After a few minutes, I snapped out of it, instantly removing his arms around me and walking away without looking back. I touched my chest, feeling every beat of my heart, while slowly inhaling and exhaling to calm myself down. I quickly quickened my steps, not minding my surroundings as I walked towards the dormitory building. When I reached the room for the seven elites, I closed the door behind me, failing to realize that they were looking at me with a mixture of shock and surprise.
"Why did you leave the clinic? You should've rested some more," Denise asked, her voice filled with concern.
"What's wrong with you? You look like someone was chasing you," Jen added, glancing at the door behind me, a hint of worry in her eyes.
"Hmm," Loremae said, placing her hand on her chin as if she were suspecting something. "Why is your face so red? Are you perhaps blushing?" she questioned, a playful smile on her lips.
"Omo~ Did something interesting happen?" Junave asked excitedly, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Oh no~ could it be..." Lucille trailed off, giggling to herself, but she didn't elaborate on her thoughts.
Diane chimed in, her voice carrying a note of mischief, "Well, well, well, what do we have here? It seems like someone had an eventful encounter."
I deliberately shook my head, my eyes pleading for them to spare me from further interrogations. But they pressed on.
Denise, concerned for my well-being, added, "Please, tell us what happened. We're worried about you."
Jen, unable to contain her curiosity, chimed in, "Come on, don't keep us in suspense. We're your friends, you can trust us."
Loremae, always perceptive, narrowed her eyes and said, "I can tell something significant happened. You can't hide it from us."
"Spill the tea! We want to know all the juicy details!" Junave exclaimed, excitedly bouncing on her feet.
Lucille, her playful nature evident, winked at me and teased, "Oh, don't be shy now. We won't judge. We're here to support you."
Diane, with a mischievous grin, leaned closer and whispered, "You know you can't escape our curiosity, right? We'll keep pestering you until you spill the beans."
"Yeah, I think we're having another eventful event tomorrow. I heard about it from some other students," I told them, changing the topic. Thankfully, it seemed to work, as I noticed a shift in their expressions.
"Oh? You were excited about the festival in Quinto?" Jen asked, sounding disappointed, and walked towards the pantry to get some food. The others also distanced themselves from me, their expressions filled with disappointment. I couldn't help but smile secretly, relieved that they had stopped pestering me. I made my way to my room, enjoying the peace and quiet. The hallway outside the elites' room was dimly lit, with soft ambient lighting creating a cozy atmosphere. As I reached my room, I closed the door behind me, shutting out the noise and distractions, finally able to find solace in my own thoughts.
I took a deep breath, walked towards the bathroom, and indulged in the comfort of a quick warm shower. As the water cascaded over me, my thoughts drifted to the recent memories that had resurfaced, leaving me yearning to talk to Lilly. She was the only person who witnessed what truly happened on that fateful day. It was clear in my mind that she was the one who brought the knife, but somehow, when I regained consciousness, I found myself holding it, and my parents lay lifeless on the floor, drenched in their own blood. The weight of that mystery lingered, casting a shadow over my thoughts.
"Eveline, let's have breakfast," I heard Loremae's soft knock from outside the bathroom, her voice breaking through my contemplation.
"Yes, I'll be there shortly," I replied, washing away my thoughts and refocusing my attention on bathing. I hastened my pace, ensuring I didn't keep them waiting for long. Once finished, I dried myself with a towel and slipped into comfortable clothes. With a renewed sense of purpose, I made my way to our shared dining area.
As I entered, the vibrant scene of my friends engaged in lively conversation and laughter greeted me. The usual cacophony of voices filled the air, creating an atmosphere of welcoming comfort. I shook my head, a small smile playing on my lips, and settled down at the table, ready to join the joyful chaos. The aroma of the meal filled my senses, and I began to eat, savoring the flavors and appreciating the company of my friends.
"Whoa, this tastes different. Who cooked this?" I asked, trying to get their attention. The chatter and laughter momentarily ceased as all eyes turned towards Jen, who was engrossed in her own world, continuing to eat without paying much attention to her surroundings. Lucille playfully tapped her head, causing Jen to snap out of her reverie and look around in confusion.
"What?" she asked, her tone serious and filled with confusion.
"It was her," Lucille informed everyone, taking a piece of food and eating it with a mischievous grin.
"Oh," I muttered, completely shocked. "I didn't know you knew how to cook, Jen. I thought you were only good at eating," I teased, a hint of amusement in my voice.
Jen glared at me, then suddenly stood up and grabbed my plate while I was still in the middle of eating.
