March 21st.

Particularly speaking, throughout my life, there were never any mornings that were just hard to accept.

They were just the beginning of the day, therefore, depending on the chain of events or how each situation had previously developed in ways of detail; I would still not mind because there was still something to at least look forward to.

However, as I opened my eyes in the morning, checking my phone and seeing no messages and no calls from Daniel left me slightly sad. It's a weird feeling because I never experienced it yet it struck through me like a train.

"Gotta make up with him..."

Grazing the ceiling of my room, I quickly reminisced about the scene that happened yesterday.

I'll admit of being somewhat angry that he didn't chase after me, but he's not my dog. I know for a fact that Daniel enjoys his personal freedom and doing something as emotional as that would backfire.

It's just... I can't forget that evil bastard's words. I don't want to think about it, I really don't... But why did you go so far for Sana, Daniel?

No.

No. These thoughts have to stop. Hyunda's just trying to manipulate me. I know how manipulation works so it won't affect me. He probably thinks that I am dumb and that I don't notice his little scheme. For some reason, he has decided to target me but it's useless.

Right now, Hyunda's attempting to make me have negative thoughts regarding the possibilities of Sana and Daniel being...

...It hurts just to think about it.

Whatever the case, my mentality has to stay healthy and stable. He's probably trying to disrupt my mental stability but that won't happen. I'm much stronger than I appear to be.

It's not the first time that I've been in this type of situation where a manipulating narcissist attempts to get the best of me...

Hyunda's just someone sad trying to take advantage of others' happiness. By doing so, he can have a great sense of individuality, and thus, he gains immense pleasure in bringing misfortune to the likes of me and Daniel.

Screw you.

I won't let you toy with me. That's why I'll take immediate action. You plan on bring my mentality down? That won't happen though. If your plan is to make me feel like garbage then it's not working.

Also, I won't doubt my best friend nor think that my boyfriend would cheat on me. People have a natural interest and I am not Daniel's world. No, that's not the meaning I'm looking for as his girlfriend.

I hope to support him and help him make the right choices.

So, I have to get out of this sad mood and confront him.

However, first, I should consult Sana about this.

Therefore, I'll talk to Sana.

Thus, with a sudden fire in my spirit, I did all my usual morning stuff and went to her room door.

Normally, I and Sana just knock each other's room's doors, ultimately not resorting to calls nor texts, but as I knocked on her door multiple times, I did not get a response.

"Weird... She's usually up early. Even if it's festival time, she's normally the one who knocks on my room door. Is she asleep?"

Somehow, as I glanced upon her room door, I doubted that. Even though I have known Sana for a very short time, I already know that she's a morning person!

....But I suppose that even she has her quirks, huh?

I'll give her a call then.

"...."

That's... weird... She's not answering back. And she always has her phone on speaker's mode. Considering that I'm attempting to overhear any noise that might come out of her room, either she's not there because I didn't hear any sounds or she forgot to turn her phone into speaker's mode.

That has to be it. Yesterday's event justifies this.

"Sana? Are you there?"

I tried not to be as loud as I possibly could, given that there might be others still sleeping, so I called out to Sana in a medium-toned voice.

Yet no answer came forward.

"That's so weird."

Still having trouble accepting that Sana was nowhere to be seen, I started to feel a dreadful sense of loneliness. Just as it was back when I got here.

All alone, without anyone to connect with. Only my thoughts remained in this lonesome dorm without any friendliness to it. I hated every single second of it. How I could not connect deeply with anyone here.

That's why I am happy that I have an amazing boyfriend and a superb best friend like Sana.

Okay.

I'm sure she's just an event or something! It's 10 am, which is quite late, but that's alright! Time to go on a quest to find Sana.

Hahaha, just kidding, just kidding. No, really, I'll have to find Sana.

As I descended down the stairs and attempted to leave the dorm, I tried to call Daniel, but...

"Ehhh... He's not picking up... Is he mad? Gosh, I should really apologize for my behavior, I guess."

Hmm... But still, I don't know where they are. The school is massive and if they are not contactable then how should I know where they are?!

........

"Is Arkalee available, I wonder..."

I didn't want to talk to Arkalee again for a good time, but after some thinking, I just can't succumb to those thoughts! She's being manipulated... And for that reason, I will make her see that that's the case.

