Chapter 31: Shadows of Concern

Lilly sat in the classroom, her gaze drifting aimlessly as the teacher's voice became a distant hum. Her mind was in turmoil, a chaotic swirl of thoughts and emotions. Ever since she had seen Alex with that mysterious girl in his room, an unshakable unease had settled in her heart. It wasn't jealousy, she reasoned with herself. They were just friends, and Alex had every right to spend time with whomever he pleased. Still, an inexplicable heaviness lingered within her.

The memory played on a loop in her mind – Alex's easy smile, the casual way he interacted with the girl. Lilly couldn't help but feel a pang of something she couldn't quite identify. It was irrational, she knew, but emotions rarely followed the rules of logic.

Frowning, she redirected her attention to the teacher, trying to focus on the lesson. Yet, her mind kept drifting back to that moment, dissecting every nuance of their interaction. Why did it bother her so much? Lilly clenched her fists beneath the desk, frustration gnawing at her.

With a shake of her head, she scolded herself for being so irrational. Alex was her friend, and she should be happy for him. But that image, the girl's presence, continued to haunt her.

As the class ended, Lilly's internal debate was interrupted by the chime of her phone. A discreet notification illuminated the screen, and she swiftly checked it. What she saw sent a shockwave through her – a picture of a girl, a bounty of 10 million credits attached to her capture. The significance of the amount and threat level paled in comparison to the girl's face itself – it was the same girl from Alex's room, the enigmatic Kira.

A gasp escaped her lips before she could stop it. Alex turned towards her, concern etching his features. "Lilly, is something wrong?"

She forced a smile, her heart pounding. "No, it's nothing. Just got a message."

Lilly's mind raced, connecting the dots between the bounty and Kira's presence. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of possibilities, each more concerning than the last. The girl was deemed a B-ranked threat, which meant Alex was involved in something far more dangerous than she had imagined. What could Kira possibly have to do with this level of danger?

The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, but Lilly's thoughts were far from over. Determination burned within her, a fierce resolve to protect her friend at all costs. She needed answers, and she wouldn't rest until she unraveled the truth.

As the hallway emptied, Lilly's mind was made up. She would confront Alex, albeit in disguise, and ascertain the extent of his involvement. The thought of facing the unknown was daunting, but she couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that something was amiss.

However, she hesitated. Calling for backup from the Supernatural Crime Bureau was a viable option, but it would also implicate Alex in a situation he might not fully understand. Lilly couldn't bear the thought of burdening him with such danger.

With her decision set, Lilly left the classroom with a newfound determination. She knew it would be dangerous , but she was willing to face whatever challenges came her way. Protecting Alex was her priority, even if it meant diving headfirst into the shadows.

As the school day concluded, Lilly's resolve only grew stronger. She would uncover the mysteries surrounding Kira, no matter the risks, and ensure that her friend remained safe from the any danger. It was her responsibility as an SBC agent and a friend.