Welcome to the Innocent World

Morning sunlight streamed through my apartment windows, casting long shadows as I got ready for another day of classes. I slung my bag over my shoulder, still reeling from last night's unexpected turn.

A part of me wanted to pretend it hadn't happened—that kiss. But then there was the memory, clear and vivid, of Athlea's warm lips and her touch lingering like an unsaid confession. It made me uneasy, stirring up emotions I wasn't used to dealing with.

I fuck around a lot but I never imagined fucking a married woman. Delta and Epsilon are married too but they willingly submit themselves to me. Taking a chance like this feels way too awkward. Aaaaaaa—

"I am Zero. I can't be like this" I whispered to myself.

I took a deep breath, trying to pull myself together, before finally stepping out of my apartment. But just as I closed the door behind me, I spotted her.

Athlea was outside, tending to the plants near her door. Her delicate fingers adjusted the leaves, and her hair cascaded around her face as she worked. She hadn't seen me yet, so I stood still, trapped in a strange mix of nerves and curiosity.

The moment she looked up, our eyes met, and a silent tension blossomed between us. It felt like both a reminder of last night and a hesitant acknowledgment that something had changed.

Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, her eyes flicking between me and the plant in front of her. She looked away, biting her lip.

"G-going to college?" she asked, her voice soft, almost unsure.

I swallowed, feeling a strange, almost embarrassing rush of nerves.

"Yes… I am," I replied, trying to keep my tone steady. But I knew I was failing; my voice sounded too soft, too eager, even to my own ears.

For some reason, I couldn't keep up my usual cold, indifferent act in front of her. Athlea was standing there, looking stunningly beautiful, and all I could do was try not to stare. Her figure caught the morning light perfectly, the curve of her shoulders, the soft lines of her face, and that blush… every detail seemed to make my pulse quicken.

She smiled, a little shyly, still not looking me in the eye. "Thank you for the sweets. They were really tasty."

I forced a smile, shrugging a little. "Glad you liked them," I said, even as my mind whispered the truth: It was Epsilon who made them, anyway.

As if the weight of the moment was too much, I glanced toward the hallway exit, pretending to check the time.

"I, uh… I should get going. Don't want to be late," I mumbled, stepping back slightly, already feeling the need to escape.

"Oh, okay…" she said quietly, lifting her hand slightly as if she wanted to wave but didn't know how.

I nodded, giving her one last look before quickly walking away, feeling her gaze on my back as I disappeared around the corner.

"Have a nice day and stay safe…" Athlea murmured to herself.

In class, my mind kept replaying the morning encounter, making it impossible to concentrate. I found myself resting my head on my hand, staring blankly at the blackboard as our professor droned on about some historical event I didn't care to remember. My thoughts kept drifting back to Athlea, wondering if she was thinking about me just as much.

The whole situation made me feel strange, confused… and, if I was honest, a little exhilarated.

"Hey," a voice whispered beside me.

I blinked, realizing that Lily was looking at me with a raised eyebrow. "You okay, Austin? You seem… I don't know, off. What's going on?" she asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and concern.

I pulled myself out of my thoughts, quickly adopting my usual bored expression. "I'm fine. Just… tired, I guess." I sighed, hoping she'd drop it.

She gave me a skeptical look, crossing her arms. "Right. If you say so." She shrugged, but the look she shot me told me she wasn't entirely convinced.

The rest of the day passed in a haze. When the last bell finally rang, I was almost relieved to leave the classroom, ready to head home and bury myself under the covers to process.

Sigh**

As I made my way through the courtyard, I spotted Kyle and Ryan waiting by the entrance.

"Hey, man! Wanna hit the club with us tonight?" Kyle called, jogging up to me with his usual infectious grin.

"Yeah, come on. It'll be fun. You look like you need a distraction," Ryan chimed in, nudging my arm.

I shook my head, too tired to even think about it. "No, thanks. Not in the mood today," I replied, waving them off.

Kyle rolled his eyes, giving me a mock pout. "Suit yourself, dude. Later, don't say we didn't ask."

"I won't, don't worry.." I replied, walking away.

I managed a half-hearted smile, watching as they walked off, laughing and nudging each other.

When I finally made it back to my apartment, I kicked off my shoes and changed into a comfortable pair of track pants and a white T-shirt, sinking onto my bed with my arm draped over my face.

I lay there for a while, trying to let go of the tension in my chest. What should I even do? The thought nagged at me, restless and insistent.

Maybe I should call the Shadow Mystics, have a bit of fun, let off some steam. Because I know, Dwelling over a married neighbor was pointless. Maybe I should search about the whereabouts of the Alien force or else my careless attitude can result in my own death which I clearly don't want.

Just as I was about to close my eyes and let sleep take me, the doorbell rang, breaking the silence.

I glanced at the clock. 9 p.m.

I frowned, sitting up slowly. I hadn't ordered food so it can't be Epsilon and Beta doesn't ring the bell. She bash the door yelling my name.

"Who could it be now?" I muttered, scratching my neck as I got up and walked to the door. I was already rehearsing a polite dismissal, ready to send away whoever it was without much fuss.

But the moment I opened the door, the words died on my lips.

There she was. Athlea stood on the other side, looking more refined. Even though she wore her usual V-shaped wrap dress but this time it felt as if that clung to her curves more tight, the fabric hugging her waist and making her look almost impossibly elegant. Her hair was tied up, but a few strands fell loose around her face, and her cheeks were already tinged with that familiar blush.@@novelbin@@

"H-Hey, Austin," she greeted, her voice soft but filled with hesitation.

I felt my heart leap into my throat.

"H-Hey Athlea..." I stammered, feeling the warmth rising to my own cheeks.

She bit her lip, glancing down at the small bag in her hand. "Did you have dinner yet?" she asked, as if she was half-expecting me to say no.

I shook my head, struggling to regain my composure.

"Uh, no. Not yet," I replied, my voice coming out quieter than I intended.

Her eyes lifted, meeting mine with a soft, almost hopeful gaze.

"Would you like to join me? I brought some things to cook, if…if you don't mind."

It took me a moment to fully process her words, and when I did, a surge of excitement washed over me. I stepped back, holding the door open wider.

"Please, come in," I said, unable to hide the genuine smile that crossed my face.

She hesitated for a moment, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear before stepping inside.

Her shoulders relaxed a little as she looked around my apartment, a faint smile touching her lips.

"Thank you for having me."