Chapter 6

"Economics and Management. But you know, I often wear glasses and a bun, so maybe that's why you never noticed me. The thing is, I'm focused on my studies and move in circles of... intellectuals. But I've never seen you among them."

"Strange. I haven't... seen you either," Demond forced out.

"Maybe that's because you're not in them?"

"Or maybe you and I move in... different circles?"

"Most likely." I shifted one shoulder carelessly. "Whenever I see a crowd gathered outside a classroom marked 'Department of Charisma and Charm,' I walk right past. It's usually packed with such... special individuals. Every second one is Mr. Campus!"

Demond's blue eyes flashed dangerously and narrowed.

Oops, looks like I hit someone's ego.

"Yeah, that's a mystery," he drawled. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"So you came here looking for love?"

Valentine watched us silently and clearly had no intention of interrupting. Damn it, what was happening?

Demond bit his lip and noted:

"So did you."

I had to accept the pass and nod reluctantly, the way proud girls nod.

"Yes. I hoped to meet a guy I could talk to about something more complicated than 'what did you eat today?' But I have such bad luck. And you probably prefer girls who aren't very smart?"

"More like undemanding ones. The kind who aren't looking for perfection."

"I understand," I sighed with feeling. "It must be very hurtful when people judge you by intellectual qualities after you've done everything you can to be liked... as a personality."

"Something like that." Demond sprawled in his chair, ran a hand through his hair, and once again showed a fang in a broad smirk. "I see a girl, she seems pretty, I go over to meet her, and she asks, what was the last book you read? And there are so many unfair expectations in her eyes that I lose all desire to remember anything."

"Ohhh, you can read?!"

"What do you mean?"

Fine, I had overdone the level of surprise. So I politely coughed into my fist and gave my voice a serious tone.

"I meant, perhaps in the original language?"

"Depends what. And you?"

"English. And I'm also learning Korean. I want to visit the Land of Morning Calm, see Seoul and the national parks. What do you dream about?"

Demond stared at me, the smile gone. He was probably dreaming of strangling me.

"Secret," he answered shortly, as if cutting the word off.

I fell silent, Rita the assistant pointed at her watch, and the earpiece said:

"Diana, your pair has thirty seconds left in dialogue. Talk!"

"Uh, wh-why is it a secret?"

"Because I don't share personal things with people I barely know," Dennis said, not very politely. "And you and I barely know each other. Although I like your name."

It sounded rude, and I decided it was over. My smile slipped, the vengeful fire went out, and all I could produce with the last of my self-control was:

"Well, I hope we get to know each other better. Unless, of course, you press the Red Button."

I thought Demond would not answer. The whole conversation had already pushed me to my limit. But the cameras took us in close-up, and I heard:

"Not this time. I'll be looking forward to our second date... Diana!"