"Hey, you, okay?"
Tia flinched when she heard a voice next to her. Surprised, she still can't forget what happen to her before.
"Oh sorry, didn't mean to scare you."
The person sat next to her as they sigh. Tia was confused and curious, why would this person suddenly decided to talk to her.
"Sorry about Tammy. She's just... shocked."
He says as he stares at the direction Tia's had been staring since a while ago. Of course, who wouldn't be. When you see the person who caused the disappearance of someone you cared...
"I'm sorry. We got separated back then. It was all my fault that this happened."
Tia breathed as she remembers those days. Although Serina did something she will never forget, she still feels remorse when they got separated.
"Huh? She's alive then?"
The person says as Tia turns her gaze toward him. He was shocked. What? "I don't know. I'm not sure. All I know was, we got separated." Tia replied truthfully wondering who the heck is this guy again.
"Oh. I thought she died."
He replied and was silent for a moment.
"Anyway, in case you haven't heard it. We decided to work together with you guys in finding... NĪRVANA."
He smiled as Tia stare at him shock. She doesn't know what to say. She was surprised to hear that info considering his friend just tried to murder her a while ago. She doesn't know what to feel.
"I'll keep Tammy in check if you're worried. And told her the truth. You know, I don't think Serina is dead. Although, she may look weak. But I don't think she's dead. So, cheer up."
The person gives Tia a reassuring smile as he said that. Tia somehow felt relieved after hearing that. She hopes and wish that Serina is doing well.
"Thanks..."
Tia trailed off remembering that she doesn't know the guy name although she did remember his face. She can't help but feel confused how fast this people behavior changed. The person was silent for a moment, it seems like he noticed that Tia doesn't remember his name.
"It's Red. Although it is to be expected, but still can't believe you forget about me."
He replied cheekily as Tia nodded at him in embarrassment. She made sure to remember him by now. Both of them were sitting there staring into a blank space without talking to each other. It wasn't awkward at all, but it felt calm. Although it did feel weird to be sitting next to each other when you just meet them, Tia decided to shrug off the feeling.
"I'm sorry. About before."
Red spoke as he now staring at Tia making her to flinched in surprised. He was so close to her; their shoulders are touching. Tia doesn't remember what he meant and don't want to remember anything from what happened to her in that school. She wanted to erase those memories. She just told him that she forgotten about it already and it's okay. Somehow, Red was smiling a bit too much when he's with Tia. That made her a little confused and weird.
Tammy was now awake after a few hours' sleep. At first, she was angry at the fact that her friends made the decision to work together with Xian's group without her. But after Red told her that it's the only way to "survive" she soon calms down. Although it shows on her face, that she still doesn't like the idea. Red even told her about Serina. That she might still be alive.
Tammy seems relieve when she hears that, but she never asks for an apology to Tia after almost hurting her before. Tia doesn't blame her, since "might" doesn't seem so reassuring to Tammy. It was good enough that she doesn't cause any scene or anymore drama. Tia was relieved too. But still wary, since Tammy keeps giving her a death glare every time, they cross paths or even accidentally meet each other eyes.
"That girl was rude indeed." Gally sat next to Tia as she sighs telling her how she went and give Tammy an apple, but the girl just throws it away in front of her face. She was irritated of that. Tia just smiled at her telling her to just forget about it. Since she doesn't really want to talk about Tammy. It wasn't a peaceful night for Tia as she had another vision. It was dark, not a single soul could be seen but they're screaming everywhere. Crying. Begging for help. The faint smell of blood. Everything feels so real that it scared Tia to her bone.
"Don't come."
"You're going to die."
A voice was heard as Tia can't help but feel confused. What does the word mean? She was trying hard to see what it was, but everything disappears when a "thing" suddenly stands in front of her, shrieking, causing Tia to get back to reality. That felt too real to be a vision. She keeps wondering what this vision trying to tell her, but she got nothing. Tia was breathing heavily as she tried hard to calm her nerves.
"What's wrong?"
Tia stumbled backwards when a hand touches her shoulder mentally cursing whoever it is. "Sorry, are you feeling alright?" Chester held out his hand for Tia as she takes it without hesitation. "Yeah, just surprised." She replied as Chester was staring at her with worried eyes.
"Do you think I've made the right decision?"
Chester spoke in a low voice as if he never really meant it to be said. Tia was confused by that.
"What do you mean?"
Tia replied as Chester stays silent, squeezing hard to Tia's hand. Somehow, this boy seems to be acting weird. It worried Tia seeing him in discomfort.
"This whole situation, I don't know why I ask them to join us. I don't even expect them to say yes honestly but now that it did... There's this heavy weight in my heart. I don't know how to say it. But it's scary. Feel like I'm making the wrong decision."
His eyes flutters as he sighs. Somehow, hearing him saying that made Tia realize. He must've been carrying such responsibility since he's supposed to lead them being Adroit and all. It must be tiring. He looks scared.
"I believe in you. We all did, so don't feel like you make the wrong decision."
Tia squeezes their hand as Chester smiled weakly. Thanking her for saying those words. Seems like he just needed someone to tell him that everything is going to be alright. He needs reassurances.
"Thank you, This is why I like you so much."
Chester smiled as he interviewed both their fingers together making Tia chuckled in response. He is so cute. Tia like him too since his presence remind her so much of her little brother. Being with him, made her feel close to home.
For some reason, Aiden and Xian was hiding behind a tree when they saw Tia and Chester talking. Both was surprised when they saw each other and was about to leave but stop when they hear Chester confession.
"Woah... That some balls he got there." Aiden whispered as he smirks looking at Chester intertwining his fingers with Tia. Xian can't help but feel curious, "Since when does this feeling even exist?" He thought not minding to reply to Aiden remark. He was already pissed and irritated enough just to be close to him, he doesn't want to say anything anymore.
"Dude, are you jealous?"
Aiden burst to laughter as they were found out hiding there. Xian was annoyed with him that he wanted to smack this guy head already. He noticed that Chester had already went back and that leave Tia standing there alone, staring at both Aiden and Xian in confusion. She just nodded at them as she too started to walk away. For some reason, Xian has this urge to stop her. Tell her to not go away. But he can't bring himself to say anything.
"Shut up you loser."
Xian spoke to Aiden in a low voice as his eyes still locked on Tia. Aiden was more amused to see Xian like that he doesn't feel like arguing.
"I don't know if God is playing with us or what, but it seems like we have the same type too. Us being abnormal, fire ability, like literally the same but not really? well, I am Alpha."
Aiden spoke as Xian glared at him. He can't believe this guy dare to compare both of them.
"What makes you think I have the same TYPE as you?"
He raised an eyebrow as Aiden smirks with pleasure.
"Tia."
He responded with a smile and went off to Tia direction.
"What the hell"
Xian was furious. He doesn't know why but he's angry that Aiden's mentioned Tia's name. He just doesn't understand why he felt like that. For all he knows, he got no time to be "falling in love" with someone when their lives are at stake. He doesn't want to take the risk.
Although, he did feel something towards Tia. He wants to believe that it's just his instinct trying to protect her. Since those eyes, remind him of his twin sister. The one he failed to save. He promised that this time, he will do anything to make sure Tia doesn't end up like her.