《The Wishing Bell》


 Ch.01-Is it just my imagination?.

    My eyes felt heavy and I felt dizzy. I knew what was going on. I wouldn''t lie about my fear. I was scared too. But if I could give someone a chance to live, then it was worth it.


    "Yes, it''s worth it...


    Everything will be alright now..."


    But in the deepest corner of my heart...


    I wished that in my short life, I could have been happy.


    But I knew it was too late now...


    I closed my eyes and everything around me turned dark. In the darkness, I heard someone calling my name.


    "So White, you have finally decided what you really want in your life. If you really want this, then I think I can help you a little..."


    I opened my eyes slowly and I couldn''t see well for a moment. But I could make out a figure of a lady with shining white hair and purple eyes. I felt like I had seen that face before.


    "Who are you..." I asked her.


    "Oh sorry, I haven''t introduced myself. My name is..." She said.


    A few days later.


    "Umm... ah..."


    "Oh, you''re finally awake! Thank goodness, I thought you would never wake up."


    I heard a familiar voice. I opened my eyes and saw a lady. I knew this lady. She was my landlord. A college student who worked part-time. I had known her for a long time, since I lost or rather, was abandoned by my parents. She was one of the reasons I survived until now.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    "Where am I?"


    That was the first question that came to my mind. Because the last thing I remembered was the coldness and darkness. I remembered, I was hit by a truck and then I saw a lady. Who was that lady? I couldn''t recall clearly.


    "Oh my, is that the first thing you have to say? Well, this is the hospital. Someone brought you here and called me. They said you were hit by a truck. What were you doing? They said you jumped in front of the truck for no reason. The doctor told me it was a miracle that you survived this accident."


    "What happened to that girl?" I asked the landlord.


    "Girl? What are you talking about? Which girl?" She replied.


    "The girl who I tried to save from the accident. What happened to her? Is she alive?"


    "What are you talking about? There was no girl when you were hit by the truck. They all said you jumped in front of the truck without any reason. But no one saw any girl there." She said.


    "NO NO, I SAW A GIRL. I SAVED HER. SHE WAS RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY EYES. IF I HADN''T PUSHED HER, SHE WOULD HAVE DIED."


    "White... White... I think you should take a rest. Don''t stress yourself. Calm down, okay?


    "No, I SAW HER. SHE CALLED MY NAME. SHE TOLD ME HER NAME. HER NAME WAS..."


    Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my chest and head. It felt like someone was squeezing my heart and hitting my head repeatedly. The pain was so intense that I lost my consciousness.


    A few days later.


    I came back home. I was still wondering what that was. Was it just my imagination? Or did I really see someone and help someone? I believed that I saved someone from that accident. But the people at the scene said there was no one besides me.


    The thing I saw that day haunted me as a dream. A dream where I was surrounded by darkness and a light came towards me as a ray of hope. But then I would wake up.


    I started to think that it was just my imagination. Until... that day.

 Ch.02-Is it happening all again?

    As I walked to school for the first time since the accident, I felt a strange sense of detachment. Nothing had changed in my life, except for the fact that I had almost died a week ago. I doubted anyone at school even noticed my absence, or cared about what had happened to me. But I couldn''t stop thinking about it.


    I reached the spot where the truck had hit me, and shivered. It still seemed unreal, like a bad dream. But I had to face the truth, and move on with my life.


    "Come on, Suzi, put the ball away. You know it''s not safe to play here," a mother scolded her daughter nearby. I glanced at them, and wondered if my mom ever worried about me like that. Or if she ever regretted leaving me alone.?


    ¡°Suzi, stop it! You¡¯re not listening to me. It¡¯s dangerous to play with that thing.¡±


    ¡°Mama, I¡¯m bored. Please, just let me play until the green light comes on.¡±


    The girl ignored her mother¡¯s warning and continued to toss the ball in the air. But then, the ball slipped from her grasp and rolled onto the street. She ran after it, oblivious to the traffi, it was the same as before: a truck racing towards the girl at breakneck speed.


    I felt a surge of panic as I saw the familiar scene unfold before me. It was the same thing that had caused my accident a week ago. My body trembled as I relived the horror. I had to face it again.


    What should I do? I kept asking myself over and over. I had two choices:


    The first one was to look away and let the accident happen.


    The second one was to intervene and risk getting hurt again. Besides, I didn¡¯t know the girl. She was a stranger to me. And it was her own fault for not listening to her mother. She could have avoided this situation.


    She deserved this... Why should I risk my life for someone like her?


    There were others who could help her, right? I glanced around and saw the indifference in their eyes. They had decided to abandon her to her fate. I couldn''t fault them for wanting to survive. I...


    All I had to do was look away and forget about her. If I could do that, I would be safe.


    I turned to the girl. She was struggling to escape, but it was hopeless. I shut my eyes and braced myself.


    "So this is your decision? Are you certain? If you are, then fine. But if not, you might regret this later. Think carefully, okay?"


    The voice echoed in my head. The voice that I had heard after my accident. What was she trying to tell me? I just wanted to save myself.


    "Damn it..."


    I sprinted towards the girl and shoved her out of harm''s way.


    I saved her. But what about me?


    Will I have to endure this nightmare again?


    "WHY? Why does this keep happening to me?" I shut my eyes.


    I was terrified. I needed help. I needed someone.


    "Someone, please rescue me..."


    That was the only thought in my mind.


    "Ah, there you are..."


    I heard a voice. It was not the voice that haunted my dreams or the voice that I had just heard. It was a different voice.


    When I opened my eyes, I was on the other side of the street and the girl I had pushed was lying next to me, unconscious. I checked both of us and found no injuries. Then I looked at the road and saw the truck.


    "What the hell happened?"


    I couldn''t believe that the truck was smashed like it had hit a wall. But there was no wall. What was going on? All I knew was that I heard a voice and then I was here, on the other side of the street.


    As the girl''s mother ran towards us and embraced her daughter, sobbing and thanking me, I noticed the other people staring at the truck. They were as shocked as I was. But their reactions confirmed that this time, it was not a figment of my imagination. I left the scene and headed to school. Along the way, I couldn''t stop thinking about what had happened.


    "Shh, my mind is not working."


    I put on my earphones and tried to block out my thoughts. I reached my school and opened the classroom door. Nothing had changed, as I expected. Nobody knew about the accident. I took my seat and waited for the class to begin. The teacher called the attendance and announced the test for tomorrow.


    Great. I didn''t have the notes for this week. They might come in handy for the test. I could ask someone for them, but I knew they would make excuses. I decided to study the topics on my own. But then, a familiar figure appeared in front of me.


    "Look who''s here, Mr. Loner."


    "I have a name, you know. And stop calling me loner, Zen."


    Zen was the only person I could call a friend. I met him in middle school. He was a nice guy and good at sports. He was in the basketball club and quite popular. He was the complete opposite of me.


    "So, where were you, loner?"


    "I told you, stop calling me that. And well, there was something going on, so I took some leaves."


    "Really? Then why didn''t you tell me anything? You ignored my messages and calls."


    "Hey, calm down. It''s not like you''re my mom. My phone was broken, okay? I couldn''t contact you. accident when I hit badly. But everyone said I was crazy, that I jumped in front of a truck for no reason.


    "The girl groaned and stretched as She woke up from her nap. "Oh, you''re finally home, papa!" A cheerful voice greeted me.


    She blinked and saw a me and smiling at me.


    "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on a second! Who are you and how did you get into my apartment? And papa? I''m not your papa! I''m just a student and I''m way too young to be a father!"


    "But you are my papa!" She insisted.


    "I''M NOT YOUR PAPA, OKAY?" I yelled.


    "B-But... papa is my..." She started to sob.


    "Hey, hey, don''t cry, alright? Ugh..." I scratched my head and tried to calm her down. "Look, if you stop crying, I''ll give you something yummy, okay?"


    "R-Really?" She sniffed and wiped her tears with her hand.


    "Yeah, sure. Here, this is what I bought from the market. It''s a limited edition pudding."


    "Pudding?... Is it delicious?"


    "Of course, it''s delicious. Very delicious. You''ll love it, I promise. Here you go."


    She took the pudding and started to eat it. Her eyes sparkled and her mouth curved into a smile. She clearly enjoyed it.


    "Papa, more, more... I want more!" She said.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "Hey, hey, easy there. Here, take this." I gave her another pudding.


    I watched her eat and decided to ask her some questions.


    "So, hey, what''s your name?"


    "Name?... Oh, my name is Bell. Wishing Bell."


    "Okay, Bell. So, where are your parents and why are you in my apartment, Bell?"


    She pointed her finger at me.


    "Papa." She said.


    "No, no, I mean your real parents. Where are they?"


    "Papa is my papa."


    "This is going nowhere. How about your mother? Do you have a mother?"


    "Mother... I don''t know."


    "Alright, then. How about this? Why are you here?"


    "A lady told me that if I waited here, papa would come."


    A lady? Could she mean the landlady?


    "Oh, I see. You came back from school, W H I T E."


    I felt a chill run down my spine as I heard that familiar voice. The voice that


    haunted me in my dreams and in my nightmares. I turned around and saw her. The lady from my dreams. Standing right in front of me.


    As I walked to school for the first time since the accident, I felt a strange sense of detachment. Nothing had changed in my life, except for the fact that I had almost died a week ago. I doubted anyone at school even noticed my absence, or cared about what had happened to me. But I couldn''t stop thinking about it.


    I reached the spot where the truck had hit me, and shivered. It still seemed unreal, like a bad dream. But I had to face the truth, and move on with my life.


