Hell University-Chapter 43 - 42: I miss you

Zein’s Point of View

I felt my body growing weak as I looked at the people putting different things on me. Everything was blurry, I couldn’t see their faces. All I knew was that they were wearing surgical masks and white clothes. I felt my vision spin again.

I woke up in a wide, white room. I slowly looked around the unfamiliar place. There was nothing inside except the white bed I was lying on. There were no windows, only a fluorescent lamp lighting the room, and the single door was closed.

I looked down at what I was wearing. I was still in my school uniform. I tried to move my legs, expecting a sharp pain, but there was none. I felt nothing. No pain, not even a trace that I had been beaten with a thick rod. I frowned and slowly pushed myself into a sitting position.

I touched my back, but there was no soreness either. It couldn’t be that I was dead, I could still feel myself breathing. So what happened? Where am I?

The door opened, and a man in a laboratory suit wearing a surgical mask came in. He glanced at me briefly before walking over, holding my leg and checking it.

"Do you feel any pain or soreness?" he asked, still scanning my leg as if searching for something.

"N‑No, sir," I replied quietly.

Even though I felt no pain, I could still feel my body weakening, and each breath felt laborious. It was like I was suffocating in this place, even though the room was spacious.

"Good. No scars, no bruises."

"Wait!" I called out, trying to stop him from leaving.

He paused as he was about to turn the knob, glancing back at me with one eyebrow raised. I swallowed hard. "Where am I? Who are you?" I asked.

"Sorry, miss, I can’t answer your questions," he said before leaving, shutting the door behind him and leaving me stunned.

I let out a breath and moved my leg again. I couldn’t help but smile, what kind of treatment did they even give me? It felt like a miracle that I wasn’t paralyzed.

The memory of what they did to me surfaced again, and I smirked. Just wait for me, you hypocrites. I’ve been pretending for a long time too, and with just one move, I’ll be able to escape and be free. Wait for me. I’m close to breaking free.

All my hatred vanished the moment I saw who was now standing at the door. His deep eyes, hidden behind glasses, were fixed on me, filled with both worry and anticipation. The tightness in my chest only grew stronger as I met his gaze.

"Y‑You’re awake." The first words escaped his lips, followed by a smile that made my breathing ease. I didn’t know why this guy had such an effect on me, it was maddening.

I watched him walk toward me. Every step he took felt like a jolt to my heart, urging it to break free and reach him. I couldn’t stop myself from standing and running toward him.

I gasped as our bodies collided and his arms wrapped around my back. I don’t know why, but it felt like we hadn’t seen each other for days, and this ache of longing was unbearable. God! I’d missed him so badly, and I don’t even know why.

"Damn it, you’re finally awake!" he cursed sharply before tightening his embrace around me.

I couldn’t help but smile at how tight his hug was, hugging him back just as firmly. It felt like I wanted to tie myself to him, because it seemed like I could only be whole when I was with him. It felt like only Supremo could notice the huge emptiness inside me. Is this wrong? Is it bad that I’m depending on him? But I can’t stop it, every day, it only gets worse. This is bad.

Even though I didn’t want to let go of him, I was forced to. He turned to face me, and I could still see the worry in his innocent eyes, deep, overwhelming worry.

"Y‑You scared me," he stammered. "You scared me so much, Zein. I... I was really, really scared." The words escaped him again and again.

Supremo Ace Craige... scared? As far as I knew, he was only afraid of cats, but I didn’t know I could scare him too. Should I feel happy about that?

"H‑How are you feeling?" I asked.

I still couldn’t stop worrying about what I had done to him. He shook his head and helped me sit on the bed. "Just seeing you is enough. I’m fine. So please... don’t ask if I’m okay while you’re here," he said.

There he goes again, saying things that completely melt me.

"S‑Supremo... why are you so handsome?"

I didn’t know where that question came from, it just slipped out of my lips. Damn! What did I just say?! It’s like he hypnotized me. GOD! How embarrassing, Zein. You just woke up, and these are the first things you’re saying.

