The sun rose gently that morning, its rays streaming through the blinds of my room to hit my face.
The alarm buzzed softly, pulling me from my thoughts and announcing the start of a new day.
I had grown accustomed to this morning routine, but today, something felt different.
A sensation in the air.
A silent anticipation.
I stood up, stretched briefly, and headed to the bathroom.
The warm water streamed over my face, as my thoughts took me back to the previous day.
The memory of the kiss with Mia, Isabella's appearance, the altercation with Jason, and most importantly, the promise I had reiterated to my sister.
After drying off and changing, I put on my uniform and quickly made breakfast: bacon toast and a sweet flan.
I sat for a few moments, savoring the peace and quiet.
"Nothing like a good breakfast to start the day off right," I muttered to myself.
I left the dorm and headed toward campus.
My phone suddenly vibrated in my pocket.
Intrigued, I pulled it out to find I had a call.
I picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Yo, boss! Finally answered! You took your time!"
I recognized the voice immediately.
"Grimm?"
Even without seeing his face, I knew he was smiling. He continued,
"Yes, boss, it's Grimm, your loyal subordinate! I've tried to reach you several times."
I sighed. At Onkawa University, cell phone use is strictly prohibited on campus during class hours. Being caught with a cell phone can result in expulsion. That's why my phone stays on silent.
"I already told you I'd be unavailable for a while, Grimm."
He sighed audibly.
"Come on, boss, yeah, yeah, that's what you told me. But what could be so important that you're unreachable? You know if you need anything, me and the guys are here."
I smile slightly. Grimm. Loyal to the end.
You might be wondering who Grimm is.
I met him a few months ago, during one of my nighttime expeditions.
My unusual hobby: fighting the town's thugs.
That night, I fought him and his gang.
After giving them a memorable beating, I was getting ready to go home.
Grimm, covered in bruises, knelt before me.
"Become our boss!"
I looked at him, taken aback. He continued:
"I thought I was strong, but you're even stronger. So starting today, become the leader of the gang."
I hesitated for a few seconds.
But my instincts also told me that this guy and these guys weren't going to let me go until I accepted.
So I said yes. Since that day, I've been leading a gang of about seventy guys. Grimm is a loyal man and would do anything for me."
"Hello, boss? Are you there?"
"Hmm? Ah, sorry, I was lost in thought."
Grimm sighed slightly.
"You didn't even listen to what I said..."
I could see the university gate.
"Listen, I'm here." I have a lot to do today. I'll get back to you when I need you.
"Understood, boss. Take care."
He hung up. I put my phone back in my pocket when I heard two familiar voices behind me.
Mia and Isabella.
Isabella greeted me cheerfully:
"Hello, Jessy!"
Mia blushed and greeted me shyly:
"Hello..."
"Hello, both of you," I replied with a smile.
Isabella, mischievously, asked:
"Who were you talking to on the phone? A girl?"
Mia looked at me with delicate curiosity.
I laughed lightly.
HAHAHA! Stop joking, Isabella. I told you I don't have anyone."
Isabella beamed at this response.
"Oh, right! You told me yesterday, I'm really silly sometimes!"
She took out her phone.
"Here, write down your number. That way, if you need a hand or a guide on campus, I'm here!"
Mia, just as quickly, also handed her phone over.
"Me too, here. Write down your number. I can help you too."
I exchanged contact information with them, a small smile playing on my lips.
The bell rang; it was time to start a new day.
The three of us entered the building, side by side, in a state of complicity.