September 24th – 6:35 AM
As every day, the soft rays of the sun settled on Yumiel's skin.
Making her wake up despite her insatiable thirst to keep enjoying her long and sweet night.
Forced to get up, she closed her curtains while yawning, her mouth wide open.
One foot after the other, she headed to the bathroom, looked at herself in the mirror. Yumiel was young with long black hair reaching halfway down her back, skin white as snow and gray eyes similar to the bad weather that often lingered over London.
She washed her face and went upstairs to arrive in the living room to find her parents there,
greeting them with an incomprehensible yawn
« Ouaaahh, good morninnng. »
« Good morning my daughter, still daydreaming as always. »
Her father Mickael putting sugar in his coffee one spoon then two then three then… he finally stopped after eight.
« Seriously dad, aren't you tired of putting so much sugar in your coffee? It's not coffee anymore but sugar water with coffee. »
Her father barely raised an eyebrow without even looking at his daughter while diving back into his newspaper.
« You should know, my daughter, that sugar helps your old father concentrate better for the day. »
« You could at least look at me, it's always like this with you, your nose buried in your newspaper. What is it this time, a theft, a robbery? » said Yumiel sarcastically.
« No, a murder! »
said her father, lowering his newspaper and looking straight into Yumiel's eyes
« Wonderful, » exclaimed Yumiel, « thankfully, my beloved daddy will be able to solve this dreadful murder, what am I saying, this vile, this… » Suddenly her father got angry and shouted
« THAT'S ENOUGH » hitting the table, spilling some of his coffee
A chill fell, her father knew Yumiel didn't mean any harm, but he couldn't stand jokes about such things. A few minutes of silence later, Yumiel's mother approached, hands full of freshly cooked dishes. She placed them on the table then took a chair and sat down. Then she sighed.
« You argued again », asked Clara, Yumiel's mother
« It's nothing, you know your daughter, she always jokes. »
« Oh yes, that's true. By the way, Yumiel, the exams are starting soon, right? How are classes going? Do you study well? If you need help, I can ask a friend. »
Yumiel was stuffing herself with the food that was on the table, finishing swallowing the excess she had in her mouth. You could hear the gurgling of the food going down her stomach.
She looked at her mother for a short moment and said:
« I'm fine, thanks mom, I'm doing pretty well, you know, I'm above average. »
Barely the words spoken, she went back to devouring the dishes present on the table. Her mother didn't ask more questions, for her as long as her daughter manages, that's what matters. Her father, however, didn't want his daughter to end up doing things against the law. As an inspector, he would never allow it.
Her mother worked as a meteorological expert. She often went to her office in the center of London to run analyses, Clara and Mickael supposedly met during an investigation, though that hardly interests Yumiel anymore.
« riiiing riiiing »
The doorbell rang, startling Yumiel.
« That must be for me. »
Yumiel got up and opened the door, knowing that behind it were her friends coming to pick her up to go to university as every morning. As soon as the door opened, her friends started playing music with their instruments, the music could be heard throughout the house. One could see both annoyance and shyness on Yumiel's face,
Mathis and Morgane were close friends of Yumiel, they had signed up for a music club at the university and would soon be performing at the opening show.
« You guys know you're completely crazy, right. Seriously Mathis, look at yourself, you look like a clown with your portable keyboard. »
Mathis was rather handsome, well dressed, but not very bright. Today he had short hair and a strap around his neck with his keyboard. Morgane held her guitar in front of her, playing like a pro.
« Oh come on, not happy to see us? We're even giving you a surprise. »
« Ah ah, I'm dying of laughter »
« Oh come on, we've known you way funnier than that. I remember the time you scared our teacher by making him believe the whole class had paranormal powers. »
A small smile slipped onto the corner of Yumiel's mouth, she was quite proud of that success,
« Come on, fine, you win, I'll put on my new outfit, you'll see, today Halloween comes early. Oh by the way Morgane, avoid telling that story to my parents, okay? »
« Roger that, chief »
Yumiel left the door half-open and went to get ready, heading to her room located in the basement,
Yumiel's bedroom was big, very big. There was only one window. Right above her bed, the bathroom was at the other end of the room. In the bedroom you could hardly miss the two huge wardrobes used as dressing rooms. The first for everyday clothes and the second for costumes or accessories.
Yumiel headed to the second wardrobe, opened it and took 3 costumes and some accessories, which she slipped into her bag. Then she went to the bathroom. She grabbed her long hair to make two buns. Since her hair was too long, she made them as big as possible and let the rest fall, reaching neck level. Then she brushed her teeth, grabbed her bag she struggled to lift, and left in a hurry.
