Knight Syndrome

Ameena

It was a Friday afternoon in late January, and it was getting dark outside.

The breeze was strong, blowing sand into Ameena's eyes. She shielded her face with her hands and continued to walk. She jumped as she heard someone call out from behind her.

"Ameena!" it said again, this time in a high-pitched voice that she knew all too well. "Wait up!"

"It looks natural" Ameena handed the sketchpad to Gorya who had settled into a seat opposite her in the same café she had met Ren a few days back.

Gorya's face lit up.

They are close. Ameena realized sensing the strength of their relationship.

It was the way that Gorya had smiled, or just something about her general air of friendliness and confidence, but Ameena found herself liking Gorya right away.

Ameena had told herself countless times she would never let an innocent get caught in the crossfire. Now she was a hypocrite. Gorya will unknowingly become her victim.

Especially if Ren is even the slightest bit intrigued by Ameena, it could be a good starting point.

However, she must confirm if Thyme was indeed their friend.

"Does your boyfriend come to visit you?"

Gorya tilted her head.

"Ren's nice but he's your friend, so I guessed there must be someone you like more"

"I should not let down my guard around you."

The prince of darkness is a gentleman.

Ameena recalled the line from King Lear. The devil comes in all forms.

"Joking." Gorya tapped Ameena's hands bringing her back to the moment.

"Thyme calls me all the time. He lives far away. A story for another time."

The high society is not just an issue of money. The problem is in the social circles and relationships, in the general population. They were usually too careful, but now she had a chance to find out more.

"If you hate talking to people or handling difficult situations this might not be your career. Do you have any experience with part-time jobs?"

"A lot. Flower shop, bar, restaurant. You name it. Though I am blessed to be Ren's friend, my family is not like his. I was a scholarship student. "

Ameena understood.

"You initially start with structured events on campus. Corporate seminars, workshops for students, fundraising marathons. There are some professional certification exams you can take, though in the initial stages, I suggest you focus on handling people."

"And you know, the department is pretty chill—except when there's a power outage and the client wants to show a PowerPoint."

Gorya laughed.

"You have me sold. I hope I get accepted especially since I get to be your junior."

Ameena couldn't bring herself to join in on the hilarity, knowing what would unfold.

She promised herself that no matter what happens, Gorya will walk away unhurt.