    "Come on, Suzi, put the ball away. You know it''s not safe to play here," a mother scolded her daughter nearby. I glanced at them, and wondered if my mom ever worried about me like that. Or if she ever regretted leaving me alone.?


    "Suzi, stop it! You''re not listening to me. It''s dangerous to play with that thing."


    "Mama, I''m bored. Please, just let me play until the green light comes on."


    The girl ignored her mother''s warning and continued to toss the ball in the air. But then, the ball slipped from her grasp and rolled onto the street. She ran after it, oblivious to the traffic. I felt a surge of panic as I saw the familiar scene unfold before me. It was the same thing that had caused my accident a week ago. My body trembled as I relived the horror. I had to face it again.


    What should I do? I kept asking myself over and over. I had two choices:


    The first one was to look away and let the accident happen.


    The second one was to intervene and risk getting hurt again. Besides, I didn''t know the girl. She was a stranger to me. And it was her own fault for not listening to her mother. She could have avoided this situation.


    She deserved this... Why should I risk my life for someone like her?


    There were others who could help her, right? I glanced around and saw the indifference in their eyes. They had decided to abandon her to her fate. I couldn''t fault them for wanting to survive. I...


    All I had to do was look away and forget about her. If I could do that, I would be safe.


    I turned to the girl. She was struggling to escape, but it was hopeless. I shut my eyes and braced myself.


    "So this is your decision? Are you certain? If you are, then fine. But if not, you might regret this later. Think carefully, okay?"


    The voice echoed in my head. The voice that I had heard after my accident. What was she trying to tell me? I just wanted to save myself.


    "Damn it..."


    I sprinted towards the girl and shoved her out of harm''s way.


    I saved her. But what about me?


    Will I have to endure this nightmare again?


    "WHY? Why does this keep happening to me?" I shut my eyes.


    I was terrified. I needed help. I needed someone.


    "Someone, please rescue me..."


    That was the only thought in my mind.


    "Ah, there you are..."


    I heard a voice. It was not the voice that haunted my dreams or the voice that I had just heard. It was a different voice.


    When I opened my eyes, I was on the other side of the street and the girl I had pushed was lying next to me, unconscious. I checked both of us and found no injuries. Then I looked at the road and saw the truck.


    "What the hell happened?"


    I couldn''t believe that the truck was smashed like it had hit a wall. But there was no wall. What was going on? All I knew was that I heard a voice and then I was here, on the other side of the street.


    As the girl''s mother ran towards us and embraced her daughter, sobbing and thanking me, I noticed the other people staring at the truck. They were as shocked as I was. But their reactions confirmed that this time, it was not a figment of my imagination. I left the scene and headed to school. Along the way, I couldn''t stop thinking about what had happened.


    "Shh, my mind is not working."


    I put on my earphones and tried to block out my thoughts. I reached my school and opened the classroom door. Nothing had changed, as I expected. Nobody knew about the accident. I took my seat and waited for the class to begin. The teacher called the attendance and announced the test for tomorrow.


    Great. I didn''t have the notes for this week. They might come in handy for the test. I could ask someone for them, but I knew they would make excuses. I decided to study the topics on my own. But then, a familiar figure appeared in front of me.


    "Look who''s here, Mr. Loner."


    "I have a name, you know. And stop calling me loner, Zen."


    Zen was the only person I could call a friend. I met him in middle school. He was a nice guy and good at sports. He was in the basketball club and quite popular. He was the complete opposite of me.


    "So, where were you, loner?"


    "I told you, stop calling me that. And well, there was something going on, so I took some leaves."


    "Really? Then why didn''t you tell me anything? You ignored my messages and calls."


    "Hey, calm down. It''s not like you''re my mom. My phone was broken, okay? I couldn¡¯t contact you, and don¡¯t worry about it,¡± I said


    ¡°If you say so, well, I have to go to the club. Meet you later,¡± Zen left for the club.


    As school ended, I left and went to the market to buy dinner ingredients. As I mentioned before, my landlady takes care of me, but I can¡¯t burden her, so I do part-time jobs. Unfortunately, due to an accident, I think I¡¯ll have to take some time off.


    After buying snacks and other things, I headed back to the apartment.


    As I opened my door, I was shocked to find my clothes and other belongings in disarray. Perhaps someone had broken into my house.


    As I checked my things, I heard faint snoring noises coming from the bedroom. I cautiously entered, baseball bat in hand. There, I saw a girl around 8-10 years old. She had the same pale complexion as the lady I saw in my dream, but something felt off.


    As I tried to remember, she was the girl from that time when I hit badly by the truck. But everyone said I was crazy, that I jumped in front of a truck for no reason.


    "The girl groaned and stretched as She woke up from her nap. "Oh, you''re finally home, papa!" A cheerful voice greeted me.


    She blinked and saw a me and smiling at me.


    "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on a second! Who are you and how did you get into my apartment? And papa? I''m not your papa! I''m just a student and I''m way too young to be a father!"


    "But you are my papa!" She insisted.


    "I''M NOT YOUR PAPA, OKAY?" I yelled.


    "B-But... papa is my..." She started to sob.


    "Hey, hey, don''t cry, alright? Ugh..." I scratched my head and tried to calm her down. "Look, if you stop crying, I''ll give you something yummy, okay?"


    "R-Really?" She sniffed and wiped her tears with her hand.


    "Yeah, sure. Here, this is what I bought from the market. It''s a limited edition pudding."


    "Pudding?... Is it delicious?"


    "Of course, it''s delicious. Very delicious. You''ll love it, I promise. Here you go."


    She took the pudding and started to eat it. Her eyes sparkled and her mouth curved into a smile. She clearly enjoyed it.


    "Papa, more, more... I want more!" She said.


    "Hey, hey, easy there. Here, take this." I gave her another pudding.


    I watched her eat and decided to ask her some questions.


    "So, hey, what''s your name?"


    "Name?... Oh, my name is Bell. Wishing Bell."


    "Okay, Bell. So, where are your parents and why are you in my apartment, Bell?"


    She pointed her finger at me.


    "Papa." She said.


    "No, no, I mean your real parents. Where are they?"


    "Papa is my papa."


    "This is going nowhere. How about your mother? Do you have a mother?"


    "Mother... I don''t know."


    "Alright, then. How about this? Why are you here?"


    "A lady told me that if I waited here, papa would come."


    A lady? Could she mean the landlady?


    "Oh, I see. You came back from school, W H I T E."


    I felt a chill run down my spine as I heard that familiar voice. The voice that haunted me in my dreams and in my nightmares. I turned around and saw her. The lady from my dreams. Standing right in front of me.


    As I walked to school for the first time since the accident, I felt a strange sense of detachment. Nothing had changed in my life, except for the fact that I had almost died a week ago. I doubted anyone at school even noticed my absence, or cared about what had happened to me. But I couldn''t stop thinking about it.


    I reached the spot where the truck had hit me, and shivered. It still seemed unreal, like a bad dream. But I had to face the truth, and move on with my life.


    "Come on, Suzi, put the ball away. You know it''s not safe to play here," a mother scolded her daughter nearby. I glanced at them, and wondered if my mom ever worried about me like that. Or if she ever regretted leaving me alone.?


    "Suzi, stop it! You''re not listening to me. It''s dangerous to play with that thing."


    "Mama, I''m bored. Please, just let me play until the green light comes on."


    The girl ignored her mother''s warning and continued to toss the ball in the air. But then, the ball slipped from her grasp and rolled onto the street. She ran after it, oblivious to the traffic. I felt a surge of panic as I saw the familiar scene unfold before me. It was the same thing that had caused my accident a week ago. My body trembled as I relived the horror. I had to face it again.


    What should I do? I kept asking myself over and over. I had two choices:


    The first one was to look away and let the accident happen.


    The second one was to intervene and risk getting hurt again. Besides, I didn''t know the girl. She was a stranger to me. And it was her own fault for not listening to her mother. She could have avoided this situation.


    She deserved this... Why should I risk my life for someone like her?


    There were others who could help her, right? I glanced around and saw the indifference in their eyes. They had decided to abandon her to her fate. I couldn''t fault them for wanting to survive. I...


    All I had to do was look away and forget about her. If I could do that, I would be safe.


    I turned to the girl. She was struggling to escape, but it was hopeless. I shut my eyes and braced myself.


    "So this is your decision? Are you certain? If you are, then fine. But if not, you might regret this later. Think carefully, okay?"


    The voice echoed in my head. The voice that I had heard after my accident. What was she trying to tell me? I just wanted to save myself.


    "Damn it..."


    I sprinted towards the girl and shoved her out of harm''s way.


    I saved her. But what about me?


    Will I have to endure this nightmare again?


    "WHY? Why does this keep happening to me?" I shut my eyes.


    I was terrified. I needed help. I needed someone.


    "Someone, please rescue me..."


    That was the only thought in my mind.


    "Ah, there you are..."


    I heard a voice. It was not the voice that haunted my dreams or the voice that I had just heard. It was a different voice.


    When I opened my eyes, I was on the other side of the street and the girl I had pushed was lying next to me, unconscious. I checked both of us and found no injuries. Then I looked at the road and saw the truck.


    "What the hell happened?"


    I couldn''t believe that the truck was smashed like it had hit a wall. But there was no wall. What was going on? All I knew was that I heard a voice and then I was here, on the other side of the street.


    As the girl''s mother ran towards us and embraced her daughter, sobbing and thanking me, I noticed the other people staring at the truck. They were as shocked as I was. But their reactions confirmed that this time, it was not a figment of my imagination. I left the scene and headed to school. Along the way, I couldn''t stop thinking about what had happened.


