He had finally forced himself to stand, fighting back the pitiful urge to cry yet again. This time, though, he wanted to cry in frustration, annoyance, anger... the only way he knew he could get the feeling out without hurting himself or something nearby. He couldn't help but acknowledge the resentment he felt toward his parents now---they had kept him away from other people, making him rely on them and only them. Cian couldn't help but feel it was some kind of conspiracy and as such, started disliking them more and more. Despite the money they were putting down to send him here---though it was little more than a few cents as far as they were concerned---Cian had begun to despise them. He couldn't talk to anyone without feeling as if he were naked for the world to see because of them. And it had brought this upon him and enthralled him in such a convoluted concept.

His hand was grinding the note he still held as he walked slowly down the only main road that went away from the college, back to his rental house. His legs were uneasy, they felt weak though somehow they still carried him. He couldn't help but imagine Layland beside him. Perhaps a kinder version of the man. Sweet. Caring. He seriously doubted the real Layland could be anything near that. Cruel, self-absorbed, driven by an ambition that preferred to crush any in his way so he could get what he wanted. Maybe he saved that girl from a sad life, but he didn't feel like he did. Layland probably felt trapped too, but it was his own doing. What cretin would basically drug someone into loving them? Cian shook his head, sighing forcefully. He had to sleep... Even if he dreamed of Layland.