*
Even though Camellie had always been the proactive person in the relationship, even if Camellie had been the chatty and more loose lipped of the two... It was sometimes difficult to discern how Camellie felt. Even if an 'honest' friendship was what she wanted, she tended to hide her feelings and only probed others. Her true thoughts, the words she only whispered in her own heart... What were they?
Amelia had always thought herself eager to learn about it... But today...
"I don't want to talk about it. It's not something you should be concerned about, I'll put all the effort I can into my entrance exams, so you don't have to worry about that!" (Amelia)
Why was Amelia doing things in such a roundabout way? Why was she keeping her scores low on purpose? She had missed so many opportunities... Chances to showcase her wit... Even if it was as trivial as a single piece of chocolate the teacher gave to students who could answer correctly... It was thrown away without hesitation, without a doubt. Didn't it pained her to do so? To have to keep hiding who she was, to let others step over her when could be at the top...
"Why shouldn't I be concerned?! This is you we're talking about!" (Camellie)
'You are important', she wanted to scream, but the words couldn't come out. Was it fear? That Amelia did not think the same, that she would never reciprocate... Many things ran through Camellie's mind like a train, there was never any rest. But with how smart Amelia was, why couldn't she realise such a simple and obvious fact?
Simple, she was straying her eyes away from Camellie's visage. The guilt ate her up on the inside as well, but most importantly... She could never drag others into her own issue. Camellie easily deduced that Amelia was hiding something painful... Because only such a thing could cause her this much distress...
"... If it's something I can help with... I will. Please, if you have any worries, share them with me. Is that not what we're friends for?" (Camellie)
She pleaded with a gentle voice, even she knew she was only begging out of curiosity. It was something she kept for nearly 3 years, she thought it was time to get to the bottom of it.
"... Fine. It's not something to celebrate about, but...
I tried. I really did my hardest in elementary school, as a result of being at the top, I only became isolated. The worst isn't the isolation from the strangers, it was the isolation from those closest to me.
That's why I came to this school a little distant, where no one would know who I was, and where I wouldn't form needless relationships only to be left alone once again. " (Amelia)
She stared straight into Camellie's eyes, she would face this new relationship with all of her resolve. She wouldn't turn away or run out of cowardice any longer, if it was something that detrimental to their relationship, then she would accept the dissolution of their bonds. It would have been inevitable anyway, even if it was silly to someone else, it meant a lot to Amelia. She retreated into her shell and never put in much effort anymore due to not wanting to be attached to anything outside of her hobbies. Only her games and interests would never betray her.
It was akin to a stand off, an awkward silence sweeped past their figures on the school roof top in the form of a light gale. Whatever the outcome-
"Tch, I was unfortunately right. But... I just want you to know, our experiences together were very real even if our personalities were quite mismatched, even if our desires were never the same...
I treasured every moment with you then and for the foreseeable future. I thought you were lonely on the first day, so I would never leave you by yourself ever. " (Camellie)
Her thoughts were cut halfway. Was she being insulted again? Hahah... Her words were always sharp after all, they dig into her heart like knives, but the warmth they give was equally as impactful as the knives were sharp.
"Fufu... How bothersome... To have someone disturb me this much... Fuhaha..." (Amelia)
"Hmph, are you insane? Well, not that it would be anything new. You hid your abilities for all of your middle school life after all.
Though I would hate it if you don't change and show everything you can do in high school." (Camellie)
Sheepish smiles on their faces, their ridicule was bright as day. But they wouldn't have it any other way. It was something they both deeply treasure. Before long, they were already in the first years of their high school. It wasn't that odd, but as Amelia put everything she had into the entrance exams, she got into a different school than Camellie.
"... 3...2...1!" (Camellie)
Camellie was as competitive as ever, revealing the results of their exam papers. They had met up after school just to compare their abilities, Amelia was a little less lazy this time. She began to put effort even into the everyday homework, she also made a handful of friends, though none would come close to the relationship and comfort she felt with Camellie. Even Camellie was surprised by how they consistently got together throughout their first year.
"Argh!!! Foiled by a few points! But at least I beat you in the languages and humanities!" (Camellie)
"Hahah! 4 to 6 is still a lose for you." (Amelia)
"Ugh!! Not holding back anymore huh?" (Camellie)
"Fufu, I wonder who was it that told me to put in my all? This is what happens you know? It will only get harder every time we have another batch of tests! I also have the potential to improve above my inherent talent!" (Amelia)
Camellie could only accept her defeat with gritted teeth. In truth, she still felt a little happy that Amelia had become a little more colourful over the past 1 year. She had always been a gloomy figure that only kept to herself, seeing her progress into someone who is stretching her wings even more... It gave her selfish desire to stop Amelia from being lonely a positive outcome and justification... They had both reached 16, and Amelia only seemed to get more and more beautiful as time went on. It wasn't as extreme as becoming a gal, but it was far better than back when she took care of herself minimally.
