Monday came and so my official exclusion from classes.

  In the morning as early as seven o’clock I received an official email with my suspension from the university.

  I have broken a rule as a representative of Akasia University conducting myself in an offensive manner in public that breaks an important rule they have. A public outburst I had in the bar in front of those people. A word has reached the university and I am suspended for a whole week. My return is on 1st December.

  “I thought you moving here with me must be too good to be true!” My mom said, then asked me. “What exactly happened?”

  I let out a long sight, burying my face in my hands.

  “I broke up with Shin and punched him in the face in a bar in front of a lot of people.” I told my mom. Looking through my fingers at her reaction.

  Coming clean here was the best course of action. Too many eyes have seen it so if I try to tell anything else she may easily find out.

  “Rory!?” My mom’s eyes popped open. “Why? I thought you two were solid?” She was trying to keep up with me with the new developments. Confused by my sudden outbursts.

  “He…crossed a boundary. I was not having it.” I told her. “I don’t want to go into detail.” I told her with a tone that said. Do not ask for more.

  My mom stared at me for a long moment. She tried to put on a serious mother’s face but suddenly she burst out laughing.

  This made me look at her. The way she was laughing. I’ve never seen her like this.

  “What?” I asked her.

  My mom tried to keep her posture and tried to calm down.

  “For the first time you sound like a normal daughter.” She smiled happily at me.

  I wanted to facepalm myself but held back.

  “Don’t start…” I warned her.

  “What? I am always amazed by what you do. There’s always something new with you!” She looked at me proudly.

  “Sure!” I waved my hand.

  “If you have no school what are you gonna do?” She asked.

  “I have to make up for my actions.” I said and wanted to walk out of the room. I had grabbed my coat and was pulling it on my body.

  “Stop right there!” My mom stopped me. “That sounds wrong. You are not a criminal!” She interjected me. Her lawyer's instinct sensed something.

  “It’s not labour. I just have to go and meet them and that’s it.” I said. “Don’t worry! If I am ever in any legal problem I will let you know.” I smiled at my mom sweetly as if to say not to worry.

  My mother pursed her lips not really warning me to let go of me yet.

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  “Is that a promise?” She asked.

  I nodded. “I promise!” I told her.

  And that’s when I left the house.

  The brisk morning air hit my face. In the distance I saw the sun slowly setting. The tallest buildings gave an orange, golden look from the sky that was mostly clear. A rare cloud passing in the far distance.

  Itsuki was already waiting for me in the car. Though this time he was not alone.

  A small girl was sitting by the wheel. She looked way younger than she should be. Long blonde hair, messily on her back. Dressed in an oversized hoodie. The distinctive face mask she wore caught my attention.

  Under the mask I immediately noticed something shiny. Like where her skin was supposed to be was made of metal.

  Was she in some kind of accident?

  “Don’t stare like that.” Itsuki greeted me by stepping out of the car.

  “Who is she?” I asked.

  I had other questions in mind to ask but I did not want to cross any line. Especially if she had some kind of accident leading to how she looks. It could be awkward.

  “My assistant.” Itsuki replied.

  I took a double look.

  “That makes even less sense.” I said.

  He opened the doors for me and I got in. He got in right behind me sitting in the backseat next to me.

  The girl did not greet me or simply looked forward outside the window.

  When me and Itsuki had put our seatbelts on she started driving.

  “Is she even legal to drive?” I could not help but ask this.

  “Oh? Of course!” Itsuki shrugged. “She’s not important. Just a simple assistant that helps me with whatever tasks I am on.” He explained her being here.

  “Chauffeuring you around is part of her duty?” I raised a judgmental eyebrow.

  Itsuki nodded. Didn’t say anything else.

  “Can I get your name?” I couldn’t help but ask her.

  “Call her Em.” Itsuki answered for the girl.

  I sensed her not talking had a reason. I decided to lean back and stop prying.

  “What are we doing today?” I asked.

  “Depends. Do you want the light stuff first or the heavy stuff?” He asked me. Those cat-like eyes glancing at me.

  “Mmh…it is rather early for heavy stuff…”

  “Then we go to training first.” Itsuki clapped his hands, smiling happily.

  Em looked into the mirror. Her eyes sparkled at Itsuki’s reaction.

  He completely ignored this and instructed her to go to the hotel they were staying.

  It was a ten minute ride and we stopped by this tall building. A modern glass building that was a hotel, looking rather luxurious.

  When we entered I saw the interior was rather spectacular. Golden accents, big crystal chandeliers, red carpets as floors. I did not see a single soul here but us.

  It felt rather out of place for a building this magnitude.

  Only people with rich tastes would truly enjoy this view. I felt a little out of place.

  “What are we doing here?” I asked.

  “I want to do some training with you!” Itsuki replied. Then he looked at Em who was walking on his left side. “You can go upstairs for now. I will call once I need you.” He told her.

  Em looked at Itsuki and pulled out a phone. She looked to type something and then pressed something. Looking back at Itsuki.

  “See you later, brother!” A sound came out of her phone. Speaking words she couldn’t say herself.

  I understood now why she never spoke to me. Living like this…and so young. That’s such a state to be living in. I couldn’t help but feel sympathy towards someone like her.

  Though, I held these thoughts to myself.

  Em went her way and I and Itsuki went different routes. He brought me to the gym.

  “Didn’t I mean light stuff first?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

  Itsuki laughed out loud.

  “Rory…don’t tell me you did not do this with your mentor.” He looked at me as if he knew. As if I understood what he meant. Trying to point out to me that he and I might not be so different.

  I took off my coat.

  Thankfully, I was dressed in casual clothes that I could also work out in. Dropping it on one of the benches I took off my shoes.

  Itsuki did the same.

  There was a square circle space which also is called a ring for fighting sports.

  “What do you have in mind?” I was intrigued by what he wanted to do here.

  Itsuki looked at me pulling out two black blindfolds.

  “Are you familiar?” Itsuki teased me with moving the blindfolds as they were some fun prizes.

  At that moment a memory of something old that I may have forgotten came back into my mind. This explained...the grip Itsuki held me the other day. The strengths and precision he possessed.

  “I may be a bit rusty.” I couldn't keep myself from smiling.

  He tossed me one of the blindfolds and stepped in the ring.

  I caught it and followed suit.