The Black Swan Behind (Beauty of Fire)

Chapter 43: Preparation

“What?” Calvin turned when he heard Emma’s incoherent muttering.

“W.. what?” Emma repeated confused.

“Did you talk to me just now?”

Emma shook her head, “No. I didn’t say anything.” She lied.

“Oh.. I think I have a problem with my ears,” Calvin replied.

It turned out they had arrived at the parking lot. Calvin parked his motorbike and helped Emma down from his high motorbike. It just so happened that Emma was wearing a rather tight skirt, so Calvin thought she might find it difficult to get off the bike.

“Thanks,” Emma said.

.....

“The first class is communication. Are you taking it?” Asked Calvin.

Emma nodded, “I’ve never missed class like you. So my schedule is normal.” She chuckled.

Calvin smiled, “Time isn’t enough for me. If I were a god, I would make 48 hours of time go round in a day.”

Emma laughed, “If that happens, then I’ll be moving to another planet. By the way, how were your injuries yesterday?” asked Emma. Calvin’s entire body is tightly covered because he was wearing winter clothes.

“A lot has recovered. After that day, I went to the hospital to treat my wound. Luckily, my body recovered quickly.”

“Calvin, are you still going to do something dangerous like that? What happened yesterday is not something to be underestimated. I mean.. You could have died in their hands.” Emma said.

Calvin smiled faintly, “You’ll know when someone who means a lot to you is hurt because of their crime. Of course, I hope that never happens.”

“Actually, I think it’s too dangerous. But if you feel it’s worth it and you can afford it, I won’t say any more.” Emma cleared her throat.

“Looks like this is the first time I’ve seen you care about me so openly.” Calvin laughed.

Emma’s cheeks suddenly turned red, until the girl turned her face away, “If you said this thing as caring, then what about what I did yesterday? I actually went into the nest of those crazy guys to help you. Isn’t that caring enough?”

“Yeah, that’s included. Sorry, I forgot to take that into account, because Troy was there.” He smiled sweetly.

“You silly,” Said Emma. Luckily, she was wearing makeup so the blush on her cheeks was covered by foundation. “By the way, it seems I rarely see Troy on campus. The last time I saw him was in the cafeteria. It was also the first time for me.”

“Really? I’ve run into him a few times. It’s true that Troy and his friends rarely hang around. They’re always busy in Judo class.”

“Hmm.. That makes sense.”

“Hey, Calvin!” Several girls greeted the guy as they entered the campus building. “Oh, there’s Emma too.. Hi!” they continued with a friendly look at Emma.

Just like Calvin, Emma also returned their greetings in a friendly manner. But Emma knew after they were passing that girls group, they immediately talked about her from behind. Especially, because Emma was seen walking with Calvin who became the idol among the campus girls.

Actually, Emma felt uncomfortable walking with Calvin on campus. Everyone would stare at them as if the two of them were a celebrity couple who was involved in a huge scandal.

It was enough for Emma to get a glance from the men every day. By walking with Calvin, she seemed to get a double portion of it. Luckily, Emma never cared about the gossips around her. So, she wouldn’t be bothered by the gossip that might be coming, as a result of her walking to class alone with this handsome guy.

As soon as she got to class, Emma moved to the chair she usually sat in. But strangely, Roger was not there. Emma continued to sit in her place while Calvin was still standing at the side.

“Can I sit next to you?” Asked him.

Emma looked at him and blinked a few times. She was a bit confused why Calvin needed to ask permission just to sit next to her? Of course, he can sit wherever he wants, as long as it’s not at the lecturer’s desk.

“Of course. But.. maybe you could sit there.” Emma pointed to the chair to her left. “Usually, Roger sits here.” She said as pointing to the chair to her right.

“Okay,” Calvin then sat in the chair Emma pointed to.

While waiting for class to start, Emma and Calvin were busy chatting. Actually, Emma didn’t expect it to be so much fun chatting with Calvin. The man had broad insight and looked smart. The way he talked was also nice to hear. No wonder so many girls fell for him.