Was Amelia also putting effort into her looks? Camellie might have to watch out for potential rivals... When did her love sprout? Perhaps it was when she confronted Amelia about her capabilities, her heart stopped for a single moment before Amelia continued the conversation. They were both extremely anxious about the outcome. Maybe it was just the suspension bridge effect, but this past year had only reinforced her own thoughts on the matter.
Camellie didn't want to lose Amelia, she wanted Amelia to be free and to be happy. She didn't want to be too possessive of Amelia, but she also couldn't bear the thought of someone else getting closer to her than Camellie did in the high school that Amelia went to. It was a concern that only hovered at the back of her conscious like a forever present specter. She kept it hidden and suppressed, but that only made herself that much more conscious of her own feelings. She could only laugh at how twisted it was.
Amelia's smile blossomed like a huge healthy sunflower, brightening the surroundings in Camellie's vision. It might have been something she hallucinated, but it didn't stop Camellie from staring a little too intently. Even if it was just a cheeky and mischievous grin due to Amelia's academic victory, it didn't fail to seize Camellie's heart.
"...? What's wrong? Is there something on my face?" (Amelia)
"... Yeah, I think it was a bug, but it's gone now. I was thinking of how to tell you without making you freaked out." (Camellie)
"HAHAH! Since when were you this considerate? You're definitely pulling my leg!" (Amelia)
She let out a loud chuckle as she brought a single finger up to her eyelashes to wipe away the tears. She looked into the window, a familiar golden sky greets the two. Her thoughts went back to the time they were doing homework. A little laziness didn't hurt that much, even if she was putting in everything she had now to get more than 90% for every subject, those days were also another form of peaceful bliss. Camellie also looks out, her thoughts were similar as her gaze burned the image of the mellow gold sky into her retinas.
However, those days were behind her. The fiery spirit of competitiveness had spread to Amelia, getting first place in class was no longer that satisfactory of a goal. She was competing with the whole cohort of her year for first place. It was just in her nature, since elementary school, to put others beneath her feet with sheer effort and talent and everything else she could grasp at. She was seriously glad that Camellie had that talk with her. She wasn't sure how long more she would let herself flow along the current of life, without at least fighting for a better position in society. If not for her, Amelia wouldn't have gotten this far, and she would only continue on until she scored extremely well on the nation wide exam for university entry.
But one small misconception. That lazy part of her was undoubtedly a precious part of her, it was something she would never discard. More importantly, she was most grateful for Camellie sticking to her like a barnacle. Perhaps it was too late at this point, Camellie had become an irreplaceable part of her life. Someone who had helped her turn her life around, someone she wouldn't ever think of letting go. Unfortunate for Camellie, Amelia was aware of her own selfishness but still wishes to keep Camellie at her side.
It was right after she got into highschool, that she found it unbearable to not have Camellie by her side. Perhaps she had been conditioned, but she didn't mind it at all. All that mattered was that she kept in contact with Camellie and arranged frequent meetings. Camellie was rather surprise that Amelia had become the proactive one in the relationship. It was then that it happened, in their second year of high school. Their days after school were ostensibly peaceful, full of joy and warmth. They might not know definitively, but they must have an inkling of each other's feelings by now.
"Who are you...?" (Amelia)
Right in front of her house was Camellie and an unknown man in a black suit. Their second year had only started, neither had reached 17 yet. But that didn't stop them...
"Excuse my rudeness, I am Camellie's fiance. You may call me Terrence. " (Terrence Lanmiakashew)
She could only remain silent, her eyes widened at the very sight before her eyes. Her heart beat so loudly it drowned out any other noise in the world, there was nothing left that was audible. Her hear poinded violently against her ribs, convulsing against her entire torso and abdomen. She could feel her lungs popping out and about to burst from the pressure building up. Perhaps it felt like the world was crushing her to death, her body would collapse at any moment. But she must at least squeeze this out... With all of her will and strength...
"... Ellie... Is this true?" (Amelia)
"Yeah... Lia..." (Camellie)
There was nothing she could do. Camellie had always talked about her immediate family, but nothing about her actual family background or anything remotely related to their jobs. Amelia had some suspicions considering they always went to Amelia's home instead, at first it was disguised as consideration for Amelia's laziness, but in highschool this should no longer be the issue...
"I've heard that you've been taking good care of her! I came here to extend my gratitude and to introduce myself... For the good of the present and future." (Terrence)
He spoke with a clear conscious, a rich family background and powerful parents backing their engagement... On the other hand, Amelia while a little talented at studying... Was simply an ordinary girl anyone could find anywhere... Her shoulder lengthed blond hair was blown into the wind, as if nature itself was telling her to give up. Camellie was similarly blond but had kept her hair short. Then what could she do? It's not like she had the strength to fight them...
When the man who claimed to be Camellie's fiance was gone, they had one last private talk.
"It's ludicrous to explain, but essentially both of our families are extensive and well established entities in the local government... Out of the sole virtue of producing magical girls that serve national interest.
If you come after us, you will die. Please... Forget... Me... " (Camellie)