The next day, Kiana entered the classroom, knowing she was the first one there as she had received a summon from the principal's office early in the morning. After putting her bag on her desk, she headed immediately to the principal's office.
After some time, Kiana knocked on the door twice.
"You can enter," a voice responded from inside.
Kiana opened the door and entered. "Have a seat, Kiana," the principal said.
"Aunt, what's wrong?" Kiana asked.
"Aunt?" The principal said, punching her lightly on the head. "In the school, you refer to me as Principal!"
"Ouch..." Kiana said, rubbing her head. "So why did the principal summon me here?" Kiana asked, going back to the topic.
"The teachers said that you're paying attention in class now? I also heard about the issue between you and Ms. Raiden. Little Bianka already told me about the ins and outs," the principal said.
"I see. As you know, Aunt Theresa, I don't really remember her anymore so-" Kiana was interrupted by another light punch.
"I said refer to me as Principal," Theresa said.
"R-Right," Kiana replied. "So that's why I'm ignoring her," Kiana continued.
"I see, but that's not how you should handle this," Theresa said.
"Principal, I know that I'm hurting her too. That's why I'm planning to tell her soon," Kiana said.
"That's good," Theresa said. "Now, the reason I called you here," Theresa continued.
"What is it?" Kiana asked, curious.
"Your dad contacted me," Theresa said.
"Wha- what did that old man say?" Kiana asked.
"He said that if you wanted to, you can go back," Theresa said.
"I see. I'll think about it," Kiana said, feeling a mix of emotions.
After talking to the principal, Kiana headed back to her classroom. Since it was still early, she expected to be alone but was surprised to see someone there cleaning.
"President?" Kiana asked.
"Oh, it's you, Kiana. I'm surprised you're earlier than me," Fu Hua said.
"I got summoned by the principal," Kiana replied as she started to prepare the desks and help Fu Hua.
"So early in the morning?" Fu Hua said. "Right, she's your aunt. I almost forgot that the Apocalypse and Kaslanas are related," Fu Hua added.
"Yeah, she said something about my recent behavior," Kiana said.
"Indeed, your recent actions are surprising, but I like you more now. You study more seriously," Fu Hua said. "But it would be good if you could retain your cheerfulness."
"I see," Kiana said.
"I like that you're friends with everyone, even with your background," Fu Hua said.
"I'm still friends with everyone. I'm just like this because I haven't really remembered everything yet," Kiana replied.
"I see. But it's true that you're starting to look like a Kaslana now," Fu Hua said.
"Thanks," Kiana said with a smile.
"Just ask me if you need anything," Fu Hua said.
"Yeah," Kiana said.
After some time, they finished preparing the room for classes. Fu Hua sat on Bronya's seat to talk with Kiana. "Right, I haven't asked for your contacts," Fu Hua said as she pulled out her phone.
"My phone is broken, but here are my contact details," Kiana said, giving Fu Hua her contact info on a piece of paper.
"The princess of the Kaslanas doesn't have a phone?" Fu Hua said, surprised.
"Because she threw her phone out of her car yesterday," Bronya said from the classroom door.
"Bronya-chan?" Fu Hua said. "What happened?"
"That idiot and Mei-chan have a problem," Bronya said as she approached the two. Fu Hua stood up and sat in front of Kiana's desk.
"What's wrong with you two?" Fu Hua asked. "I can still remember how close you two were."
"Yeah," Kiana said. "But I don't remember anything about Mei now. It's like the Kiana she knew isn't here anymore."
Bronya and Fu Hua exchanged worried looks. "Is that why you threw your phone away?" Fu Hua asked.
"Yes. I don't want her to keep reaching out when I can't respond the way she expects," Kiana said.
"I see," Fu Hua said thoughtfully. "But you can still start over, right? Maybe just as friends?"
Kiana sighed. "It's complicated. I feel like I'm hurting her more by trying to pretend everything is the same."
Bronya nodded. "Just don't forget that you're important to her too, Kiana."
Kiana nodded. "I'll try to find a way to make it right."
"Why don't you just start over?" Bronya asked.
"When I saw her yesterday, I thought of something," Kiana said.
