Ethan
"Haiz..." I sighed, nearly giving up on searching for Rubielle to give this marble.
Yesterday, I look around for hours—around the school, through the streets, anywhere I thought Rubielle might be. But no matter where I looked, she was nowhere to be found.
By the time I realized how much time had passed, the sun had already set leaving me no choice but to go home.
Another day at school and I sat at my desk, resting my face flat against it. I picked up the marble, still pondering what to do with it.
"What should I do with this?" I muttered, holding the marble I had picked up days ago.
"I still couldn't figure out what had happened in the garden."
I rolled the marble between my fingers, my thoughts filled unanswered questions. What is this thing? Could it be related to Rubielle? Maybe it's what she's been searching for. I can't say for sure since it's my first time seeing it. Perhaps she didn't find it earlier because she's so unfamiliar with this place and didn't know where to begin. Or...
Amidst these thoughts, the sudden urge to go to the bathroom hit me.
"Maybe moving around would help clear my mind." I thought.
The hallway was busy, full of chatter and movement, but I froze mid-step.
There she was.
Just like my first worry about her when we arrived at this school together, Rubielle stood among the crowd. Her large, orange eyes looks down, calm and unbothered. Then she glance at my direction and our eyes suddenly met. Even in the crowd of students, she stood out with her white-silver hair —like a dove amidst a flock of crows. My heart skipped a beat, out of surprise.
I tightened my grip on the marble. "Now's my chance. I have to ask her about it."
"Rubie-" I call her out, but suddenly—
"Rubielle!"
My call was interrupted by the person behind me. I turned to see Lillian, our class president, serious as ever calling out to her. Rubielle walked past me toward the president like she didn't heard me.
Since when did they know each other?
I watched as they exchanged words, greeting each other like friends.
"Did I.. got replaced?"
A ridiculous thought popped into my head, one straight out of an anime.
"Was Rubielle off on some grand adventure now, and I'd been discarded as her sidekick?"
I pout while glaring at them getting friendly at each other.
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Class passed in a blur. I spent most of it doodling in my notebook, ignoring the teacher's voice
"Hmph! So she replaced me, huh?"
I thought while my pen doodles what comes into my imagination.
"Who needs her anyway! Its not like I'm the one friendless here!" I grumbled, sounding like a jealous ex.
"But being with her felt... a little special."
"Wait, what am I even thinking?!"
Heat suddenly crept up on my face. Embarrassed, I scribbled over the page to drown out the thought.
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When lunchtime arrived, I saw Rubielle leave the classroom.
"That's right! She probably doesn't have any money. I'll offer to buy her lunch!"
Determined, I decided to follow her. But instead of heading to the cafeteria, she went up to the rooftop. Curious, I followed, keeping a safe distance.
When I peeked through the door, I saw her talking to Lillian again. They were standing close with serious expressions.
"Why are they always together?" I frowned.
I couldn't hear what they were saying, but the way Lillian gestured and how Rubielle nodded made it clear it wasn't a casual chat. Suddenly, Rubielle turned her head in my direction. Panicking, I ducked behind the door.
"Did she see me?!"
She turned her head back, seemingly noticing nothing.
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After school, I walk home, feeling defeated for no real reason.
"Haiz... In the end, I didn't get to talk to her," I muttered.
Feeling thirsty, I stopped by a small café to grab a drink. The place was cozy, with warm lighting and a modern decor. Another thing to notice is Halloween decorations filled the space—plastic pumpkins, fake spiderwebs, and bats dangling from the ceiling.
"One caramel macchiato, please," I ordered, barely glancing at the menu.
While waiting, I noticed some promotional and Halloween-themed food. Glancing around, I spotted a cupcake topped with a purple witch hat.
"This reminds me of Rubielle..." I mumbled under my breath.
"Oh! You know Rubielle? That saves me a lot of time!"
The voice was unfamiliar, and when I turned, I froze.
Behind me sat a tall woman dressed in an elaborate, almost theatrical outfit. Her dark violet hair fell in long curls, nearly black in the dim light. She wore a wide red hat and a matching long robe, paired with a knee-length dress that complemented her outfit. I didn't realize it at first, but the entire cafe was buzzing with rumors because of her striking appearance.
"Is she cosplaying?"
"She's so pretty!"
"Should we ask for a picture?"
The woman ignored the whispers, her piercing gaze fixed solely on me.
"U-um... do you know Rubielle?" I asked hesitantly.
"Of course. We're old friends," she said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Her words sent a chill down my spine. 'Old friends'? Something about her felt off.
"Ye-yeah! She's my friend too!" I stammered, trying to match her confidence.
The staff called my name, and I grabbed my coffee like an excuse.
"Looks like my drink's ready! I'll just—"
"Oh, don't be so quick to leave," she said smoothly.
"That thing you're holding is quite interesting."
I froze, sensing she was referring to the marble, but I played it clueless out of caution.
"Y-you mean this coffee? Yup! This flavor is great, miss! It's one of my favorites!" I blurted out randomly.
"Hmm... You know I'm not talking about that."
I gulped.
Out of nowhere, a marble appeared in her hand, as if it came directly from the ring she wore, like magic. It is identical to the one I had picked up. It shimmered, reflecting the light with its translucent green and yellow hues.
"Perhaps you found something like this?" she continued, my mouth went dry.
"If you'd like, I can deliver it to Rubielle for you," she offered with a soft tone.
"N-no need!" I blurted. "I still have things to talk to her about, so I'll handle it myself!"
Her smile widened. "I see. Then may I at least know your name?"
"E-Ethan.." I said, wary of giving her more than that.
"Very well, Ethan. I'm Agatha. Tell Rubielle that I'll be visiting her soon."
Her cheerful tone and smiling face did little to mask the sense of danger coming from her.
"T-then I'll be going now.."
"But first," she interrupted, her voice suddenly serious,
"Will you give me the heart?"
The cheerful tone suddenly shifted, turning cold and demanding.
My instincts screamed at me to run, but before I could think, I lunged for her marble. She quickly pulled it away. I lost my balance and spilled my coffee.
But then—the marble in her hand flared with an intense light. The café was engulfed in a blinding flash, and the air crackled with energy.
When the light faded, I saw the marble rolling toward me. The woman stumbled, as if she were suddenly dizzy. Without hesitation, I snatched it up and bolted out of the café, My heart pounded as I ran. I was just guessing, but I felt certain that I really needed to bring this to Rubielle!