"Hey!" I complained, caught off guard by her actions.
"Well, then you don't get your share," she pouted, holding my plate and reclaiming her seat.
"No, give it back!" I protested, reaching out for my plate, but she defiantly began eating from it while maintaining eye contact with me.
My mouth hung open in shock at her audacity, unable to believe what she had just done.
"Actually, she cooked this for you," Denise chimed in, breaking the tension. She handed me another plate with a warm smile, and I gratefully accepted it, picking up another serving of food and returning the smile.
"Really?" I said, looking at Jen in a teasing manner, a playful glint in my eyes, as I took another bite. Jen simply rolled her eyes and focused on her own meal. The rest of us burst into laughter, enjoying the lighthearted moment.
In that moment, as laughter filled the air, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the warmth and camaraderie of my friends. I never imagined experiencing such a sense of belonging from the moment I stepped into Keimusho Academy. I had anticipated a life filled with dullness, sadness, and regret. But here, amidst the laughter and shared meals, I found a flicker of happiness and a glimpse of a brighter future.
"By the way, we're going to prepare a gift for Joyde," Diane spoke amidst lightheartedness. As her words reached everyone's ears, the atmosphere shifted, and a sense of seriousness settled over us. I was dumbfounded, as I had never met Joyde before. She was the original seventh elite member before Zenia.
"That's right. The festival is tomorrow," Junave muttered, her tone reflecting a mix of anticipation and contemplation.
Curiosity welled up inside me, and I couldn't help but ask, "What kind of person is Joyde?" The others turned their attention towards me, their expressions a blend of contemplation and expectation, as if trying to find the right words to describe her.
"She's kind... too kind, perhaps," Jen stated, her voice carrying a hint of admiration and maybe even a touch of gratitude. "She would never even think of making a fool of herself."
Lucille, sensing my bewilderment, gently tapped my shoulder. "Don't worry, you're going to meet her tomorrow anyway. She's an important part of our group, and I'm sure she'll be happy to have you as one of us."
Attempting to steer the conversation in a different direction, Loremae chimed in, "Since we have a long vacant day today, why don't we enjoy ourselves first before we prepare her gift?" Her tone held a tinge of excitement, as if suggesting that we should make the most of our free time.
Denise, however, had a different perspective. "I think we need to switch that. Gift first before the fun," she added with a decisive tone, indicating that the priority should be on preparing the present for Joyde.
"Okay, okay," Loremae responded, her voice filled with a playful pout. It was clear that she was outnumbered but willing to go along with the group consensus.
As the discussion continued, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. There was a sense of anticipation for the festival and the chance to meet Joyde, a curiosity about her character and what she meant to the group. There was also a twinge of pressure to make the right impression and contribute to the gift preparations. Amidst it all, there was a palpable bond among the friends, a shared understanding and camaraderie that made me grateful to be included in their circle.
After our meal, with the decision to prioritize the gift for Joyde, we gathered in our shared cozy living room, transforming it into a makeshift workshop brimming with creativity. Art supplies, colorful papers, ribbons, and various crafting materials were strewn across the table, ready to be transformed into something beautiful.
Denise, known for her artistic flair, took the lead, her nimble fingers gliding over the materials as she envisioned the perfect gift. She suggested creating a handmade scrapbook, a visual chronicle of memories and heartfelt messages that would capture the essence of their friendship with Joyde.
As Jen rummaged through a box of photographs, the room filled with laughter and nostalgia. Each picture brought back cherished moments, reminding us of the adventures we had shared. I was taken aback by the discovery of these photographs, unaware that they had captured these precious memories. Among them was a snapshot of me sleeping, and another of Storm carrying me. I held the photo in my hands, captivated by the unexpected glimpse into those moments.
"Hey, when did you get this?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. Loremae couldn't contain her laughter as she confessed her role in capturing the candid shot.
"It was her who took that," Jen said, pointing playfully at Loremae.
My gaze remained fixed on the photograph, and as I focused on Storm's eyes, I noticed a depth of worry and an unfamiliar emotion that I had never imagined he could possess. It stirred something inside me, evoking a mixture of curiosity and warmth.
"See? That look in his eyes is so rare and kind. It's hard to distinguish," Junave commented, her voice tinged with a sense of wonder.
"As I told you earlier at the clinic, the way he stares at you speaks volumes. It tells me there's something more there," Lucille chimed in, her words carrying a sense of conviction.
"That was when he found you in the town square yesterday," Diane's voice came from the background, adding another layer of context.