"And what is it?" Fu Hua asked.
"I thought that everything she does is not for me; it's for the past me," Kiana said, looking out the window.
"So that's how it is," Fu Hua said.
"Forgetting her and worrying about it, in the end, you're still the same," Bronya said.
"Eh, what do you mean?" Kiana asked.
"President is right," Bronya said.
"Anyways, enough about that. There are things I want to borrow from you, President," Kiana said.
"What is it?" Fu Hua asked.
"I want to borrow your notes. I have to study," Kiana said.
"I see. Okay then," Fu Hua said.
"How about we go to an amusement park sometime?" Bronya asked. "Or an arcade," she added.
"I can't," Kiana said.
"Why?" Bronya asked.
"I'm trying to focus on my studies and sort out my memories. I don't want any distractions," Kiana said.
"But a break could help you relax," Fu Hua suggested.
"I know, but right now, I need to figure out who I am and what I want," Kiana said.
Bronya nodded. "Okay, just remember we're here for you."
Kiana smiled faintly. "Thanks, you two. I appreciate it."
The bell rang, signaling the start of classes. Kiana took her seat, determined to push through her internal struggles and focus on the day ahead.
After the bell rang, the classroom quickly filled with students. Kiana sat at her desk, glancing at her borrowed notes from Fu Hua. She felt a mixture of determination and uncertainty as she prepared for the day's lessons.
Throughout the class, Kiana focused intensely, taking detailed notes and participating more actively than before. Her classmates noticed the change and whispered among themselves, impressed by her newfound dedication.
As the day went on, Kiana found herself reflecting on Bronya and Fu Hua's advice. Despite her resolve to distance herself from Mei, she couldn't shake the feeling that avoiding her wasn't the right solution.
When lunchtime arrived, Kiana decided to head to the rooftop again for some solitude. As she walked up the stairs, she couldn't help but think about Mei's sad expression from the previous day. It tugged at her heart, making her question her decision to keep her distance.
Reaching the rooftop, Kiana sat down on the bench, looking up at the sky. The calmness of the scene contrasted sharply with the turmoil inside her. She knew she needed to make a decision soon, one that wouldn't just affect her but also Mei and everyone else around her.
Just then, the door to the rooftop creaked open. Kiana turned to see Mei standing there, looking hesitant but determined.
"Kiana-chan," Mei began, her voice trembling slightly. "I know something's changed, and I don't fully understand why. But I want to be here for you, no matter what."
Kiana felt a lump in her throat. Seeing Mei's genuine concern made it even harder for her to stick to her plan of avoidance.
"Mei," Kiana said softly, "I don't remember everything about us. I feel like I'm a different person now, and I'm scared that whatever you do is for the Kiana you knew before."
Mei stepped closer, her eyes filled with empathy. "It's true that I've been doing things based on the Kiana I knew, but I want to get to know the you now. We can start over, if that's what you need."
Kiana looked into Mei's eyes and saw the sincerity there. Maybe, just maybe, starting over wasn't such a bad idea after all.
"Alright," Kiana said, her voice steady. "Let's start over. As friends."
Mei smiled, relief washing over her face. "I'd like that."
As the two of them sat together on the rooftop, Kiana felt a small glimmer of hope. Perhaps with time and patience, she could navigate her way through this new chapter of her life.
"The doctor said that my amnesia caused some behavioral changes, so I must tell you that you won't see the past me in me. My elder sister also said that I'm more on the serious side now than the cheerful one," Kiana explained to Mei, her expression blank.
"That's okay. At least we're friends now," Mei replied, forcing a smile. "Shall we eat?"
"Sorry, but I can't. I'm still studying," Kiana replied, eyes fixed on her books.
"Kiana-chan?" Mei ventured.
"What is it, Ms. Raiden?" Kiana asked, still not looking up.
"You can call me Mei if you want, but how about having a study session later after class?" Mei suggested.
"That would be helpful, but I can just ask my father for a tutor. I prefer to study alone, too," Kiana said, her face remaining impassive.
