This is insane. No wonder I kept getting that weird feeling whenever I looked at her.
According to Jenny, I'd told her that Angel was once my roommate about two years back. Apparently, we crossed some lines during that time and developed what she called "a weird relationship of sorts." Jenny didn't know the full story—I'd avoided talking about it—but here's what she did know: after I got promoted to a higher class, then subsequently demoted due to my shit combat skills, I cut all ties with Angel completely. Radio silence. Then she resurfaced months later as Michael's girlfriend.
Jenny was convinced something happened between Angel and me, something I never told her about. And there was a good chance Angel was using her relationship with Michael to get close to me again, though her actual reasons remained a mystery. That's why Jenny had been so hostile toward her from the start.
"Are you sure she's really using him? Maybe she actually likes him," I suggested.
Jenny shrugged. "That's possible too, but you can never be too careful. Just avoid her. Don't even look at her."
I gave her a dry look. "I don't see how looking at her helps her accomplish her grand master plan, but fine. I won't."
For the first time, she flashed me that cheeky grin. "Good."
I instinctively reached over and patted her head, stroking her hair. She actually giggled. What the hell? I mean, it's cute and all, but it's bizarre considering how terrifying she was back at the cafeteria.
"Alright, back to the main question," I said. "What are the important things I'm not remembering?"
She looked up, sighed, and pushed her hair behind her ear, letting it fall across the other side of her face. "Fine. I'll tell you what you need to know for now. You've always been one secretive bastard, so I don't know what *you* think is important. But here's what I've got:
"First, you're an orphan. You told me once you lived in Sepharen—that's where the government picked you up and brought you here. Second, this place is Terium Nexus. We've all been here for a long time. It's also where we first met. Third, you're currently in Class C, but after the next session starts, your placement could change."
"What class are you?" I asked.
She smirked. "A."
Damn. She must be *really* good. Placement at this point isn't just about physical prowess—it's theoretical knowledge too. That's why the protagonist is stuck in the same class as me right now. The guy might be strong, but he's not exactly a scholar. Things will change once the next academy session begins, though.
Wait—Lyra's Class A too. Why the hell was she in practicals with us? Could it have been a combined exam?
"Finally," Jenny continued, her grin still there but her eyes suddenly dead again, "you're mine."
"Um... yours? Like your boyfriend?" I asked carefully.
"Well... not *officially*, but it's more than that. You're my husband. My darling."
I didn't know how to respond to that. "I... uh... I don't think we should be going that far already."
"Why not? We've already done everything. Also, I love you and you love me too. What else is there to hold us back?"
She suddenly grabbed my hand and leaned in *really* close. Those eyes...
"Calm down," I said. "You seem to be forgetting I can't remember shit."
She clicked her tongue and looked away.
"Um, about the written exams..." I started.
Her eyes widened. "That's right! I completely forgot. How can you take the exams without your memories?"
Her expression grew complicated.
"Is there anything we can do about that?" I asked.
She bit her lip. "Well, I'm not in the same class as you. And unlike today with practicals, we'll be in different halls. It's called 'written,' but it's actually CBT—done on computers. It requires verification to begin, so I can't access your test without you being there."
She sighed and rubbed her forehead. "What do we do?"
I frowned. CBT? So it's not even pen and paper? Well, crap. That makes this even worse.
"Hold on," she said suddenly, looking up. "There might be a way."