🎶: Never Let Us Fade - 070 Shake feat Cam
Caitlyn and Riven walked side by side, the quiet between them filled with an unspoken understanding of the moment—a shared acknowledgment of the absurdity of their situation. The soft crunch of their footsteps against the gravel and the occasional rustle of leaves in the evening breeze were the only sounds filling the space between them. The last streaks of twilight had vanished, leaving the sky a deep navy scattered with faint stars.
Caitlyn clasped her hands awkwardly behind her back, fingers fidgeting slightly as she kept her gaze fixed on the path ahead—or at least, she tried to. Every few steps, she stole quick glances at Riven from the corner of her eye. The other woman strode with a calm, steady presence, her gaze fixed forward, seemingly unfazed by Caitlyn's restless energy. If Riven noticed the stolen looks, she gave no sign, her expression composed and unreadable.
Why did I even ask…? What was I thinking? Caitlyn wondered. She hadn't planned on asking anyone for anything tonight, least of all a stranger she'd just met. Yet here she was, her reluctant steps flanked by Riven's tranquil confidence, heading toward what could only be described as certain doom. Great. Now it's the silence again.
"Thanks, by the way," Caitlyn said suddenly, breaking the stillness.
Riven tilted her head slightly, her pale green eyes flicking toward Caitlyn, catching the faint glow of the campus lights in the distance. Her gaze lingered for only a moment before drifting forward again, her voice calm and smooth. "For what?"
"For coming with me," Caitlyn replied, a faint, self-conscious smile tugging at her lips. "Not that I deserve the company. I probably interrupted your run, or... whatever it is you do in the middle of an empty field at sunset."
Riven's lips curved into a faint smile, the corner tugging upward as a quiet chuckle escaped her. "Don't worry about it," she said lightly, her tone carrying a hint of amusement. She shrugged one shoulder, her gaze flicking toward Caitlyn with a teasing glint. "Figured it'd be a shame to let you face your 'doom' all alone."
She turned her head slightly, catching Caitlyn's gaze with a sidelong glance that was equal parts teasing and effortlessly charming. Her pale green eyes glimmered under the faint light, her voice low and smooth. "You weren't exactly subtle," she added, the corner of her mouth lifting just a bit more. "You looked like you were heading to a firing squad back there."
Caitlyn felt the warmth of her cheeks rising, though she couldn't quite place why. Her laugh faltered before she covered her mouth with one hand, letting out a soft, refined chuckle. "I—well, it's… not that bad," she said, her voice light but tinged with nervous energy. Her fingers lingered over her lips as she glanced away quickly, unsure whether she was more flustered or confused by the sudden shift in the air between them. "You're not exactly wrong either…"
Riven's gaze flicked to her, lingering for a moment as the corner of her mouth quirked upward. There was something almost amusing in the way she watched Caitlyn, her green eyes catching the faint glow of the campus lights.
Caitlyn shifted her weight slightly, letting out a soft sigh as her hands tightened behind her back. "Samantha's probably furious by now," she said, her voice quieter, almost to herself. "And Seraphine… well, she's likely turned this into some grand HexGram production already. I wouldn't be surprised if she's roped in half the campus to 'help.'"
Riven chuckled softly, the sound low and easy as she pulled her HexGram from her pocket. With a quick swipe, her green eyes flicked over the screen, and a smirk tugged at her lips. "Guess it's nice to have people who care enough to overreact," she said lightly, before holding up the device for Caitlyn to see. "Yep. You're definitely top of the wanted list."
Caitlyn winced, her shoulders hunching slightly as she caught sight of Seraphine's over-the-top post splashed across the screen. "Oh no," she groaned, her voice muffled as she buried her face in her hands. "What did she write this time?"
Riven laughed quietly, clearly amused by Caitlyn's reaction. "Let's see… 'Campus queen Caitlyn Kiramman spotted in the wild! Missing? Maybe. Dangerous? Absolutely not. Volunteers needed for the search!'" She raised an eyebrow. "Catchy. Got a nice ring to it."
