Taehyung was on edge for the next few days. He was careful to avoid Victoria when he could and tried to change his schedule around as best he could. He was never alone when walking anywhere to avoid being alone with her and spoke to her as little as possible.

It was starting to worry her.

Victoria wanted to talk to him about what happened but she could never catch him. Ethics of Exo class had just finished and she saw him quickly leave the classroom. She walked up to Jimin and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Where’s he off to?” She didn’t notice the teasing grin on Jimin’s face as she looked back at the door. Kenny caught her eye and he shook his head as he left the classroom as well. “He’s been avoiding me.”

“Has he? I haven’t noticed.” Jimin’s joking tone made her glare at him. He only shrugged as he slung his bag over his shoulder. “Listen, you really threw him off the last time you spared.”

She sighed and followed him out of the room. “I know...I just want to apologize to him but he isn’t making this easy.”

“Give the guy a break, Vicky. He does have a lot on his mind. What you did was no help.” He spoke honestly and she smiled. It was one of few things that she appreciated about Jimin. “Though I do enjoy seeing him blush thinking about it.”

That made her raise her brow. “Blush?”

Jimin in his lips as if he had just told her too much. “Nothing.”

“No, Jimin tell me. Please.” They were quiet for a moment. “Does he...does he like me, too?”

Jimin looked at her with wide eyes and thought on what to tell her. “I’m not sure of that but...I will help you apologize to him. He should be almost at the training rooms soon.”

Victoria gave him a big smile and hugged him. “Thank you Jiminie!” She ran off in the direction of the training rooms feeling hopeful. She made a short detour to her dorm to drop off her things before heading back out.

Slowing down, she took a deep breath and stopped in front of the door. She peaked inside and saw him using his light magic on what looked like a tall metal block. 

Sparks flew every which way as his hands moved along the length of the material. His magic was interesting to her. At times it seemed like it was only defensive, protecting him when he felt like he was in danger. Now it seemed destructive but also beautiful as he worked on the metal block. The light he generated from his hands was a perfect example of what kind of person he was and could become; protective, beautiful, yet dangerous.

She stepped into the room without breaking his concentration. She watched him silently until he stood up. “Taehyung.”

He turned around, surprise on his face. “Victoria! I was um...I’m just about to leave if you want to--”

“Taehyung you don’t have to avoid me.”

“I’m not…” He moved to grab his duffel but she moved to step in front of him.

She crossed her arms and raised a brow. “Really? Then why won’t you talk to me?” He stayed quiet and looked everywhere but at her. “Taehyung, I’m...I…” she sighed and decided to tell him the good news. “My father agreed to talk with us about the peace summit.”

That got his attention. “Really? T-That's great. When can we speak with him?”

Victoria sighed, glad to have him at least willing to talk to her again. Even if it was just to speak with her father. “Whenever you’re ready. We could even talk to him as soon as tonight.”

“And he’s okay with us asking about the summit?” Taehyung felt as if this were too good to be true. “Everything’s moving so fast...I…” He sat down on the bench and placed his face in his hands. Victoria came and sat beside him, aware of how stiff he got when she moved closer. He relaxed as she rubbed his back.

“You could get answers tonight. Answers that you deserve to know.” Victoria assured him. “And I want to help you as much as I can. If you’ll let me.”

He looked up at her and smiled. “Of course I don’t mind you helping. It’s just…” He didn’t know how to put his words together but she only nodded in understanding. “Thank you, Victoria.”

~~~

Tao sat at his desk to study for their upcoming Mato History test, music blasting in his ears, when a hand slammed down on his desk. He jumped slightly but quickly relaxed when he saw it was Sehun. He glanced over to see if his roommate was in the room and turned off his music.

“What are you doing?” Sehun looked at his desk in disgust. “You actually care about this stupid test?”

“Well, yeah. The more you know about your enemy the better right?” Tao stated nonchalantly, his eyes finally noticing the other figure behind Sehun. “Yeri, nice to see you for a change. What happened to Wendy?”

“I have her on another assignment for me.” Sehun answered for her and she rolled her eyes, sitting down at the other desk. “But you. You’re hiding something from me.”

Tao glanced over at Yeri again. He did hide Taehyun’s secret from him, but for good reason. However, Yeri wasn’t like the rest of Sehun’s pawns. Being his cousin, she didn’t always feel like she had to listen to Sehun. Tao sent over a mental plea towards her.

Whatever you see in