I'll make you see the true colors of the one with who you are in love.

"Yulia?"

Thankfully, almost instantly, Arkalee picked up.

"Hello..."

I wonder if she's mad at me for saying all of those words... I really just wanted to get her to see that Hyunda is a bad influence. It appears that my approach was wrong.

Because it didn't work, so I'll try a new one.

"I'm sorry for what I have said! Um, can we talk about this, Arkalee?"

"Oh, sure thing! I'm having breakfast at the mall's cafeteria! Come on over!"

"Okay! I'll be there when I can!"

"Mhm!"

With that, Arkalee ended the call.

Wow, that went surprisingly well!

Alright!

10 minutes later.

Sincerely, I am not sure why I thought that we were going to talk alone.

Arkalee seemed way too happy during the call and only when I entered the cafeteria, did I remind myself that according to her, there is only one person in this entire world that can give her actual happiness.

It's impressive and controversial how Arkalee can maintain such a blissful expression while being completely linked with Hyunda's arm all the time.

Doesn't it bother her that she's depending on him so much...?

"....I thought that it would just be the two of us..."

Expressing my dissatisfaction right away, I interrupted their conversation.

Arkalee, you... Just take a look at how he looks at everything. He clearly doesn't care about you, but it's not just you.

It's every single thing on this damn planet!

"Oh? Am I being a bother here? I can take my leave if you want."

"Thank you, that would be really nice."

At least he knows that it's bad manners to overstay his welcome. Arkalee and I need to talk and Hyunda can't be here.

But I already knew...

"Nope, stay! We three can talk a lot, you don't have to leave. Well, not like I would let you, hahaha."

Arkalee's so obsessed with him that she won't let him leave. But that's not what bothers me.

Usually, you would be bothered by this type of obsessive behavior. It's just not normal. Anyone in their sane mind would freak out!

But no! Hyunda just doesn't! And that's because he doesn't care enough about Arkalee to even notice how obsessed she is with him!

"No, I can't. It looks like she has something important to say to you. So, I'll take my leave. You're not gonna argue back, are you?"

Taking my seat in the seat parallel next to them, I got immediately surprised by how Hyunda was actually trying to leave and let Arkalee be alone with me.

I thought for sure that he was just going to take advantage of this. You're not that smart then, Hyunda.

"Oh, I will argue. You already know that, don't you?"

"Well, yeah. That's obvious. You will always argue when it comes to this. I already know you to this extent, Arkalee. But even so, I'll leave you be with Yulia."

Look at him claiming that he knows her to that extent. And what does he mean by 'always'? Are you saying that there were more times like this where you didn't care!?

Have you no shame?!

"Oh, alright!"

Huh.......? She's actually agreeing?!

Wait, what?

"Remember my words."

"I shall! G-Goodbye............"

What did Hyunda mean by 'Remember my words'? Was that some sort of way for Arkalee to feel compensated?

Evil sadistic psychopath... Just go away already...

You even made Arkalee so sad that she could barely finish her sentence. Though, all in all, what surprised me the most was that Arkalee actually agreed with Hyunda here.

This is a chance! This means that Arkalee has finally decided to not completely be attached to him!

"Arkalee, I-----"

Arkalee didn't exactly interrupt my sentence, as that was something done by myself. Entirely speaking, I was responsible for it yet that was because Arkalee started to sulk and look down instantly as Hyunda left the cafeteria.

"W-What's wrong...?"

"Excuse me for a second... It's just natural, alright...?"

"What is?"

"Oh... I mean, this... Look. My makeup is ruined. Hahahaha. I usually don't take too long but I just felt like going a little beyond the usual today! A-And now...! It's all gone...!!! My tears, they won't stop! Oh god!"

Without beating around the bush, I'll just speak what's truly happening right now. Arkalee is having an emotional meltdown and has decided to cry which ruined all of her makeup.

Her violent tears kept on streaming down all the way from her eyes to the edge of her cheeks nonstop.

"I-I know that I'm supposed to be away because that's... But even so...! It's so hard! You know, right?! You know what I'm talking about, right, Yulia?! Being away from the one you love, even for a single second can leave you insane! Look at these overflowing passionate tears...! I have no control over them! Ahhhhhhh!!!"

