CHAPTER 3
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Christine was already outside the school building, holding some guy in her arms like a princess rescuing her prince.
The boy looked completely flustered, his face burning red, while Christine had this gleeful expression — like she'd just hit the jackpot. Dune stood frozen at the entrance, his brain short-circuiting as he processed the scene in front of him. His thoughts spiraled in every direction, and he mentally took a series of snapshots, already plotting how to blackmail Christine for money.
Dune (smirking to himself):
"Oh, this is gold. She'll pay to bury this memory."
Before Christine could savor her once-in-a-lifetime moment any longer, a voice interrupted.
???:
"What's going on here?"
A blonde-haired girl approached, curiosity twinkling in her bright blue eyes. Christine, finally realizing she was still holding the guy, quickly let go — as if she'd been burned. A pang of disappointment lingered as she stepped back, bowing her head to hide her flushed face.
Christine (stammering):
"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. You almost fell, and I just reacted on instinct... I'm really, really sorry!"
The blonde girl snorted teasingly, folding her arms."lBy catching him like a Disney princess? That's a new one.
Christine wished the earth would swallow her whole.
The boy, still rubbing the back of his neck, gave her a reassuring smile.
"It's okay. Accidents happen. Are you hurt?"
"No, no! I'm fine. I just... I dragged attention to you. I'm really sorry..."
Boy chuckling
"You say sorry a lot, huh?"
Before Christine could dig herself into a deeper hole, a deadpan voice chimed in.
Dune appearing beside her
"I wish she did."*
Christine turned to glare at him, eyes promising death. Dune just raised a brow, daring her to try.
The blonde girl cleared her throat to break the tension.
"Maybe I should apologize too?"
Dune heaved a dramatic sigh, placing a hand on Christine's shoulder like a disappointed parent.
"I'm terribly sorry for any inconvenience this redhead might have caused you. She's, uh... prone to accidents. Honestly, I'm surprised she hasn't tripped over her own feet yet. I was told to keep an eye on her, but she slipped away, and next thing I know — boom. Princess rescue mode."
He bowed slightly, as if apologizing on behalf of a delinquent child. I apologize on behalf of her clumsy soul.
The group burst into laughter, while Christine looked like she'd just stepped out of a sauna — red from her ears down to her neck. They barely exchanged names before Aunt Cathy appeared, scanning the crowd like a hawk.
Seeing she immediately went into scolding mode. Where were you two? I told you to wait outside the director's office!
Christine opened her mouth to explain, but Dune beat her to it.
"We wanted a better view of the school... and bumped into her prince charming."
(points at Christine)
"So we stayed to make friends. You know, for better communication skills. It worked. We have two new friends now — end of story
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Finally arriving at the Apartment
The drive to their apartment was filled with Aunt Cathy explaining their successful registration and the fact they'd officially start classes next week.
When they arrived, Christine and Dune stood in awe of the towering building they'd call home for the next four years.
Their apartment wasn't just a regular one— it was a penthouse.
The top floor boasted four rooms: two bedrooms, a recording studio, a mini cinema, and even a rooftop pool. The decor matched their personalities perfectly, with sleek black and crimson accents throughout the space.
Dune twirling in the living room
"We're living in paradise, Christine. I might cry."*
Christine collapsing onto the couch
"I'm never leaving this place."*
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Aunt Cathy's Departure
As the sun set, Aunt Cathy prepared to leave for her flight to London. She lingered at the door, her usual playful demeanor dimmed by concern.
"Dune, Christine she called out. I'm leaving now. But please, I don't want to get a call saying you've gotten into trouble. If someone picks a fight, walk away. Not because you're weak — but because you're the bigger person."*
She looked directly at Christine, and Christine, since you're older
"By three months..." Was Dune's response
"Zip it, Dune."*
Her voice softened.
"I wish I could keep you both hidden forever, but I can't. I don't want to deprive you of life. Just... promise me you'll be careful, okay?"
Christine & Dune (in unison):
"Yes, ma'am."*
Of course, Dune couldn't resist saying,
"Sooo, what if you get a call that Christine's pregnant? That'd be good news, right?"
Aunt Cathy bursting into laughter just replied simply i do want grandkids... but not yet. So please, don't.
---
On her way to the airport, Aunt Cathy stopped to pick up a mysterious woman. The two sat in silence for a while, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy between them.
Finally, the woman spoke.
"After all these years, you finally let him step into the world. Why?"
Aunt Cathy gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles white.
Aunt Cathy:
"His mother appeared to me... She told me it was time. I've been delaying the prophecy, hiding him, shielding them both — but I can't anymore. His guardian is my daughter. Sooner or later, the truth will come out. I just pray to the goddess they're strong enough to face what's coming."*
Her voice trembled, barely above a whisper.
"I hope they forgive me for lying to them."*
The woman nodded, gazing out the window.
Mysterious Woman:
"The stars have already started to shift. The battle is inevitable now."*
They drove in silence, the weight of fate pressing down like an unrelenting shadow.