    "Shh, my mind is not working."


    I put on my earphones and tried to block out my thoughts. I reached my school and opened the classroom door. Nothing had changed, as I expected. Nobody knew about the accident. I took my seat and waited for the class to begin. The teacher called the attendance and announced the test for tomorrow.


    Great. I didn''t have the notes for this week. They might come in handy for the test. I could ask someone for them, but I knew they would make excuses. I decided to study the topics on my own. But then, a familiar figure appeared in front of me.


    "Look who''s here, Mr. Loner."


    "I have a name, you know. And stop calling me loner, Zen."


    Zen was the only person I could call a friend. I met him in middle school. He was a nice guy and good at sports. He was in the basketball club and quite popular. He was the complete opposite of me.


    "So, where were you, loner?"


    "I told you, stop calling me that. And well, there was something going on, so I took some leaves."


    "Really? Then why didn''t you tell me anything? You ignored my messages and calls."


    "Hey, calm down. It''s not like you''re my mom. My phone was broken, okay? I couldn''t contact you, and don''t worry about it," I said


    "If you say so, well, I have to go to the club. Meet you later," Zen left for the club.


    As school ended, I left and went to the market to buy dinner ingredients. As I mentioned before, my landlady takes care of me, but I can''t burden her, so I do part-time jobs. Unfortunately, due to an accident, I think I''ll have to take some time off.


    After buying snacks and other things, I headed back to the apartment.


    As I opened my door, I was shocked to find my clothes and other belongings in disarray. Perhaps someone had broken into my house.


    As I checked my things, I heard faint snoring noises coming from the bedroom. I cautiously entered, baseball bat in hand. There, I saw a girl around 8-10 years old. She had the same pale complexion as the lady I saw in my dream, but something felt off.


    As I tried to remember, she was the girl from that time when I hit badly by the truck. But everyone said I was crazy, that I jumped in front of a truck for no reason.


    "The girl groaned and stretched as She woke up from her nap. "Oh, you''re finally home, papa!" A cheerful voice greeted me.


    She blinked and saw a me and smiling at me.


    "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on a second! Who are you and how did you get into my apartment? And papa? I''m not your papa! I''m just a student and I''m way too young to be a father!"


    "But you are my papa!" She insisted.


    "I''M NOT YOUR PAPA, OKAY?" I yelled.


    "B-But... papa is my..." She started to sob.


    "Hey, hey, don''t cry, alright? Ugh..." I scratched my head and tried to calm her down. "Look, if you stop crying, I''ll give you something yummy, okay?"


    "R-Really?" She sniffed and wiped her tears with her hand.


    "Yeah, sure. Here, this is what I bought from the market. It''s a limited edition pudding."


    "Pudding?... Is it delicious?"


    "Of course, it''s delicious. Very delicious. You''ll love it, I promise. Here you go."


    She took the pudding and started to eat it. Her eyes sparkled and her mouth curved into a smile. She clearly enjoyed it.


    "Papa, more, more... I want more!" She said.


    "Hey, hey, easy there. Here, take this." I gave her another pudding.


    I watched her eat and decided to ask her some questions.


    "So, hey, what''s your name?"


    "Name?... Oh, my name is Bell. Wishing Bell."


    "Okay, Bell. So, where are your parents and why are you in my apartment, Bell?"


    She pointed her finger at me.


    "Papa." She said.


    "No, no, I mean your real parents. Where are they?"


    "Papa is my papa."


    "This is going nowhere. How about your mother? Do you have a mother?"


    "Mother... I don''t know."


    "Alright, then. How about this? Why are you here?"


    "A lady told me that if I waited here, papa would come."


    A lady? Could she mean the landlady?


    "Oh, I see. You came back from school, W H I T E."


    I felt a chill run down my spine as I heard that familiar voice. The voice that haunted me in my dreams and in my nightmares. I turned around and saw her. The lady from my dreams. Standing right in front of me.

 Ch.03-The Truth?

    I gasped as I saw her standing in the corner of the room, smiling wickedly. How did she get in here? I was sure I locked the door behind me. Had she been hiding all this time?


    "You look surprised. Have you forgotten me already? I told you my name, remember?"


    "Aisha...?"


    I uttered the name with uncertainty.


    "Ah, so you do remember. I thought you wanted to erase me from your memory. You thought the accident was just a hallucination, didn''t you? And you met Bell, too. She''s such a sweet girl."


    She spoke with a mocking tone and gestured towards Bell, who was lying motionless on the floor.


    "What did you do to her?"


    "Nothing much. I just put her to sleep, that''s all. I''m not a monster, you know."


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "What are you? And what do you want from me?"


    I asked, trembling with fear. She grinned and said.


    "Don''t you think you owe me something?"


    "Something? I don''t even know you!" I protested.


    "Oh, I''m sorry. I didn''t explain it to you before, because you passed out. Let me enlighten you. Don''t you think it''s strange that you survived an accident that should have killed you?"


    "Don''t change the subject. Tell me what you want from me and why you''re here!"


    "Well, well, I''ll tell you only once, so listen carefully. Do you remember what you said on the day of your accident?"


    I racked my brain and replied.


    "On that day, I was feeling depressed about my life and I said to myself. It would be better if I die. But why are you asking me that? It''s not..."


    Wait, does that mean my accident and my words were somehow connected?


    "Bingo.


    You''re smarter than I thought. Yes, your words were your wish. And I made it come true."


    "That''s a lie. If you made my wish come true, then how am I still alive? You''re just making excuses..."


    "After the accident, when you were dying, you said something else. You said you wanted to live and be happy, didn''t you? So I changed your wish to another one."


    "Changed my wish? I don''t understand what you''re saying. It doesn''t make any sense."


    "Don''t worry. You''ll understand soon enough. Now, about that girl, Bell."


    "What about her? Are you saying she''s related to you?"


    "Related to me? No, she''s a part of you." She said.


    "A part of me?"


    "Yes, she''s born from your wish. Or rather, she is your wish. She knows everything about you, your desires and your fears. Now you know why she calls you papa."


    "Uh... Huh."


    "And one last thing, pay attention. She has the power to grant your wishes. I gave her that gift. All you have to do is think, and she''ll make it happen. But she won''t grant any wish that''s unrealistic.


    Remember that. Well, I''m off. Bye-bye."


    "Wait... I have more question


    s..."


    "What did she mean by Bell can grant my wishes..."

 Ch.04- Unexpected Result

    In the evening


    Bell stretched and yawned as she opened her eyes to evening. "Good morning, Papa. What are you doing in the kitchen?" She asked, smelling something delicious


    "Just making dinner. You must be hungry after sleeping so long." I smiled and stirred the pot.


    "My stomach is growling like a lion." She said, rubbing it.


    "Almost done, just two more minutes." I assured her.


    I still couldn''t wrap my head around what that lady Aisha had told me few hours ago. She claimed that the bell was a part of me and that it could grant my wishes. But before I could ask her anything more, she vanished into thin air. I had no choice but to try and talk to the bell. Maybe if Aisha had given it some of her power, she could tell me more about Aisha.


    "Papa, are you making pudding?" She asked, hoping for a sweet treat.


    "No, not pudding. Just some veggies. And you ate all the pudding just few hours ago, you remembered


    "Oh, right. Well, can I help you with anything?" She offered.


    "No, you don''t have to do anything. Just sit back and watch some TV. Dinner will be ready soon, okay?" He said.


    "Okay." I agreed.


    We ate dinner together and enjoyed the food. After dinner, I decided to ask the bell some questions again.


    "Hey, bell. Do you know that lady who gave you this location? Who is she?" I asked.


    "No... I don''t know her." The bell replied in a soft voice.


    "Oh, I see." I said, disappointed.


    If the bell didn''t know her, then there was no point in asking more. But I was curious about something else. Aisha had said that the bell could grant my wishes, right? Let''s see if that was true.


    "Bell, give me one million." I said, half-joking.


    "One million...?" The bell sounded confused.


    "Ah, no, no. I was just kidding. Don''t worry about it." I quickly backtracked.


    I knew it was impossible to make a wish come true. But then how did Aisha know what I had wished for myself before the accident? And how did she disappear so suddenly? None of it made any sense.


    `"Papa, are you not feeling well? Is something bothering you? If yes, tell me, I will solve it in two minutes."`


    She looked at me with concern in her big eyes. I sighed and shook my head.


    "It''s nothing, bell. I was just lost in thought. You don''t have to worry about me. And can you please stop calling me papa?"


    "Why? Why can''t I call you papa?" She tilted her head, puzzled.


    "Because... because... well, you can call me whatever you want." I gave up trying to explain.


    "Yayyyyy!" She clapped her hands and hugged me.


    I smiled weakly. If she was really born from my wish, then I had no choice but to accept her. But it was hard to believe that she was real. I decided to stop thinking about it and went to my study table and focus on my studies. I had a big test tomorrow.


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    "Bell, you go and sleep on the bed. I need to study." I told her.


    "No, I will support you and I will help you study too!" She declared, grabbing my book and opening it. I could see that she was trying her best, but I knew she wouldn''t understand a thing.


    "So, are you able to study this?" I asked her.


    "Um... yes, this is a little hard, but I can read this!" She said confidently.


    "Hmmm... so, you can study. But Bell, you know, you have held the book upside down." I pointed out.


    She looked at the book cover and embarassed.


    "Oh... sorry..." She said sheepishly.


    "It''s okay. You don''t have to force yourself. Go and sleep. You are supporting me enough by being here." I said gently.