I'm stuck with a dilemma. I want to help Arkalee and I want her to realize that she is committing the wrong decision here, but...

Her mental state is already a mess. And I know whose fault this is.

"Arkalee... I have no idea what you are talking about... I may love Daniel with all my heart but being away from him doesn't cause me to meltdown every time. Sure, I do like to think that our moments are better than the ones where I am without him, but that still doesn't give me the reason to break down as you do. Arkalee, just take a look at yourself. This is driving you insane and the worst part is, it's not even your fault..."

Initially, I thought that I would be able to convince Arkalee about the truth.

However, my thought process really wasn't correct. It's not Arkalee's fault, it's Hyunda's...

Arkalee became like this due to him. I don't know what happened, but Hyunda's at fault for this.

"But... This is my proof of love. Look at these tears! They are so genuine! This is evidence! Evidence that my love for him does exist! Don't you think so too? I genuinely have never cried for someone like I do except for Hyunda! All of the other times, they were just fake cries, but this...! This is the real thing! It's amazing, Yulia!"

"No, that's wrong. That's not love, that's sadness. He doesn't treat you accordingly. I know how you look at him and crave his affection. But the very fact that he doesn't do anything in return for you means he isn't interested in you and it's not right to go out of your way for someone who doesn't do the same for you! That's why you should stop already!"

But of course, I know she's going to argue back.

Arkalee just defends Hyunda all the time because she's over-protective.

Yet, even so, I will---

"Ahh... You are right, Yulia... Hyunda's not the one for me, at all... I've been realizing lately, that maybe... Maybe it's best if I just let him go. He's just a crush, nothing more, hahahaha."

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"Arkalee... So you've noticed...? I was starting to get worried! But that's good. It's better now than never! First of all, calm down. Please stop crying. Don't cry for someone who won't cry for you."

Okay.

We are starting to get somewhere. Arkalee finally realized that Hyunda is bad for her. I was starting to think that it might've been too late for her, but it's not.

That's very good. I need to take every chance possible to fix this. It's not too late for her.

"...Okay. Sorry... You're right, you're right... Hyunda's bad for me... Really bad... He makes my heartbeat go up so insanely high that I always feel like my heart is just gonna come out of my chest..."

I am not sure if that was another one of her passionate sayings or if she's telling me that she's sick of being in love with Hyunda.

Nevertheless, I held her cold hand tightly worryingly. I want her to feel my emotions and that I really do care for her.

I dislike the fact that I am bashing someone just to make someone else see how wrong she is and that her actions won't lead to her happiness but this is what happens when I'm dealing with a narcissistic psychopath...

"It's alright, Arkalee. Just... Don't talk to him anymore."

"...."

Still crying... She's sulking even further as she embraces her face on her slender arms while crying more and more.

Truly, she's been hurt...

"Ahhh, you know! He's not even that good! I mean, your case is pretty normal! At a certain point, we will always have a crazy case for someone who seems to be like our hero! A person who you just can't help but feel attracted to! A certain attraction that has little to no reason yet you just feel like it's right! But... Sometimes, things aren't as they seem to be. That's why, you have to be strong and learn from this, okay...?"

Not that it has ever happened to me, but I've witnessed such cases throughout my life.

Feeling like a total outcast just due to a major crush is unnecessary because it's normal. I believe that it's a phase that the majority goes through at some point.

Arkalee is a really passionate person and I think she has a lot of love to give. However, it's for that reason that I cannot approve of Hyunda being the person for her.

As her friend, I can tell that Hyunda is not the right person for her to give all of her feelings. Just a single thought about it makes me feel disgusted.

"Thanks for the advice... I just... It's hard! Every time that I try to show my love, he doesn't care! What am I supposed to do?! How am I supposed to love someone that doesn't let me do exactly that!? It's driving me insane and I hate every single second of it! Why can't he be more caring and comprehensive!?"

"Because that's part of his nature... A sadistic evil ruthless bastard like him is only ever going to view you as his plaything and nothing more... Move on from him! There are so, so many better people out there! It's a great big world and I am sure that your feelings will be rewarded, Arkalee!"

