"I'm Back"

As I stepped into the apartment room, a delightful aroma enveloped me. It was a familiar scent—one that instantly made me feel at home. "Welcome back, Papa!" Bell came bounding toward me, clutching a cute bunny-shaped rice ball.

"What is it?" I asked, eyeing the rice ball in her small hands.

"Hm! It's made by big sis Aisha," Bell replied, her eyes shining with pride.

"Really?" I raised an eyebrow, surprised that Aisha, our mysterious phenomenon, could cook. If she even existed, that is. But I figured, if she did, it was best not to question it.

Aisha appeared, wearing a yellow apron. "Ah, so you're back," she said, her voice warm. "Welcome back. How was your date?"

"Everything seems to be going okay, I guess," I replied, scanning her from top to bottom. Aisha blushed, realizing I was staring. "Why are you looking at me like that? Haven't you seen a girl in an apron before?" she teased.

As she realised the situation she blushed "Just forget what you saw," she continued, flustered. "And don't say a word."

But I couldn't resist. Taking advantage of this rare chance to tease Aisha, I smirked. "You know, you look—"

Before I could finish, a knife whizzed past me, embedding itself in the wooden door behind me. Aisha held another knife, her expression a mix of frustration and menace. "Did you say something? I couldn't quite hear you."

I shook my head vigorously. "No, nothing."

"Good," Aisha said, turning to Bell. "But Papa is right " Bell said and continued. You're adorable, just like an angel, Big sis Aisha."

"More like a dark angel," I quipped, earning a death glare from Aisha. I quickly averted my gaze.

Stolen novel; please report.

Bell chimed in, oblivious to the tension. "Big sis Aisha, you're beautiful! And your cooking is amazing.You are the best at cooking the number 1 .... No not the number 1 But number 2 … after Big sis Elsa's food."

Suppressing my laughter, Aisha muttered, "Should I be happy or sad about that?"

As we sat down to dinner—Aisha's delicious creation—I marveled at her culinary skills. "I never expected you to know how to cook," I admitted.

"Well," Aisha said, feigning modesty, "I am a phenomenon who knows everything. Cooking was child's play."

I glanced at Bell, who was practically bouncing in her seat. "Tomorrow, we're all going on a picnic!" she announced.

I sighed. The thought of mingling with real people while conversing with invisible companions like Aisha and Bell made me feel like a certified weirdo. "I can't do anything about it," I mumbled.

Bell was watching her favourite show taking that consider Aisha said

"So, how are things going with Aris and Zen?".

I said, concern lacing my voice.

" As for Aris, I think I made a little progress so I hope she will be able to recover soon, but there is no progress with Zen, I didn't have the chance to meet him.

As we are having dinner

Curiosity tugged at me. "I have a question," I ventured. "Can you give me the answer?"

Aisha, calm and composed, set down her fork. "If I'm allowed to answer, I will."

I hesitated, my emotions swirling like leaves caught in a tempest. "Luna once said that if someone's emotions become uncontrollable, they take form—a creature that consumes until the person breaks. Is it possible to eliminate that creature, to restore normalcy?"

"Forget about that. Attempting it would be futile. Emotions can't be changed by anyone other than the person who harbors them. You can only hope they overcome it on their own."

I asked the question because I was worried about Zen and Aris. The emotions they feel now run so deep that perhaps their's emotions taken the form of a creature.

Desperation clawed at my chest. "Is there anything I can do to help Zen and Aris? There must be something, right?"

She sighed, as if dealing with a stubborn child. "Be yourself. Create scenarios that calm them, help them forget. Sometimes indirect actions yield the greatest impact."

Relief mingled with helplessness. I couldn't alter their emotions directly, but perhaps my presence could weave a soothing tapestry around their fractured souls.

Later, over a quiet dinner, Bell retired to bed, leaving Aisha and me at the table. Her gaze bore into mine. "About the price… Did you pay?"

"What price?" I was caught off guard.

"The price for your wish," Aisha said. "To know about Aris's whereabouts."

My mind raced. The wish hadn't cost me anything. That meant something bad was brewing—a price yet to be paid.

" Is something going to be happens soon with Aris and Zen? " I asked with concern

" How can I know?" She said and continue " if you are saying this means the price is yet to be paid"

" It is stupid why are you brought this topic now ! You must be know something must be happens in the future and you are hiding this from me " I raised my voice loud

She sighed, her eyes searching mine. "I'm telling you this again: I'm not here to cause you trouble. This is true, there are many things I know about but there are many things too that are still not within my knowledge."

"You are lying, if you are not here to trouble me." I continue "Why, then? Why are you here? There must be a reason. If you're not human, why do you still exist in this world?"

My voice rose, frustration and curiosity warring within me. She had always been enigmatic, veiling her true intentions behind cryptic smiles and half-truths. "Tell me," I demanded.

She turned away, her footsteps echoing on the cold stone floor. The room felt smaller, suffocating. "I hope," she said softly, "that I would know this too."

The words was still unclear to me as I am unable to heard her and at the next moment she disappeared in the thin dark mist.