"I don’t know... I didn’t know I was handsome. As far as I know, Matthew is the handsome one for you," he answered, laughing.

"He is, yeah, but you’re different. I don’t know why, but there’s something unique about you."

"Stop it, Zein Shion! Are you trying to make me swoon?!" he asked, half‑irritated, half‑laughing, which just made me laugh even more.

I almost pinched his cheek out of frustration at how stubbornly hot-headed he still was, with that frown and furrowed brows every time I teased him. I missed teasing him!

"Why, are you getting all giddy?" I teased.

"Yes! I am. Happy now?"

I blinked at him in disbelief. Huh? Why was he admitting so easily that he was giddy? Wow! He didn’t even deny it, well, Supremo is Supremo, but he’s... giddy? UGH!

"But I warn you, if I make you feel this way, you’ll never let me go."

He’s so full of himself, always. Even when he doesn’t try to flirt back, just seeing him makes me giddy. Effortless. Doesn’t he realize that? Especially when he lets words slip that make me want to slam myself against his chest.

"Zein?"

"Hmmm?"

"I miss you."

"Fuck you!"

"I really miss you. Can I hug you again?"

Before I could even answer, he wrapped his arms around me once more. I bit my lip as I hugged him back, nearly bursting from holding in a scream. So this is what you call making my heart flutter, huh? Supremo? Congrats, it’s super effective.

I’m falling again. Damn you, Supremo.

"I’ve never felt this before," he whispered as he gently stroked my hair. "This feeling... that it feels good to be ruthless, especially when it’s for you."

I closed my eyes at his touch and rested my head against his shoulder.

"I’m ready to be a sinner for you," he added softly.

I felt tears fall from my eyes. I’d be willing to do anything for you too, Supremo. I’d even embrace the darkness for you.

He turned me to face him and wiped my tears away. "You’re mine, okay? Promise me, Zein. I’m really scared of what might still happen. Stay here... please. Stay right by my side, Zein," he said, his gaze piercing straight into me.

I can’t promise, but I’ll try. I’ll try to hold on to you for as long as I can.

"Supremo, you’ll always have me by your side. I’m the only one who gets to stand here with you. Remember that, I’ll fight for this place," I said, pointing to his chest.

"You’re the only one who belongs there, the first and the last who deserves this place," he said, pointing to his chest. "My heart is meant for you alone. Do you remember when I told you there’s a place in this hell where you’d be safe?" he asked.

I remembered when he said that, on the last day of Bloody Week.

"As long as I’m breathing, you are safe. I am Ace Craige, your shield, your bulletproof, your knight... my queen."

He pulled me against his shoulder, and for a moment, silence wrapped around us. I never knew I could fall for someone like this. I never knew I’d find heaven in this hell. I will never regret being foolish enough to step into this hell.

I just so love this damn hell.

We quickly straightened up when someone suddenly entered. All the blood rushed to my head when I saw her palm land on Supremo’s cheek.

I felt like I could kill someone, right now.

"You are such a disappointment," Madame Violet said through clenched teeth. "This is your last warning, Supremo," she added.

"Do whatever you want. I’ve finally found my happiness, and there is no hell I’ll allow to make this feeling fade."

"You’re just like Lux. You’ll share the same fate as the former Supremo."

Supremo stood up in front of her, and I saw Madame Violet freeze. I caught the flicker of fear in her eyes when she saw Supremo smiling, his smile calm, but his eyes burning.

"Do you really think I’d let you do what you did before?" Supremo asked. "You’re wrong. Try laying a hand on the woman beside me, and I’ll show you what real hell looks like."

Even I felt a chill at his warning.

There was no trace of a joke in his words, only certainty, the kind that tells you he means every single one. I couldn’t help but feel afraid of what Supremo was capable of. I hadn’t fully seen the demon hiding inside him yet... and maybe I didn’t want to.

"A-Are you threatening me?" the Headmistress asked, stuttering, clearly shaken.

Damn this guy!