    "Hmm... okay... good night." She said and went to the bed. I resumed my study.


    "Well, now I have to give my best too." I thought.


    After 30 minutes, I felt a yawn escape my mouth.


    "Yawn* I think I''m tired because a lot of things happened to me today. But if I don''t finish this, I will fail for sure. But my eyes are getting heavier."


    "Yaaaaaaaawwnnnnnnn...." I yawned again. I tried to think about the test, but my body was not cooperating. In the end, I fell asleep. But before that, I wished:


    "Yawn* I wish, one day, I become a topper as well."


    The next morning, I was awakened by the sound of my alarm.


    "Bzzzbzzzbzzzbzz" It buzzed annoyingly.


    "Oh, so it''s already morning. Yawn* I think I slept while I was studying. So, first, I need to prepare breakfast. Oh yeah, I need to see what Bell is doing." I said to myself and got up from my desk.`


    I got up and walked to the bedroom, expecting to find bell on the bed. But it was empty. I blinked, feeling confused. Had I imagined everything that happened yesterday? The bell, the lady, the wishes? I rubbed my eyes and shook my head.


    "Maybe I was just too tired and had a weird dream. I better get ready for school."


    Thirty minutes later, I was dressed and ready to go. I still had a nagging feeling of anxiety about the test today. I hadn''t studied much and I was afraid of failing. I quickly glanced over some questions that I thought might come up.


    I opened the door and saw the landlady at the gate. She was tending to her flowers.


    "Oh, White! Good morning. You''re off to school, huh? How about your test? Are you prepared for it?"


    "Good morning, Miss Elsa. Well, I''m not sure about the test. Haha."


    "Oh, don''t worry. You''ll do fine. You''re a smart kid."


    "Thank you, Miss Elsa. I''m going now."


    "Okay, good luck with the test."


    I reached the school and waited for the bell to ring. The teacher handed out the test papers and I wished for a miracle. I needed to pass this test.


    I looked at the questions and my eyes widened. They were all the same ones that I had reviewed last night. Every single one of them. Even the optional ones.


    This couldn''t be a coincidence. Could it be that what the lady said was true? That the bell could grant wishes? But where was the bell? I couldn''t find it when I woke up. What was going on?


    I decided to put those thoughts aside for now. I had to focus on the test.


    After the test, the teacher collected our papers and said he would announce the results after lunch.


    At lunch, I met Zen, my best friend. He looked miserable.


    "Man, I''m screwed. I''m going to fail this test again." He said.


    "But you told me you were going to ace this test and beat Shu, the class topper. Remember?"


    "I said that?, but the test was so hard this time. If only it was a basketball game, I would be the topper. And you, you look so calm. How did you do?"


    "Well, the test was very easy for me this time." I said, biting into my sandwich.


    "Stop kidding me! Argh, I need some fresh air. Do you want to come to the roof?"


    "Nah, I''m good. Lunch will be over soon and I need to make a list of what I need to buy today."


    "Alright, then. See you after lunch."


    "Bye."


    After lunch, the teacher came back to the class and started announcing the results.


    "Alex, Zoey, Shaw..."


    "And last , White."


    The teacher handed me my paper and I almost dropped it. I had never scored more than 70 in my life, but now I had a perfect score. It was like my wish had come true.


    "So, class, this time, the topper of the class and the topper of all the sections is... White, who got 100 marks in this exam!"


    Everyone in the class was stunned. And I was the most shocked of all. I went back to my seat, feeling dizzy.


    "Students, be ready for the test tomorrow as well. I hope you all do well." The teacher said.


    The classes ended and Zen came to me. He had to practice for the upcoming match. He was amazed that I had topped the test and congratulated me like he was my mom.


    I packed my things and was about to leave when a girl approached me. Her name was Shu. She was the topper of the class and she excelled in every subject. She said to me.


    "Meet me on the roof. I want to talk to you."


    She left without waiting for my reply. I was puzzled. She had never spoken to me before. I wondered what she wanted from me.

 Ch.05 Price for Wish

    followed Shu''s instructions and climbed up to the rooftop of the school. As I opened the metal gate, I saw her standing near the edge, gazing at the fields below. Her long black hair fluttered in the wind.


    "What do you want from me?" I asked, feeling uneasy.


    She turned around and glared at me with fury in her eyes. "Why did you cheat on the exam?" she demanded.


    "Excuse me?"l


    "You heard me. Why did you cheat on the exam?" she repeated.


    "I didn''t cheat on the exam. It was just a coincidence that the questions I reviewed last night came on the exam." I said, trying to sound calm.


    "Don''t lie to me. It''s impossible that all the questions were the same as what you reviewed." she said, shaking her head.


    I couldn''t blame her for being suspicious. I wouldn''t believe it either if I were in her shoes. It was more than just a coincidence. But what happened to me was something I couldn''t explain to her. And even if I did, she wouldn''t trust me.


    "As I said, the questions I reviewed came on the test and that''s all. It was just a test, nothing more." I said, hoping to end the conversation.


    "So you''re just making excuses." she said, her voice trembling.


    "Are you just angry because you didn''t get the top score this time? If that''s the case, then it''s not a big deal to get angry about." I said, trying to reason with her.


    Her eyes widened and she looked like she was about to cry. "It''s not a big deal? Yes, it''s not a big deal for you, but for me, if I don''t get the top score, then my..." she said and stopped in the middle of her sentence.


    She bit her lip and one of her hands was on her other hand. As I looked at her hand, I saw some red marks on her skin. As I felt concerned, I asked her about her marks.


    She hesitated and said with a sobbing face. "It''s none of your business..."


    "But the marks on your hand..." I said, wanting to help her.


    She shouted and said "Shut up!"


    I became quiet. After a few minutes of silence, she said "I''ll let this go this time, but if you cheat on tomorrow''s exam, I''ll tell everyone that you cheated."


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "But I never cheated." I said, feeling frustrated.


    She ignored me and walked past me, heading downstairs.


    As much as I was annoyed by this talk, I was also worried about the marks on Shu''s hand. And her behavior was also strange. She was so obsessed with getting the top score.


    As I was thinking, I went back to class and sat on my seat, packing my things. As I made my way to the school entrance, I saw Zen waiting there.


    "Hey Zen, what are you doing here? What about your practice?" I asked.


    "Ah... Well, about that, I was thinking I need to focus on tomorrow''s exam." he said.


    "What? Are you okay? Do you need to go to the infirmary?" I teased him.


    "Shut up. I know I''m not interested in studying, but if I don''t score at least 60 marks, they won''t let me play basketball anymore." Zen said.


    "Ah... Now I see. Umm... Hey Zen, do you know anything about Shu?" I asked.


    "Why? You like her?" Zen smiled and asked.


    "Shut up. I just want to know about her. I''m just curious." I said.


    "Oho... Curious. I''m glad you''re starting to take interest in girls. I was worried about your future, White, you know." Zen said with mock tears in his eyes.


    "Okay, bye." I said.


    "Ah, stop! Sorry, I was just kidding. Let me see, about Shu... Hmm, well, as far as I know, she''s kind of weird. I mean, she studies all the time and tries not to interact with anyone."


    "I see. What about her parents?" I asked.


    "About her parents, well, I never saw them, but yeah, I heard her parents are strict, that''s all." Zen told me.


    "Ah... I see."


    So that''s why there were some marks on her hand. I guessed her parents punished her physically. I didn''t know what to do, but I guessed I needed to talk to her again tomorrow.


    "Well... Zen, thanks for the information. I''m going home now. See ya."


    As I said, I went to my apartment. When I opened the door, I found Bell sitting on the floor and drawing something. When she heard the sound of the door opening, she looked at me with a big smile and ran towards me with her painting.


    "Papa, welcome back! Look at my drawings!"


    I looked at the drawing, but I couldn''t understand what it was. But when I looked carefully, I was shocked. It looked like someone was trying to jump off the building of the school.


    The person who was jumping looked like a girl and the building looked like our school. I felt a chill run down my spine as I asked Bell about her drawing in a trembling voice. "Bell, what did you draw?"


    "Oh, it was the painting of..." She was about to tell me when she suddenly collapsed on the floor.


    "Ah! So you came back from school, huh? Welcome back, White." The voice echoed in my head as I turned around and saw Aisha standing there.


    "Why are you here again?" I asked her with a wary tone.


    "Umm... Well, I forgot to tell you something." She said.


    "What?" I asked.


    "Well... I forgot to mention that for every wish you make, you have to suffer some consequences ." She said.


    "Consequences? What kind of consequences? And my wish?" I asked.


    "Ah... Yes, you wished yesterday that you wanted to top your exams, right? So your wish was granted. But now you have to pay the price. Or should I say, it''s time for you to suffer the consequence." She said with a smile.


    As I tried to ask her more, she vanished.


    What was she talking about? Price and suffering? What did she mean?

 Ch.06 - Shopping

    Lost in thought over Aisha''s words, I was startled when Bell awoke with a yawn, her voice sleepy but clear.


    "Papa..."


    "Are you okay, Bell?" I inquired, concern lacing my voice.


    "Mhm," she murmured, her eyes scanning the room. "My drawing... where did it go?"


    Bell''s artwork had vanished, just like that. Despite our best efforts, the drawing remained elusive. I couldn''t shake the feeling that Aisha was involved in this mystery as well. Bell''s disappointment was palpable, so I endeavored to lift her spirits.


    "What would you like for dinner, Bell?" I asked, hoping to distract her.


    "Something delicious," she replied, a smile breaking through her gloom.


    "Alright, let''s go shopping, and we''ll decide on dinner afterward," I suggested.


