Breaking the Habit
01.
"The next thing we're going to explore in King Lear is the theme of madness…"
Viper's head dropped down, her chin no longer under the support of her hand. The heavy hood that covered her head drooped a little more over her resting eyes. She had never went out of her way to remove the black cloth that hid her identity so well. In fact, she went way too far out of her way to prevent anyone from removing the mask of hers.
"Viper! Pack up your things and go out of the classroom!" Suddenly, the teacher's tone changed for the pleasant. "Looks like someone needs some growing up time~"
Fake bitch. Viper cursed silently as she looked up redundantly, annoyed that she was woken up from her, unfortunately, light slumber. Calmly, she rose, gathering her books. She walked out of the classroom, her head held up high, as always.
She dropped her books at the feet of the door, and the pile of books blocked the doorway. Hope it trips you, she cursed silently to the teacher. Pulling on the hood covering her head, she made sure that it successfully hid the upper hemisphere of her face. Over the years of training she had become used to relying on her physic powers to make her way and see through the dark layer shielding her eyes.
She nibbled on her lower lip, a blood-like red taking over her rosy pink lips. She was deep in thought, pondering about something she had been avoiding for the past week.
Staring blankly into the long corridor, she made her way to the grand staircase, set in the middle of the school, under the glittering chandelier lights that lit up the school as the night settled in. Stepping on to the polished oak stairs that paved the way up and down, she was oblivious to the surroundings, lost in her swarming thoughts.
Halfway down the staircase, Viper accidentally bumped into the student council president, Fon, breaking her thoughts. Her knee-jerk reaction was to try to push Fon away, her slender yet strong fingers pushing against his steady chest. Looking up into his eyes, she blushed, a little bit of her hoping he could stare into her eyes too.
"Fucking Jesus Christ, look out at where you're going." Viper frowned, shaking her head, wanting to brush of the red from her cheeks. She knew very well that even the slightest shade of red contrasted against her white skin. Her eyes wandered down, and rested at Fon's chest.
Fon smiled, his eyes filled with the patience he always wore. He could feel Viper's eyes burning against his chest. Although he was only two years older than her, he was about 7 inches taller, and she barely made it to his shoulders. He noticed the faint pink on her cheeks, and his eyes lit up. "I'm sorry, Viper-san. I called you many times but it seemed that you were deep in thought and completely ignored me." Although Viper was younger and never showed any respect for the president, Fon never seemed to lack in respect or lose his patience. As a child raised from a respectable mafia home, he was well educated, in every aspects.
"Next time raise up your friggin voice. No one will hear you like that," Viper snapped. She knew very well that Fon had spoken loudly, and it was completely her fault. Yet her arrogant nature inclined her to put the blame on Fon. Turning her head to avoid looking at Fon, she moved out of the way, and proceeded down the stairs, only to find his firm grip on her arm.
Turning back, Viper's eyes dug into Fon's smiling stare. "Where are you going?" His voice was demanding, and his grip tightened. Viper struggled, trying to break free.
"One hundred dollars," Fon noticed that her voice was slightly higher than normal, though it managed to sound flat as usual.
He smiled weakly, and reached into his pocket for his wallet. The sight of his brown leather brought sparkle to Viper's eyes, as he pulled out a green bill.
"To the gardens." In the school's backyard there was a secluded garden that most people rarely been to, and the lush green trees were enough to set a frenzied mind at peace.
"I'll go with you." Taking Viper by the arm, Fon led Viper into the garden.