Eternal Freedom's Ascension-Chapter 139: End of the Break (2)

Maya entered the library, clutching her bag filled with books. The eccentric librarian stared at her for some time, then asked,

"Where’s your boyfriend?"

The question was so raw and sudden that Maya became speechless. She blinked, not knowing what to say. Seeing as the girl seemed unable to comprehend her words, the librarian pursed her lips.

"I haven’t seen him in a while. Has he abandoned the library and you—just for fun?"

"Uh..." Maya started. "That... he’s not in the academy at the moment. He had to go home for some reason."

Suddenly, her eyes widened. ’Wait. I didn’t deny that he’s my boyfriend!’

Before she could come up with those words, the woman raised a brow. "He went home? Legally? That’s strange. Jonathan doesn’t usually allow anyone to leave, regardless of the reason."

Maya frowned too, "I also found it strange. After all, the academy prohibits contact with the outside world for our entire stay, right? Well, perhaps it was really important."

’I don’t think so. However, since Jonathan obviously allowed him, he must have a significant background. There are very few people who can sway Jonathan’s heart.’

Keeping her thoughts to herself, the eccentric woman waved her hand. "Who knows? Still, he should return quickly. It’s a bit unsightly seeing you all alone over there."

Smiling wryly, Maya adjusted her glasses and waved the woman goodbye. She took a seat at her usual spot, a small table in a quiet corner.

Only seconds after she settled into her seat, someone else walked into the library. Looking at the boy, the librarian was unimpressed.

"Student Council brat." She muttered under her breath.

Eren ignored the remark, completely walking past her without acknowledging her presence. Because of some past misunderstanding, they had always been against each other.

’Tch, what a weird woman.’

Scoffing in his heart, Vice President Eren looked around the library. It took him some time to find the girl, and when he did, he calmly walked up to her.

Sporting a charming, heart-warming smile, he said. "Hello, there. Cute junior. I didn’t expect a first-year would be in the library during the holiday."

His voice was smooth and captivating, and he smoothly took a seat opposite Maya. The girl looked up from the book she was preparing to read, feeling a little disgruntled by the interruption.

Still, she needed to be courteous and at least show some respect.

"Good morning, Senior. I only came here to read novels, not lecture notes."

Saying that, she lowered her head, giving him the signal that she wasn’t ready for a conversation.

However, Eren turned a blind eye to her signal. Instead, he rested his chin on his palm, leaning forward slightly.

"That’s interesting. Do you come here often?"

Maya pursed her lips, replying without looking up.

"Yes. It’s a hobby of mine."

Receiving such an attitude from a junior, Eren was displeased. ’What now? Are you going to ignore me like that guy himself did?’

"I see." He nodded, maintaining his charming smile. "You must really be a fan of popular books like the Elite Academy or Song of Shadows and the likes."

Unexpectedly, Maya shook her head. "Although I’ve read the two you mentioned, I prefer mystery over fantasy. Elite Academy is still more intriguing."

Although he guessed wrong, Eren didn’t let up. "That’s a surprise. But I can understand you. I was once a fan of mystery books. Unfortunately, I’ve been quite busy with the student council work and all."

"Student Council?" Maya raised her head slightly, reassessing him. "Oh. It’s the Vice President."

Her voice was tinged with surprise, though she didn’t seem too surprised or flustered.

Eren nodded with a professional smile. "Yeah, that is me. I didn’t expect you not to recognize me at first glance."

Maya smiled bitterly. "Unfortunately, but I tend to forget faces quickly."

"No, it’s nothing at all. I rarely show up on stage after all."

Shrugging, he looked unbothered. Inwardly though, he was annoyed.

’Am I that unremarkable? Tch, these cheeky juniors.’

Seeing as the girl was about to return to her reading, Eren spoke up. "You said you come here frequently, right? Surely, you must have a few reading partners or even one."

Beneath her glasses, Maya’s eyes sharpened. ’Is that why he’s here? To ask about Kaiser? What is this human magnet doing? Now I’m being troubled by others.’

Keeping her thoughts to herself, she nodded. "Yes. I like to read with Kaiser. Is that why you came to see me?"

Eren blinked, astonished by her sudden bluntness. Perhaps this junior wasn’t as reserved as he thought.

’Denying the claim would be pointless. Instead, I’ll make it more interesting!’

Smiling, he answered. "You’re right. I came to you because I had some questions about him."

"Also, I’m a bit interested in a beautiful junior as yourself."

Laying his intentions bare, he waited to see her reaction. As an affluent figure in the second-year and in the entire academy, he was rarely turned down by a lady. Only a few odd ones like Diana from Class-2A and Veronica from Class-2C would turn down his offers.

Confident in his charms, he watched the girl’s expression. Maya’s lips curled downward in a frown, her eyes carrying a mix of surprise and caution.

"What...do you mean, Senior?" She asked hesitantly, hoping she had heard wrong.

Eren’s expression became slightly stern. "What? Do you think I can’t be attracted to you? Perhaps no one has ever told you, but you’re a dazzling beauty."

Maya bit her lips. Although she knew the Vice President had hidden intentions, she couldn’t deny that she was flustered. The raw honesty on his face as he spoke reached her heart.

’I’ll just thank him for the compliment, then politely decline anything else he has to say. It can’t be that hard, right? I’ve rejected boys in my middle school. So what’s the difference?’

Just as she raised her head to look at Eren, something—no, someone standing a short distance behind him caught her attention. She stared wide-eyed, unable to blink or look away.

Eren noticed the lost look in her eyes, and the way she was staring at something behind him. Frowning, he turned around curiously.

"You...?"