What Do You Think?

After exchanging a second handshake, Alex and Julia proceeded to sit down.

Now that they had become a bit familiar with one another and also had a shared history, the two teenagers had something to talk about.

Of course, none of them knew where to go from here. So, as they sat there in silence while the awkward atmosphere intensified, Alex resolved to take the initiative and struck up a conversation.

"So, tell me, how has life been? You look way different from how I remember…" Alex said, and quickly added. "…and I mean that in a good way."

"Hehehe… Don't worry, I know that." She laughed lightly before continuing, "Life has been good to me. And I have to admit, it's my fault for not keeping in touch. I hope you don't hold that against me."

"Of course not," Alex assured cheekily. "How could I? It was a chance encounter, and I only kept you company till you were found."

Indeed, Julia had to agree. But his response made her a bit sad.

Maybe she was overthinking this, but since Alex perceived it as a chance encounter, it indicated that he didn't view their shared moment as something special.

Perhaps due to their different upbringings and the environments in which they grew up, Alex might have met many people almost every day, while she stayed at home, training and learning from her instructors.

Her analysis was surprisingly spot on.

Alex was indeed raised in a different world, quite literally, if you might add, but the fact still remained; Alex and his siblings had more encounters and neighbourhood friends they could play with.

Alex noticed how quickly her facial expressions changed, but had no idea where he had gone wrong. Of course, as a typical male, he would be clueless about what causes a girl's mood to change so rapidly. 

Nevertheless, he gave her his undivided attention and listened to what she brought up.

"Why don't you tell me about yourself? I'm curious to know the kind of person you are." Julia inquired, bringing both hands under her chin, a sweet smile gracing her features.

It was the kind of smile that did damage to someone like Alex.

'That's not good.' Alex thought silently, the smile still on his face. 'With a smile like that, she could get away with anything.'

With a nervous gulp, he began to speak about himself, gathering his thoughts and determining the best way to start.

"Well, I'm still mostly figuring that out." Alex calmly shared. "But I'm the type of person who treats everyone kindly, irrespective of their status.

"Naturally, I've had my fair share of fights. However, I also endeavour not to provoke others, even if they are the ones behaving like pricks."

Julia chuckled lightly when he reached that point, bringing a smile to his face.

"And I've also learnt the hard way that my anger is nasty. That's part of the reason why I try not to let people get to me. But some way, somehow, they interpret that as me being a snob."

Alex chuckled, glancing at Julia to gauge her reaction, who still wore the same smile; a smile that tugged at Alex's heartstrings. In that moment, he knew he was already in trouble.

'Is this what they call "At first sight?' he genuinely wondered. 'Because if it is, then I'm done for.' He looked at the angelic-faced woman who seemed to be really enjoying his company.

It made his heart skip an unexpected beat.

"So that's basically me. Was I what you expected?" he asked, hoping to win her approval. Of course, even if he didn't, that wouldn't change how he was raised.

Julia sat up and then voiced her thoughts, "I wouldn't say expected, but you are my kind of person. And I also know a thing or two about being seen as a snob. But in my case, no one can afford to comment."

She chuckled, enjoying the conversation. Even though she had a friend she occasionally associated with, this was the first time she was truly feeling herself.

Alex, on the other hand, heard something different when she stated he was her 'kind of person.' To him, it sounded like, 'You're my kind of guy.'

He swallowed the lump forming in his throat as he listened to Julia talk about herself.

"For me, I'd say the persona I present outside is different from the one I show when I'm with people I care about." She stated, looking directly at Alex.

"So do I qualify?" He asked, already guessing the answer.

"Of course. To most, I come off as cold and unwelcoming. This is mostly to keep away people who only wish to get close to my family. Finally, my biggest wish is to become a powerful hunter." She added, looking at Alex. 

"You don't say. I also wish to become a hunter. As a matter of fact, once I awaken my ability, I'd be attending the Hunters Academy right here on Mars." Alex shared excitedly.

"I figured as much. That means we'd be in the same school very soon." Julia added with a brighter smile.

She had never been this happy simply talking with someone else about such matters. It reinforced her belief in how a genuine connection can bring immense joy and happiness. 

She was acutely aware of how much enjoyment she was experiencing with Alex. Frankly, she was surprised herself, as she had never acted in the way she was doing with Alex. 

'Maybe I just really enjoy his company, and we basically just met. Well, not exactly, and I may have been keeping tabs on him, but it was definitely not creepy.'

As various thoughts flowed through her head regarding the justification of her actions, Alex asked.

"Yeah… have you awakened your skill yet?"

The curiosity he had developed for the girl before him prompted him to inquire. Perhaps he was hoping for something?

He wasn't sure; after all, he hadn't awakened yet. And it wasn't taboo to ask about a person's awakened ability.

"No, not yet. In about four months." She said, but as if realising something, she added, "Maybe we can awaken our skills together. What do you think?" She suggested with a beaming smile.

In Alexander's mind, however, it was 'Jackpot!', and only he knew why he thought the way he did.