She stood just as she had all those years ago—her black hair swaying in the breeze, her eyes as hollow and distant as before. That face… it was the first thing I ever considered cute. Her pale skin gleamed brighter than the moonlight, and her soft pink lips—just looking at them, I could almost feel their warmth.
Once again, my heart skipped a beat. Once again, I feared blinking, worried I'd lose this moment.
It felt like déjà vu.
All I could see was her, as if time folded itself. Back then, she blocked the moonlight. Now, she stood in the sun.
Eleena's hand slowly moved to her chest. She clutched her coat tightly, her eyes growing wet.
Suddenly, a gentle hand touched her shoulder, and a concerned voice asked, "Alissa?"
Alissa turned, blinking away the tears. It was Emilie—her best friend.
"What happened? Are you crying?" Emilie asked, alarmed.
Alissa turned back toward the empty space, but the figure—Arvard—was gone.
"Nothing," she said flatly, wiping her eyes. "Just... some dust."
Elsewhere, Arvard walked through the courtyard, feeling… off. He never imagined seeing her again would be this hard.
Is this… fear? he wondered.
His thoughts were interrupted as he bumped into someone.
"Sorry," he mumbled, not even looking up.
A firm hand clamped down on his shoulder.
Turning, Arvard saw a square-faced, tall boy with sharp green eyes and cropped blond hair. He was even bigger than Arvard.
"You've got some balls, bumping into me," the boy growled.
"I apologized. I'm not looking for a fight," Arvard said in a tired, irritated tone.
"Oh, pretty boy, I'll tell you what you're looking for—"
"You should turn around and go to your room," Arvard interrupted, locking eyes with him.
The larger boy froze.
Without another word, he turned and walked away.
Arvard continued down the path. The road to the six-floor building was flanked by blooming flowers, pinks and whites swaying in the breeze. He paused by the garden, kneeling down to gently touch a rose.
"Wonder what happened to that mage who asked for pink roses..." he whispered.
This time, the hand on his shoulder was soft, gentle.
He turned to see a chubby girl with pale skin, short black hair, and large purple eyes peeking from behind her glasses. Her cheeks flushed as she looked down.
"Need some help?" she asked shyly.
"Not really," Arvard replied calmly.
The girl looked up, startled—until Arvard added, "But I could use some company."
Whispers rippled around them.
"Isn't that Secretary Mia from the Student Council?"
"Whoa, she's talking to the new guy?"
Mia blushed harder but smiled. "Which class are you in?"
"Class 10-3," Arvard answered.
Mia's face lit up. "Oh! We're in the same class."
"Really?" Arvard smiled.
"I'm Mia Poreak, secretary of the Student Council, your classmate, and if you don't mind… your friend… maybe?" Her voice trailed off, almost too soft to hear.
Poreak… that name... Arvard thought.
He extended his hand. "I'm Albert Deiheart. And yes, I'd be happy to be your new friend."
Mia felt a wave of warmth rush through her as she shook his hand.
As they walked, Mia tried to break the silence. "Have you read the school manual?"
"Yeah. Found something weird," Arvard replied.
"Oh? Like what?" Mia asked, pausing.
"The special classes. Haven't people found them suspicious?"
Mia's smile faded slightly. "They have. Some ask questions. But it doesn't really matter."
"Why not? What if someone found out?"
Mia leaned closer, whispering, "They won't. Not while the Student Council is in charge."
She turned and walked on.
Inside the building, the grandeur was undeniable. The golden walls reflected light from the floor tiles. On the right side were couches where adults waited. To the left, elevators. At the front stood a reception desk flanked by two more lifts.
"This is Building One," Mia said. "First floor's like a lobby. Students can't wander here without reason. Second floor's for teachers. Third is the food dorm. Fourth is ours—the Student Council. Fifth is the principal's, and the sixth…"
"She lives there too?" Arvard asked.
"Yeah. Ms. Saina."
Mia pointed at the elevators.
"These first three are for teachers only," she explained. "This fourth one goes to our floor—I can use it. That one over there," she pointed again, "goes to all floors exceptthe sixth—only the principal can use it. And the last one…"
Mia paused.
"…only Ms. Saina can use that one."
She turned toward a large door.
"That's the assembly hall," Arvard guessed.
"Yup," Mia nodded.
"Can I ask something personal?" Arvard asked, slowing down.
Mia froze. "Depends on the question," she said shyly.
"Albert?" a voice called.
They both turned.
It was the green-haired lady from earlier—Saina. She was holding a file.
"Albert Deiheart?" she asked again.
"Yes," Arvard replied.
"Come with me."
Mia blinked. "Is something wrong, Ms. Saina?"
Saina smiled strangely. "Oh no, dear. Just forgot some signatures. Don't worry—he won't be late for the assembly."
Without another word, Arvard followed her.
They stepped into the private elevator. As the doors closed, silence filled the air—until Saina suddenly jumped forward and hugged him tightly.
"I missed you, Arvard. I missed you…" she whispered.
Arvard gently patted her head. "I know, Saina."
Tears welled in her eyes.
"When I woke up, it felt like only minutes had passed," Arvard said softly. "But when you hugged me this morning… I felt how much time I'd lost. I missed you too."
"You're still the same," she murmured.
Slowly, she loosened her embrace and leaned toward him.
"What are you trying to do?" Arvard asked, his voice awkward.
"Nothing... unless you want me to do something," she said, lips inches away, her voice like a whispering breeze.
"The silver I'm wearing… isn't it hurting you?" Arvard asked gently.
"What silver?" Saina said, not even noticing.
Her breath was warm, her body trembling slightly. Her soft pink lips were just a breath away now.
"What about the assembly?" Arvard asked, still not stopping her.
He understood her pain. He knew her past, her suffering, her longing. A kiss meant more to her than most would ever know.
So, he didn't stop her.
He let her lips meet his.