    Her enthusiasm was infectious. "Yay!"


    As we prepared to leave, we encountered our landlady, Miss Elsa.


    "How did the test go, White?" she queried.


    "It was straightforward, and I aced it," I boasted with a hint of pride.


    "That''s wonderful. Are you heading out for shopping?" she prodded.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "Yes, and... oh, I almost forgot. Miss Elsa, this is Bell, a relative of mine," I introduced, though Bell shyly hid behind me.


    Miss Elsa looked puzzled. "Bell? Where is she?"


    "The girl with brown hair and red eyes right next to me. Can''t you see her?" I asked, a sense of unease creeping in.


    "I don''t see anyone, White. Are you sure you''re alright? Perhaps you should rest, and If you don''t mind I can make dinner for you," she offered kindly.


    Miss Elsa''s inability to see Bell sent a shock through me. Was I the only one who could see her? The mystery deepened, and my curiosity grew.


    "White?"


    "Oh... I forgot to mention, she left when her parents arrived," I lied hastily.


    "But White, when we first met, you said you had no relatives," she reminded me.


    I had indeed told Miss Elsa that I was alone in the world when she found me as a child. Her kindness had given me a home, and for that, I was eternally grateful.


    "Actually, she''s a relative of... Zen. He''s busy, so he asked me to look after Bell," I explained, hoping to deflect her suspicion.


    "I see. Well, that''s fine," she accepted, though I could tell she was still uncertain.


    I quickly changed the subject. "About the rent for this month..."


    "Don''t worry about it, White. You''ve just recovered from an accident. Take your time to heal, and remember, you don''t need to pay rent," she insisted.


    "But you''ve done so much for me already. I can''t continue to be a burden," I protested.


    Miss Elsa had been my savior when my mother abandoned me. She was the one who extended a helping hand when I needed it most. To me, she was more than a landlady; she was like a big sister.


    "Thank you, Miss Elsa, for everything," I expressed my gratitude.


    "Don''t mention it, White. You''re like a little brother to me," she replied warmly.


    Leaving the apartment with Bell, I pondered over our conversation.


    "Papa, who was that lady?" Bell inquired.


    "She''s... well, you could say she''s my big sister," I answered, deciding it was the simplest explanation.


    "Papa has a sister?" Bell asked, her curiosity piqued.


    "Yes, I do. By the way, where were you this morning?" I redirected the question.


    "I woke up to a beautiful lady with white hair. She said she''d play with me, so I went with her," Bell recounted innocently.


    Hearing that Bell had been with Aisha that morning, when she had disappeared from the bedroom, left me stunned.


    "Did Aisha, I mean, the lady, say anything to you?" I probed, my curiosity mounting.


    "She played with me for a bit and mentioned that Papa would be happy if I fulfilled his wishes," Bell said, her smile bright and unwavering.


    This confirmed that Bell could indeed grant wishes. Yet, I wondered why my previous wish for money had gone unfulfilled.


    Lost in thought, I recalled Aisha¡¯s words that wishes beyond reality remain unfulfilled.As we walked, lost in thought, we suddenly arrived at the department store. Bell was clearly in good spirits.


    While shopping, I was surprised to see Shu there too, looking at some items. I hesitated, wondering if I should speak to her. Then I remembered the marks on Shu¡¯s hand from


    earlier today,as I was concerned about her I knew I had to talk to her about it.

 Ch.07 First Friend

    "Hey, Shu..." I hesitated but called out to her anyway.


    She turned, her gaze landing on me with a mix of annoyance and curiosity.


    "What is it?" she inquired, her tone clipped.


    Taking a deep breath, I mustered my courage. "I owe you an apology. I was dismissive about your academic achievements, and that was wrong of me. I didn''t realize how much it meant to you," I confessed, hoping to mend fences.


    A brief flicker of surprise crossed her face before she masked it with indifference. "If you''re truly sorry, then let''s leave it at that. Now, please, I have things to do," she dismissed me, turning away.


    The conversation faltered, but my concern lingered, especially for the red welts on her wrist. I wanted to help, yet I was unsure how to bridge the gap between us.


    "Will you join me for shopping?" I ventured, seeking any excuse to extend our interaction.


    She ignored my invitation, her attention fixed on the shelves before her. I was lost in thought, contemplating my next move, when a tug at my pants brought me back to reality.


    "Papa, what are you doing? Aren''t we going shopping? And who is she?" Bell''s innocent voice rang out.


    "She''s a classmate," I replied, keeping my answer simple for Bell''s sake.


    As I spoke to Bell, Shu glanced over, her expression one of confusion. She must have been wondering who I was talking to. Seizing the moment, I tried once more to engage her.


    "How''s your preparation for tomorrow''s test?" I asked, hoping to spark a conversation.


    But she continued to ignore me, hastily grabbing items off the shelves as if to escape my presence. I began to question the point of my efforts.


    Resigning myself to the situation, I focused on shopping with Bell, who was happily exploring the aisles.


    As we shopped, I overheard Shu''s voice near the cash counter. She seemed to be searching for something, her movements frantic. It dawned on me that she might have forgotten her wallet.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    This could be my opportunity.


    Approaching the counter, I addressed her with concern. "Shu, is everything alright?"


    She hesitated, then admitted, "I seem to have left my wallet at home."


    I saw my chance. "That''s unfortunate. Do you need assistance? I can cover your expenses for now," I offered.


    "No, I don''t require your help," she declined, pride evident in her voice.


    "But without my help, you won''t be able to purchase your items. Consider it a loan; you can repay me later," I persisted.


    Shu pondered the offer, weighing her options. After a moment, she reluctantly agreed to accept the money. I sensed this was a turning point, a debt owed often opens doors to further interaction.


    I asked her to wait while I finished my shopping. To Bell, I promised a treat of ice cream if she remained patient until we returned home. Her face lit up with the promise, and she nodded eagerly.


    After paying for both our purchases, we exited the store. Yet, the challenge of initiating a meaningful conversation with Shu still loomed ahead.


    "Um... thank you, and I apologize for earlier," Shu murmured, breaking the silence.


    "There''s no need to apologize. Are you referring to the incident on the rooftop?" I inquired.


    "Yes, that... I shouldn''t have reacted the way I did, regardless of your grades. It''s just that..." She trailed off, her voice faltering.


    I was eager to understand her hesitation. "Is it related to your parents?" I ventured cautiously.


    Her reaction was immediate and telling. She looked away, her body language screaming denial even as her words tried to deflect. "It''s nothing like that," she lied.


    I knew then that she was concealing the truth about her parents'' abuse. I wanted to help her, but I also knew that unless she was willing to take the first step, my efforts would be in vain.


    Silence was her constant companion as we ambled along, a silence that seemed to grow heavier as the time to say goodbye drew near. Yet, I couldn''t help but seek a glimpse into her silent world.


    "May I ask what keeps you from talking to our classmates?" I questioned gently.


    Shu''s presence in class was like a quiet shadow, her words reserved for the necessary¡ªanswers to the teacher and brief, obligatory exchanges with peers.


    My own solitude wasn''t by choice, unlike hers.


    "Friendships," she finally said, "are a distraction, a thief of time. Why seek companionship when that time could be better spent on studies?"


    Her perspective shed light on her isolation; she valued time, seeing it as a resource not to be squandered.


    Reaching the fork in our path, she stopped.


    "Thank you for your help today. My house is this way. I''ll make it up to you at school tomorrow," she stated, poised to leave.


    I halted her departure with a call, "Shu...!"


    She turned back, a question in her eyes.


    "Spending time with friends isn''t a waste. If you lack friends, then let me be your first," I offered.


    A moment of shock crossed her face, and she turned to leave again, silent. It might have seemed like a rejection, but the small, relieved smile she wore as she walked away told a different story.


    Perhaps our conversation had lightened her load, even if just a little. Maybe, just maybe, she needed a friend to confide in more than she realized.

 Ch.08- Bells Drawing

    Upon our arrival at the apartment, Bell and I settled into a comfortable routine. I busied myself in the kitchen, the clatter of pots and pans a soothing symphony as I prepared our evening meal. Meanwhile, Bell lounged in the living room, the flickering light of the television casting dancing shadows across her face.


    We shared our dinner in harmonious silence, savoring the flavors and each other''s company. As the night deepened, Bell''s yawns punctuated the quiet, a tender signal that the day was drawing to a close. Gently, I guided her to the sanctuary of her bed, tucking her in with care before retreating to my study.


    The door clicked softly behind me, and I turned to face the challenges of tomorrow''s test, only to find an unexpected guest perched upon my desk.


    "Aisha, what brings you here again?" I inquired, my tone laced with surprise.


    Her response was a melody, soft and lilting, "Oh, how rude of you. A welcome would be more appropriate."


    I couldn''t mask the frustration in my voice, "Your presence is not something I yearn for, especially after your barrage of nonsensical chatter and falsehoods."


    A smile played on her lips, unfazed, "I assure you, I''ve spoken nothing but the truth. There''s no merit for me in weaving tales."


    I recalled her earlier words, a puzzle yet unsolved, "You spoke of a price. What did you mean by that?"


    She leaned forward, a conspiratorial glint in her eyes, "Simply the truth. For every wish that Bell grants, there is a price to be paid."


    I shook my head, disbelief coloring my words, "That''s where you''re mistaken. Bell has never demanded such a price."


    Our exchange hung in the air, a delicate balance of skepticism and revelation.


    With a tsk-tsk-tsk, she clucked her tongue.


    "You''ll understand it soon enough, but first, take this drawing to Bell," she instructed.