« See you tonight and dad, don't forget your sugar infusion. »
Her parents didn't have time to say goodbye before the door slammed shut. Clara sighed and stared at Mikael for a long moment. After a few moments, Mikael set down his newspaper and stopped responding to the many texts he constantly received.
« What is it? » he asked in a clear tone.
« Nothing. »
Mickael knew his wife, after more than 20 years of marriage, he knew it wasn't "nothing". He kept staring at her for long seconds. His wife gave a faint smile, then took a deep breath.
« You win, it's our daughter, she worries me. I've received several calls from her teachers, apparently she plays pranks in class. For now I'm not saying anything as her grades are good. However, I can't help but think something's wrong, as if she doesn't feel well or doesn't feel like she belongs. I struggle to explain it. »
Mickael said nothing, he took his coffee and finished it in one gulp, then got up and went to put on his uniform in the bedroom, and went to the bathroom to shave. His wife followed him and watched, waiting for his answer. While paying very close attention to the razor blade, he spoke.
« Why worry? She's young, let her do her thing, a parent shouldn't worry about their children. We must set a good example. But I understand how you feel, maybe she just hasn't found her path yet? Let's leave it to time. Okay? Right now, I have more important things to handle. »
Clara left without a word, she couldn't stop thinking about how her husband handled the situation, she understood well enough that for him as long as his daughter didn't cause trouble he didn't care.
September 24th – 7:20 AM
The way to the university wasn't very far, but since none of them liked public transportation, they preferred walking. When they were close to the university, Yumiel called her friends.
« Are you ready for an incredible show! »
Mathis and Morgane looked at each other before screaming.
« Yeeeeaaah »
« Great, then follow me and put on these costumes. »
Their expressions collapsed, shifting from joyful to empty and lifeless as if their souls had just been sucked out. Mathis was the first to speak, slightly clearing his throat.
« Yumiel, I don't think I can follow you this time. Last time, my dad gave me a lecture. Because I dressed up as a dragon and breathed fire, setting the art classroom on fire. And also, Mei doesn't really like our pranks. »
Mathis looked embarrassed saying that, he didn't want her to learn it this way. But he also didn't want to explain himself to his father again because of another prank from Yumiel.
« First of all it was YOU who modified the costume so it would breathe fire by attaching a lighter and spray can inside the mouth saying, "I quote," it's more realistic. Mei? For a year now she's been getting on my nerves, why should I care what she likes or not? I don't give a damn. »
Seeing the situation getting tense and the grimace on Yumiel's face, who now looked like a displeased kitten. Morgane intervened immediately.
« I'll do it. But I won't do it again for a while, ok? »
A big smile appeared on Yumiel's face. Then they both stared at Mathis, who avoided their gaze before finally grunting, meaning yes.
A bit further away in a deserted alley near the university, the three began changing. Yumiel's costume looked like a jiangshi, Mathis a minotaur, and Morgane a succubus. The costumes were very well made, Yumiel often placed orders with an expert, though the costume doesn't do everything, it certainly flatters.
« Alright, I'll explain today's plan. As you can see, I'm a jiangshi, so I have lots of talismans with me. I made them myself, they're filled with ink and can explode thanks to a small charge I put inside. At noon, exactly 12:00, I will make them all explode. Roles are simple: I'll place as many talismans as possible in as many places as possible around the university. Mathis, you protect me and Morgane you create a diversion. I planned accessories for everyone. »
Yumiel approached Mathis and gave him a pair of very realistic horns, a nose ring, and a club. Mathis now looked like a tall man with horns, a nose ring, a club, fur goat pants and hooves. Which almost made him fall several times, he was also shirtless, with prominent pecs and a splendid set of abs. For sure, almost any girl would have turned around.
« And me? »
exclaimed Morgane, waiting to receive her accessories. Yumiel approached and said:
« They're there. »
While pointing at her chest, Morgane first stepped back, taking on a shy then flattered expression.
« So that's your idea, making the entire university stare at me. »
« No no, you must know how to use what nature has given us… In this case, a 108D cup. »
Morgane's outfit had many little pieces of fabric scattered, a plunging neckline. Her belly visible and her thighs nicely highlighted. Morgane also had a very lovely face. A bob cut, an oval face, beautiful green eyes and platinum blond hair. For sure, almost any guy would lower his head 45° down before raising it again.
