Risebelle entered her home cautiously. She looked for any signs of her mother. The house had all the lights off and it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Her gaze landed on her father who was there with the couch with a newspaper covering his face. He was sound asleep. Risebelle moved quietly, trying not to disturb him.

Still on guard, she glanced around for any sign of her mother. She didn’t look like she was downstairs.

‘Good. Operation ‘sneak to my room’ is a go,’ she whispered.

Risebelle tiptoed into her room believing she had avoided the wrath of her mother, but hell froze over on the spot for her as she saw her mother sitting there on her bed with her arms folded. ‘Damn it, of course.’ she thought.

Her mother's gaze bore into her with an intensity that made Risebelle squirm without even trying. Her mother gestured for her to sit down, and Risebelle obediently took a seat with her heart beating 1 million miles per hour.

Risebelle's mother began the conversation with a measured tone, her gaze unwavering. "Risebelle, do you have any idea what time it is?"

Risebelle bit her lower lip, "I...I lost track of time, Mom. I was with some friends, and we were--"

"--You know damn well that your studies should always come first, especially in your final year of school! I expect you to maintain straight A's, Risebelle no matter what happens."

Risebelle nodded. "I understand, Mom. I'll make sure to focus more on my studies."

Her mother's sternness seemed to intensify as she continued. "And what about your father? He's been worried sick about you. He doesn't need the added stress, especially with his health."

Her mother's eyes narrowed, her expression hardening instantly. "How dare you say that, Risebelle!" she snapped, her hand connecting with Risebelle's cheek in a sharp slap. "Your father cares plenty. He loves you more than you know!"

Risebelle recoiled from the sting. "I-I…I'm sorry, Mom," she whispered. "I didn't mean—"

Her mother cut her off with one finger raised. "It's time for you to start taking your responsibilities seriously, Risebelle. Your education and your family aren’t things to take lightly. You need to stay focused and disciplined I want Straight A’s and nothing less this year."

Risebelle nodded sadly. "I promise, Mom. I'll work harder and make you proud."

Her mother gave a brief nod of approval before standing up. "Good. Tomorrow is a new day, and you have a lot of studying to do."

Risebelle watched her mother leave the room. ‘Study, study, study… like a broken record by now’, she thought to herself.

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The next day:

Risebelle sat in class, her weariness evident in the drooping of her eyelids. Her mother's scolding about losing her bag had only added to her fatigue.

As she sat there, lost in her thoughts, Angie's whisper caught her attention. She turned to find her friend leaning in from the side.

"Risebelle," Angie whispered, "did you find what you were looking for yesterday?"

Risebelle blinked. She took a second to recall what happened last night and then responded, "No, Angie, we didn't find what we were looking for. It... It was a dead end."

Angie smiled, "I'm glad you’re okay, Risebelle. You know, you really need to be careful when you're getting into these kinds of situations.”

Risebelle nodded, her gaze fixed on her desk. "I know, Angie. It's just that... I have my reasons, but I'll try to be more cautious."

Angie noticed Risebelle's lack of a bag and inquired, "By the way, where's your bag? Did something happen?"

Risebelle hesitated for a moment before deciding to share the truth with her friend. In a low tone, she explained, "Something did happen, Angie. I lost my bag at the Silver Star Arcade. We were investigating something, and... It’s a long story."

Angie's eyes widened with curiosity and concern. "Lost your bag? What were you investigating at the arcade, Risebelle? "

Risebelle explained the events of their visit to the Silver Star Arcade, Angie listened intently, her eyes widening in both curiosity and disbelief. When Risebelle finished recounting their encounter with the doppelganger and the hidden arcade section, Angie couldn't help but comment.

“You don’t say… that kind of sounds like something out of a video game or anime. Oh! You know what? Been playing this new MMO lately that has doppelgangers in it! Quite the coincidence, am I right?"

Risebelle raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Angie's comparison. "Really? That sounds interesting. What's the game called?"

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Angie grinned, “Get this. It's called 'Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows.' It's a new MMO where you go on quests, battle monsters and explore mysterious places."

Risebelle gave a small smile. "It sounds kind of fun. Maybe I'll have to give it a try sometime, whenever when I’m not busy studying…"

Angie nodded eagerly. "You should! It's so cool Risebelle, and the best part is we can play together! Plus, it might give you some insights into dealing with doppelgangers!"

Risebelle chuckled softly. "Thanks, Angie. I'll keep that in mind. And I'll be careful, especially after what happened yesterday."

Lunch period began. Risebelle found herself sitting at a cafeteria table. Her eyelids were heavy with exhaustion. Her thoughts drifted to Roselle and the mysterious doppelganger to the point where she was dozing off. She barely touched her food. Lost in her own world, she wondered if there was a way to find the Roselle from her memories and if that would somehow lead her to the answers she has been looking for.

In her state of deep thought, Risebelle was startled when Jess leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek. However, before Jess could react to what happened next, Risebelle's reflexes took over, and her fist shot out, unknowingly striking Jess and knocking her away.

The cafeteria fell silent for a moment as students nearby stared in surprise. Risebelle, wide-eyed and disoriented, finally realized what had just transpired.

As the cafeteria began to buzz with whispers and curious glances, Risebelle let out a sigh, her eyelids drooping even more with exhaustion and embarrassment. She lowered her gaze, unable to meet Jess's eyes as she spoke.

