Chapter 43 An Impassable Hurdle
Cecilia Blackwood's POV
The comedy had me giggling nonstop, all my worries forgotten.
But strangely enough, Kane kept a straight face the entire time, as if the content didn't interest him at all.
I frowned slightly. "Do you not like comedies?"
Kane shook his head gently. "No, I like them just fine."
"Where's the 'like'? You haven't smiled once."
"I'm just not used to smiling," Kane replied softly.
I didn't know what to say to that. But thinking about it, he had a point.
He was like a glacier in daily life—forget smiling, he barely showed any expression at all.
Someone like that probably didn't just dislike comedies—he didn't like movies, period. Any genre!
Wait, that didn't make sense either. If he didn't like them, why bring me here? Just to help me relax?
I quickly shook my head, clearing away the unnecessary thoughts. What I needed to do now was enjoy the movie, not overthink things.
Over an hour passed, and the comedy reached its ending. I was about to leave when Kane suddenly spoke. "Don't you want to watch the next one?"
"The next one? What do you mean?" I didn't quite understand.
Kane explained, "There are two movies showing today. We've only watched one. There's also a romantic film. Do you want to see it?"
Only then did I realize. Though it was getting late, honestly—maybe because I hadn't watched a movie in so long—I really wanted to.
"Let's watch it then. But are you sure you want to stay? You don't seem to enjoy movies much."
"If you're uncomfortable here, if it feels awkward, you can—"
Before I could finish, Kane interrupted. "It's fine. I'll stay here and watch with you."
"Okay." I didn't push further, because once Kane decided something, no amount of persuading would change his mind.
And honestly? I wanted Kane to stay and watch with me, though I didn't know why.
An hour later, Kane and I left the cinema. The whole way back, I didn't say a word—didn't even try to start a conversation.
I was full of regret. I shouldn't have agreed to keep watching. I should have just gone back.
Because that romantic film was so different from the comedy. The protagonists were in love, together—it was beautiful, sure, but completely inappropriate for the two of us to watch.
Most critically, there were only two people in the entire theater: us. The feeling was... weird.
Maybe it was because the atmosphere had built up to that point, but our relationship hadn't. In any case, while my heart raced, what I felt most was embarrassment.
So halfway through the movie, I made an excuse about not feeling well and had Kane wheel me out.
Walking back, my mind kept circling around our relationship. Were we really just ordinary friends?
Maybe we were. Maybe we weren't. Or maybe I was just stubbornly refusing to admit it.
Perhaps I'd been invisible for so long that facing this sudden surge of feeling, I panicked...
Back at the medical wing, Kane settled me in and naturally lay down on the folding bed.
Yes—as long as I didn't leave the medical wing, he'd probably keep sleeping there.
"Um... why don't you go back and rest? You can't sleep well here, and it'll affect your classes the next day. There's really no need."
"My hands and legs are working now. Even without the wheelchair, I can take care of myself."
"Besides, Jenny's here. She'll look after me too. You should go back."
I genuinely wanted Kane to go rest properly, but more than that, I needed time alone.
I had to ask myself what our relationship really was—and figure out how I was going to handle it, how to deal with it going forward.
My head was a tangled mess. I needed private space to think this through, or I'd suffocate!
But Kane shook his head gently. "Your body hasn't fully recovered. I can't leave the medical wing."
I straightened up, trying to look as healthy as possible. "I'm really fine now. I think I can go back to my dorm."
"You don't understand—I've been stuck in the medical wing so long, my limbs are practically atrophying. If I don't get out and move around, my injury might heal, but my brain will break!"
"I can go out with you, but not leave the medical wing," Kane said, stubborn as ever.
I slapped my forehead. I was completely out of words.
God, who on earth could talk sense into Kane?
Just then, Jenny pushed the door open. "Did you two just get back from your outing? How was it? Feeling better?"
I nodded. "Much better. When can I leave the medical wing?"
"Right now, if you want."
Jenny's words made hope surge through me—though the happiness came so suddenly, I almost didn't dare believe it.
"Really? I can really leave? You're not messing with me?"
Jenny laughed. "Of course I'm not messing with you. I have no reason to lie about this."
"Actually, we evaluated your condition this afternoon. Based on where you're at, you can definitely leave the medical wing."
I was overjoyed, practically dancing. I'd waited so long for this news.
"Great! I'll pack my things right now and leave tonight!"
Kane shook his head. "No. You need to stay here."
"Why?" I was baffled. "I said I'm fine, and you didn't believe me. Now even Jenny's saying it—you still don't believe her?"
"Jenny, don't just stand there—help me out here!"
Jenny was about to speak when Kane raised his hand to stop her. "No need. Your body hasn't fully recovered. Stay a couple more days."
I looked at Jenny pleadingly. She was my only hope now.
Jenny spoke up. "Her body really is fine. As long as she's careful and avoids magical duels for the next two weeks, there won't be any problems."
"Plus, this is a magic academy. People get injured every day. Beds in the medical wing are tight. She should leave as soon as possible."
"Exactly!" I nodded vigorously. "You heard her, right? I really need to go. Staying longer might affect other students."
"You can't leave." Kane repeated his earlier words. I felt my head was about to split open.
I could finally leave, but I couldn't get past Kane. What kind of situation was this?
Fortunately, Jenny came through with another assist at the critical moment. "Actually, staying in the medical wing all the time isn't doing her any good. She'd be better off leaving."