« Obviously, you can't do that. »
retorted Mathis in a contagious burst of laughter. Morgane looked at Yumiel's body before laughing as well. Yumiel lowered her head before raising it again. She wasn't ugly, far from it, her face was cute. In fact, if people had to describe Yumiel, she looked like a kitten.
Looking at the time, they noticed that the first classes were starting soon. They hurried and ran to the university. As soon as they entered the building grounds, stares and rumors began.
« Ok guys, let's go, we've got 10 minutes before class starts. Mathis with me, Morgane you go the other way. »
« Wait, why am I the only one going that way, the class starts where you're going, if I go the other way I'll be late. »
Morgane turned around to realize they were already gone. Many thoughts went through Morgane's mind at that moment, but she shook them off and began to run.
Yumiel placed each talisman as carefully as possible while going as fast as possible, Mathis covered her with his broad back. Some girls approached and asked for his number, which helped distract attention.
After going from room to room, they arrived at their classroom. The room was almost empty. Their teacher stood in front of them, he looked at Yumiel from head to toe, her costume was a short dress with oversized sleeves, a small hat between her buns and some talismans placed everywhere. His gaze then went to Mathis before returning to Yumiel. His face showed frustration.
« Yumiel, what are you planning again »
« nothing sir »
« Do you take me for an idiot? I am your homeroom teacher. Already at the beginning of this year you have pulled three 'pranks'. I would like to know what this is about this time! »
Yumiel ignored her teacher and went to sit. In one of the many empty seats. Mathis sat next to her. She looked at the empty classroom, Mathis was talking to the many girls around him. She observed nearby seats and listened to the conversation of the boys in front of her.
« Bro have you heard, there's a super hot girl running in the hallways, rumor says she's wearing a very sexy outfit. We should go see. »
The two boys stood up and left the classroom. Yumiel smiled, her diversion was perfect, she thought. Her teacher stared at her. She paid no attention, crossed her arms and buried her head in them.
A few minutes later
« Attention everyone, class is about to begin, everyone take your place. »
Everyone returned to their seats welcoming the many latecomers. 5 minutes later, while the teacher had already started his class, the door opened. It was Morgane.
« Hello sir, excuse me for being late. »
In her amazing succubus costume sweating and breathless, she looked at Yumiel with the fiercest gaze. Interrupting the class, the teacher looked at her before quickly lifting his head. A bit troubled by her outfit. He said:
« It's fine, go sit quickly. »
She walked across the classroom, watched by most of her classmates. The teacher resumed his lesson, she asked the girl next to Yumiel to change seats. The girl looked at Mathis sitting next to Yumiel before giving up her seat. Morgane looked at Yumiel then whispered:
« I'm going to kill you! Do you know how many guys asked for my number? Some even thought I was new. Teachers stopped me asking if I was part of a theater play. »
Morgane wanted to keep expressing her displeasure. But the teacher didn't agree.
« SILENCE! My lesson doesn't interest you? Then, you can leave. Up to you, but I remind you that the beginning-of-year exams are soon. »
A golden silence reigned in the room, and the many whispers stopped. The teacher explained his lesson, Morgane took notes, Mathis played on his phone and Yumiel slept. The class ended as fast as it started for Yumiel.
September 24th – 10:05 AM
Barely awakened, she took Mathis and headed opposite the next class.
« Wait class is the other way. »
« I know, but I still have many talismans to place. We'll go around, we'll probably be late, but our number 1 succubus will find an excuse or manage somehow. »
Morgane didn't have time to say anything before she was already gone, taking care to place some talismans in the room.
« I swear she'll pay for this one day. »
Sighing behind the door, Morgane entered. She looked at the classroom, almost everyone was present. She turned to the teacher who greeted her before making a remark about her outfit.
« Young lady, this is not an appropriate outfit to come to class, I hope you are well aware of that. Look at your classmates. Do you see them wearing inappropriate clothing? »
« No ma'am »
Professor Allen is and has always been very strict. On rules and refuses any form of debauchery or childish behavior. Needless to say it was her first year in this institution, otherwise she would already know Morgane.
« Good, if you've understood, go to your seat! »
Morgane took the first seat in front and raised her hand, a little embarrassed by the stares.
« Yes young lady. »
« I must tell you that two people will be late, that is Yumiel and Mathis. »
She took some time and looked at her sheet to find them.
« I have marked them late, but I need a justification. »
Morgane swore internally that this old hag was starting to get on her nerves.
« They are retrieving documents our homeroom teacher asked us to go get. »
She took her pen and wrote on her sheet, then began the lesson. You could hear a fly in the room, no sound was being made, absolute silence, only the teacher's voice. The lesson continued. Until they heard footsteps of two people approaching quickly.
