I am the creator of New Life on the Earth

Chapter 24: The Tension Within



Adam entered the classroom and sat down, his mind restless as he glanced at the door, realizing Ani and Robin hadn't yet arrived.

Although he was usually calm and collected, something about this situation with Robin troubled him deeply, filling him with an unsettling mix of confusion and frustration.

Anyone observing Adam could easily sense his agitation; his friends certainly did, noticing his silence and brooding expression.

Knowing better than not to disturb him in this mood, they simply watched from a distance.

Adam's hands rested on his desk, clenched just slightly as he stared ahead, lost in thought, berating himself inwardly for the rising irritation he felt.

Just then, Pratham approached, breaking the tension with a quiet yet insistent voice. "Lord Adam," he began softly, addressing Adam with the respectful title he'd often use, "I think Robin has had feelings for Ani for a long time. He's always liked her, even back when Ani first joined PK Academy."

Adam's focus sharpened at Pratham's words, yet he remained silent, listening intently as Pratham continued.

"Robin was going to ask Ani out back then, but someone else asked her before he could. She turned them down, and word quickly spread that Ani wasn't interested in dating anyone at school. That rumor has followed her all year, and maybe because of it, robin decided to suppress his feelings. But now, it's obvious he can't hold back anymore. He's relentless."

Adam couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy at this revelation.

It was a story he related to a little too well.

He thought back to the first time he'd seen Ani, on the ceremonial day when he had joined the academy.

That very day, he'd felt an inexplicable pull toward her. She'd intrigued him, much as she did now.

With a wry smile, he realized just how much he understood Robin's frustration.

Pratham, sensing Adam's reflective silence, added, "Lord Adam, I've noticed that Ani seems to be actively trying to distance herself from Robin. She's trying to avoid him."

Adam snapped out of his reverie, his interest reignited. "Tell me more," he instructed, his tone calm yet firm.

Pratham nodded, recounting everything he had observed in the academy's meeting room.

As he described Robin's persistent advances, Adam felt a wave of relief, mixed with anger.

How dense could Robin be? "Take the hint, bro," he muttered to himself.

Yet he knew he couldn't act, at least not directly, and sighed in resignation.

At least Ani was ignoring him; that, in itself, was a small victory.

"Pratham," Adam asked, his voice laced with a hint of impatience, "can you see Ani now?"

Pratham hesitated briefly before responding, "I've accessed the academy's CCTV feed to monitor them in the meeting room. I can see them clearly."

At this, Adam recalled a unique skill he'd acquired after creating Pratham and Mikasa. A skill he called Connection — a mental link that allowed him to perceive whatever Pratham and Mikasa observed.

Closing his eyes, Adam murmured, Connection, allowing his consciousness to drift and merge with Pratham's.

Within seconds, Adam found himself viewing the scene through the security camera in the corner of the meeting room.

There was Ani, her usual composure strained as she stood rigidly beside Robin, who was leaning in closer than was comfortable, oblivious to her visible discomfort.

Anger flared within Adam at Robin's blatant disregard for her feelings. "What are you doing, you idiot?" he muttered, his voice rising louder than intended.

The classroom fell silent as Adam's classmates turned to look at him in surprise, having heard his outburst.

Unaware of the commotion he'd caused, Adam remained immersed in the scene before him, seething with barely-contained rage.

The teacher, noticing Adam with his head bowed and eyes closed, slowly made his way over to him.

Meanwhile, Leo, one of Adam's friends, nudged him, whispering urgently, "Adam, wake up. The teacher's coming!"

Feeling the sharp jab to his side, Adam's Connection skill abruptly broke, snapping him back to reality.

His eyes fluttered open to see the teacher standing right in front of him, arms crossed, wearing an expression that blended disappointment with mild exasperation.

"Adam," the teacher said sternly, "are you sleeping in my class again? And now you're even talking in your sleep?"

Realizing what had happened, Adam's cheeks flushed.

The words he'd spoken while viewing the scene had echoed in the real world, making him appear delusional in front of everyone.

Swallowing his embarrassment, he stood up, head lowered respectfully, and apologized.

The teacher sighed, shaking his head. "Try to stay focused, Adam," he muttered before moving on, leaving Adam to sink back into his chair, still mortified.

Despite similar incidents in the past, he'd felt this humiliated.

The bell rang, signaling the end of classes, and Adam's friends — Eric, Leo, and Cole — gathered around him, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity.

Students filed out, heading toward their club activities, while Adam stayed behind with his friends.

Leo broke the silence first. "I know you're going through something, Adam. But trust me, everything will work out. I'm sure of it."

Adam managed a faint smile, appreciating Leo's attempt to reassure him. "Thanks, Leo," he replied softly.

Eric, never one to hold back, clenched his fists. "Adam, we're your friends. Your problems are our problems too. Just give me the word, and I'll make sure Robin never bothers Ani again," he declared, a dangerous glint in his eye.

Cole rolled his eyes, giving Eric a reproachful look. "And do you ever think things through, or is punching all you know?"

Eric shrugged, undeterred. "I just think it'd be a fast solution. But fine, genius, what's your plan?"

Cole turned to Adam. "If you're so concerned about Robin, maybe you should stop letting him take the lead. He's made his feelings clear; now it's time you do the same. Talk to Ani. Tell her how you feel before it's too late."

Adam considered Cole's words, the weight of them sinking in. But before he could respond, Leo patted Cole's shoulder. "You guys are underestimating Adam,"

He said with a chuckle. "He's just as brave as any of us; he's already taken Ani on a date, haven't you, Adam?"

Eric and Cole stared at Adam, stunned. "You went on a date with the school idol?" Eric asked, wide-eyed. "When did that happen?"

Adam shrugged, trying to downplay the situation. "It's not as big of a deal as it sounds. But please," he added, glancing at each of them seriously, "don't spread it around. I don't want Ani facing rumors or unnecessary attention because of me."

Cole placed a reassuring hand on Adam's shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll keep it quiet."

Eric chuckled. "So that's why Ani keeps glancing over her shoulder every time you leave for lunch," he teased. "I wondered what was going on there."

Cole and Luke laughed, while Adam only shook his head with a smirk, grateful for their support despite the awkwardness of the situation. Grabbing his backpack, he prepared to leave.

"Alright, guys, I'll see you tomorrow," he said, heading for the door.

With a wave, they all parted ways, each heading to their respective clubs, leaving Adam to his thoughts as he walked out into the evening.

To be connected....


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