"But even so... I feel like maybe it's still worth a shot! Maybe I still can---"

"No! You can't! If you don't let go of him now, you'll be stuck on his shadow forever and I don't want that! As a matter of fact, I'll talk to him and really knock some sense into him! Wait here! I'll be back when I'm done!"

"H-Huh!? Wait a second...!"

Determined, I rose from my seat and left the cafeteria.

I highly doubt that he left the mall. He's probably touring through it right now!

He can't have gone that far.

This mall contains four floors, so I went through the second one and the third one respectively.

The cafeteria is located on the first floor yet there I didn't find him.

Thus, on the last floor, the fourth floor, at the top of the mall, in an esplanade, I glanced upon his figure.

His natural relaxed attitude pissed me off the moment I looked at him. In this esplanade though, nobody was here, except for him.

Does he have any idea how much trouble Arkalee is going through right now?!

"Hey!"

I called out to him aggressively on purpose but... What the hell!?

"I called you! You are supposed to look at someone in the eyes when that person speaks, not the other way around! Also, stop eating that raw onion and pay attention to my words because they are important!"

Who the hell eats a raw onion in public like this?! I get that there isn't anyone here, but still! Also, a raw onion!?

"Why are you yelling? There's no need to yell. If you want to talk, then have a seat. Let's talk diplomatically. Or do you want to trade shouts in order to make your point? If so, then you should go to a zoo and make your arguments in front of the monkeys."

Wh---

"Hey, they might find it funny. Give it a try one of these days. Ah, preferably before the festival ends. There is a zoo in this school. Yeah, fucking crazy, I know. This school has a zoo. Oh wait, that's the entire school, and the animals that fill the zoo are the students of it."

"How do you live with yourself?! Do you know what Arkalee's going through right now?! Do you have any idea?"

"Probably crying her eyeballs out. Well, am I wrong or am I right?"

How can someone remain this calm while talking about a topic this sensitive!? This is someone else's emotions, you dickhead! You're not supposed to mix some stupid sarcasm and unfunny jokes in the process!

"If you know that, then why aren't you doing something about it?!"

"So I'm right. Well, why? I don't care about her. Why should I?"

"Then tell her that! Tell her that you are horrible and that you don't deserve her! That way, Arkalee can stop being obsessed with you! Yes, in case you haven't realized because you are too damn heartless to notice, she's in love with you yet you probably treat this subject as a literal joke, don't you, you crude bastard?!"

I know that I'm being rude right now. Very rude, but it must be done. This guy has to know his place.

He's wrong and he has to be aware of it somehow!

"I see. So?"

Wh...

"So........?! What do you mean by 'So?'?!"

"I meant what I meant. You just told me to care for someone just because that someone wants me to care for her supposedly. But, where is my saying in all of this? Do you expect me to just nod at every word you say with a firm yes and not a single no between the lines?"

What... is this guy talking about?

Has he lost it? I'm pretty sure he has. He has no sense of morality whatsoever. People's feelings aren't supposed to be trashed this way. No, that's just wrong!

"Woah, you seem pretty pissed off, Yulia."

"I am pissed off. You keep on hurting my great friend Arkalee's feelings and I won't forgive you for that. I'm not saying that you should make her happy, but tell her how it is! Right now!"

"Pass. Arkalee's free to do what she wants. It's not my responsibility."

"Wh---"

"But more importantly, Yulia. I found it rather ironic."

For some reason, he entirely stopped eating his onion and looked at me with serious eyes for once.

Unable to tell if Hyunda was serious or not, I was perplexed transiently.

"What did you find rather ironic...?"

"Hm? I thought that you would have noticed it for sure."

"What? I have no idea what you are talking about, Hyunda."

Is this one of his sick ideas of running away from the argument? What a literal coward. He should be ashamed.

"Really? I thought that you would have a good idea."

"Get to the point."

"So demanding. Alright, alright. It's all identical. This situation and what's happening between you and Daniel."

"Excuse me?"

What did he mean by that? How is this somehow connected to my relationship with Daniel?

I bet it's just one of his manipulative tricks.

"As you might've noticed, whenever I'm around Arkalee I play a very indifferent attitude. Really, really indifferent. If you would make the claim that I am in another world when Arkalee is present, then I wouldn't be able to deny it, honestly."

"Hyunda, you should just die."