    Rising to her feet, she approached me. As she reached out, she handed over the drawing¡ªa creation of Bell''s.


    "This is Bell''s drawing," I observed.


    "Yes, it''s a wonderful piece she''s drawn," she agreed.


    "But what''s so wonderful about it? It looks like someone is jumping off a building," I questioned.


    She offered no reply, only a giggle that grew as she began to fade away once more.


    What was that all about? I pondered. Aisha''s thoughts were a mystery, and her sudden appearances left me baffled. Mulling over Aisha wouldn''t help; my test was tomorrow, and I needed to focus. This time, I had to be cautious with my wishes.


    If Aisha''s warnings held any truth, then the ''price'' she mentioned could spell trouble. The nature of this ''price'' remained unknown to me.


    I resumed my studies for tomorrow''s test. As the hours slipped by, sleep overtook me amidst my books. Awakening with a start, I glanced at the clock.


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "Ahh... I''m going to be late! Bell! Bell!" I called out frantically.


    But there was no response from the bedroom. A sense of foreboding washed over me as I realized she must have gone again with Aisha. As I opened the bedroom door, the emptiness echoed my fears¡ªshe was not in her bed. Vanished, just like before. Though a part of me was worried, another part clung to the hope that she would return, just like yesterday.


    I donned my school uniform, devoured a piece of toast, and dashed to school. I barely slid into my seat as the bell rang. As I was about to step into the classroom, a shiver ran down my spine¡ªthe eerie feeling of being watched. I scanned the room, searching for the source, but found nothing. I settled into my desk, trying to shake off the unease.


    "Did you study for today''s test?" Zen''s voice broke through my thoughts, coming from behind me.


    "I did, but I''m not feeling confident about it," I admitted.


    "Don''t give me that! You aced yesterday''s test with a perfect score, and now you''re doubting yourself?" he teased.


    "That was a fluke, and thanks to that, Shu''s furious with me," I blurted out, regretting it instantly.


    "What? Why is she mad?" Zen''s curiosity was piqued.


    I sighed, "It''s complicated, but she believes I cheated."


    Zen''s eyes widened, "Cheated? That''s serious, man. No wonder you got a hundred."


    I shot him a glare, not in the mood for jokes. "Maybe I should tell Aris about his brother''s borderline grades," I retorted.


    Zen''s face fell, "I''m sorry, man. I didn''t mean it."


    Our banter was cut short as the teacher entered, beginning roll call. My gaze drifted to Shu''s usual spot¡ªempty. It was unlike her to miss school. Concern gnawed at me as the teacher distributed the test papers.


    I tried to focus on the questions before me, but Shu''s absence loomed large in my mind. With no friends to inquire about her whereabouts, I was at a loss. The teacher mentioned calling her parents, but there was no answer.


    Three days passed, and still no sign of Shu or Bell. Aisha, too, was missing. The situation was growing dire. I couldn''t help but recall Aisha''s ominous words about a ''price.'' Could the disappearances of Shu and Bell be connected to this cryptic cost?


    On the fourth day, as the teacher was taking attendance, Shu entered the classroom. Her face was downcast, her eyes vacant, as if the spark of life had been extinguished.


    The class stared in stunned silence. Shu, who was never late, had arrived after the bell. The teacher nodded her in, a silent concession to her punctuality.


    She kept to herself, as always, but today her isolation was palpable, a thick aura that seemed to repel approach. The class sensed it too, a worsening of her usual demeanor. Yet, as she had never spoken to anyone, they hesitated to inquire about her well-being. When the lunch bell rang, Shu stood and walked out. I felt compelled to follow.


    "Hey White, a moment," Zen called.


    "I need to... go to the bathroom," I stammered, an excuse to escape.


    Zen wanted my homework notebook to check an answer. In my haste, I pulled out Bell''s drawing book instead. The image¡ªa building, a figure in mid-leap¡ªstruck a chord of dread.


    I tossed the book aside and dashed to the rooftop. "This can''t be the price Aisha spoke of," I muttered, flinging open the door.


    Shu stood on the precipice, gazing down at the field. Bell''s drawing was a premonition of this very moment.


    I had to act fast. As she stepped off the edge, I sprinted, reaching out just in time to grasp her hand.


    "What are you doing?!" I yelled, pulling her back.


    Her eyes met mine, void of life, a darkness that yearned for oblivion.


    "Why save me?" she asked, devoid of emotion.


    Four days ago, she had accused me of cheating. Now, she was unrecognizable. Words escaped me.


    I sighed deeply, extending my hand.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked me, confused.


    ¡°You forgot; you said you¡¯d return my money because I just saved you for that. I can¡¯t let you die without receiving my money.¡± I used this sentence to calm her down a little; it was the best answer I could give her.


    ¡°And remember, I am your friend, so if something happens, you can always tell me, okay?¡± I said.


    She flinched, and upon hearing this, she started crying. It looked like she had been enduring something for a long time and wanted someone to talk to about the situation.


    "I was... I was..." she struggled to speak.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you can take your time, and I am always here to lend an ear to you, but first, you need to rest,¡± I said to her.


    I escorted her to the infirmary. After a while, she relaxed and fell asleep. Something profound had changed her in these past days.


    As I left the infirmary, my phone rang. The news I heard sent the phone tumbling from my grasp, the world tilting beneath me.

 Ch.09 In Exchange for Life

    I rushed as fast as I could, the words I heard in the phone call echoing in my mind. I needed to get there as soon as possible. As I ran, flashbacks of my past flickered before my eyes. It couldn''t be true; I had to verify that the news was all lies.


    Upon reaching my destination, the thought I had hoped was false materialized before me as I peered through the door''s glass window. It couldn''t be happening, yet it was. The ground seemed to slip away beneath my feet; the scene before me couldn''t be real.


    As I struggled to keep my emotions in check, a voice from behind asked, "Are you with this lady?"


    Turning around, I faced a person in a white coat. "Ye...Yes, she''s like my elder sister, but what ha...ppened?" I managed to say.


    I had run all the way from the school to the hospital, gasping for breath.


    The doctor''s expression turned somber as he spoke in a sad tone, "The girl... she jumped from the building of her university."


    It couldn''t be happening. The drawing by the bell wasn''t Shu''s; it was Miss Elsa''s. But this didn''t make sense for Shu, who was depressed because of her parents, whereas Miss Elsa was a kind and nice person. How could I accept that she jumped from her university building?


    "Doctor, it can''t be true. Miss Elsa was a lovely and kind person. I can''t believe she would do such a thing," I said to the doctor.


    "I''m not saying she attempted suicide, but the reason for her jump is still unknown to us," the doctor replied.


    "How is her condition? She will be alright, right?" I asked, concern evident in my eyes.


    "I''ll be honest with you, but Miss Elsa...," he paused, then continued, "I''m sorry, but she''s in a coma right now, and it looks like she might pass away within three days."


    "You''re kidding, right? Please say you''re joking," I raised my voice, unable to accept the reality.


    "We''re trying our best, but there''s only so much we can do. Excuse me," the doctor said and left.


    The doctor''s words hit me hard. It was impossible for me to hide my emotions; she was the person I cared about most in my life. Tears streamed down my face.


    Why was this happening? Why did Miss Elsa have to suffer? Aisha might have the answers.


    "Yes, Aisha might know," I thought.


    I rushed back to my apartment. As I opened the door, Bell''s smile greeted me.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Welcome home, Papa!" she exclaimed, rushing towards me with a smile.


    As I saw Bell, Aisha''s words replayed in my mind: the bell would grant my wish, but at a price. That meant what happened to Miss Elsa was also the bell''s fault.


    "Don''t come near me," I shouted angrily.


    Bell flinched at my shout and approached me fearfully.


    "Wh...what happened... Pa...?" she stammered, her voice scared and tears in her eyes.


    "I said don''t call me Papa. Miss Elsa''s condition is all your fault. Because of you, Miss Elsa... Get out of here!" I yelled at Bell and closed my bedroom door.


    "Papa... Papa, please open the door. I don''t know why you''re angry, but please," Bell pleaded, knocking on the door while crying.


    I sat in the corner of the room, my hands on my knees and my face downcast, ignoring her. Miss Elsa''s condition was all her fault.


    "If I had never met Bell, if she had never come into my life, if she had never existed, Miss Elsa would be okay. Because of this, Miss Elsa..." I muttered to myself.


    After a while, the knocking and Bell''s voice faded away.


    "Are you sure about that? Did it happen because of Bell''s existence?" Aisha, who was sitting on my bed, appeared again.


    "You... You," I stood up, trying to grab Aisha with the intention of attacking.


    But my hands couldn''t grasp her; it was like grabbing mist.


    "Don''t try. My existence is the same as Bell''s," she said.


    "I... I just wished to ace the exam. For such a trivial wish, you... you''re taking Miss Elsa''s life," I said, my voice trembling with fear.


    She clicked her tongue in a tsk-tsk manner, a mysterious smile playing on her lips as she replied, "White, I thought you''d be the smart one, but it turns out you''re quite the opposite. I''m disappointed."


    "What do you mean?" I asked, my tone laced with confusion.


    "The price for acing the exam wasn''t Elsa''s life. The price was something much smaller¡ªit was the accusation of cheating by your classmate Shu. It might seem significant, but you handled Shu''s situation quite well. I was surprised too," she explained.


    "Then why did this happen to Miss Elsa? I mean, I never wished for anything other than acing the exam," I pressed her for answers.


    "Are you sure you''re not forgetting anything?" she prodded.


    As I delved into my memories, I couldn''t recall any other wish than the one for academic success. What was Aisha talking about? I had never wished for anything else.


