During their meal, other friends approached them. — Hi, Aïnis! a girl from her class called out.
— Hi, Clara! she replied with a smile. How's your project going?
— Total struggle, but I'm managing. You, still top of the class?
— You know me—always focused… but not perfect, she said, shrugging.
A few boys approached to compliment her, and Aïnis responded with humor and light teasing.
— Hi, Aïnis. Still as radiant as ever?
— Thanks, and you—still late for history class?
— Ouch! You're hurting my feelings… but I'll survive, he said laughing.
Raphaël stepped in between them as it was becoming more frequent, placing his arm around her shoulders. — Step back, she's my girlfriend, he murmured with a possessive smile.
— Of course, they replied laughing. We know. It's just a compliment.
— Yeah, yeah, sure, I believe you, he said ironically.
They walked away.
— See? No one dares approach you when I'm here, he added with a wink.
— Yeah, yeah, I see that… but can you calm down now? she asked, smiling.
Their small group headed to the cafeteria for the break. Aïnis sat with her friends, and conversations burst out in every direction.
— So, what's everyone doing this weekend? Sofia asked.
— I'm revising for my math test, Aïnis replied.
— You never relax! another friend exclaimed.
— And you? Are you finally going to pass your test?
— Haha, we'll see… he replied, shrugging.
Aïnis laughed inwardly and shrugged. She didn't want to humiliate those boys, but she knew how to keep things under control.
After the break, they returned to class. In the lecture hall, Aïnis took a seat in the front row. The professor began explaining a complex concept in literature.
— Today, we'll be analyzing symbols in the novel The Lonely Traveler, the professor said, writing on the board.
— Could you clarify what you mean by "symbol" in this context? Aïnis asked.
— Of course, the professor replied. A symbol is an element of the text that represents a broader idea…
She took careful notes, occasionally exchanging a knowing glance with her friends to make sure they were following.
The day went on, hours passing by, and soon the sun began to set. Aïnis and her group stepped outside to head back. Blake was with them, walking beside her.
— So, how did it go? he asked.
— Pretty well, she replied. The classes were interesting… but I'm glad to walk a bit.
Raphaël leaned in and gave her a small kiss on the cheek. — See you tomorrow, my wife, he murmured.
— Yeah, yeah… see you tomorrow, she replied, amused and slightly embarrassed.
She headed toward the parking lot where Blake usually waited for her after class. Once there, she got into the car.
The car drove slowly down the avenue, the setting sun painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. In the front seat, Aïnis looked out the window, letting her thoughts drift with the passing branches and the rustling leaves. Blake drove calmly, silent, but his attentive gaze scanned every movement around the car.
— You know, Miss, he finally said, it's not very common to see people smiling so much on their way home.
Aïnis raised an eyebrow, amused. — And you, Blake, do you smile often?
He didn't answer right away, focused on the road, but the corner of his lips lifted slightly. — Not really. But there are exceptions, Miss.
Aïnis bit her lip, a small laugh escaping despite her fatigue. The quiet complicity that had settled between them since the morning gave her a strange sense of freedom, as if Blake were no longer just her bodyguard, but a companion in a day she had chosen to live.
When they reached the house gate, the car slowed down. — You're getting out first? Blake asked.
— Yes… and you?
He nodded. — I'll walk you to the entrance, Miss.
As they crossed the path lit by garden lamps, Aïnis greeted the servant closing the gate. — Good evening, Miss Aïnis. — Good evening, Jeanne.
Once inside the hall, the warmth of the house and the smell of dinner comforted her. Rose, the faithful housekeeper, welcomed her with a smile. — Welcome home, Miss. You look tired.
Aïnis sighed softly and sat at the table where Victor was waiting for dinner. — So, my daughter, how was your day? Victor asked, placing his napkin down.
— Pretty good, Dad, she replied as she sat. The classes were interesting, and I even laughed with my friends.
Victor smiled proudly. — You really seem to be adapting to university… I know it's not easy balancing classes and social life.
— Yeah, I'm managing… and having my friends around helps.
They talked about everything and nothing—her literature professor, her weekend plans, even news from the neighborhood. Victor asked questions, Aïnis answered with lightness and humor, but she felt the weight of his expectations behind every word.
— You know, I expect you to always give your best, Aïnis. But I know you have a good heart, he said with a smile.
— I'm doing my best, Dad, she replied sincerely.
After dinner, Blake stood up to escort Aïnis to her room. Once he had accompanied her, he headed toward his own.
On the way, they passed through the kitchen where the servants were busy. — Blake, you seem to get along well with Miss Aïnis, Rose said while placing a pot down.
— Yes, he replied with a smile. She's easygoing and very generous. She's not the spoiled girl some might imagine.
Another servant, Jeanne, added: — At first, I thought she'd be difficult… but she's very kind and attentive to others. Even if she likes teasing, she has a good heart.
Blake nodded, satisfied. — Thank you for your words. It means a lot to know how she's seen here.
Then he went up to his room, dropped his bag, and turned on his phone. There were missed calls from Camille, his girlfriend.
He quickly dialed her number. — Hi Camille… Yes, I'm home now… Yeah, long day, but everything's fine. And you?
Camille answered, her voice soft but tinged with reproach. — It's been a while since we talked, Blake. You don't call very often… I hope your new job is going well and that it'll be over soon so we can see each other.
— Everything's going well, but you know I have to stay focused. This job is important… for me and for the people I protect.
— I understand, she replied, somewhat reassured. I know you're doing this out of responsibility. But I miss you.
Blake sighed softly. — Me too, Camille… But you know I can't neglect my obligations. We'll see each other as soon as possible.