Not only that but he should apologize to every person he has hurt with that insensitiveness of his.

"True. But, hear me out. You think that I'm not aware that Arkalee loves me? I'm extremely aware. Super aware. But still, why haven't I done anything despite that?"

"That's because you lack the ability to love someone, you freak show. You'll never love someone in your life and you will never know the true meaning of happiness either!"

What?

Did he think that I wasn't aware of this? Hyunda's the type of person who probably feels zero empathy for someone and just uses everyone around him for his own personal goals.

He's not that enigmatic as Arkalee perceives him to be. Fairly simple, actually.

"I mean, if that's what you think, then I suppose that's fine. But get this, my attitude had a point! Can you guess what was the point of my cold attitude? Oh, by the way. I behave completely differently whenever I'm around Arkalee in an environment where you aren't around. Why is that though?"

"Hyunda, I get it. You have some sort of grudge against me."

"You're not wrong. I do have a grudge against you, but it's not only against you. Hey, at least I'm brutally honest about it."

"Okay, tell me why."

"Hell no. Shut up and listen closely now because I won't repeat what I am about to just say. You're too dumb to notice the simple play I did just for you. I treat Arkalee the same way Daniel treats you."

"Huh?!"

"Seriously? 'Huh?!' is the best answer you can come up with? I want to jump off this building right now, Yulia. If you are going to talk to me then have some wit before you do."

"Oh my god, get to the point! You're so annoying, Jesus Christ!"

"But I already made my point. Or are you in some sort of denial right now? The way I treat Arkalee is the same way Daniel treats you. To Arkalee, I talk to her yet as you see, I don't really care for what she has to say. Even though she remains physically attached to me, I still don't care. In other words, I was showing you the real colors of your so-called relationship with Daniel."

This guy really thinks that I am dumb. He thinks that I actually came here in order to get myself manipulated.

Well, he's wrong. Because I'm not swallowing a single word he says about Daniel.

"Hyunda, it's not gonna work. You can't manipulate me. I see through you."

"From the looks of it, you don't. I'm just telling you the truth but you are adamant about denying me which is causing you to be blind about the reality. But I get it. You won't believe me."

"I'm glad you realize. I would appreciate if you would stop using my boyfriend's name for your advantage! He is not your toy nor is Arkalee! So, apologize to Arkalee properly if you have some dignity in your soul!"

I'm so, but so tired of this bastard using Daniel's name in every single one of his arguments! Not only that but Sana's name too.

That's not forgivable. As I thought, I'm not going to follow that stupid bet. As long as I keep my mentality strong, I will come out on top.

If I fall into the illusion that Hyunda's right, then I will fall into a mental state of insecurity and I refuse to let that happen!

"Are you sure that's your top priority? Getting me to apologize to Arkalee?"

"Uh, yes. That is my top priority."

"That's just bad decision making, in my opinion. If I were you, in your current position, then I would worry myself with my boyfriend's whereabouts. Hey, where is Daniel anyway? He is always around with you, me and Arkalee. Not to mention Sana. So, what gives?"

....

"That's none of your business..."

This is just one of his manipulation schemes. Don't listen to him, don't listen to him.

"What the hell? I find this so funny now. I get that it's none of my business, but where is he? I'm so curious now. Give him a call."

"Why? I respect his privacy. I won't bother him. Leave him alone."

That's right...

Daniel's a major private person so it's normal that he takes his time and focuses on his private goals.

Eventually, we will talk again. It's just a little tense right now, that's all...

"Do you respect his privacy or are you being forced to respect his privacy?"

"I respect his privacy. I'm not being forced to respect his privacy because--"

"Call him then. I want to hear his voice."

So damn rude! I was in the middle of explaining it!

"No, I will not. You can't force me to do something against my will."

"You're right, I can't. So, I win."

"What?"

Win? What? You're delusional.

What part of this is winning?

"I don't believe that you have a choice in this matter. I think that you can't even contact him. Which means that you are being forced into respecting his privacy."

"That is simply not the case. You don't know Daniel very well, so it's normal for you to assume things like that."

"No, I'm positive that that's the case. You can prove me wrong just by giving him a call. If he picks up then I am wrong."

"No way, Hyunda. It's irrelevant to me whether you win the argument or not."

