COLD EYES

Rain. Rain again… I can't stand it anymore.

— Leon, wake up! Get up and let's go to class, we've already arrived! — the irritated voice of my friend Riki burst into my half-asleep mind.

— Hey, runt, have you lost your nerve? Want to be the first to get thrown out of the car? — I didn't even open my eyes. That cursed rain. — You know I always fall asleep when it's raining.

— You sleep in the mornings because at night you're running around with girls! Don't try to feed me that nonsense — get out of the car! — He tugged on the door, but I brushed him off easily.

— Oh, so you're feeling bold! — I jumped up, went around the car, and shoved him outside.

Of course, I had no intention of hitting him. But I had to show who's in charge here.

He stood there, wet as a puppy. I rolled the window down.

— Speak, kid — I said evenly.

— Mister Leon, today's the first exam. If I don't get you there on time, the headmaster will kill me — he said, shivering in the rain.

The exam… I had completely forgotten. I nodded to the driver and the guards. They silently stepped out, opening an umbrella. Though for Riki it was already useless.

— You forgot your bag — I tossed it to him. I kept mine — my arms, thankfully, hadn't fallen off yet.

We were escorted to the entrance. From there — the security of the San Eros Academy.

All the elite arrived with drivers and guards. Ordinary students got there on their own. From a distance, it looked as if hundreds of umbrellas were running toward the building.

— Riki, what's with the morning rush?

— Leon, I told you — the exam. It's for all courses. Come on.

— Is this test really that important? — He looked at the students, then at me, but said nothing. — Fine, let's go. You really do look awful.

We walked down the corridor in silence. His wet uniform left tracks on the floor.

— Last night's girls were something else — I tried to lighten the mood. — Those scholarship ones… you wouldn't believe what they did. Especially when it came to payment. It was a good night.

Riki kept walking in silence, like a soaked puppy.

— Scholarship girls are way easier than elite ones. You pay — no problems. No extra headaches.

— Not all of them are like that — he said quietly, looking down.

— I know. Go change. Take a set of my uniform from the locker room, you know the code. They're not labeled anyway.

He stopped, looked at me strangely — not surprise, more like doubt.

— I promise I'll go straight to the classroom — I said.

— Alright, Leon. Just no girls on the way — and he left with quick steps.

That brat… thinks I can't make it to class without a fling? I'll make sure to remind him next time.

Riki… I know not everyone sells themselves. Probably why you're still around. Never asked for help. Even when things were really bad.

The classroom was already full. Despite the academy's elite status, seating was strictly assigned. Riki sent me a message to check if I'd come. I sent back a picture of my middle finger against the classroom backdrop.

We were in different courses. Scholarship girls glanced at me — as always. But something was different in the room today. The seat in front of me, the one that usually shielded me from the teacher's gaze, was empty. It was annoying — I couldn't nap in peace.

— Good morning! — Mister Lo, our economics teacher, walked in. — Oh, what a surprise — Mister Leon himself! Too bad the exam's canceled: the committee got into an accident because of the rain. Postponed until next week.

He went on explaining the details while the girls exchanged looks and whispers, shooting glances at me.

Bang! The door slammed open — Mister Lo even flinched. A completely soaked girl ran into the room.

— I'm sorry for being late, Mister Lo. May I take my seat?

Something wet and overgrown bowed to the teacher. Gods… like something from a horror film. Despite her appearance, her voice was calm and firm.

— Good morning, Miss Maya. First, get yourself in order. You even startled me — the teacher smirked crookedly.

— I need to take the exam — she bowed even lower. A scholarship student. The exam mattered to her.

— Don't worry, it's been canceled. Go to the restroom. Fix your hair — it looks… rather frightening.

— I'm sorry. I don't have a change of clothes.

I took a closer look. A skirt almost to the floor, a sweater pulled down to her fingers, a shirt buttoned to the throat. Hair — long, black, tangled. I couldn't help but chuckle.

Yuna, one of the elite girls, in a plunging neckline and short skirt, also snorted:

— I could lend her my uniform — she added with feigned concern.

— Thank you, Miss Yuna, but that won't be necessary — Maya answered in the same calm tone. — My apologies.

And she left.

Yuna threw a look at me. Problem…

Scholarship girls — they disappear right away. The elite — they start games, they cling. Tiresome.

Where did this strange girl come from? I didn't even remember her. Though maybe she was the one who usually blocked me from Lo's view. And now… emptiness. Now he was staring straight at me.

Damn it. And the rain still wouldn't let up…

Ten minutes later, the door opened again.

— May I join the class? — it was the same Maya. Dry. Same clothes. Only her hair was tied back.

I looked at her face. Lips, nose… and eyes. Cold. Blue. Like metal. I couldn't look away.

— Oh, it's you, Miss Maya. Come in. Let's continue — Lo responded.

She took the same seat in front of me. Blocking my view again. Just like before.

I noted that the clothes were the same — but dry. And her eyes… her neck… her skin — all of it… too much. Those loose clothes hid a firm, toned body.

STOP. Was I just checking her out? — Ha… — the laugh slipped from me. — Sorry — I said automatically, catching Lo's glance.

Class ended. By the exit, as always, Riki was waiting — dry, in my uniform.

— Sorry, Leon. I'll have it cleaned tomorrow.

— Just leave it in the locker. The staff will handle it. By the way… find me two girls for tonight. And… something else. — I turned and pointed at Maya. — Dig up some information on her.

Riki stared at her, then at me.

— Her?.. — he repeated, doubtful.

— Exactly.

He burst out laughing. She clearly heard — and didn't react at all.

It took him a couple of minutes to pull himself together.

— If that's all, get to it — I said irritably. Everyone was staring at us.

— Leon, she's on today. You coming?

— Today already? — damn, I'd forgotten. That damned rain. — Fine. Forget everything else. After her swim, you'll do what I asked. Let's go watch.

I glanced at her briefly. Her bangs shifted for a second, revealing her eyes — icy, sharp. Eyes staring at nothing.

An interesting specimen.