Chapter 294

"Of course not," Citrine replied with a bright smile.

Then she glanced at him. "So, you're a Crestwood University student?"

Sebastian nodded. "Yeah, I'm a junior."

"But weren't you at Havencrest last year?" Citrine sounded surprised; she'd always assumed he was studying at Havencrest University.

Sebastian pressed his lips together, his eyes clouding for a moment before he explained, “My family lives in Havencrest. Last year, my mom got really sick and had to stay at Havencrest General. I took a year off so I could be there for her."

Citrine hadn't expected him to share something so personal. She hesitated, then asked quietly, "How is she now?"

He glanced at Citrine. "It's a chronic illness. She's been transferred to Crestwood Hospital now."

He didn't elaborate, and Citrine didn't press for more.

She didn't really consider them friends.

Her interest in him was deliberate, just as his in her seemed calculated.

But why? Citrine couldn't yet say.

Maybe their first meeting was pure chance, but every encounter since had felt increasingly intentional.

After lunch, Citrine needed to get to the training grounds, so she excused herself.

As soon as she arrived, Ingrid and the others swarmed around her.

Ingrid's eyes sparkled with gossip. "Citrine, who was that ridiculously handsome guy you were just with?"

Lisa chimed in, eager for details. "Come on, spill!"

Citrine thought for a second, then simply said, "Just someone I've bumped into a few times. A regular acquaintance."

Ingrid looked disappointed. "Acquaintance? But you two looked so good together!"

Citrine didn't see it. Without hesitating, she replied, "He's not my type. Honestly, I doubt I'm his, either."

She did like Sebastian, but not in a romantic way.

Seeing her reaction, Ingrid dropped the subject.

She glanced at her stunning roommate and nodded. "True. Our Citrine's so gorgeous-can't just pair her up with anyone."

A few minutes later, the shrill sound of a whistle signaled the start of brutal midday training.

Mr. Hastings strode over, now dressed in a camo T-shirt that showed off his broad shoulders and lean waist, his arms all toned muscle. Even from a distance, he looked distractingly good.

The girls couldn't help but stare, several squealing outright.

Hastings shot them a cold look. "Today, we're practicing combat drills."

He demonstrated each move, breaking it down step by step, while Citrine and the others followed along.

The midday sun was merciless, and within minutes, Citrine was drenched in sweat.

Ingrid wobbled unsteadily beside her, nearly losing her balance. "Citrine, I'm dying here."

Citrine glanced over, murmuring, "Hang in there. Tighten your core, focus on your abs and lower back."

Ingrid took her advice, shifting her center, and immediately felt a bit better.

The training dragged on for a full hour.

When they were finally dismissed, Ingrid and the others collapsed onto the grass, rubbing sore calves and aching arms.

Ingrid groaned dramatically, "I'm done for. Everything hurts. Is this supposed to be survivable?"

Citrine just grinned. "This is still the easy part. It only gets tougher from here."

Seeing their confused faces, she explained, "Military training at Crestwood isn't like what you get at other colleges. Most just make you stand at attention and march a bit. Here, it's real-intensive drills that follow actual military standards. What we've done so far? Just the warm-up. The real challenge is only beginning."