I already hate you

Ella stood motionless. Her expression was unreadable, as transparent as the flowing waters of a crystal-clear river, yet no one could decipher what truly lay behind her eyes. She looked impeccable, an image of composure that only fueled the resentment of her peers. Some envied her, others despised her, and today, they had found an opportunity to revel in her misfortune.

"You guys heard that right?"

"The golden girl is no longer golden."

"She lost her academic weapon halo—now she's just one of us."

"Did she seriously just get scolded?"

"Someone pinch me. Tell me this is real."

"Ow! Why did you pinch me?"

"You asked for someone to pinch you!"

"Well, I didn't mean it, you idiot!"

Their laughter echoed around her, a chaotic mix of jeers and disbelief. Ella was no stranger to attention, but it always seemed to find her for the worst reasons. How did she always end up at the center of these situations? However, none of that mattered right now. Not the taunts, not the stares. What mattered was what the commander had said.

The words replayed in her mind, over and over again, like a broken record. His voice was sharp, cold, filled with restrained irritation. His lips had curled into a sneer of disgust as if merely addressing her had been a waste of his time. Ella clenched her fists.

She hadn't done anything wrong. She had done her duty. And what was a doctor's duty, if not to save lives? Even if the people she treated had been infected, how could she have known? No one—not a single student—had known. Then why had he been so harsh? Couldn't he have shown a shred of leniency?

To say that she would be the reason her team died?

Her?

A doctor, who was supposed to save people, accused of leading them to their deaths?

The thought was unacceptable. A lump formed in her throat, growing with every second that passed.

Killian's words rang in her ears like a haunting echo, refusing to let her be.

Ella's gaze lifted, searching for him. He stood in the center of a gathered unit, briefing his soldiers. Though they were positioned in a tight formation, she could still make out his figure—tall, composed, an immovable force. His image was burned into her memory, and not by choice.

To his right, Lieutenant Nate stood with his usual ease, arms folded over his chest. Their eyes met briefly, and in that instant, he smirked. Playful. Amused.

Ella scoffed, tearing her gaze away. *What is he laughing about?*

But her thoughts quickly returned to Killian.

Did he find trampling on their pride as thrilling as the lives he had taken today? Did he blame them for everything that had happened, conveniently ignoring the fact that his soldiers had led them straight into a trap?

Ella, who never complained, found herself seething. This was a bitter pill to swallow—one she refused to accept.

She glared at him, her stare drilling into his back. It was useless, of course. He didn't care. He probably hadn't even noticed her anger.

But Ella couldn't stop.

Her emotions churned, frustration and indignation boiling over. And finally, she reached her limit.

The moment the briefing ended, she moved.

Her steps were firm, driven by the need for answers. The soldiers were dispersing, some climbing into vehicles, others adjusting their gear, but Ella had only one target in mind.

"Excuse me… Sir."

Killian walked past her as if she didn't exist.

But Ella wasn't one to quit.

"Could you tell me, please—how exactly would I have led my team to their deaths, sir?"

Her voice was steady, but inside, her heart pounded.

Killian halted mid-step.

The shift in his posture was subtle, but the air grew heavier.

Slowly, he turned his head, his sharp blue eyes locking onto hers.

"I—"

"You," he cut her off, voice laced with disdain, "are a useless, naïve graduate who wants to play the hero. My advice? Don't bother sucking up. I hate medical professionals—especially clueless ones like you."

Cold. Detached. Absolute.

Then, without sparing her another glance, he resumed walking.

Ella stood rooted to the spot, the weight of his words settling over her like an oppressive storm.

Nate, who had been watching, let out a low chuckle as he walked past. "He really means it. Next time, don't break formation. He hates that even more." And with that, he followed after Killian, leaving Ella standing in the midst of hushed murmurs.

"This is it—the queen has fallen from her throne."

"That was strangely satisfying."

"That commander is my new personal favorite."

"Tch, you guys seem to have forgotten that his soldiers led us straight into a trap. Now most of our classmates are in isolation, God knows where. Personal favorite, my left foot."

The last remark silenced the voices. They had chosen to selectively forget about that, but they were quickly reminded of the situation leaving a bitter taste in their mouths.

Ella on the other hand,exhaled slowly, her grip on her temper loosening. She wasn't sure how much longer she could have kept it in check. This… this wasn't like her.

But her anger flared like a volcano on the verge of eruption.

'Argh, what's wrong with him?'

And—'why did I even notice his stupid blue eyes?'

He was nothing but a jerk.

It was best she steered clear of him.

But then… what would she do about her brother's disappearance?

A sharp whistle cut through the air, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"Alright, babies, break time is over," a soldier called out, voice dripping with amusement. "Glad you enjoyed the show, but it's time to get your asses in the vans. Let's go!"

Ella inhaled deeply, casting one last glance at Killian before turning away.