Caitlyn peeked through her fingers, groaning louder. What the f—? She smacked her forehead in exasperation, dragging her hand down her face before leaving it there, her fingers splayed across her brow as she closed her eyes and frowned deeply. "My social life is officially over. Isolation and hiding in closets—this is my future now."
Riven shrugged, slipping her phone back into her pocket. "Could've been worse. At least she picked a good photo," she said, her voice casual but laced with mischief.
Caitlyn practically stayed frozen, her hand still pressed to her forehead as she closed her eyes, letting out a long, exaggerated groan. Riven laughed softly, clearly entertained. When Caitlyn didn't respond, Riven tilted her head, her smile taking on a teasing edge. "You could always deny it's you. Claim it's a twin, or I don't know… a very convincing look-alike."
Caitlyn cracked open one eye, her lips twitching as if she was trying not to smile. "I'm starting to think you're enjoying this."
Riven crossed her arms, leaning slightly closer, her smirk lingering. "Maybe a little. You're a lot more entertaining than you give yourself credit for."
That did it. Caitlyn's laughter bubbled up before she could stop it—a genuine, hearty laugh that echoed softly in the still evening air. She clutched her stomach, the sound bright and unrestrained, as though it had been locked away for far too long. Riven blinked, her smirk softening as she watched Caitlyn, her pale green eyes taking in the moment. For a brief second, she found herself captivated by the sight—Caitlyn's usually composed demeanor breaking into something so carefree. Adorable.
As Caitlyn's laughter finally tapered off, she wiped at her eyes, her cheeks faintly flushed from the outburst. The glow of the main quad came into view, casting a soft golden light that cut through the deep navy of the night. Students milled about in the distance, their voices faint and indistinct. Caitlyn's pace slowed slightly, as though she, too, wasn't in a rush to face what awaited her.
Riven glanced at her from the corner of her eye, the faintest flicker of a smile playing on her lips. She hadn't expected to enjoy this impromptu detour, but there was something about Caitlyn—her mix of elegance and vulnerability, her sharp wit balanced by the occasional clumsy charm—that made Riven partly wish they had a little bit longer before she had to say goodbye to the navy blue-haired beauty.
"You alright?" Riven asked, her voice casual but tinged with curiosity.
Caitlyn nodded, though she hesitated before speaking. "I guess I'm just… mentally preparing for what's about to happen." She let out a soft laugh, more to herself. "It's not every day you get a campus-wide search party named after you."
🎶: Love - 070 Shake
Before Riven could respond, a voice cut through the quiet, sharp and unmistakable.
"Caitlyn Kiramman!"
Both of them froze, their heads snapping up in unison toward the source of the sound. Samantha was storming toward them from the quad, her voice carrying all the authority and exasperation of someone who had been looking for far too long. Riven and Caitlyn exchanged wide-eyed looks, their expressions a mirror of shock and guilt, as though they'd just been caught red-handed doing something they shouldn't.
Caitlyn opened her mouth to say something, but Samantha was already closing the distance, her hands planted firmly on her hips. "Do you have any idea how many people are out looking for you right now?! Seraphine's practically on a stage rallying the troops!"
Samantha's sharp gaze darted to Riven, her energy undeterred as she jabbed a finger in her direction. "And who are you?!"
Riven raised an eyebrow, clearly unfazed by the sudden interrogation. She crossed her arms, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of her lips as she glanced at Caitlyn. "Friend of hers," she said casually, her tone almost deliberately nonchalant. "I'm the backup she didn't know she needed."
An extremely loud, exaggerated sobbing echoed from the distance. Both Caitlyn and Riven turned toward the source just in time to see Seraphine sprinting across the quad, her pink hair bouncing wildly behind her.
"Caitlyn!" Seraphine wailed, her voice carrying a theatrical edge. "Oh, thank goodness you're okay!"
