Chapter 16: Yuna Roma

"...he is currently a Political Science major, interning at the parliament building. Upon graduating, he will be working under his father, Vice President Unato Ema Seiran…"

The Political Science teacher's drawl became background muffles. Cagalii was fixated—eyes wide and mouth agape—on the young man that stood beside Mr. Thomas. The young man named Yuna Roma Seiran.

Why is he here? She thought. Why him? This could be bad. What if slips and says something about me?

Yuna stood erect, with a quasi-charming smile upon his face, as the teacher spoke of him. It didn't go unnoticed to Cagalli that he seemed to relish the attention that he was receiving. His head swayed as he surveyed the students in the class, and, to Cagalli's dismay, his eyes landed on her. His proud expression immediately switched to one of pure shock. He nearly lost his composure, and she noticed that he mouthed what she believed to be her name. For the remainder of Mr. Thomas' drone, the two stayed focused on one another.

Cagalli had been speed walking through the nearly empty hall when someone called her name. She turned around and, only a few feet away, was Yuna carrying a serious look on his face.

"Are you in a hurry?" he said, walking closer to her.

"Yes—I'm heading home."

"Ah," he said, now only several inches from her. "Then you wouldn't mind me having a word with you."

Cagalli furrowed her brow. "Can't it wait?"

"It won't take long really. I'm just a bit curious, and a little shocked. I didn't know you were attending this school. When did this happen?"

"It's really not a big deal," she folded her arms. "I'm a teen going to high school. I don't think you need to concern yourself."

"You've been homeschooled, or, at least, have taken private lessons for your entire life, am I right? I just find it peculiar that your father would all of a sudden let you join a public school and without protection. Do you not have a guard?"

"Could you please keep it down?"

Cagalli surveyed the hall. Only two students had passed them in the last few minutes, most should be on their way home or participating in their after school activities, but she didn't want anyone in that hall lest they hear them. Yuna, noticing Cagalli's sudden spark of paranoia, raised an eyebrow.

"What has gotten into you?" he asked.

"Nothing!" she said, not so convincingly.

"Why are you yelling at me?"

"I'm not! Just leave me alone!"

"Cagalli, I think you need to watch—-"

"Is this guy bothering you?" Cagalli turned to see Dearka behind her.

Dearka eased his way to Cagalli's side, slipping his arm around her shoulder; he pulled her close. Cagalli stared up at him. A mix of relief and anxiety formed in the pit of her stomach. She slowly looked back at Yuna. He wore a scorn. Cagalli gulped.

"Well?" Dearka said.

Yuna and Cagalli were silent. Yuna eyed the pair in front of him. As his eyes moved, Cagalli felt every nerve in her body become agitated. Dearka pulling her even closer didn't help. Yuna suddenly smirked.

"I see what's going on," he said. He turned around and was ready to walk away, but, before he could make his leave, he faced them once more. "You can play with this boy all you want, Cagalli, but we both know that it's only temporary."

"Excuse me?" Dearka made a fist.

Ignoring him, Yuna continued, "When you come of age, you will be mine. And I doubt he will be able to replace me. Whoever he may be."

"Yuna, that is enough!"

"Is he even in your class? Me and you are in the same class, and that's how it should be. Someone of your stature knows this—-known this."

"What the hell are you going on about?" Dearka said through gritted teeth. "You're really pissing me off. She'll be yours? Class? Dude, shut up."

Yuna faced them completely. "All I'm saying is—-

"Yuna!"

—-Cagalli Yula Atha, the young lady who is to become my wife one day, shouldn't be frolicking with the likes of you, but"-he shrugged—-"she can do as she pleases...for now."

With that, Yuna did an about face and made his way down the hall.

"Atha?" Dearka said under his breath.

He removed his arm from Cagalli's shoulder and she instantly felt cold. He looked at her incredulously, his eyes searching hers for answers.

"You're an Atha? And you're engaged?"

Cagalli's shoulders slumped. She could no longer look him in the eye. Suddenly she felt his hand forcibly grip her shoulders.

"Answer me!"

She looked up at him, tears welling in her eyes. The pitiful expression on her face—-that of fear and sadness—-caused Dearka to loosen his grip.

"Please don't tell." she whispered.