"I didn't know such a place existed in this city," Luca said as they finally reached the entrance of the quiet subdivision.
The isolation was peaceful, yet it made the place feel almost forgotten.
Harmony shivered slightly, sneezing again as the cold air cut through her still-damp clothes.
"You should go back and rest properly," Luca said, a hint of worry in his voice.
"And here, take this..." he handed her a paper bag.
Harmony stared at the bag, recalling how he'd stopped at the convenience store before they boarded the train. She hadn't paid much attention then, but now she realized he'd been thinking of her well-being even when she hadn't asked for it.
"Goodbye," Luca said with a wave, not waiting for her reply as he turned and walked away into the night.
There was something almost frustrating in how easily he did these things—always helping, always kind, without expecting anything in return.
"You didn't need to walk me home," Harmony muttered under her breath as she peeked into the bag.
It was filled with medicines and vitamins, a small gesture of care that made her heart twinge with a mix of gratitude and annoyance.
"I won't get sick just walking home," she grumbled, though she knew deep down that his thoughtfulness was genuine.
"Frustrating," she added before entering the subdivision, eager to get out of her wet clothes and put the day behind her.
…
The weekend after the school festival passed quickly, and Harmony found herself back at school, moving through the halls as usual.
As she turned a corner near the clinic, she accidentally bumped into Patricia. To her surprise, Patricia didn't flash her usual cheerful smile. Instead, she looked at Harmony with an uncharacteristic scowl.
Patricia's reaction caught Harmony off guard.
Patricia was always smiling, so the cold look she received was unfamiliar. Harmony could only look at her while Patricia brushed past her without a word, leaving Harmony puzzled.
Patricia's sour mood wasn't something Harmony could recall seeing before, but she shrugged it off. They weren't close, and it wasn't her business. She continued to the clinic.
Meanwhile, Patricia paused a few steps away, her mind racing. She glanced back at Harmony, watching her disappear in the corner.
"Good morning, Miss Larissa," Harmony greeted after knocking and opening the door.
"Are you feeling unwell?" Larissa asked.
Harmony shook her head, "I'm here about Luca Atkinson."
Larissa frowned, "Why does everyone want to know where that boy lives?"
Harmony tilted her head, "No, I—"
"He's sick, but he'll be fine. You don't need to visit him."
"I mean—"
"I'll check on him later and tell him you were concerned."
"..."
"If that's all, you may go," Larissa waved her off when Harmony didn't respond.
"His jacket," Harmony said, raising the paper bag in her hand.
"I just wanted to return his jacket since he's absent."
"Oh," Larissa responded, surprised.
"He lent it to me after the play, and I planned to give it back yesterday, but he wasn't here. Since he's absent today too, I thought I'd pass it to you. I don't like holding on to things I've borrowed for too long. But if it's too much trouble, I can wait until he's back at school."
Harmony didn't like being misunderstood, so she quickly explained herself and turned to leave.
"Are you really just here for the jacket?" Larissa asked.
Harmony looked back, "I am."
She had no interest in where Luca lived. She just wanted to return the jacket and get back to her peaceful life. This would be the last connection she had with him.
Larissa squinted her eyes at Harmony, who stood there with a matter-of-fact expression.
Suddenly, Larissa flashed a bright smile, one that made Harmony feel uneasy as if she was in danger of staying any longer.
"I… should probably go now," Harmony said, moving faster than when she had arrived.
But before she could leave, a firm hand grabbed her shoulder.
She slowly turned back and flinched when she saw how close Larissa's face was.
Harmony tried to move her head away while attempting to free herself from Larissa's grip.
The hand on her shoulder tightened.
"Why are you leaving now?" Larissa asked.
Harmony looked away, "I have… nothing more to say, Miss Larissa."
"You said I could go if I had nothing else," she added, trying to pry Larissa's hand off, but it was no use.
Larissa's smile widened as she grabbed Harmony's hand, pressing something cold and metallic into it.
"I don't want this," Harmony said, realizing it was a key.
Larissa kept smiling, a smile that sent a shiver down Harmony's spine.
"No."
"You said he's fine, so why are you giving me this?" Harmony asked.
"Because it's your fault he got sick."
Harmony narrowed her eyes, "Do you realize you're contradicting yourself, Miss Larissa?"
Larissa held Harmony's hand firmly, closing her fingers around the key so she couldn't drop it.
"You told me that he is fine and that you will be checking on him. So why are you suddenly telling me that it is my fault he was sick, and is implying that I go check on him? You are the doctor as well. You should go!"
Harmony tried to struggle from her hold.
Larissa maintained her scheming smile, "That guy easily gets cold but you have his jacket. He also returned home late at that time despite leaving early, it only meant one thing…"
Harmony's determined look began to falter.
"He must have walked you home."
Harmony looked away, "I didn't ask him to."
"He was kind enough to do it."
"I didn't ask for it," she repeated, looking back at Larissa.
"Regardless, you still benefited from his kindness. Not just once, but twice," Larissa said, glancing at the paper bag in Harmony's hand.
"Is kindness something that must be repaid, even if it wasn't asked for?" Harmony argued.
"No, but he's alone at his place, and I'm swamped with documents. I can only check on him late at night. He's been sick since the weekend. Silly boy, being too kind and suffering for it—"
"Stop guilt-tripping me!" Harmony exclaimed, exasperated.
"So, why don't you check on him tonight? I can only trust you right now."
"Huh?!?"
Larissa gave her an innocent look, causing Harmony to take a deep breath and sigh in defeat.
"Fine!!"