Caitlyn's eyes widened in alarm as Seraphine barreled toward her, arms outstretched. "Oh no—Seraphine, wait—!"
Too late. Seraphine collided with Caitlyn in a dramatic hug, nearly knocking her off balance. She buried her face in Caitlyn's shoulder, fake sobbing loud enough to turn heads in the quad. "I was so worried about you! We thought we'd lost you forever!"
Caitlyn groaned, her hands hovering awkwardly around Seraphine as she tried to regain her footing. "Seraphine, I was gone for an hour, not a year."
Seraphine pulled back just enough to clasp Caitlyn's face in her hands, her bright blue eyes shimmering with mock tears. "An hour of emotional devastation?! Do you even know what we've been through?!"
Caitlyn's lips twitched as she whispered to herself, barely audible, "Uhhh… what's there to go through…?"
Caitlyn's gaze drifted past Seraphine's dramatic display, and her heart skipped a beat. From a distance, she spotted a familiar group heading their way—Garen, Loris, and Lux walking in step, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. But it wasn't their presence that caught her attention. Trailing just behind them was a certain burgundy-haired person with wide, piercing blue eyes, her expression etched with genuine worry.
Vi.
Caitlyn stopped struggling, her hands falling limply to her sides as if all the energy had been drained from her. She stood there motionless, her gaze fixed on the approaching group—more specifically, on Vi. The noise around her faded into a distant hum, Seraphine's exaggerated sobs and Samantha's sharp words barely registering.
Riven noticed the sudden shift. Her sharp eyes flicked to Caitlyn, catching the way her posture stiffened, her focus locked ahead. Without a word, Riven followed her gaze, turning slightly to see the group that was walking over. She said nothing, her expression unreadable as her gaze landed on the burgundy-haired woman trailing behind the others. The wide, piercing blue eyes, brimming with unmistakable concern, told her all she needed to know.
She slipped her hands into the pockets of her jogger pants, leaning back slightly as she watched the scene unfold. Her expression remained calm, but a flicker of curiosity danced in her pale green eyes as they lingered on the burgundy-haired woman in the distance. Whatever was happening, it wasn't her place to interrupt.
-ਠŕ§-
Vi felt a wave of relief wash over her as she spotted Caitlyn, standing seemingly unharmed—except for the fact that Seraphine was practically choking her with a dramatic, tear-filled hug. A soft chuckle almost escaped her, but it was quickly replaced by something else. Her sharp blue eyes shifted to the person standing close to Caitlyn, their posture relaxed, hands tucked casually into the pockets of their jogger pants.
She didn't recognize them.
A faint sense of unease crept in, almost instinctual. The way the stranger stood, calm and composed, yet close enough to Caitlyn to imply familiarity, stirred something protective deep within her. Vi's brows furrowed slightly, her gaze lingering on the unfamiliar figure for a moment longer.
Who the fuck is this? she wondered, her jaw tightening just a bit. There was no immediate reason to distrust them—Caitlyn didn't look distressed—but the thought of someone she didn't know standing so close to Caitlyn had her instincts flaring nonetheless. As the group closed the distance, Vi's eyes flicked back to Caitlyn, her worry briefly overshadowed by the faintest hint of amusement. "Sera, give her some air, yeah?" she called out, her voice light but carrying enough weight to snap Seraphine out of her wailing.
Sera hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly took a small step aside, though she quickly latched onto Caitlyn's arm like a lifeline. Caitlyn let out a quiet sigh and patted Seraphine's head silently, her gaze flicking briefly toward Vi before dropping to the ground. Sam crossed her arms and glanced over to Loris, who hadn't said a word. His usual easygoing expression was gone, replaced with a sharp focus as he stared at Riven, his brow slightly furrowed.
The stranger noticed, of course. Her pale green eyes shifted to meet his, and for a brief moment, the two seemed locked in a silent exchange. Loris didn't flinch, his gaze steady, but his fingers fidgeted at his sides as though weighing whether to say something. He didn't.
