Seraphina
I spent a wild night with Kael in the woods.
God, I’ve never done anything so outrageous in my life.
But it happened-so vividly, so undeniably real.
Maybe it was the outdoor setting that made it so thrilling. Even now, back at my apartment, just thinking about last night makes my face flush and my heart race.
Damn it, I feel like such a reckless fool!
Still, I’ve noticed something odd. After running with Kael all night and everything that happened between us, my body doesn’t feel sore at all. Not a single mark or ache.
My stamina seems to be far better than I imagined. It’s surprising.
I got up, washed up, and had breakfast. Before long, Evelyn woke up too and greeted me.
The day ahead was filled with boring classes, as always.
In the afternoon, I headed back to the Eagle Club for my part-time job.
Kael spotted me almost immediately, flashing one of his dazzling smiles.
“Seraphina, it’s so nice to see you again.”
I sighed, pressing a hand to my forehead. “Not nice at all.”
“What’s wrong? Did I make you uncomfortable last night?” he teased with a sly grin.
Before he could say more, I smacked his chest lightly.
“Can you please not bring that up again?”
Even though no one else was around, I still felt a twinge of embarrassment. Doing something like that in the woods-even if no one knew-it left a lingering sense of shame.
Kael stepped back, laughing. “Alright, I won’t mention it again. But how about tonight? Shall we continue our training in the woods?”
I rolled my eyes. “No way. I’ve already made plans with Evelyn to have dinner tonight.”
That wasn’t true, of course. I just needed an excuse to avoid him. The thought of going back into the woods with Kael again was… overwhelming.
Kael’s face fell slightly at my response. He sighed and said, “Then how about I join you and Evelyn for dinner? Isn’t she bringing her girlfriend? Wouldn’t you feel awkward being the only one without a partner?”
“No, thank you. I’m fine,” I replied without hesitation.
“We’re not a couple, Kael. How would I even introduce you? And you’re a celebrity. If someone recognizes you at a restaurant and posts about it online, it’ll cause me unnecessary trouble.”
“You could just make it official,” Kael said, stepping closer and placing his hands on my shoulders. “Seraphina, I’m ready to go public with you anytime. I’ll post about us on Instagram this very moment if you agree.”
I knew he meant it. His deep brown eyes, so full of emotion, drew me in like an endless ocean.
If I wasn’t careful, I’d drown in them.
Kael had told me long ago that he wanted me to be his girlfriend. I didn’t believe him then, thinking he just wanted to toy with me. But after everything we’ve been through, I’d have to be blind not to see his sincerity.
Yet, I couldn’t muster the courage to give him an answer. There were too many complications between us.
I’m a coward, unable to face this head-on.
I know it’s wrong of me. Kael has laid his heart bare for me, and I shouldn’t keep running away. But I can’t help it-I’m scared. Avoidance feels like the only choice I can make right now.
My silence must have hurt him. Kael’s hands dropped from my shoulders, and he took a step back.
“Alright, Seraphina,” he said softly. “I get it. You don’t need to say anything. You just want me to wait a little longer, right?”
I hadn’t expected him to understand so quickly. His words made my chest ache.
“I’ll wait for you,” he continued. “Take your time. When you’re ready, I’ll be here.”
With that, he turned and walked away.
I watched his broad, muscular frame retreating, and for some reason, my heart felt unbearably heavy.
Kael, who always seemed so strong and confident, looked fragile in that moment. Maybe it was the hurt in his eyes-eyes I’d never seen so vulnerable before.
Even during tough matches with powerful opponents, when he was at a disadvantage, Kael’s expression always carried unshakable confidence.
But now, because of me, he seemed broken.
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered to myself. “I want to be with you too. Maybe if you were human… we’d already be together.”
I grabbed the cleaning supplies and got to work tidying up the boxing club.
To my surprise, when I entered the medical room, Magnus wasn’t there. Instead, a middle-aged woman greeted me. She looked to be in her forties, with deep brown hair and rimless glasses. Her professional demeanor was unmistakable.
“Hello, I’m Eileen,” she said warmly. “I just started here a couple of days ago. It’s nice to meet you.”
I blinked at her in surprise. Was she just covering a shift for Magnus?
“Where’s Magnus?” I asked without thinking.
“Oh, he resigned a few days ago,” Eileen replied. “I’m his replacement.”
Magnus… left the Eagle Club?
How could I not have known about this?
The thought was baffling. Why would Magnus leave?
Did Kael have something to do with it? Did he push Magnus out because he didn’t want us interacting too much?
If that were the case, I’d be furious. Taking away Magnus’s job just because of jealousy? Unacceptable.
I quickly pulled out my phone and messaged Magnus.
[Me]: Magnus, I heard you resigned from the Eagle Club. Why?
[Magnus]: It’s nothing. Just a personal decision.
His reply came quickly, but it felt dismissive.
[Me]: Are you sure? You never seemed unhappy with the job.
Magnus had always seemed content with his work. Like me, he only worked at the club part-time, filling in whenever he was available. His departure made no sense.