Mei thought to herself, "She's hard to get along with. How should I approach her?" As she stared at Kiana, she found herself admiring her new look-Kiana's long white hair, her cold expression, and her piercing blue eyes. Mei smiled sweetly without realizing it, then quickly composed herself.
"No, I'm fangirling over her!" Mei thought, shaking her head.
The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. Mei stood up reluctantly, giving Kiana one last look. "Alright, Kiana-chan. I'll see you afterclass."
Kiana nodded slightly, her attention still on her studies. Mei walked away, determined to find a way to reconnect with the new Kiana, no matter how difficult it seemed.
As Kiana watched Mei leave, she pondered, "Should I go back to Europe?" Gathering her things, she heard a voice.
"What are you doing here? The bell just rang," Theresa said.
"Aunt, I think I'm going back," Kiana replied, forcing a smile.
"I see," Theresa said. "You should go back to class now."
"Right," Kiana replied, heading back. In the hallway, she thought, "I'm getting too attached to this world. I have to finish the quest as soon as possible." Seeing Mei while walking back, she reflected, "Mei and Kiana have a close relationship. If I can't go back, I'll be taking that from them. This body has nothing to do with the punishment. If I leave right after saying we should start again, I'll hurt her dearly. What should I do?"
As Kiana approached the door to her classroom, she opened it, catching everyone's attention.
"Ms. Kaslana, did you enter the wrong room perhaps?" the teacher asked.
"No, please continue. I'm here by that old man's order," Kiana said, walking towards the seat next to Mei. "Ms., can you lend me this seat for now? There's an open seat at the front," she asked politely.
"Ye-yes, Ms. Kiana, you don't need my permission," the student stammered, rushing to change seats.
"Thank you," Kiana said, sitting down.
"Woah, look, the Queen and the Queen of Thunder are here," one student remarked.
"I'm loyal to the Queen of Thunder!" another student declared.
"Are you dumb? She owns your Queen of Thunder," a student retorted.
"Quiet! Let's get back to the topic," the teacher ordered.
After a long time, the bell rang. Throughout the class, Kiana stared daggers at Mei, making her quite uncomfortable. Occasionally, Kiana wore a mischievous smile, but Mei managed to get through it. As everyone started leaving, Kiana stood up and began to walk away.
"Kiana-chan, wait!" Mei called out, but Kiana continued walking without looking back. Reaching the door, Kiana paused and waited on the side, causing Mei to panic and rush to catch up. As Mei ran down the hallway, she missed Kiana standing just to the side of the door.
Kiana sighed softly and stepped out, tapping Mei on the shoulder. Mei turned around, surprised and relieved.
"Let's talk," Kiana said, her tone neutral but firm. Mei nodded, following Kiana to a quieter spot.
The two headed to the back of the school gym. "This should be okay," Kiana said as she faced Mei.
"What are we talking about?" Mei asked, curious.
"I'm planning to go back to Europe," Kiana said.
Mei's mood suddenly became sour, and sadness could be seen on her face. "Why?" Mei asked.
"There is no point staying here any longer," Kiana said with a blank expression.
"I can't accept that," Mei said with an unsettled voice.
"What?" Kiana asked, surprised. "Since when did you have that kind of authority over me?" Kiana added in a provocative tone. Mei was unable to reply and stared at the ground. After some time, Mei suddenly fell to her knees.
"Wha- What are you doing?" Kiana asked, surprised.
"If- If I beg you, would you stay?" Mei asked with a quivering voice.
"Huh!" Kiana exclaimed as she looked down at Mei. When Mei looked up at her, she saw something strange.
"Kiana-chan!" Mei shouted as she lunged at Kiana, holding both her arms. "What's wrong with your eyes?" Mei asked with concern.
"What do you mean?" Kiana said as her left knee fell to the ground. "Eh?" Kiana thought to herself. Her vision started to darken, and she slowly lost consciousness.
When Kiana woke up, she found herself in the school infirmary. Mei was sitting beside her, worry etched on her face. "Kiana-chan, are you okay?" Mei asked softly.
Kiana blinked, trying to gather her thoughts. "I... I don't know what happened," she said.
"You passed out. Your eyes... they were glowing strangely," Mei said, her voice trembling.