The door opened revealing Yumiel and Mathis, visibly out of breath after running. Mathis spoke while Yumiel was still catching her breath.
« Hello Madam, please excuse us for being late. We were at the infirmary. »
Morgane's gaze was exasperated, Yumiel acted the same. She knew Morgane would make something up, but you can't reveal a lie if you don't know what the lie is.
« Mister Mathis behind, must be Miss Yumiel. I see here that you should be late because your homeroom teacher asked you to go get documents? Now you tell me you were at the infirmary. And what is this outfit? You shame the Academy! »
Some students began laughing. Morgane didn't want anything to do with this anymore.
Yumiel hid behind Mathis, grabbed his left arm and hit it as hard as she could on the door frame. The pain rushed through, but she stayed strong and made no sound. Then she cleared her throat before speaking.
« Madam Allen, we indeed went to get the documents that our teacher asked us to get. On our way back, I tripped, and hurt myself. Mathis helped me go to the infirmary. »
Yumiel showed her forearm, it was swollen. A big bruise had formed. Mathis scratched his head wondering how that happened. Mrs. Allen grabbed Yumiel's wrist, making her flinch in pain. And examined the injury.
« I want to believe you, this injury is real and quite serious. But how do you explain your costumes and why is this young man shirtless »
« Madam, we are actually part of the theater club. These are costumes provided for the performance which will take place to inaugurate the beginning of the year. Since we're short on time, we wanted to better familiarize ourselves with our characters. I hope you won't hold it against us, madam. »
Most teachers don't fall for Yumiel's lies, but since Allen is new, she doesn't know any students here. So it was easy for Yumiel to manipulate her. First skeptical, she eventually accepted. They both took a seat in the room. Yumiel sat behind Mathis next to the window so she could sleep peacefully.
The class went on, Yumiel woke up. A few minutes before the end, looking out the window, she watched the baseball club play, birds flying in the sky, the depth of the clouds, the shade of green in the school garden. She ended up staring at the moon visible in broad daylight.
Nobody really knew what she was thinking, actually, even she didn't really know. Nothing interested her, she found everything easy, some called her a genius, others said it was luck or effort. But in reality, she couldn't care less.
Life is boring, she thought, if only every day were different. If "change" could be immutable, if evolution as we know it took drastic proportions, in a world constantly searching for horizons to follow.
If the universe is so big, then why don't we live there? Are we cursed to be alone forever, is that our burden for being weak, or do they simply dislike our reality?
Yumiel kept questioning the vast and small world. Was she the anomaly? Or was the world the anomaly? Thinking big, but pointless. In a world where dreaming is allowed but where flying is contraindicated.
« Yumiel, Yumiel, HEY YUMIELLL. »
Yumiel snapped back, looked at Morgane who stared at her with a questioning gaze.
« Class is over. What are you staring at this time? Baseball players »
« No I was just, um how to say, thinking. »
Morgane looked at Yumiel, it wasn't the first time she was absent-minded, but this time she was more than usual and for Morgane that meant only one thing.
« You're in love? » asked Morgane.
Mathis turned his head, intrigued by Morgane's question and waiting for the answer, Yumiel remained impassive before letting out a small laugh.
« You see me in love? Sometimes I wish, you know… Anyway, boys don't look at me. »
Yumiel laughed at her own sentence then a few seconds later Mathis burst out laughing then said without any restraint:
« Indeed, it's not with your 70 B cup that you'll attract them. And besides the last guy who asked you out, you made him think he was kidnapped before releasing him two days later saying, "I quote", it was a joke. No wonder nobody tries anymore. »
Morgane stepped on Mathis' foot before elbowing him, Yumiel burst out laughing.
« Luckily you guys are here, I would've been so bored otherwise. Noon is coming, are you all ready? »
They took a chair. And sat comfortably. Yumiel grabbed her bag, rummaged inside before taking out a small switch. She also took out her phone before looking at the time, 11:58 waiting eagerly for noon. Mathis spoke for the remaining minutes
« Yumiel, I wanted to tell you that I didn't want to hurt you, what I said sounded, let's say, hurtful, but I didn't mean any of that. I love you both, you and Morgane. I know I'm sometimes stupid but I'm glad you're here to fix my messes. »
September 24th – 11:59 AM
« Yeah yeah we get it, Romeo, and don't worry about Yumiel, she won't cry for so little, right Yumiel? »
Yumiel raised her thumb while staying focused on the time displayed on her phone