After yesterday's events I slept until around 12:30, and honestly, it was some of the best rest I've had in a while.
Clearing up the situation with Alexia and reuniting with Naomi and Aunt Karin made everything feel a little lighter.
As I sat up in bed, I realized my phone was still on silent. I missed a call from Sierra and had messages from both Naomi and Lena.
Opening the messages, I saw they were letting me know they were awake and ready to head out whenever.
I ran my hands across my face and hair, trying to shake off the last bit of drowsiness.
'Alright… Guess I should start getting ready to go.'
I stood and made my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth and shower, sending a quick text to Naomi and Lena, letting them know I'd pick them up once I finished.
~
An hour later, I stepped out of the bathroom, the mirrors still fogged from the steam.
Back in the room, I began looking for something to wear. I hadn't brought many outfits, planning to buy new ones while I was here, so I only had some black pants and a white long-sleeved shirt that fit a little too snugly.
I looked at myself in the mirror, feeling a little embarrassed by how the shirt clung to my body. I shrugged it off—I'd be changing soon anyway.
*Ring Ring*
As I was putting on my shoes, Naomi called. I answered and put it on speaker.
"Good morning—or afternoon! When will you be here?" Her cheerful voice greeted me immediately.
"I just got out of the shower. I'm heading out now, so I'll be there soon." After a quick exchange, I hung up and looked around the house for Aunt Karin. All I found was a note saying she'd gone next door for tea with her friend.
Satisfied that everything was in order, I grabbed my keys and wallet, double-checked that I had everything, and headed outside.
I got in my car, cranked the A/C, and turned on some music. It was a hot day, so the cool air was a relief. With the music playing, I drove over to the their hotel.
~
About twelve minutes later, I pulled up to the hotel. The girls were already waiting outside, having come down when I told them I was five minutes away.
From right to left stood Lena, Luna, and Naomi.
Lena wore a blue t-shirt with short black pants, her long pink hair flowing in the breeze as she smiled brightly at me.
Next to her stood Luna, sporting a white hoodie and grey joggers. She looked a little shy, her hands stuffed into her pockets.
Lastly, there was Naomi, dressed in a green shirt and matching white-and-green leggings. She had on a bracelet, a gift I had given her when we were younger. Honestly I figured she would've thrown it out by now, especially with how distant I'd been before.
As I pulled up, they quickly got in, with Lena speaking first.
"Waa! It's so cold in here!!" I had forgotten I'd set the A/C to full blast.
"It was hot outside, and I like driving in an icebox. I'll turn it down, though." I adjusted the air and we chatted as we decided where to go first.
We settled on a nearby shopping center that had plenty of clothing stores.
~
-Star Plaza-
We arrived at the shopping center, and after circling the lot, I finally found a paid parking spot. It was $15 an hour, but since there were no other options, I paid it.
[-1 Satisfaction Point]
'Damn…'
Lena led the way excitedly, pointing out various shops and food places with a bright smile.
"Oooh! That place has the BEST ice cream! And over there is a men's clothing store—you should be able to find what you need there!" Her enthusiasm was infectious, and none of us interrupted as she chattered on like a child in a candy store.
"Well then, let's head in there first so I can get my shopping out of the way."
We walked into the clothing store and were greeted by a staff member.
"Hello, feel free to look around and let us know if you need any help."
I wasn't too concerned with fashion, so I grabbed whatever looked comfortable and caught my eye. A few hoodies, some long and short-sleeved shirts, pants, and shoes—all in different styles and materials.
As I filled my cart, I heard Lena's phone chime, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw her expression darken.
"A-ah, hold on a second."
She moved away, her thumbs moving rapidly across her phone screen. Naomi looked at her, confused and concerned.
Luna, noticing as well, approached Lena and whispered something. Luckily with my enhanced hearing I caught it
Eavesdropping? Yes. Did I mind? No.
I'm a concerned party.
"Is it Keven again? I'm telling you, we should report him. A few teachers would listen to me."
It was unusual to hear Luna raise her voice.
"Are you crazy?! Do you know who his family is? If I keep refusing him, who knows what he'll do. To you or anyone else I care about." Lena's voice was filled with defeat, a sharp contrast to the energy she had just moments ago.
"Look at the other girls who denied him. Their lives were ruined… maybe I should just leave the school before he does something worse."
'Keven…' My mind raced, anger rising in my chest. I had been so focused on Daniel that I'd forgotten about his friends. They were just as bad, maybe even worse, and the thought of Lena being forced into something made my blood boil.
I could feel myself becoming even angrier thinking about them, remembering what they did to me as well.
Even thinking of Lena's defeated tone and her talking about giving up and leaving made me feel a confusing tightness in my chest as my anger continued to rise.
I calmed myself, rejecting the thoughts and pushing them aside.
[-14 Satisfaction Points]
'Why?'
No answer.
I thought of revenge—destroying Daniel and his group—and that eased my anger slightly. But still, something was missing.
Then I thought of Lena, giving in to them, and the suffocating feeling returned even stronger.
'Why?'
No answer.
I stopped and thought of something else and the suffocating feeling disappeared.
'I've just met Lena… why do I feel like this?'