-ਠŕ§-
Lux let out a delicate sigh of relief, her expression as sweet and composed as ever as her gaze swept over Caitlyn. "Oh, thank goodness you're alright," she said softly, her tone laced with just the right amount of concern to appear genuine. But as her bright blue eyes shifted to the person standing near Caitlyn—someone she didn't recognize—a spark of something sharper flickered beneath her carefully crafted facade.
Her smile remained, perfectly polished, but her thoughts took on a decidedly different tone. And who's this? Someone new hanging around Caitlyn? Lux tilted her head slightly, her golden hair catching the light as her innocent expression belied the scrutiny in her gaze. She doesn't look like a student—or maybe she is? But why's she standing so close to Caitlyn?
Her gaze flicked back to Caitlyn, who was still half-trapped in Seraphine's embrace, and then to the stranger again. Lux felt a strange pang of curiosity—or maybe something more complicated. Does Caitlyn know her well? Or is this one of those mysterious types Cait always ends up tangled with?
She stepped forward slightly, her posture effortlessly graceful as she moved to Caitlyn's side. "Oh, Caitlyn, I was so worried about you," she said sweetly, her voice carrying just enough warmth to sound sincere. Then, her gaze flicked to Riven, and her smile widened, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "And who's your... friend?"
Riven shifted her weight slightly, slipping her hands deeper into her jogger pockets as she turned her head toward Lux. Her pale green eyes moved lazily over the blonde, lingering just long enough to feel intentional. There was no flicker of discomfort or hesitation in Riven's expression—just calm, measured indifference, as if she could see straight through the polished charm Lux wore like armor.
"Just passing through," Riven said simply, her voice low and steady, carrying a weight that made it clear she wasn't inclined to elaborate. She held Lux's gaze for a beat longer, her expression unreadable, before looking away as if the conversation was already over.
Lux's smile didn't falter, but her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, the subtlest crack in her facade. "How nice," she said lightly, tilting her head. "Caitlyn's lucky to have someone so... reliable nearby."
-ਠŕ§-
🎶: High - Sir Sly
When Lux's overly sweet tone reached her ears, Riven's brow twitched, the only outward sign of her annoyance. She didn't bother responding, her gaze shifting back toward Caitlyn without a word. But the tension around her didn't dissipate. She could feel another presence—intense and focused—burning into her. Without needing to look, Riven knew it was the burgundy-haired woman from the group. Vi. Her sharp eyes were practically drilling into her, and Riven could sense the protective energy radiating off her like heat.
Her curiosity stirred. Hmm. Is this blonde her girlfriend or something? Riven thought to herself, briefly glancing at Vi before flicking her gaze back to Caitlyn. The idea lingered in her mind for a moment, but Riven didn't dwell on it. Doesn't matter.
"Who are you supposed to be?" Vi's voice cut through the tension, blunt and no-nonsense, pulling Riven from her thoughts. Riven turned her head slightly, meeting Vi's gaze for the first time. Those piercing blue eyes were locked onto her, sharp and unyielding, like she was sizing Riven up for a fight—or maybe a warning. Her stance was casual, but there was an edge to it, like she was ready to act if needed.
Riven arched an eyebrow, unfazed. "Riven," she said simply, her voice calm and even. She kept her hands in her pockets, her posture relaxed despite the charged atmosphere. "Just helped Caitlyn get back. That's all."
Vi's eyes narrowed slightly, as though weighing the truth of her words. Riven held her gaze, her pale green eyes steady and unflinching, daring Vi to find something out of place. The silence that followed only added to Riven's amusement. She could feel the tension thrumming around her, unspoken and heavy. Her gaze flicked lazily toward Lux, catching the subtle sharpness in her overly sweet expression, then back to Vi, who still seemed ready to pounce. A soft chuckle threatened to escape her, but she held it back, the faintest smirk tugging at her lips instead. So, they're together? Interesting.