"No, but if you carry out what you’re planning, then you should be afraid."

Madame Violet left the room in irritation. I held onto Supremo, who still felt like he was burning with rage, trying to calm him down. He looked at me and smiled.

"You’re the one I’m fighting for, so I’m making sure it’ll be bloodier."

We both looked up when the door suddenly opened and two men in surgical masks walked in. I glanced at Supremo, who only smiled at me.

"It’s okay."

Those were the last words I heard before everything went black.

I woke up in my room, surrounded by my friends. I felt someone wrap their arms around me and break down in tears.

"Zein! Finally, you’re awake!" Mia cried, sobbing.

I couldn’t help but smile. They helped me sit up, and Dave handed me some water.

"Does anything still hurt?" Matt asked.

I shook my head.

"God! You’ve been bedridden here for three days," Vanessa said, gently stroking my hair.

I furrowed my brow and stared at them, trying to make sense of what Vanessa said.

"Seriously?" I asked, incredulous.

"Do I look like I’m joking? But thank God! You’re finally awake," Vanessa added.

Three days asleep? That long?

"Let’s leave her be for now so she can rest," Jerome suggested, gently pulling Vanessa back as she resisted.

"What? But I missed Zein! I still want to be next to her!" Vanessa whined, like a child.

"As if she missed you," Jerome teased Vanessa, who now tugged him out the door, and I heard Jerome’s whining as they left.

Matt nodded at me and adjusted the pillow behind my back. "Rest for now, Queen Zein," he said, before kissing my forehead and following the others out.

What?

I was left in silence, replaying everything in my mind.

I frowned as a thought struck me. Could it be that the people in laboratory suits and surgical masks... that Supremo had taken me inside a hidden laboratory? Is that why Madame Violet was so furious? Is that why my recovery seemed like a miracle?

Damn! Why didn’t I think of that sooner?

"Meow."

I jumped in surprise when Hoy suddenly leapt onto my bed and sat on my lap.

"Hoy!" I exclaimed, giving him a quick smack.

"You really love to scare me, huh!" I said, laughing.

"Meow."

"Yeah, I miss you too," I replied, laughing at him.

I picked him up and stroked his fur. Suddenly, Supremo came to mind. Damn! I missed him again. I really missed him!

Cradling Hoy, I peeked out the door. They were gone, probably off to their respective classes by now.

I faced the mirror and adjusted my clothes. Damn! I couldn’t calm down until I saw Supremo. Nothing else, I just wanted to see him.

"Meow."

"You’re right, Hoy. We’re going to see Daddy Ace," I said to Hoy, because I felt like he was asking why I was fixing my hair. "I know you miss him too."

"Meow."

Satisfied, I stepped out of the dorm and started walking, carrying Hoy quietly in my arms.

I frowned slightly as I noticed the students avoiding me. Whenever I passed by, they bowed or quickly moved out of the way.

I couldn’t help but feel like a queen.

"Meow."

"Quiet now, Hoy. I can’t understand you. Just be a good boy, okay? Don’t scare Supremo, or I’ll really smack you."

I was talking to Hoy like a fool, and he stayed quiet. The bell rang, signaling the start of class, and the students around me quickly disappeared.

They were really scared of getting caught by Supremo. And no wonder, he is terrifying. I suddenly remembered the first time I saw him: nerdy demon, almost broke my arm, and slapped on me the Supreme Mark Warning Number 1.

"You don’t have class?"

I froze where I was when I heard a voice behind me that made my heart jump. Slowly, I turned to face him.

He kept his usual poker face as he looked at me. As always, he was holding his logbook, full of notes and records.

"N‑No?" I asked uncertainly. "Am I... not excused? I mean, isn’t it? Something happened to me?" I tried to explain, raising an eyebrow, which made him lift one in response.

"Meow."

Hoy caught his gaze and immediately went quiet.

"You are not excused."

I swallowed, meeting his deep stare. "You don’t need an excuse. You are the Queen, after all."

Suddenly, he smiled, which made me stop in my tracks.