But I like Alexia.
Leave Alexia for Lena?
*Throb*
The suffocation returned stronger. That clearly wasn't the answer.
…Do I want both?
The tension faded completely, replaced by a strange sense of peace.
I closed my eyes and thought of the image. Me, Alexia, and Lena together—
[+30 Satisfaction Points]
'So that's it…'
I felt more peaceful than I had in a long time, like I had just uncovered a hidden part of myself.
"Akashic!"
Naomi's voice pulled me out of my daze. She was shaking me, concern written all over her face. Lena and Luna stood beside her, looking equally worried.
'How deep was I? My parallel thought didn't work…'
"Y-yeah, I'm fine, sorry." I glanced at Lena, who was now putting on a forced smile, pretending everything was okay.
But this time, I didn't push away that hidden desire. I let it stay.
We wrapped up the shopping quickly, and I headed to the register with my cart.
"Your total is $4,576.83. Would you like assistance with your bags?" The cashier looked a little nervous as she read the total.
I might've overdone it.
The girls stared at me in shock, especially Luna, whose eyes widened in surprise.
"Nah, I got it, thanks." I said, grabbing the bags. There were ten in total, but the girls grabbed some of them without me asking.
"Don't thank us! It's the least we can do." Naomi said, smiling as she picked up two bags.
I nodded, grateful for the help.
"Before we continue let's put these in the car so we can be free to walk around." I mentioned my plan and they looked confused.
"I thought you only needed clothes? We didn't come to get anything since they flew in and couldn't bring much back with them." Naomi continued.
I guess they just came to hang out.
"Yeah but it's still early, let's walk around a little. I'd like some ice cream too, my treat." I mentioned the ice cream to help cheer Lena up.
And as expected—
"Ah! Really?" A bright genuine smile returned to her face.
I nodded, and after storing the bags we made our way to the ice cream shop, Lena practically skipping along.
~
The line at the parlor wasn't too long, so we took our time deciding. Lena already knew what she wanted.
"Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough!" she declared excitedly.
"I'll just have chocolate." Naomi added.
"Um… strawberry, please." Luna whispered.
"I'll take Cookies & Cream." I finished.
I paid $27 for all four, and seeing Lena's smile made it worth every cent.
She looked back at me as she spoke. "Thank you, Akashic."
Her tone was the most sincere I'd ever heard from her.
"Heh, how about you take me out on a date next time? I know some great food spots." Now there's the Lena I know.
I chuckled, and we enjoyed our ice cream while walking around.
~
"Huh? Why are you going in there?" Naomi questioned but followed me along with the others.
When we passed by here earlier all of them focused their eyes on specific pieces of clothes.
I know they weren't planning on buying anything, and they'd refuse if I offered.
So I wasn't going to offer.
I didn't get Naomi a gift yesterday so nows a perfect time.
As for the sisters, I didn't have a reason to get them anything, but I didn't need one. Money wasn't an issue and the clothes weren't expensive, much cheaper than what I bought.
As they followed me, confused, I saw their expressions change as I accurately made my way to each and every article of clothing they looked at earlier and picked it up in their size.
How'd I know their size?
I didn't, I guessed.
"What are you doing??" Naomi was the first to question it.
"A birthday gift. And for Lena and Luna, a meeting gift."
Their eyes widened at that.
"What?! We can't ask you for such an expensive gift!" They all looked shocked.
"That's fine, you didn't. This is just because I wanted to." That did nothing to change their expressions, I think it exaggerated it even more.
"But-"
"About the luggage problem? Don't worry, I drove up here so I'll just take it with me when I go. I'll give it to you when we meet there." No longer having anything to comment about, they just stood there in silence with shock on their faces.
~
A few minutes later we were walking out of the shopping center, our hands full of bags all packed with women's clothing. The girls had thanked me repeatedly but now seemed lost for words.
We reached my car, loaded everything into the trunk, and the girls climbed in. I started the engine, and we began making our way back to their hotel.
*Ring Ring*
On the drive, my phone rang. It was Sierra.
'Damn, I forgot she called earlier.'
I answered it while using parallel thought to keep an eye on the road.
"Ah, Akashic! I called earlier, but I guess you were busy. Just wanted to let you know, everything's done! My grandfather and I went ahead and got the contract voided!" Sierra's voice was brimming with excitement.
I mulled over her words for a moment. The contract being dissolved was great news, but it wasn't without complications. Daniel's going to lose it once he realizes he won't be getting his way.
That entitled brat never learned how to handle not having what he wants. And now, with his friends harassing Lena, it's becoming clear I underestimated how far-reaching these problems would be.
Voiding the contract wouldn't be the end of this. It's far from over.
More importantly, I need to head back home soon and figure out my next steps. My desires… they're evolving. Right now, it's Lena, but I can already feel it growing into something bigger.
I swore to myself I'd never hold back. I don't want to die with regrets again. So if I'm going to act on them, I need to be prepared.
Looks like I'll be heading home tomorrow to sort things out.
"Thank you, Sierra. I'll see you soon, and we can talk more then." I said before we exchanged goodbyes and I hung up.
My thoughts lingered as I continued the drive.