    "I''ll help you remember. When you were about to die, you wished for happiness, right? Happiness can''t be granted if you''re dead, so to fulfill that wish, you needed to live. Elsa''s life is the price of your own," she said, her smile unwavering.


    She stood up, approached me, and whispered in my ear, "Elsa''s condition isn''t the bell''s fault, nor mine. You are the one who caused her accident."


    As I searched my memory, I realized Aisha was telling the truth. During my accident, as I was on the brink of death, I had wished for happiness.


    "I... I am the reason Miss Elsa is in a coma. If I had died that day, then Miss Elsa would never have had to suffer this fate," I whispered to myself.


    But dwelling on this didn''t change the fact that Miss Elsa was in critical condition. I needed to find a way to do something.


    "Is there any way I can save Miss Elsa? Please, Aisha... if there''s a way, tell me. I beg of you," I pleaded with her.


    "Well, I''m not the one who can save your sister-like landlady, but Bell... yes, Bell can grant your wish if you ask her. Maybe she can do something," Aisha said, her smile taking on a wicked edge.


    "Bell... Bell, right. Bell can grant my wish. If I ask her, she will definitely save Miss Elsa''s life," I thought, a glimmer of hope igniting within me.


    I opened my door and searched for Bell, but she was nowhere to be found. I looked everywhere near the apartment, but that day, Bell remained elusive.

 Ch.10 Past

    A day had already passed since Bell''s mysterious vanishing. I scoured every possible place in search of her, but to no avail. The guilt was mine alone; I had unjustly accused Bell of deeds unknown to her. My anger at the time was merely a feeble excuse. I must locate her before dawn; if not, Miss Elsa''s fate is sealed, and yet, where to find Bell remains a mystery. Aisha alone has the means to find her, but she too has eluded me since yesterday. Time is slipping through my fingers like grains of sand.


    Seated at my desk, I pondered my next move, but the truth was stark¡ªI was a helpless fool, lost in how to right my wrongs. It was then that a knock at my door roused me from my reverie.


    "White, hey White! Open up, it''s me, Zen," called a voice from beyond the threshold.


    Hearing the summons, I rose and swung the door wide to reveal Zen and Shu, clad in their school uniforms.


    "What brings you here? I''m sorry, but can you return later?" I asked, my voice weary.


    "Zen''s expression was tinged with genuine concern as he said, ''I''ve been worried about you.'' His gaze then shifted as he continued, ''And Shu, she too expressed her care. She asked if she could accompany me, eager to ensure you were alright.''"


    "But Hey dude, what''s happened to you? You look like the walking dead," Zen remarked, his concern palpable.


    The truth was, I hadn''t slept a wink, having spent the night in a fruitless search for Bell. Perhaps my exhaustion was evident, but rest was a luxury I could not afford¡ªnot with Miss Elsa''s dire situation weighing on my mind.


    "Why haven''t you been answering calls? And disappearing from school without a word¡ªyou know we were worried," Zen pressed.


    "White, if something''s wrong, tell us. We''re here to help," Shu offered gently.


    "Zen, Miss Elsa... Miss Elsa," I began, but my words were choked by a sudden tightness in my chest.


    "White, you don''t look well. Are you okay?" Shu inquired, stepping closer.


    I struggled to speak, but my voice was a mere whisper, my vision clouding, my breaths shallow. The voices of Zen and Shu began to fade, and darkness crept into the edges of my sight until I succumbed to unconsciousness. Zen caught me as I fell.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    "Hey, White... Whi..." Zen''s voice trailed off.


    "White! White!" he called out.


    "We need to get him to bed. He''s passed out from exhaustion," Shu declared.


    As they laid me down, Shu turned to Zen, "We need to do something to help him."


    "Yes, I know, but we''re in the dark about why White''s so troubled. He mentioned Miss Elsa¡ªhas something happened to her?" Zen pondered aloud.


    "Who is Miss Elsa? Part of White''s family?" Shu queried, a note of surprise in his voice.


    "You''re not aware? She''s the one who took him in when he was just a child, around eight years old," Zen explained.


    "Adopted..." Shu murmured, taken aback by the revelation.


    "Well, I don''t know much either, except the fact that he was adopted by Miss Elsa," Zen said, his voice trailing off into the silence.


    As I lay there, unconscious, a dream took hold of me¡ªa vivid replay of my life''s moments, each memory flickering like an old film before my eyes.


    I remember my grandmother''s words, her voice a soft echo from the past. She told me how my mother had loved a man deeply. They were in their third year together when life decided to surprise them¡ªmy mother was pregnant. Joy painted her days bright, but the man, he couldn''t accept me. He pushed for an abortion, but my mother, strong and resolute, refused. So, he left.


    Life after birth was a duet of care from my mother and grandmother. But as the days turned to months, and months to years, my mother''s spirit dimmed. She clung to a hope that he would return, and in that waiting, she lost herself to drink and drugs.


    At the age of five, her words to me ceased. I never understood why, and my grandmother would only say, "Your mother is busy." Arguments about me became the background music of our home.


    Time marched on, and at eight, I faced the world without my grandmother. She had been my shield when my mother''s silence grew heavy. I think she believed I was the reason he left.


    Then came the day my mother told me we were going somewhere. She led me to a place, told me to wait, and promised to return. But she never did. Day after day, I waited.


    Alone and frightened, I wept endlessly, my cries echoing unheard by my mother. I subsisted on the scraps offered by strangers, discarded and forgotten.


    One day, as the heavens wept, I sought refuge from the relentless rain. Amidst my search, a girl with raven locks, clad in her school attire, approached and shielded me with her umbrella. Her smile, radiant as a beacon, she offered, "Come, share my Umbrella, lest the cold embrace you."


    Beneath her umbrella, I found solace. Her identity and motives were mysteries to me. She conversed with me, a distraction from the downpour. Confusion reigned within me.


    "What''s your name? Why do you wander in the rain?" she inquired, her voice soft as silk.


    "I... I am White," I confessed, revealing only my name. My heart faltered, how could I divulge that my own mother had abandoned me?


    "Are you lost? Tell me where you reside, and I shall guide you home," she proposed.


    "I don''t know," I replied, my voice laden with sorrow.


    Pondering my response, she suggested, "Perhaps the police station can aid us."


    "I''d rather not," I resisted.


    The thought of returning to my mother, who harbored no love for me, was unbearable. I was the unwelcome burden, the source of her despair.


    "Why?" she pressed.


    Yet, I remained silent, words fleeing from me.


    She sought an answer, but seeing my distress, she refrained from further questions.


    As we spoke of trivial matters, the rain ceased, and the skies cleared. It was time for me to forage for sustenance. I expressed my gratitude to the girl for her kindness. As I departed...


    "Wait, White! If you lack a home and shun the police''s aid, why not join my family?" she called out.


    Her invitation astounded me. I had anticipated aid in the form of food or money, but never a home. Her words moved me to tears, a gesture of pure compassion.


    With a heart heavy with past sorrows, I embraced the offer before me. Uncertainty clouded my judgment, yet the need for solace, for a family''s tender balm to soothe the scars etched deep within my soul, outweighed the whispers of doubt. In that moment, it was not just an offer I accepted, but a promise of healing, a hope to mend the fragmented pieces of my heart.


    "Ah, an oversight on my part," she said, h


    er lips curving into a warm smile. "My name is Elsa, but feel free to call me ''Big sis.''"

 Ch.11 Another Wish

    My dream about my past with Miss Elsa ended, and now I was surrounded by darkness. Confusion clouded my mind when a voice emerged from behind.


    As I turned, the voice revealed itself to be Aisha, materializing from the shadows.


    "My, my, that was really a wonderful story. I must say, Elsa is a remarkably kind and energetic girl," she remarked with a hint of admiration.


    "What was that?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.


    "Nothing but a fragment of your memory with Elsa," she replied nonchalantly.


    Her casual response made me scrutinize her with a serious gaze. She had to know where I could find Bell. It was imperative to find Bell before tomorrow, but another concern nagged at me, a question I hesitated to voice.


    "Do you wish to ask something?" Aisha probed, her smile broadening, eyes twinkling with mirth.


    "I need to know where I can find Bell. But something else troubles me. If the person Bell drew was Elsa, then why did Shu attempt suicide by jumping from the building?" I asked, my focus unwavering.


    "Bell is at the place of her origin, where she was created," Aisha answered, her smile unwavering.


    "What do you mean by that?" I pressed, my expression a mix of confusion and frustration.


    "Reflect on your memories; perhaps you''ll find the answer there," she suggested cryptically.


    Pondering her words, I felt a glimmer of understanding. Perhaps I had a rough idea of where to find Bell.


    "Now, answer my second question," I insisted, my ears attuned to her every word.


    "Oh, that was merely a coincidence. Shu''s situation was entirely different, unrelated to you. But one thing became clear," she paused, her voice dropping to a whisper, "you changed her fate."


    "How? What do you mean I changed her fate?" I demanded, seeking clarity.


    "Shu is a girl caught between strict parents who argue often. She is the glue holding them together, their love for her the only common ground. But in anger, people forget what''s important. Without effort, such relationships are doomed," Aisha explained, her tone somber as she approached me.


    She continued, her voice a soothing cadence, "When her parents are frustrated, they seek an outlet, and Shu becomes the unwilling recipient of their ire."


    Listening intently, I questioned her, "Who are you, exactly? How do you know all this? I understand Bell being a part of me, but you... you''re an enigma."


    "I can''t reveal that now, but rest assured, I''m here to help. You should wake up; time is not on your side," she said, her laughter light like a melody.