Plus, I refuse to get swayed by his manipulative words.

I'm too strong for that.

"I see. Then, I'll raise the stakes. If you call him and he picks up, then I will drop out of the program."

.....!!!

"But, that's not it. Additionally, should you call Sana, and if she picks up as well, I will, with you, apologize to Arkalee in the humblest way possible. I will apologize and be on my knees for everything that I have done. Furthermore, I will do any requests you ask me to do before I drop out."

Is he serious---

No, no! This is what he wants! He won't keep his word! He's a liar!

"Nice try, Hyunda. If only you were dealing with someone dumb, then that would work."

"Oh, I see. You don't believe me, then?"

"Nope. And I won't ever. It's useless. I got you cornered."

This is so easy. Hyunda actually thinks that I am this dumb person who can't rationalize anything but he's so wrong about that.

"Cornered? That's funny. You act more cornered than anyone else. The fact that you even denied making contact with your boyfriend a while ago speaks for itself. Hey, Yulia. Just admit it. You don't actually love Daniel."

"I love Daniel."

"Then why are you prioritizing talking to me instead of talking with Daniel? Why are you prioritizing getting me to apologize to Arkalee? Can you call that love when you even refuse to contact your loved one for the sake of 'denying' me? Are you implying that I am more important than Daniel?"

"You are not more important than him! Nothing is!"

That's right! To me, Daniel is--

"I don't see how I'm not more important right now. You are placing so much on me but not on Daniel. Hey, Daniel yesterday told me. How you two had an argument."

W-What...? Daniel, why would you tell Hyunda that....

I thought that was our secret... You're not supposed to tell others about it, especially Hyunda!

"Now, now. No need for such expression like that. Daniel was just acting worried, so he consulted me. He wanted you to understand that the argument was dumb in the first place. Because you freaked out when Sana got mentioned over and over! Yulia, I can't believe you. You keep on saying that my opinion doesn't matter but the fact that you got mad over Sana being mentioned constantly proves that my words are affecting your mentality!"

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! No, it's not! That was just a dumb mistake!"

Seriously, why did you tell him?!

Now Hyunda's laughing in my face with that stupid evil grin of his! And it's my fault for getting mad about it! By words that Hyunda said! I know it!

"Except it wasn't dumb. Daniel started to mention Sana, right? What part of it was dumb, actually? You started to get defensive because you had a reason to. Yulia, you think that I am so lying to you, but I can just give you the solid piece of evidence that I am not."

"Oh yeah?! Then give it to me! You're lying and you know it! If it's a bluff then I'll see right through it!"

There's nothing to fear here. It's just one of his mind games. If I play along, he'll think that I am being manipulated while I am not.

As soon as he gets the feeling that I am under his control, he'll show his vulnerable self and commit a stupid blunder.

"Sure. Let's stick with what I was saying. Call Daniel."

"Does the deal still apply?"

"Yes, Yulia. I am not kidding. You can even record my vows or bring a witness here with you. Whatever gets your trust issues rolling."

"I do not have trust issues!"

"So you say."

He's oddly confident, but that has always been a part of Hyunda, I suppose. However, what better way is there to bring you down except by playing your own game and win in the process?

I have experience against people like you and as soon as things get bad, you will start to feel weak and vulnerable.

It's just a matter of time.

"Yulia, the clock is ticking. For every second you stand here, they might just be romantically talking to one another. Oh, wait... That would be implying that they both would be away and that they would also not answer your calls. But, no way that's the case, right? Come on, go on. What are you waiting for? Go."

Keep on acting confident for as long as you want, it won't amount to anything, you coward.

Right now, I'm texting them both while saying that I really need them to answer their phones.

Especially you, Daniel. This person is just wrong. I had no clue that someone as evil as he was lurking around in the background of our classroom.

No...

The fact that he stood all this time just idly standing around in the classroom without being noticed in any way just makes him the most dangerous.

Henceforth, I will need to make sure that he doesn't cause problems for anyone.

"Looks like you are ready to give them the calls. Just a single reception from either side and my life here is over. How do you feel, Yulia? Are you feeling good right now? I'm sure you have a level of spite towards me right now, don't you? You are probably feeling premature ecstasy just by thinking about my existence not being relevant anymore."

