressing her. Her eyelids slowly lifted.
“Senior?”
“Hey.”
His face was so close the moment her eyes opened that she jerked back instinctively.
“Ah!”
She hit her head hard against the tree trunk she’d been leaning on. More than the dull throb in the back of her head, it was the way Edmund stared fixedly at her that made her uncomfortable.
“Uh, h-hello.”
Perhaps noticing her embarrassment, Edmund’s lips curled into a smile.
“Open up.”
“Pardon?”
Without further explanation, Edmund brought the spoon he was holding straight to her mouth. Blinking in confusion, Anita found her mouth filled with a sudden burst of flavor.
“Strawberry?”
“How is it?”
“It’s delicious.”
“See? I told you Wellington’s ice cream is the best.”
Finally, Anita understood what he was getting at.
“You were right.”
Her gaze dropped to his hand.
“But… are we using the same spoon? That one was just in my—”
“Huh? Is that a problem?”
Edmund smiled innocently, like a child who didn’t understand. Then, he put the spoon in his own mouth. Seeing him casually eat from the same spoon she’d just used, Anita stammered.
“T-that’s not very sanitary. You know how many bacteria and viruses can be transmitted through saliva…?”
Smack!
Just then, a loud whack was followed by Edmund toppling sideways. His golden hair fluttered for a moment before settling down.
“You bothering freshmen again? Pathetic, as always.”
At the scolding voice, Anita lifted her head. A woman stood before her, brown hair tied up high and confidently.
“If he’s done anything wrong, I apologize on his behalf.”
“No, it’s fine.”
“He was raised well and comes from a normal family, but somehow he turned out weird. Makes me wonder if he was adopted or something. Even his grandfather—”
“Liche…”
The man sprawled on the ground finally spoke in a faint voice. The woman—Liche—paused her rant and helped Edmund to his feet.
“Come on. Are you a kid? Can’t even get up on your own? First you can’t write your own speeches, now you can’t hold up your own body?”
“…Wait, are you the one who writes Edmund’s speeches?”
“Oh? That’s….”
Liche opened her mouth and flapped it wordlessly for a moment before smacking the back of Edmund’s head again. This time he flopped forward and didn’t get back up. Maybe Anita had heard something she wasn’t supposed to. Deciding she should probably leave, she started to rise discreetly.
“Let me introduce myself properly. I’m Liche Noheim. I’m kind of like a childhood friend to this lump on the ground. Also, I’m the current vice president.”
“I’m Anita Rodel.”
“Rodel?”
Liche’s expression turned curious at Anita’s name. She looked back and forth between Edmund and Anita, then grinned knowingly.
“Ah, Rodel. Now I get why you and Edmund are getting along.”
“Getting along? Is this what that looks like?”
Anita frowned, unconvinced. She glanced sideways for support, but the person in question remained silent.
He must’ve been hit pretty hard…
“Oh, right! You’re the one who sent the ice cream.”
“Yes. Did you enjoy it?”
“Edmund, look at her. So polite! She’s asking if we enjoyed the ice cream!”
Liche gave the half-dead man a good shake. Getting no response, she turned back to Anita.
“More importantly, I like you. Want to join our club?”
“……”
“It’s all about deep analysis on animal rights and environmental pollution—”
“Don’t listen.”
The half-corpse finally spoke again. Edmund sat up, pale-faced, and shook his head at Anita in silent warning.