Her gaze slid back to Caitlyn. To her surprise, Caitlyn's expression had turned unreadable, her face impassive like she was deliberately keeping her thoughts hidden. That only made Riven's curiosity grow. What's her deal, then? she wondered, though she didn't linger on it too long.
Vi, apparently unsatisfied with the lack of reaction, stepped a little closer, her stance shifting just enough to be more deliberate. "Are we supposed to just take your word for it?" she asked, her tone still sharp but edged with something more protective now.
Riven let a smirk tug at her lips as her gaze shifted deliberately upward, starting from Vi's boots and lingering as it traveled slowly to meet her piercing blue eyes. "Didn't know I needed clearance to be on campus," she said smoothly, her voice carrying an amused lilt. She held Vi's gaze for a moment longer before stepping slightly closer, her smirk fading into something more thoughtful. Her tone dropped, calm and measured, as she spoke again. "You always this protective," Riven asked, her words pointed but even, "or is it just when it comes to her?" Riven's eyes moved to Caitlyn then back to Vi.
The words weren't meant to antagonize—they were quiet and focused, more of a direct unfiltered question than a challenge. But there was something in the way Riven said them, the faint curiosity in her gaze, that made them land heavier than they should have. Vi's shoulders tensed, her blue eyes narrowing as though trying to decide whether Riven's words were a taunt or an observation.
The silence stretched for a beat, thick with unspoken tension, before Riven leaned back, slipping her hands deeper into her jogger pockets again. Her posture was relaxed, but there was a faint spark of amusement in her expression, as if Vi's reaction had answered her question. Caitlyn shifted beside them, her face unreadable, though her fingers fidgeted at her sides. The way she kept her gaze averted didn't escape Riven's notice, and for a brief moment, she wondered just how complicated things really were between these people. Interesting.
The rest of the group, however, seemed caught in the crossfire. Samantha and Seraphine exchanged wide-eyed looks, clearly unsure whether to step in or stay out of it. Seraphine opened her mouth as if to say something, but Samantha grabbed her arm and shook her head, silently telling her to stay put.
Garen and Loris simply stared, their gazes bouncing between Riven and Vi like spectators at a match they hadn't paid to watch. Garen's brows furrowed slightly, his protective instincts no doubt kicking in, but he remained still, likely waiting to see if Vi needed his intervention.
Lux, on the other hand, was visibly annoyed. Her sweet facade cracked slightly as she crossed her arms, her blue eyes narrowing as she glared at Riven. She didn't say a word, but the tightness in her jaw spoke volumes. What does she think she's doing?
"Uh… should we—" Seraphine started to whisper, but Samantha shushed her sharply, shooting her a warning glance. "Not now."
The awkward silence stretched just long enough to make everyone shift uncomfortably before Riven finally exhaled softly, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Well," she said, her voice light and calm, "this has been fun. I'll let you all get back to… whatever this is."
As Riven turned to leave, Caitlyn's voice broke through the tense atmosphere. "Riven, wait."
Riven paused mid-step, glancing back over her shoulder. Her expression was calm, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her pale green eyes as she looked at Caitlyn.
Caitlyn hesitated for a brief moment, her fingers brushing against her side nervously before she straightened up, her voice steady. "Thank you. For… For earlier."
The words carried an earnestness that made the group fall silent. Even Lux, who had been glaring at Riven moments ago, blinked in mild surprise. Caitlyn's gaze stayed fixed on Riven, her usual impassive mask softened just enough to reveal the sincerity behind her words. Riven's smirk returned, though it was faint and understated. She tilted her head slightly, as if weighing her response, before giving a small nod. "Don't mention it," she said, her tone casual but not dismissive. Her gaze flicked to the others briefly, lingering on Vi for just a beat longer, before landing back on Caitlyn. "I'll see you around."
Then, with a small wave of her hand, she continued walking, disappearing into the shadows of the campus.
ਠEND OF MINI CHAPTER ŕ§