CHAPTER 13 - Not So Different

                                        

                                              
I felt pretty overwhelmed after the whole thing. Once Luca was done, the photographers he'd hired took approximately one million photos whilst everyone gushed over how cute we were. I wasn't even able to speak to him privately before the bell rang, signalling the end of first period. It was a free period for Luca and I, so no damage was done to my attendance.
"You must feel like a princess." Tay gushed in my ear as we walked out of  the cafeteria. I nodded distractedly at her, smiling and thanking people who came up to congratulate me.  
"Happy anniversary." 
I stopped in my tracks at the familiar sound, but Tay pulled me along. I turned around just in time to see Kairos watching me where he stood near a classroom. Even as I was getting further from him, what I could make out on his face shocked me.
Multiple bruises.
"-wonder if Lincoln is the romantic type." Tay was still chattering away.
I forced my mind to let go of Kairos and focus on the conversation at hand. Why would I be thinking about another boy after what Luca did this morning? "Definitely, Tay. He has a flair for the dramatic."
"True." Tay turned to me, her dark eyes gleaming. "I took your advice and joined the drama club. They start preparing for auditions in like two weeks, so hopefully Linc and I will spend more time together then."
"Wow, that's great!" Alright, way too happy Fallon. "But I must warn you, Luca told me Lincoln turns into a bit of a... tyrant when it comes to rehearsals and the play."
Tay waved a hand as we stopped outside of her classroom. "I can handle it. Well.. I hope so. See you later."
I waved her goodbye, standing in the same position for a minute. Looking down the hallway where I saw Kairos, I fidgeted with my handbag as I deliberated. Don't go and look for him Fallon, you'll be late to class.
Mr Saldo won't care, I'm his favourite.
True, but how would Luca feel if he knew you sought out Kairos?
I just want to know what happened to his face!
WIth my mind made up, I stalked down the corridor. Unsurprisingly, Kairos wasn't where I saw him, but as I walked further I saw a lone figure under the staircase.
"Kairos?" I approached him slowly. He looked up, not at all startled.
"Ah, MG. Thought you'd be occupied with your boyfriend in a janitor's closet after this morning."
I ignored his lewd remark and took a few steps closer. "Are you okay? What happened to your face?"
Up close, I could make out a slightly faded black eye and dark yellow bruise on his cheekbone. He grinned at my question which drew attention to his busted lip.
"You should see the other guy. Seriously, I have a video of the fight."
I sat down next to him, straightening my skirt out. "I'm alright thanks, I'm not too good with violence. Is that why you haven't been around the last three days?"
Kairos leaned back on his elbows, eyeing me with what was meant to be an easy going grin, but looked more painful than anything. "Keeping tabs on me? I am flattered, MG, but I don't think your boyfriend would be a fan."
What? "What does Luca have to do with anything?" I asked, genuinely puzzled and not liking where the conversation was going.
"Cos you're sitting here with me, skipping class for me, acting all concerned about my wellbeing and looking at my face with those eyes, but it's all fake, Fallon. I know it is." Kairos continued.