Sam sat alone in the university café, at his usual corner table, twirling a pen between his fingersas his gaze fixed on Zero. His thoughts wandered. He was teasing me the other day... about sipping cof ee like it's wine when I'mupset. But nowlook at him—six cups. Literally.Sam smiled faintly. He wanted to apologize for that weirdnight
at Zero's house. But he hadn't dared to do it—not because he was in the wrong, but becauseZero's behavior that night… it had been strange. It's normal between friends… and we're both guys, so it's not that bad…right? Samtriedtoconvince himself. But still… he was trembling so hard…He shook the thought away. Forget it. He's just… sensitive.With a deep breath and a nervous flutter in his chest, Samfinally stoodandwalked over to Zero. As he pulled out the chair across from him and sat down, Zero startled."Ha…hey," Zeromumbled, attempting a smile to hide his nervousness—but failing miserably."Hey…" Samsaid. "Zero… about that night—"
"Can we not talk about that night?" Zero cut in, his tone suddenly serious. Sam paused. "…O-Okay. If you're uncomfortable, I won't bring it up again." Zero visibly relaxed. Trying to dissolve the awkward tension, Sam leaned forward. "By the way…why did youcall
me that day?"
"Oh… it's about… Sara."
"Again?" Sam raised a brow. "Yeah… I don't know how many faces she hides, but one thing's for sure—the truth always findsits way out," Zero said, a shadow of sadness in his eyes. "What happened, Zero?" Sam asked gently. "Tell me." Zero glanced at him, then smirked. "You really think I'd tell you when you make that puppyface?" Sam pouted. "Huh?"
"Three bowls of ramen. After class. Then I might consider telling you," Zero said shamelessly.
"Zero!! You're seriously such a freeloader. Even I have to feed you! Good thing that house is
your own. If it wasn't, I'd probably be paying your rent too." Zero burst into laughter, completely unbothered."Okay, okay—class is about to start. Let's go,"Sam said, chuckling.They both stood up. Sam casually slung his arm over Zero's shoulder—but
Zero flinched and immediately pulled away. Sam blinked, embarrassed. "What… happened?"
"N-nothing. Let's go!" Zero stammered, then hurried off toward class. Sam stood frozen for a moment, watching him run.What's wrong with him...?
______________________________________________________________________________________________ Maera was slouched on the couch in front of the kitchen, holding a game controller, fullyimmersed in a game. Sim, meanwhile, was busy in the kitchen, preparing dinner. "Hey… Mae…" Sim called, glancing over. "Hm?" Maera replied without looking up. "Stop playing games all day and come help me."
"Why?" Maera said. "I can only help with one thing." She winked. Sim blushed, turning back to her chopping board. "Oi, Mae! You're so shameless." Maera grinned but noticed Sim wasn't speaking anymore. She paused the game, stood up, andwalked into the kitchen, wrapping her arms around Sim from behind. "Hey!! Mae, what are you doing?!"
"Can't you see?" Maera whispered softly. "I'm holding you." She rested her chin on Sim's shoulder. "You know, Sim… I want you to have our cute little
babies. So we can live happily with them." Sim's face turned crimson. She spun around. "Mae!!! Get out of the kitchen or I'll boil youinstead of the rice!" Maera laughed, leaned in, and bit her nose playfully, then kissed her. Startled, Sim looked away, trying to hide her flustered expression. "Let's go somewhere today," Maera said suddenly. "I'm bored at home."
