Yumi sat cross-legged on her bed, staring at Damian's last message on her phone. Her lips trembled as she whispered, "This is bad… I loved him." The words felt jagged in her chest, heavy and lingering. With a shaky sigh, she pushed herself up and made her way to the restroom, each step echoing softly on the wooden floorboards.
She faced the mirror, brushing her fingers over the little lipstick smudges that had formed tiny pimple-like marks on her skin. "Oh yes… those lipstick pimples. I should wash them off now," she muttered. As she wiped away the remnants, the helium-like effect on her face faded, revealing her true reflection: flawless glass-like skin, naturally pinkish-red lips, and a surprisingly deep, rich voice that seemed to resonate from within.
"I… don't look that bad, do I?" she whispered, tilting her head, a small, shy smile tugging at her lips. Gathering a towel, she stepped out of the restroom and called softly, "Pherrie?"
"Yes, Princess?" came the calm, smooth reply from behind her.
Yumi froze mid-step. Her heart skipped, and her breath caught in her throat at the tender, teasing tone. "Where… where were you?" she asked softly.
"I was with the teacher," Pherrie replied, stepping closer, his presence warm and steady. "Helping her with some research."
"Oh… I see," Yumi murmured, her voice low, relief threading through her words. "I thought you had left."
"I didn't, Princess. Why would you think that?" His eyes met hers, steady and piercing, making her cheeks flush.
"Princess?" she repeated softly, the word rolling off her tongue in disbelief yet delight.
"Yes," Pherrie said with a small, teasing smile. "Because you like to be a princess. Is it okay if I call you that?"
Yumi hesitated, then nodded, a warmth blooming in her chest. "Yes."
Before the moment could linger, the door burst open. Damian and Kai appeared, their voices cutting through the delicate tension.
"Hey, Pherrie and Yumi," Damian said, grinning, "the teacher is calling you."
"Wait a second," Pherrie said, his tone playful but protective, "I'm talking with my Princess."
Yumi froze again, heart racing at the possessiveness in his words.
"Princess, huh? Let me see why you find this Yumi so… attractive," Damian said, leaning in to get a better look. His eyes widened in shock, mind racing. Wait… Yumi is actually that pretty? Oh no… I messed up. I need to get her back.
"Yumi! You look cute! Why don't you become my partner again? You always wanted to be my partner, right?" Damian asked, his voice laced with charm.
"No, Damian," Yumi said firmly, standing a little taller, voice steady. "I choose myself over you. I won't let your manipulation destroy my peace."
Pherrie, standing beside her, intertwined his fingers with hers. His voice was calm but edged with quiet authority. "You heard her. Now go. Leave me and my Princess alone."
Yumi felt her heart flutter at the warmth of his hand, the strength in his presence. He guided her outside, away from the teasing voices, into a field blooming with countless flowers. The petals brushed against their ankles, and the soft fragrance wrapped around them like a protective embrace.
Pherrie leaned slightly closer, his thumb brushing lightly over her hand. "See?" he murmured, voice low and teasing. "Choosing yourself isn't that bad."
Yumi let out a small, breathless laugh, the tension melting from her shoulders. The sunlight danced across the petals, and with Pherrie beside her, protective and playful, she felt a strange, thrilling mixture of safety and excitement. For the first time that day, choosing herself didn't feel lonely—it felt… right.
Her cheeks warmed again as Pherrie's gaze lingered, teasing but tender. Each brush of his hand, each subtle look, made her pulse quicken. The field of flowers seemed to shimmer around them, a world of their own, where choosing herself meant stepping fully into her own power… and into the unexpected closeness of someone who saw her as more than just Yumi.