He acted like he was going to grab my arm when he noticed Hoy staring at him.

"Shit," he muttered softly before going silent again.

"Follow me," he ordered, and I obeyed.

I followed him with a small smile. Just like the first time we met, he was so cold now, but for some reason, I felt giddy. Psh. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

We entered the gymnasium, which was empty. We sat down on a bench, and I placed Hoy on my lap.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, still not looking at me.

"I’m fine... I’ve actually been asleep for three days?!"

I still couldn’t believe I’d managed to sleep for that long.

"I did that on purpose," he said, glancing at me. "Because you have a new responsibility... as the Queen of Hell University."

One corner of his lips lifted while my brow furrowed.

"Queen of- What are you talking about?" I asked, confused.

"Roxane Allister is no longer the Queen of HU. It’s you now."

"W‑What?"

"Do I look like I’m joking?" he asked, a little irritated.

"I... I guess not?!" I asked, unable to believe it.

"I’m dead serious. And Matthew is the new King."

When he said that, my eyes widened.

"You seem happy about that, huh?" he said, a little irritated.

"Kneel in front of me," I ordered, which made his jaw drop.

He furrowed his brows again.

"Why would I obey you?"

"Because I’m the Queen, and you’re just the President," I said proudly, which made him chuckle softly.

"I’m still higher than you, Queen Zein. You’re only fourth while I’m leading the H10," he bragged again.

I couldn’t help but feel pleased.

"You’re number one now?" I asked. He went silent for a moment before nodding.

"Waah! I am so proud of you!" I said happily, which made him smile.

"Matt? Is he included?" I asked next.

"Y‑Yeah...? Rank seven-"

"He’s really amazing!" I exclaimed, jumping up in excitement. "Wait a sec, Supremo? I need to congratulate Matt." I tried to step away, but he quickly grabbed my arm.

"You’re not leaving," he said flatly.

"I’m the Queen!" I protested, struggling, which made him smirk.

"And you know I don’t give a damn."

He sat me back down, leaving me no choice but to obey.

"Oh, by the way, Supremo... Baby Hoy misses you," I said, bringing Hoy closer to him, which made him step back so quickly he nearly lost his balance.

"Keep that away from me!"

"Even Matt likes Hoy," I said, pretending to sound sad.

He went silent again.

"Why is it always Matt?" he asked, slightly irritated.

"DUH! Of course he’s my friend. The first guy to capture my eyes," I replied teasingly.

"I’m the one who captured your heart."

"Sure about that?" I asked, which annoyed him.

"Why, Zein? Am I not?" he asked, slightly irritated.

"I don’t know about you," I muttered.

I jumped up when I saw Angelica limping toward us. Her left leg was bleeding, with a nail stuck in it.

"S-Supremo... help me," she gasped.

She sat on the floor, unable to move her leg, sweating heavily. Even though I didn’t fully understand what had happened, I couldn’t help but worry.

"What happened to you?" I asked anxiously.

I was startled when he suddenly shoved me aside, my back hitting the chair as I dropped Hoy.

"Damn!"

I felt Supremo grab hold of me.

I looked at Angel, who was glaring at me with pure hatred.

"Ahh!" she screamed again as another nail suddenly pierced her left leg.

My gaze snapped to a woman standing not too far away. She was smirking at me while casually playing with a nail between her fingers.

Nicky.

"Are you okay?" Supremo asked me.

"Meow."

"Angel needs treatment," I said.

Supremo turned his eyes to Angel, who was crying uncontrollably.

"Don’t worry," Supremo told her coldly. "I already had the poison removed from the nails, so you’ll only feel numbness. You won’t die yet. Not yet."

I was lifted off the ground and instinctively clutched Supremo’s arm.

"You just recovered and you’re already getting hurt again. This is so damn annoying," he muttered.

I glanced behind us, where Angel was screaming as Nicky yanked her by the hair.

Angelica’s malicious glare still didn’t escape me, like she was already plotting something terrible again.