“I don’t want to go, you go by yourself ...”

  From then on, Jasper had to go to the cafeteria with Kieran every day during lunch. It was obvious to anyone that he had an ulterior motive, and ever since that day, Ivy also almost went to the school cafeteria every day.

  There seemed to be some kind of unspoken understanding between them.

  Kieran's sudden withdrawal left Jasper puzzled. “Why exactly... didn’t we have a pleasant conversation before?”

  “I’m a bit tired today, can you let me off this time? You two get along better, and I really feel awkward just standing by.”

  “It’s not like that, I think Ivy ...” Jasper hesitated, “seems to be more interested in you.”

  “Is that your reason for insisting I go?” Kieran looked at him with disdain. “Since you want to chat with her so much, wouldn’t it be better if I’m not around?” Sometimes he really didn’t understand why humans did such completely meaningless things.

  “Kieran, is your future ambition to enter a monastery?”

  “What?”

  “I mean, you seem to be uninterested in anything.” Jasper looked at him thoughtfully.

  Kieran was taken aback; what was he interested in? What was important to him? Unlike Jasper, he had been struggling for survival since childhood, and all he thought about was how to survive in this world.

  Their “lunch gatherings” went from happening every day to occasionally. Kieran couldn’t always avoid Ivy; sometimes they ate in the cafeteria, and other times they had picnics outside.

  On a sunny autumn afternoon, leaves gently floated down from the tall maple trees, covering the lush green lawn and forming a carpet of dark red and bright green. A gentle breeze blew, and the air was filled with a fresh scent of earth and leaves, mixed with a faint aroma of food.

  The teaching building was half-hidden among the trees, its brick-red walls shining in the sunlight. Occasionally, the sound of birds chirping could be heard in the woods, adding a touch of liveliness to the tranquil campus.

  Under the maple tree, the three of them sat side by side, with a prepared lunch on the ground: handmade sandwiches, apple pie, and soda. They had agreed to have a picnic that day, with Ivy sitting between Jasper and Kieran, leaning against the tree trunk, holding a sandwich in one hand and her phone in the other, chatting with them.

  Most of the time, it was Ivy and Jasper who were talking; they were already used to Kieran's silence. However, they were both very talkative and rarely left any awkward pauses.

  It’s so noisy. Kieran stared blankly at the sky as a bird flew past him, and he suddenly felt envious of it.

  “Is Ronan still bothering you?” Ivy suddenly shifted the topic to him.

  “No... but there’s one thing I’m curious about,” Kieran squinted slightly, his voice lazy, “why is everyone so afraid of him?”

  “Because I heard... his father is the head of a drug trafficking organization.” Jasper leaned closer to him and said in a low voice.

  Ivy remained silent beside them, not knowing what she was thinking.

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  “The semester is coming to an end, and we will graduate next year. Have you thought about what you want to do afterward?” Ivy asked, seemingly not wanting to talk more about Ronan.

  “I want to apply to a military academy,” Jasper answered without hesitation. He is a military enthusiast, especially fascinated by various fighter jets. His home is filled with model aircraft, and Jasper often shows them off to him. Kieran knows that this is something he truly loves.

  “I want to apply to medical school and serve in a hospital or become a research physician,” Ivy said, her eyes shining with excitement. This has been her dream since childhood, and now she is getting closer to it. With her grades, getting into a top medical school should not be a problem.

  “Kieran, what about you?” Their gazes turned to him simultaneously.

  “I... don’t know.” He hadn’t thought about this question. He rarely considers the future; for him, just getting through a day safely is something to be grateful for.

  “It’s okay, you have plenty of time to explore and find a path that belongs to you,” Ivy said gently.

  The autumn wind was slightly cool, and a gust blew, stirring up the fallen leaves on the ground. They fell into a brief silence.

  “...My birthday is coming up, and I’m planning to throw an electronic music party. Would you be willing to come?” Jasper suddenly mentioned.

  “That sounds interesting. What kind of electronic music party is it?” Ivy asked.

  “I will rent a venue, provide music, food, and drinks, and then invite friends to party together.” Jasper's eyes sparkled with excitement.

  “No problem, count me in.” Ivy readily agreed.

  “What about you?” Jasper looked at Kieran.

  “I’m not going, I don’t like dancing.” Kieran flatly refused.

  “You don’t have to dance, just being there is enough.”

  “I’m not going.” Kieran insisted. An electronic music party... that was his least favorite kind of event. Even if Jasper didn’t mind, he would be the only one not dancing, which would only make him feel out of place and ruin the fun atmosphere of the party. He didn’t want his presence to spoil the joy.

  On the way back to the classroom after lunch break, Kieran apologetically said to Jasper, “Thank you for inviting me, I didn’t mean to disappoint you, I just...”

  “I know,” Jasper replied with a nonchalant smile, “you’re just like that, you have every right to refuse, so don’t take it to heart.”

  “When I’m not around, you should make the most of the opportunity.” Kieran joked. This was why he liked Jasper; he could show his true emotions.

  *

  As autumn deepened, the chilly winds of late fall didn’t cancel their irregular lunch gatherings.

  Jasper is happily sharing photos and videos from the birthday party, where a group of people are dancing and celebrating with glow sticks under colorful lights. Many of the women are dressed in revealing outfits, and even Ivy has changed into a leather jacket and a short skirt, which is completely different from her usual elegant attire.

  But Kieran felt that there wasn't much change between him and Ivy.

  It was midterm exam week, and Ivy was holding a book, cramming during her lunch break. Even though she had top grades, she still worked tirelessly.

  Jasper often discussed academic issues with her; they were both high achievers and very serious. Unlike Kieran Vale, who just got by.

  Kieran never studied after going home; he relied on his memory from class for exams, or he guessed. Yet he still managed to pass every exam safely; luck is a form of skill, and he had some kind of divine assistance, turning the impossible into possible, just like in a game.

  That knowledge was of no use to him; he knew much more than those things.

  “Kieran, what’s your favorite subject?” Ivy suddenly shifted the topic to him, as if worried he was being neglected.

  “...Biology, I guess.” Kieran wanted to say he didn't like any of them, but to avoid an awkward atmosphere, he gave an answer.

  “Me too,” Ivy's eyes lit up, as if the floodgates had opened, “It's a really interesting subject, right? Do you want to pursue this field in the future?”

  “Maybe, I’ll major in biology-related courses in college, if I get into college...” Kieran still had some skill in dealing with others.

  He didn't need to major in biology or medical-related subjects; he already understood how diseases arise and how life comes to an end.

  Doctors are a sacred profession; they wrestle with death, pulling people back from its grasp. However, few acknowledge the helplessness doctors face when confronting death.

  Those targeted by the "organization" cannot be saved by doctors; at most, doctors can issue a death certificate for them.