The room fell silent for a moment as the weight of those words sank in. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a hidden layer of Storm's emotions that had gone unnoticed until now. The photograph had captured a vulnerable side of him, an unspoken concern that he had carried for me. The question lingered in my mind: Is his concern genuine, or does he just care because he needs me as his blood supplier? Am I merely a vessel who can suppress his demonic side?
Denise broke the brief silence. "Now let's get back to work if you guys want to have fun later on." Her words snapped us back to the task at hand, reminding us of the purpose that had brought us together.
With renewed focus, we returned to our creative endeavors. Junave resumed cutting out paper shapes, her hands working with precision and grace. Diane continued arranging the photographs, ensuring they flowed seamlessly, while Jen and Loremae shared a knowing look, their laughter echoing through the room.
Lucille, with her skillful calligraphy, took charge of adding meaningful quotes and heartfelt messages, her pen gliding gracefully across the pages, infusing them with warmth and sincerity. Denise, the practical thinker, organized the materials and kept track of their progress, ensuring that everything flowed smoothly.
As the hours passed, the scrapbook began to take shape. It became a labor of love, a tangible expression of the bond they shared with Joyde. Each page represented a cherished memory, a heartfelt message, or an inside joke that would undoubtedly bring a smile to Joyde's face.
"And, we're done!" Loremae announced, presenting the gift with graceful movements of her hand. We smiled as we looked at the beautifully wrapped present, anticipation evident in our eyes.
"It took longer than we expected," Denise remarked, glancing around at the remnants of our creative endeavor scattered across our shared dorm room.
"Yeah, we'll definitely need to do some cleanup," Jen added, her gaze fixing on the mess we had made in our enthusiastic pursuit of completing the gift.
"Alright, guys, please take care of the cleaning. I'll take charge of cooking food for us," Diane volunteered, her tone laced with a hint of mischief.
"No way! You're just saying that to avoid cleaning!" Junave snapped at Diane, a playful scowl crossing her face. Diane responded with a mischievous grin and stuck her tongue out before heading towards the kitchen to prepare lunch for us. Despite the fact that it was already afternoon, our determination to finish the gift had kept us going, even forgetting to eat lunch.
"Come on now, guys. I'm already hungry," Jen chimed in, taking charge and grabbing cleaning supplies to tackle the task at hand.
With a sense of satisfaction and anticipation, we tidied up the workspace, carefully organizing the materials and putting away our tools. The room felt lighter, infused with the excitement of the festival that awaited us the next day.
Afterward, we all gathered in the kitchen, where Diane had already finished cooking. Lucille, wearing a beaming smile, eagerly took the plates from the counter and arranged them neatly on our dining table, ensuring each of us had a spoon placed beside our plate. Meanwhile, Jen lent a hand to Diane, assisting in the final presentation and plating of the food.
The aroma of the freshly cooked meal filled the air, teasing our appetites and making our stomachs growl in anticipation. The table was adorned with our handcrafted centerpiece, a testament to our friendship and shared creative spirit. We took our seats, the excitement palpable as we prepared to indulge in the fruits of our labor.
With a sense of camaraderie, we joined hands for a moment, expressing our gratitude for the time spent together and the bond we shared. Then, our mouths watering, we dug into the delicious feast before us, savoring each bite and relishing in the joy of our accomplishment.
"So, do you guys still want to hang out and have some more fun?" Denise asked, a peculiar expression on her face.
"Nah, I'd rather sleep. It's been quite tiring already," Loremae replied, a hint of exhaustion evident in her voice.
"Yeah, maybe we should save all the fun for tomorrow," Junave chimed in, nodding in agreement.
"That's right," Jen added between bites of food, her enthusiasm tempered by the contentment of the moment.
"So this food is lunch and dinner at the same time," I remarked, eliciting laughter from everyone in the room as they realized the unintentional double feast we had prepared.
After we had all enjoyed the warm and satisfying lunch, it was time to bid our goodbyes and retire to our individual rooms. As I entered my room, a sense of wakefulness lingered within me, rendering sleep elusive. Seeking a moment of quiet reflection, I made my way to the study table, a sanctuary where I often found solace.
With gentle hands, I retrieved the photograph of Storm and me that I had carefully hidden in my pocket earlier. Its presence reminded me of the vulnerable moment captured within its frame, as well as the unspoken concern that Storm had shown me. I knew it was time to find a safe place for it, a place where I could revisit its significance whenever needed.
