(BL) Hunting The Field Guide novel Chapter 170

Chapter 170: With friends like these...

Kellen was in over his head as the two people who he hadn’t expected to corner him dragged him towards a public space where he couldn’t run away. Specifically, the coffee shop.

Even though it was early in the morning, people were still up and about. Several of them looked like they didn’t work in this building, but that didn’t dissuade the two who had a clutch on him. Hill hadn’t let go of him the whole time they had ridden down in the elevator.

No, all three entered into the early morning rush of the coffee shop in their workout gear, Kellen looking like he was being held hostage, and Hill and Brent very much playing their parts. Brent had his gloves on, but you could see the rest of his prosthetic limb on display as he motioned for Hill to drag Kellen to a table in the corner as he grabbed drinks, and Hill did so with gusto. It was one of the few tables that was near the window, but still had actual chairs instead of the soft, plush chairs.

Kellen was really regretting not spending more time in bed if this was the outcome.

The looks they were getting made Kellen embarrassed, and he ducked his head as the people who looked like regular people kept glancing and whispering about them. Hill hadn’t taken her hand off of his arm during this time, and even sat next to him, staring at his face.

Uncomfortable, but knew trying to escape the Physical Strength Esper wasn’t going to work in his favour, he sighed heavily. He was accepting his fate. A small part of him thought that this was an outcome he couldn’t have avoided, while another part wondered how he’d ended up in this situation. But, if he was honest with himself, Hill was smart to keep a hand on him. He could have tried to bolt.

Kellen glanced over at where Brent was and found him chatting and smiling to the barista behind the counter. He was talking to all of them, and then he glanced behind him at Hill and Kellen, and smiled. A shiver went down his spine, and when he glanced at Hill, she had a little smirk on her lips.

He was definitely talking about him. Fuck. What the hell was he saying?

Soon after Brent had worked Kellen up just by smiling at him, Brent came back with three drinks. He’d gotten a tea drink for Kellen, and something with coffee for him and Hill. Hill took her drink gratefully, taking a sip and letting out a deep, happy sigh.

"Fuck. Should I get a secretary?" She asked herself and Brent snorted.

"You could ask anyone to help you and they’d do it. You’re one of the friendliest A Class Espers out there, Hill." She smiled and shrugged, her hand still not leaving Kellen’s arm.

"Well, that could be true, but I’m not so sure. You’d be surprised by how people react to me, Brent." Hill said mysteriously, and both of the Guides stared at her.

"Hill, nobody has said anything bad about you near me. And for the most part, people on the front lines are terrible gossips." Kellen told her, and Brent nodded in agreement.

"No one has said anything bad to me, except that maybe you were the female version of me." Brent added, and she shrugged. Kellen sensed that this had something to do with the conversation she’d had with that other Esper after Gunther had gone off on her for no good reason in the cafeteria. Frowning, he took a sip of his tea and nearly burnt his tongue. Wincing, he put the teacup back down before staring at her.

"Whatever that Esper who was speaking said before, I think I agree with them. You are too harsh on yourself, Hill. I don’t know the reason why, but trust me when I tell you anyone would want to be your secretary. Even a civilian would want to, and they historically have a hard time working directly with Espers." Hill looked uncomfortable from Kellen’s words, but then Brent jumped in.

"Oh, I agree with Kellen! When you smile your whole demeanor changes, and you soften up quite a bit. Nice and soft, especially for a civilian. Or hell, even a Guide. Oh! That would be a cute idea! You could hire a personal Guide to be your personal secretary as well, a two for one combo!" Hill’s expression warped, and it was clear she had no idea what to say.