"I'm glad you know that you are about to lose. I'm calling Daniel."

"Sure thing. By the way, you are free to call Daniel and Sana for as long as you want within the time gap of five minutes. Think of this as a handicap."

Handicap?

How confident. That over-confidence is getting on my nerves.

Let's see for how long you can keep that confidence of yours, Hyunda.

5 minutes later.

"Time is up. Looks like my life here isn't over."

...Why?

This is too much of a coincidence. I know that I shouldn't believe what Hyunda is saying but all the signals are pointing at it!

It's like I'm trying to walk into a path and there are two directions to go. The first direction tells me that it's the right way and that's the absolutely correct one, however, the second one, even though it's not right, it somehow is the correct one.

"It would save us both a lot of time if you just believe in my words. But, I won't insist. After all, what just happened should speak for itself. They both didn't pick up. You seem to be freaking out on the inside though. What's the matter? Too much of a coincidence to swallow? Hahaha. You might be thinking that I am doing all of this to mock you and laugh at you and while that's partially true, you benefit from learning the truth. Yulia, they both---"

"I said I don't want to hear it! Whatever... Just come with me! You're apologizing to Arkalee! She's waiting!"

It's all mind games. It's all mind games. It's all mind games. It's all mind games. It's all mind games. It's all mind games.

There's no need to overthink this. The moment I fall into his trap it's all over. I know this for a fact.

Ultimately, ready to take my leave from this esplanade, I got up from my seat and Hyunda, surprisingly, did the same.

"Well, alright. Oh... Arkalee's calling. Second please."

Arkalee.......? Why are you calling him? I told you to let go of him yet you rely on him the next second...?

"Yeah, I got it. Be there in a second. Bye."

Quickly receiving Arkalee's words, Hyunda spoke careless words and hung up on her.

Subsequently, he turned to look at me as we were exiting the esplanade in order to venture into the inside of the mall.

"Arkalee moved out to the plaza. That's where we will be headed. I trust you have no objections."

"..."

"Silence implies consent these days. So, I'll take that as a yes."

Unfortunately, Arkalee trusts Hyunda way too much. She should've just contacted me first instead of calling Hyunda like that.

As we walked side-by-side, his ominous presence felt like the fear of the unknown.

All this time, he was there. Sitting in the middle of the classroom, with the rest of us.

He always scores negatively in exams. In both special exams and in regular ones. As a matter of fact, he doesn't do any of them.

According to the teachers, the pages remain yet blank and left to be fulfilled. It's as if he takes nothing seriously.

Yet, just by walking side-by-side, on the way to the plaza, I started to think about what would happen if he actually took things seriously?

Is this his serious side? Who am I walking with right now? How come I never noticed that there was such a platonically evil presence amidst our class?!

Eventually, we reached the entrance of the plaza, which was the same place that Kawahara and the rest were having lunch the other time.

Every seat was at least filled with a student. It was weekend, technically, but the festival was still occurring.

"Weird. Where is Arkalee? Hey, do you see her, Yulia?"

Now that he mentions it...

Where is Arkalee? I don't see her anywhere.

"Nope..."

"Check the aerial floor above to see if she's there. I'll check the below one."

"Okay..."

It's really fancy how this plaza is divided into three floors. We entered through the second floor, but realistically speaking, the first floor is below the ground.

Sorta like how restaurants have the subterranean floor, the normal entrance floor, and lastly, the upper floor which usually has an open view of the sky and the environment around, including the freedom of feeling the weather supremely well.

By contrast, if the weather is bad, then the upper floors lose their meaning. Plus, they are highly occupied all the time.

Hence, as I climbed the stairs to the upper floor, I could only imagine a lot of students chatting around while enjoying their weekend. Yes, it's normal for students to laze around and idly talk like they are going to die young.

That's the magic of youth, in a sense.

Nonetheless, my expectations were betrayed.

What my eyes captured, as I reached the peak of the floor was nothing like I had imagined. I was hoping to see Arkalee here, sitting in a table alone still sulking while a lot of students would do what I previously mentioned.

However, instead, what I captured was a scenery that made me want to turn back and pretend that I never gazed upon it.

The scenery where my best friend and my boyfriend are the only ones here in this gigantic plaza talking to each other on high notes.