"What? Kage waited too?"
I always forgot that Kage was older than Zane but I didn't realize he got accepted last year.
"Yes. The original plan was I was going to go with Kage since he's the quieter one. I knew he could be easily bullied if people didn’t take the time to get to know him," Braxton explained.
We began to walk down the hall which had cleared out significantly, heading towards the exit which led to the cafeteria.
"Zane is the more outgoing one and makes friends easily, so I thought he'd be just fine and wouldn't be targeted, unlike Kage. But when Kage got his acceptance, Zane asked if he could delay a year so they could go together."
I grimaced at the thought, now understanding why Kage would be upset.
"I would be mad if Zane ditched me so early in the game."
"Exactly, and the one thing I worry about with Kage is he's the silent type. He won't say anything until he can't take it anymore and explodes. He takes after our mom that way," Braxton admitted.
"Maybe Zane will eat with him next time they see each other. Let's not jump to conclusions just yet," I consoled, wishing I could give him more comfort than that.
I knew Braxton really cared about his brothers and didn't want either of them getting hurt or involved in whatever this cult-like club was. We hadn't determined what their exact requirements were, aside from wanting strong magic users.
I hoped neither Kage or Zane ended up on their radar, but we'd have to be cautious anyway.
I didn't know if the guys from the party were a part of that crowd, but they picked on Nixon who had been minding his own business, so maybe Braxton was right and the quieter types were easier targets for bullies.
We turned the corner and saw the cafeteria building, with a long line out the door and along the side of the building. Braxton stopped and I followed suit, turning to face him.
"I hope so. Kage doesn't show it but I can tell he was really bummed about it," Braxton whispered.
I walked back up to him.
"Kage will be fine. They can't always be together and he knows that. It's just during school. In the evenings they'll both be home and they share the same room. It shouldn't be a problem." I pointed out.
Braxton nodded, looking slightly relieved.
I turned around and walked right into someone's chest.
"Ow," I huffed, taking a step back.
Hands landed on my shoulders to stop me from falling and I looked up to see Braxton with a scowl on his face.
"Watch it,” he warned.
I looked back at the guy in front of me who quickly bowed, seeming nervous.
"Sorry. Didn't see him,” he apologized, before running away.
I heard some guys laughing to my left and I turned to see Eric, Andrew, and Nick.
I frowned, narrowing my eyes at them which shut them up real quick.
"You okay?" Braxton asked, following my gaze. "Want me to beat them up?"
I laughed, shaking my head before stepping out of his hold.
"Nah. Waste of time and I'm starving. I think I could teach them a lesson if I ever get to face one of them in Physical Studies."
"Hmph.” Braxton nodded, then waved his hand in a flicking motion.
A flood of water appeared out of nowhere, soaking the three of them.