"Jess, I... I'm sorry for reacting that way. I didn't mean to... but uh…you really shouldn't do that in public."

Jess, still recovering from the unexpected punch, rubbed her cheek with a slightly confused look. "Geez, Risebelle, you've got quite the punch. I thought a simple kiss on the cheek would cheer you up. By the way, does that mean we can kiss ‘outside of the public’?"

Risebelle managed a weak smile, her fatigue showing in her eyes. "Somehow, you managed to get that 200% wrong, Jess. Don’t even try it."

Jess chuckled and then leaned in closer to whisper, "I get it now. Your mom... she 'destroyed' you when you got home, didn't she?"

Risebelle nodded. "Yeah, she was not happy about the lost bag incident. I had to listen to a long lecture about responsibility and how it's affecting my grades. It's been a rough day."

Jess placed a comforting hand on Risebelle's shoulder. " Awww poor Risey… You've been through a lot lately, and then you went and lost your bag… but don’t worry. We’ll get it back."

Risebelle appreciated Jess's support and nodded. "Thanks, Jess. I hope so. But for now, I just want to focus on getting through the day..."

The lunch period continued, and Risebelle tried to shake off her exhaustion and the embarrassing cafeteria incident. She managed to nibble on her food, her appetite slowly returning as she engaged in light conversation with Jess.

As they chatted, the topic shifted back to their ongoing investigation at the Silver Star Arcade. Jess leaned in and spoke in a hushed tone, "Risebelle, do you think we should involve Roselle in this? I mean, she might have some insights about the doppelganger since she's been dealing with it for a while."

Risebelle considered the idea, her mind processing the potential advantages and risks. "It's a possibility, Jess. But we should be cautious. Roselle has been through a lot herself, and she might not be too receptive to us if we approach her about it. We need to find a way to gain her trust first."

Jess nodded in agreement. "You're right, Risebelle. Building trust is key, especially since her situation involves something so bizarre."

Just as they were discussing their plans, Angie joined them at the cafeteria table, "Risebelle, you're still investigating that arcade mystery, right?"

Risebelle and Jess exchanged a glance before nodding. "Yeah, Angie, we are," Risebelle replied.

Jess rolled her eyes subtly, muttering under her breath, "Bitch…Here comes trouble."

Angie's smile faltered slightly, detecting the undertone in Jess's voice. "Excuse me?"

Jess leaned back, crossing her arms."Nothing. Just surprised you're interested in something other than games."

Angie's jaw clenched briefly before she replied with forced cheerfulness, "Oh, well, I have many interests. Unlike some people who only care about sex."

Risebelle interjected quickly one hand raised between them both. " Woah, alright, guys, let's not start…”

Jess and Angie exchanged glares, but reluctantly nodded in agreement. "Fine," Jess muttered, her tone clipped.

Angie pursed her lips but nodded curtly. "Sure, whatever…”

Angie leaned to Risebelle suddenly," Anyways, I might have a lead for you. Remember that video game I mentioned, 'Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows'? Well, there's a player in the game who's all about solving mysteries and closing cases involving the game. Everyone calls em the 'Sleuth of Shadows.'"

Risebelle raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the connection Angie was making. "Go on, Angie."

Angie grinned. "Well, the game has a secret online forum where players share tips and strategies. There's been some chatter about a real-life mystery similar to the game's storyline. People are saying that if you want to know more, you should look for the 'Sleuth of Shadows' in the forum. Maybe this player has some information that could help you."

Risebelle and Jess exchanged a glance once more, this time with a sense of hope. Angie's lead could be their ticket to uncovering more about the doppelganger and its connection to Roselle.

Risebelle thanked Angie with a smile. "Thanks, Angie. That's a valuable lead. We'll definitely look into it."

The final class of the day had been a struggle for Risebelle. Despite her best efforts to stay engaged, the wrath from last night was still upon her. It made every minute feel like an eternity. Once the bell finally rang, a chorus of relieved sighs filled the classroom. Everyone was fast to gather their belongings and head for the door. The Teacher watched them get ready to leave with a smile.

"Hey, hey, hey everyone! Before you rush off, gather 'round for some exciting news!" Mr. Sanders called out enthusiastically. "We're going to have a little pop quiz tomorrow on Friday. Time to unleash all that awesome knowledge you learned from me! Woooo! Get pumped everybody!"

When Risebelle made her way out of the classroom, she joined a group of students who were grumbling about the unexpected pop quiz.

"Seriously, a pop quiz? It's like he wants to ruin our weekend, and look at that damn goofy smile. Ugh!" one student muttered.

"Right? And he gives us only one day to prepare? That's just unfair," another chimed in.

Risebelle nodded in agreement with their sentiments.

As she moved through the hallway, Risebelle kept an eye out for any sign of Roselle. She had a feeling that connecting with Roselle might provide some insights into the mystery of the doppelganger, and she was eager to find a way to approach her.

Amidst the sea of students, Risebelle finally spotted Roselle emerging from another classroom. Roselle didn't appear to be in high spirits; however, before Risebelle could make her move to approach her, the crowd of students swept her away, and Roselle disappeared from view.

Risebelle sighed in disappointment. She just missed her chance to talk to Roselle.

“Well, atleast I know she’s at this school so that’s one Win for me. I’m going to get to the bottom of this…”