"Okay," Sim replied with a soft smile. Unable to resist, Maera began nibbling at her neck. "Aah—Maeeeee!" ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Sara sat quietly in her room, doing nothing, yet feeling strangely tired.Now that she was homeand not feeling as terrible, she figured she should at least do something useful. She got up, grabbed a broom, and began sweeping the room. As always, she started talking to herself—like she was speaking to someone else. And that 'someone else'… was always Maera. "Oh yeah? And why are you blabbering again?" she muttered to the air. "Fine, fine. Just tell mewhat you want, and I'll cook it for you…" Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Sara put the broom aside and walked to open the door. On the other side stood Alexa. "Oh hey, Alexa. Come in! Why are you standing outside?" Sara smiled warmly, steppingaside. Alexa smiled back, but her eyes scanned Sara carefully."Hey, Sara…are you doing chores?" sheasked, her tone edged with concern. "Yeah, I was just bored at home," Sara replied, brushing hair from her face. "So I thought…I
should at least do something. Sitting around all day felt worse." Alexa sighed. "Sara… you were discharged from the hospital just two days ago. And insteadof
resting, you're cleaning the house?" Before Sara could argue, Alexa grabbed her gently by the arm and forced her to sit on the couch. "Sit. I'll take care of everything." Without waiting for a response, Alexa began tidying up the room. Sara sat, watching her insilent
amusement. Half an hour passed. After finishing all the chores, Alexa plopped down beside Sara, visiblytired. Sara looked at her and smiled. Wiping the sweat from her forehead, Alexa noticed and frowned. "What are you staring at?"
"Nothing," Sara replied, still smiling. "Just watching you act like my second mom." Alexa let out a soft laugh. "I'll go freshen up," she said, rising from the couch and headingtoward the bathroom. As Alexa left, Sara thought to herself, Maybe I should cut some fruit for her while she's gettingready.She stood up and made her way to the kitchen. While slicing apples and oranges, her hands moved on autopilot—and her mind drifted backintothe past. Flashback: "Sara!!!"
"What now, Mom? You call me every five minutes," teenage Sara groaned. Her mom replied from the kitchen, "You need to learn some basic life skills! Stop buryingyourself in gadgets and books all the time. Come help me—cut fruit for the guests. And don't
forget, you have to visit that other house too."
"Yes, my mom," Sara replied sarcastically, walking into the kitchen. "But please stop withall
that marriage talk. You know I hate it." Her mom chuckled and gave her a gentle pat on the head."You'll have to get married one day, sweetie." Sara stood at the counter, reluctantly slicing fruit. Her thoughts lingered. If I ever do… it'll only be with Maera. Back to Present: "Aah—!" Sara gasped as the knife slipped and sliced her finger. She blinked, suddenly pulled back into the present. Blood trickled from the cut. Without hesitation, she lifted her finger to her lips and began licking it slowly—like it wasn't
blood, but something sweet and familiar. Chocolate, almost. There was something strangely calm… disturbingly peaceful… about the way she did it. As if it
brought her comfort. And in that moment—standing at the entrance to the kitchen—Alexa froze.
She had seen everything. Her eyes widened, her lips parted slightly in disbelief. "…Sara?" Sara turned slowly. Her finger still rested against her lips, a faint trail of blood on her chin. Her eyes met Alexa's. For a moment, neither said a word. The kitchen felt frozen in time. Alexa's voice was low. Careful. "W-What… are you doing?" Sara blinked, as if suddenly realizing something was off. She looked at her finger—then at Alexa. Her expression flickered—confusion first, then a nervous laugh. "Oh… uh, I just—instinct, I guess. It's nothing, really." She turned to grab a tissue, avoiding eye contact. But Alexa stepped closer, her eyes sharp, not
buying the deflection. "Sara," she said, more firmly this time. "That didn't look like instinct. It looked like…like youwere enjoying it." Sara stiffened, her back still facing Alexa. The silence stretched. "I wasn't," she said flatly. "You're overthinking."
"No, I'm not." Alexa's voice cracked slightly. "That wasn't normal, Sara. That…scared me." Sara turned around at last. Her eyes—usually soft—were now shadowed, distant. "Well," she said with a brittle smile, "maybe I'm not that normal anymore." Alexa took a step back. The pain in Sara's voice was unmistakable. "You can tell me," Alexa said quietly. "Whatever it is you're hiding…I'm your friend. I want tounderstand." Sara shook her head. "You think you want to understand. But you don't. Trust me." Alexa reached out, gently touching Sara's arm. "Then help me try." For the first time, Sara's mask wavered. Her lips parted like she might say something—but instead, she just looked away. "The fruit's cut. You can eat if you want."
Then she walked past Alexa, disappearing into her room and softly shutting the door behindher. Alexa stood there, her hand still hanging midair, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn't know what disturbed her more—the blood, or the hollow look in Sara's eyes. To Be Continued.....