Unlike Emma, ??Calvin felt that his conversation with the girl was a little awkward. Yes, it was because Emma looked a bit restless like she was waiting for someone. Of course, Emma must be waiting for Roger Timothy. The guy who made An Emma Hilland prepare a chair for him.

“You’re still waiting for Roger?” Calvin asked in the middle of their chat.

Emma nodded, then looked back at the classroom door, “Usually, he’s been here since morning. But now, the class is almost full but he hasn’t shown up yet.”

“Maybe he didn’t come today,”

“I don’t know.. I hope he comes in today.” Emma muttered.

But in fact, Roger did not come until the seat to the left of Emma was finally filled by another student.

The class had gone on for fifteen minutes. During that time, Emma often glanced at the classroom door. But there was no sign of Roger’s arrival. Maybe Calvin was right, that he was absent today.

“Calm down Emma. Maybe he’s still sleeping in his room.” Calvin whispered.

Emma turned to Calvin, who smiled warmly at her, but there was a hint of surprise on his face, “Sorry, I made you feel uncomfortable, huh?”

Calvin chuckled, “Just a little. But that’s okay. I know you care about him.”

Emma smiled warmly. Luckily, she had a friend as kind and understanding as Calvin Lee.

“I know you care a lot about Roger. But please, don’t forget my words. Don’t get involved in his troubles. What else with the scamps. You can call me if you need help.” The guy suddenly said.

Hearing that, Emma cleared her throat awkwardly because she felt accused. But she still developed a smile that now became thin, “There’s no problem at this time. Of course, I will stay out of trouble.”

“Good then.” Said Calvin.

***

The two bright blue irises trembled. The blue light from the computer in the darkroom reflected the blue light in the lenses of his glasses. The tears that had been welling up in his eyes for a long time, couldn’t he hold back anymore and finally flowed out.

They said a man shouldn’t cry. But for Roger, it was too painful to see the girl he loved was suffering so badly. And his chest felt stabbed when he realized the fact that he was unable to help her.

For Roger, it didn’t matter that his life was falling apart. It didn’t matter if he had to be beaten and humiliated every day. As long as it’s not the girl he loved.

The computer screen kept playing the video. It was as if the screen sucked out Roger’s soul and tortured it.

Roger grabbed his own hair with both hands. He burst into tears as he kept shaking his head.

“NOOOOOOO!!!”

***

Clack! clack! clack!

Footsteps echoed in a deserted shop. Rock music playing at low volume. It was a shop that sold various motorcycle accessories.

Emma deliberately chose a not-so-famous shop in a mall located in downtown Handway. She didn’t like crowds.

A large shelf exhibits a wide collection of helmets in various colours. Emma stood in front of it for a long time. She was confused about choosing the best helmet and according to her taste.

Just like girls in general, Emma would feel confused when faced with several choices. What’s more, all the helmets in that place were beautiful and to Emma’s taste.

“Do you need help, Miss?” Asked the shopkeeper. A man in his forties with a thick moustache and beard, tattooed hands, and a buff on his head. He really looked like a 90’s motorcycle gang member.

“Oh? No, I’m just picking the best helmet.” Emma answered kindly.

“Hmm.. But the women’s helmets are on the shelf over there.” He pointed to the other shelf which showed the helmet colours were brighter and sweeter. “Or maybe you’re looking for a helmet for your boyfriend?”

“Umm..” Emma thought for a moment then nodded, “You’re right. I’m going to buy a helmet for my boyfriend. What’s the best full-face helmet you have?”

“I see. What colour are you looking for? The most selling helmets on the market are usually black.” The man stepped on one of the shelves with a line of full-face helmets at a fairly high price.

“I need something that isn’t too flashy. Black is fine too, as long as the quality is good. Ah.. and I need something that doesn’t come off my head easily.” Emma explained.

The man looked at Emma confusedly, ‘Can’t come off of her head easily? Didn’t she just say that she wanted to buy a helmet for her boyfriend? After all, what kind of dangerous thing would you do that makes you afraid of having the helmet off your head? All my helmets are safe for a bike ride!’

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