CHAPTER 7 Act 1

It's been a week since I returned to school.

This break was only to erase my questions and clear my mind. I also wanted to take care of certain things and speak with a few people, notably 'that person,' so I, Lisa Hollows, left for a few days.

I couldn't believe it when I found out that Hiram had dropped out of school. At that time, I couldn't help but leave the Student Council Room and let it all out in a place where no one could see me. I had so many questions for Hiram, but they were all too many for me to ask.

Hiram Frestia was a dear friend of mine. I'm not exaggerating when I say she saved me several times and broke my shell. I was having problems interacting with people back then, and that's when she came in. She told me that I could only be myself. That's when it all started.

Hiram is one of the people I think of when people ask me about things other than my family.

We've known each other since childhood, and our families were quite close despite the fact that we were in separate Organizations. To contrast, I belong to the Aqua Organization's Rain Family, but she's a member of the Frost Organization's Frestia Family.

But it wasn't long ago that the Frestia Family disintegrated. Her Family has quickly collapsed since her father's sudden death. And according to my parents, Aqua Organization will recoup her Family but they're under Aqua Organization control. Of course, I was very excited because we both live under the same roof, but we didn't celebrate because her father died. I'm not sure what happened, but we've been as close as ever since.

However, during our first year here at school, she and the Frestia Family inexplicably left the Aqua Organization, which leaves me wondering. Later on, I appointed as Aqua Family's Representative. We began to see each other less frequently as I became increasingly involved in various things.

And then, months have passed; we're in our second year, and I still can't bring myself to talk to her. I know it sounds pathetic and devastating, but I do regret not talking to her.

I finally realized that it makes me—no, I'm a worthless person at all.

So that's why these last few days I've been asking my parents where Hiram went, but they didn't tell me. They said that it's for my own safety. I wanted to talk to her or at least her mom, but I can't reach out to them.

I had no other choice at this point, so I went to the Principal by myself and questioned her regarding Hiram and her mother. But all she did was put me in circles. I even asked her not to expel Hiram, but she stated she couldn't do anything because Hiram was transferred out herself. And that has left me dumbfounded. Although I can even tell that Ms. Principal was serious about it, that's not something I could easily accept.

That day, I started to gather information. But unfortunately enough, I couldn't find any information I needed. Honestly speaking, I feel betrayed because she didn't inform me where she was going.

But I'm well aware that I'm being excessively selfish on that.

And now, right after the exam, I'm here. These past few days have been consumed by grief and the search for Hiram.

I went straight to the Student Council Room where I met Ms. Lou Leyand, the Secretary, and also the Mr. President himself. They were busy sorting papers.

Obviously, they were completely shocked at my sudden appearance, but I'm here to discuss a few things.

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"You're late, but you still came here? The meeting was over, though."

Ms. Leyand greeted me with a wry smile and had a warm mood. She's talking about the meeting of the Representatives.

"I know the meeting is already over, but I'm here to speak with the President."

And without any second thought, Ms. Leyand replied in excitement, "Oh that's why... Alright, time for me to leave for a minute."

Then she gave the President a quick glance and waved goodbye before disappearing from our sight. She is all too aware of what is going on, so it's no surprise she's the Secretary. As a classmate, I know she's always friendly and has a huge smile on her face, and at a time like this, I appreciate that she's very considerate in some ways.

"Now?" The President caught my attention.

"Uhm, you know why I'm here right?" I said.

I know for certain he knows what's on my mind. That leaves us with less time to talk. At that time, I didn't have time to process the news back then, so I didn't have time to speak with him.

"I'm assuming you wanted to know what Ms. Frestia was up to?"

"Exactly, Mr. President."

"Hmmm... did you acquire enough information?"

"Sadly, there isn't much."

"Hm, it seems so? Sorry to tell you this, but Aqua Family said I couldn't tell you about where she is."

"What!"

I almost instantly shifted in rage. I looked at him with wrinkled brows, stern yet a little bemused.

"I apologize; it's a matter of promise, Ms. Hollows," he said.

"How can it be..."

"However, I can tell you what happened."

At the very least, hearing those words makes me feel relieved.

"P-principal Eve told me that Hiram wanted to leave the school, but why?" I pondered aloud.

If she wants to leave the school, I hope she will say anything to me before she leaves, but I received nothing. Besides, ever since she left the Aqua Family, I haven't heard anything from her.

"I thought you knew something, Ms. Hollows?"

"How the hell did I know something?" Loudly, I complain to him.

"...Hm, you're right. You wouldn't have come here in the first place." The President silently glared at me. "She doesn't have any Family or Organization here, and I'm sure you know the simplest conclusion to that," he said, answering my question.

"So she has been bullied or what?"

Of course, if she's been bullied, I'd be able to tell ahead.

"Take it easy, Ms. Hollows; I wanted to speak to you calmly."

As he stated that, I gradually refrained from saying anything else. After I'd calmed down, I asked him again.

"So, can you explain to me what happened?"

"...She decided to leave, not because she was bullied, but because she did something else that would endanger the Aqua Family."

"What is it—?"

"She commits massive murders inside the Aqua Family; and among them were the Aqua Family's upper echelons, you know."

"..."

When I heard those words, casually said by the President, I went completely blank. My mind is filled with questions, but my body begs to remain calm.

I looked at the President again, and he was dead serious.

"I know you're wondering why, isn't it Ms. Hollows? Well, it appears that behind those smiles in Ms. Frestia, she was being abused and treated differently in Aqua Family itself, as she told me when she requested to be transferred out; ah, and she also wanted to deliver a short message to you: [I'm sorry]."

"..."

"I can't offer you her whereabouts, so I'll keep quiet about it as well," he continued.

I remained silent for his whole explanation. I'm unable to respond to him. My mind literally shut off, and all of my senses were in mess.

So her smile was all a ruse? I don't know.

"Based on your reaction, you seem to know nothing at all, huh?"

"..."

I was too far away to know what hurdles she was experiencing.

I'm a moron for not noticing that ahead of time. We were friends back then, but I can't call her that anymore, or even mentioning her name.

"Now, the second thing you want from me is that you want to take an exam, right? It's nice to know you're still keeping your role as a Representative."

While I can't move, he takes advantage of my immobility and slowly approaches me. He handed me the exam papers as if they were nothing to him, but owing to my lack of strength, he grabbed my hand forcibly and gave me the paper.

He's being far too aggressive and insensitive.

"Oh, and Lou really wanted to have a talk with you, you know? How about seeing her after you finish your exams?"

"..."

"You're not answering? Well, that's up to you. Also, this is irrelevant, but before you take an exam, I want you to know something about your class. If I recall correctly, Lou informs me that the person who achieves a perfect score receives a special gift in your class, just so you know. That's all. You can start anytime."

"..."

With lack of strength, I couldn't hold my head up. My eyes were on the floor, filled with anguish, sorrow, and despair. Consumed by a burst of emotion, I cried, sobbing in pain.