Delicately, I placed the photograph inside the drawer of the study table, ensuring that it was secure and protected. The act of tucking it away felt symbolic, as if I were safeguarding not only the image but also the emotions and questions it evoked.
As I closed the drawer, the room grew hushed, and a profound stillness settled upon me. Looking at my own reflection in the mirror, I could no longer identify the person staring back at me. I had transformed into someone different from who I was before. The memories that had resurfaced, the unfamiliar emotions I had been experiencing, the warmth emanating from my newfound friends, and the mysterious events from my past that involved the death of my parents, everything rushed through me as I gazed at the reflection in the mirror.
"Are you okay now?" Emerald appeared in the mirror, his green eyes filled with concern as he observed me.
"Why wouldn't I be?" I responded, trying to mask the whirlwind of emotions that swirled within me.
He took a deep breath, hesitating before answering, "You were a coward back then, unable to face the reality, which led you to forgetting the past. But now, I can finally say that I am proud of you. You have become brave."
A smile tugged at my lips as I looked at Emerald. "After all that I have gone through, every experience has shaped me into who I am now."
"Yeah, and I thank you for being strong," he said, his eyes reflecting a tinge of sadness. "I suppose you don't need me anymore."
"No!" I shook my head vehemently. "I want you to stay with me, every step of the way. Whatever challenges tomorrow may bring, I want you by my side until the day I die," I declared, my voice filled with determination.
He chuckled softly. "When you were still a sheltered princess, you asked me to leave. But now that you've grown, you want me to stay. You truly have matured."
"Of course," I replied, my conviction unwavering.
"So, how does it feel to have these new people in your life?" Emerald asked, referring to the elites and our newfound friends.
I took a deep breath, allowing the emotions to wash over me before carefully choosing my words. "It feels incredibly warm. Their presence has filled a void I didn't even realize existed. They have become pillars of support, guiding me through the challenges and uncertainties. The bond we share is profound, rooted in understanding, acceptance, and genuine care."
As I spoke, a surge of gratitude and affection welled up within me. The warmth I felt from my newfound friends was not only physical but also emotional—a sense of belonging that had been absent from my life for far too long.
"Do you still think of your friends in Quilak from time to time? How about your conviction of bringing justice to their deaths, your supposed vengeance and revenge?" Emerald asked, his voice filled with curiosity and concern.
His question pierced through me, touching upon the depths of guilt and remorse that I carried within. I took a moment to gather my thoughts, the weight of my past actions heavy upon my shoulders.
"Thinking about everything now, I realize that it was all my fault," I admitted, my voice tinged with sorrow. "I allowed my own selfish desires and ambitions to cloud my judgment. Instead of taking responsibility for my actions, I shifted blame onto others, seeking vengeance rather than facing my own faults."
A wave of regret washed over me as I continued, my voice trembling with emotion. "Now, I can no longer see them, touch them, or even beg for their forgiveness. All I'm left with is the burden of guilt and the memories of those I have lost. It is a weight I will carry for the rest of my life."
The pain of my past mistakes resonated through my words, and I couldn't help but wonder what could have been if I had made different choices. The sense of loss and the longing for redemption intertwined within me, creating a complex tapestry of emotions that I struggled to unravel.
"But," I added, a flicker of determination entering my voice, "I refuse to let their deaths be in vain. While I can't change the past, I can strive to make amends and bring about justice in my own way. I will honor their memories by seeking a path of redemption, using the lessons I have learned to create a better future."
As I uttered those words, a mix of sadness and resolve washed over me. The journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, but I was determined to find solace and meaning in the face of my past transgressions.
As I was engrossed in my thoughts, I was abruptly interrupted by a loud noise emanating from the veranda. Instantly alert, I sprang to my feet and hurriedly made my way towards the source of the disturbance. My heart skipped a beat as I caught sight of the person standing there.
"Storm...?" I muttered, my voice filled with both surprise and concern. I quickly took in his disheveled appearance, his face marred with blood and bruises, and his arms showing signs of struggle.
"What happened to you?" I asked, closing the distance between us. Without another word, he collapsed into my arms, his body shaking with exhaustion and pain. Fear coursed through me as I held him tightly, searching for answers in his battered form. What had transpired? It was evident that he had been in a fight, but with whom and why?
A whirlwind of questions and apprehension swirled within me as I carefully supported Storm, hoping to provide some comfort and solace in that moment of vulnerability. Concern etched deep lines on my face as I contemplated the possible dangers that had befallen him.
"What the hell is going on?" I whispered softly, my voice laced with a mixture of worry and confusion.