Divine Enmity (Catnipz)

XXIX. 'Trying' to ignore you.

Haerin forced herself not to look, focusing on her breakfast. But she couldn't help her eyes drifting toward the Hades table, where Kim Minji went and sat alone, as always. For a brief moment, their gazes met, and Haerin felt a jolt of electricity course through her body.

She quickly looked away, cursing internally. Why was it so hard to ignore that girl?

"Earth to Haerin," Danielle's voice brought her back to reality. "Are you okay?"

Haerin nodded, forcing another smile.

"Yes, just... thinking about today's training."

Danielle looked at her skeptically but didn't press the issue. Instead, she changed the subject.

"By the way, have you seen Niki lately? He seems to have been looking for you."

Haerin frowned.

"Me? Why?"

Danielle shrugged, a mischievous smile on her lips.

"I don't know, but he seemed very interested in you and talking to you."

Haerin felt a chill run down her spine. It wasn't that she disliked Niki; she had made that clear, but the idea that he was interested in her made her nervous. Especially since she knew he was Minji's best friend, although lately, she wasn't sure if they still were.

Why do I always end up thinking about her?

"Great," she muttered sarcastically. "Just what I needed."

Breakfast ended without any drama.

"Alright, campers," announced the centaur when everyone was gathered at the archery field. "Today I'll be supervising your training. I want everyone to line up at the fifty-meter line."

There were some groans and complaints, but everyone obeyed. Chiron usually wandered around the camp and very rarely stayed to watch them train. Ironic, isn't it? Considering he had trained great Greek heroes. But he did have days like these when he gave advice and kept an eye on them, although Haerin had wished it wasn't the case, as she didn't want to train archery.

Haerin took her position, drawing the bow and aiming at the target. Next to her, Danielle did the same, her tongue sticking out slightly in concentration.

"Remember," Chiron continued, "breathe deeply, keep your arm steady and..."

His words were interrupted by the sound of an arrow cutting through the air, followed by the dull thud of it hitting the target. Everyone turned to see who had fired.

Niki stood with a satisfied smile on his face, spinning his bow. His arrow had hit the center of the target.

"Impressive, Nishimura Riki," Chiron said, though his tone suggested he wasn't entirely pleased with the interruption. "But next time, wait for the signal before shooting."

Niki nodded, not losing his smile.

"Sorry, Chiron. I couldn't resist."

Haerin rolled her eyes. Typical of the children of Ares, always wanting to prove they were the best. Who did he remind her of?

The class continued without further interruptions. Haerin focused on her shooting, trying to ignore Niki's presence, who seemed to be watching her more than necessary. To her surprise, she managed to hit the center of the target several times in a row.

"Well done, Haerin!" Danielle congratulated her.

Haerin smiled, genuinely proud of herself. Maybe the day wouldn't be so bad after all.