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    As she turned to leave, I called out to her. She paused, looking back at me.


    "I may not understand, but thank you for the information about Bell," I expressed my gratitude.


    She smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes, and then vanished into the ether.


    In the evening...


    "Um..." I yawned, stretching my limbs.


    "Ah, White, you''re awake. How do you feel?" Shu inquired, her voice laced with concern.


    "Where am I?" I asked, disoriented.


    "You fell unconscious while speaking to Zen about Miss Elsa. He''s gone to fetch some medicine," she informed me.


    "Hm... And you? Are you alright?" I asked, As the situation took a turn, I was unable to consider Shu¡¯s circumstances due to the incident involving Miss Elsa.


    "I''m... better than before," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.


    "Okay, we''ll talk later. There''s somewhere I need to be," I stated, urgency creeping into my tone.


    As I stood, Shu''s hand reached out, halting me.


    "Where are you going? You need rest. Zen will be back soon," she said, her voice tinged with worry.


    "Sorry... But I have to go. I must find that place, for Miss... Shu, please look after things here. I''ll return soon, I promise. And thank Zen for me," I pleaded, my resolve firm.


    I opened the door and rushed toward the place Aisha spoke of, the place where Bell was born, where my accident occurred, where I made my first wish.


    Reaching the deserted spot as evening fell, I took a deep breath and called out loudly,


    "Bell, you''re here, aren''t you? I can sense your presence. Listen, I''m truly sorry. I''ve said terrible things, unjustly accused you of deeds you''re innocent of. I... I need your help. Please, I implore you, return to me," I pleaded into the silence.


    But no answer came. Despair settled in my heart as I knelt, tears streaming down my face.


    Then, a soft whisper, "Pa...Pa," reached my ears from behind. Turning, I found Bell standing there, her eyes a well of forgiveness. "Bell... I... I''m sorry, please forgive me. I should never have uttered such harsh words. I need your help," I sobbed, my voice breaking. Bell stepped forward, wrapping me in an embrace that radiated warmth and solace. Her hand gently stroked my hair, her voice a soothing balm, assuring me she harbored no anger.


    In the calm that followed, I beseeched her, "Bell, listen closely. I have a wish, a plea for you to save Miss Elsa. It''s a task only you can accomplish. Please, help me."


    With those words, Bell''s eyes and hair began to glow, her visage taking on a divine aura as she closed her eyes in prayer. The transformation was startling; the little girl I knew appeared ethereal, a goddess in her own right.


    The light faded, and she slumped into my arms, exhausted. I realized then that while I had others to lean on, Bell had only me and Aisha. My concerns about the cost of my wish paled in comparison to the relief that Miss Elsa would live.


    Hoisting Bell onto my back, I made my way home. Outside my apartment, Zen and Shu awaited, worry etched on their faces.


    "Hey, White, where have you been? You always worry me. And what''s this about Miss Elsa? Is she alright?" Zen inquired, his voice laced with concern.


    "She was in an accident, but she''ll recover. We needn''t fret over her any longer," I reassured him, though a knot of worry lingered in my own heart.


    Our conversation was interrupted by a call from the hospital. The news was miraculous: Miss Elsa had awakened from her coma, out of danger at last.


    Together, Bell, Shu, Zen, and I rushed to the hospital. Entering Miss Elsa''s room, we found her sitting up, gazing out the window, lost in thought.


    Sensing us, she turned, her voice weak but clear, "Zen... come here," she beckoned.


    "Miss Elsa, no, Big Sis, I''m so grateful you''re safe. The fear of losing you too..." I choked out, tears welling anew.


    Her expression clouded with confusion, which I attributed to her recent emergence from the coma. She needed rest, I reasoned.


    "Sorry, but do I know you?" she asked, her words striking me like a blow.


    "What... What do you mean? It''s me, White. You remember me, don''t you? Stop joking," I stammered, disbelief and panic rising.


    "Sorry, but I don''t know you," she repeated, her gaze steady and unknowing.


    A heavy silence fell, broken only by Zen''s hesitant voice, "Ah... Zen... About these two, are they your friends?"


    ......To be continued

 Ch 12 Encounter

    "Here, sis, your morning breakfast. You''re going to love it," I said to Miss Elsa, who was perched delicately on her bed.


    "Ah... Thank you, White," she replied with a soft smile.


    "Don''t mention it, and remember, you can call me anytime if you need anything," I reassured her before stepping out of her Apartment room.


    It had been three days since Miss Elsa had awakened from her coma¡ªa miracle, according to the doctors, who had given her survival odds close to zero. She survived, yet the incident that led her to leap from the university building remained a blank in her memory...


    The price of my fervent wish for Elsa''s life was her memories of me. Upon awakening, she didn''t recognize me, though she did recognize Zen. The doctors were baffled; amnesia like hers was a medical anomaly. Typically, one would forget everything or significant portions of their life, but forgetting just one person seemed impossible.


    My heart sank when she failed to recognize me. We attempted to jog her memory, but to no avail. She kept apologizing for her lapse in memory, and eventually, we dropped the subject. Somehow, I found solace in the fact that this was better than losing her forever.


    Zen and Shu, ever the faithful friends, visited often to check on Miss Elsa. Her physical wounds were healing, but the memories of me remained elusive, like whispers in the wind.


    And as for Bell her energy is infectious, and her presence brightens every day. She was the key to Miss Elsa''s survival, and my gratitude for her¡ªand Aisha¡ªis boundless.


    As I reached for the door to close it, a voice echoed from the stairwell, "Waaaaaittttttt."


    The voice halted me, and I swung the door open again. Racing towards me was a girl with flowing black hair and piercing blue eyes, clad in her school uniform, clutching a bag.


    "Phew, made it just in time," she panted, a triumphant grin spreading across her face.


    "Aris?" I inquired, surprised.


    "The one and only," she declared, her voice bubbling with zest. "I''ve come straight from home to deliver this to Elsa, big sis." She handed me the bag, which I discovered was filled with fresh fruits and vegetables.


    "You know, White, it''s not fair that you and Zen bro wouldn''t let me see big sis," she pouted.


    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    I couldn''t help but smile teasingly. "Miss Elsa needs her rest, and if you were to meet her..."


    Her eyes widened. "Are you saying I''d trouble her?"


    I chuckled. "No, no, you can see her later. She''s having breakfast now, so... later."


    "Fine. So, White, you''re heading to school, right? I''ll wait; go get ready quickly," she urged.


    "I will, but don''t just stand there. Come wait in the living room; I''ll be ready soon."


    Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "Oh? Inviting a girl into your room? Do you like me that much?" she teased, giggling.


    I rolled my eyes. "I''m closing the door now," I said, feigning annoyance.


    As I began to close the door, she protested, "Wait, wait, wait! Don''t close it¡ªI''m coming in!"


    I relented and let her in. Bell was engrossed in a children''s show when Aris entered.


    "You still watch this, White? Grow up; you''re a high school student now," she chided.


    Her words made me realised about Bell''s presence. Bell looked at Aris curiously, then back at me, awaiting an explanation.


    "Ah, well... Yes, I enjoy this show. Can you keep it a secret?" I asked, hopeful.


    "Okay, but..." Aris pondered,


    then I struck a deal. "I will treat you to ice cream, and it''s a deal."


    "I''d prefer the new caf¨¦ near school," she countered.


    I sighed but agreed. "Alright, it''s a deal."


    I whispered to Bell, pretending to turn off the TV, "Bell, head to the bedroom; I''ll be there soon."


    Bell nodded and scampered off.


    "Aris, make yourself at home. If you need anything, feel free to use the fridge. I''ll be back shortly."


    In my room, Bell sat on the bed, her eyes filled with questions. "Papa, who is she? A friend?"


    "Yes, she''s the younger sister of the guy with yellow hair who visited Elsa. Her name is Aris, and she''s my junior at school."


    Bell''s face lit up with understanding.


    "Now, the real question is what to do with you," I pondered aloud.


    Bell gazed at me, her eyes wide and innocent.


    "It''s not wise to leave you alone, especially since Aisha hasn''t been around. How about you come to school with me?" I suggested.


    Bell''s excitement was palpable. "Yay! School with Papa!"


    As I packed my things, Aris, Bell, and I set off for school. The journey was filled with laughter and chatter, though Aris had to dash back home for a forgotten item.


    Upon reaching the school gates, a girl with short white hair and crimson eyes called out to me. I turned to find her smiling enigmatically.


    "You know, bringing a child to school isn''t exactly allowed," she said with a mysterious smile.


    Hearing her words, I stood frozen, a jolt of shock coursing through me. She could see Bell? But how? And who was this enigmatic girl with the ability to perceive the invisible?


    "Wait, you can see Bell?" I stammered, my voice a mix of disbelief and curiosity.


    She nodded, her crimson eyes gleaming with a knowing light. "Yes, I can see her. Surprised?" Her smile held secrets untold, and in that moment, I knew our encounter was no mere coincidence.


    "Who are you?" I asked, my mind racing with possibilities.


    She stepped closer, her presence commanding yet enigmatic. "Let''s just say, I have a special gift, one that allows me to see things others can''t. And Bell," she glanced at the child beside me, "is no exception."


    The revelation sent a shiver down my spine. This girl was a mystery, one that I was now compelled to unravel.

 Ch.13 Student Council President

    The girl with the silvery-white hair led me to the secluded schoolyard. A mix of confusion and curiosity swirled within me about this girl who could see Bell. No one else could, except for me. Perhaps she held the answers to my peculiar situation.


    As we entered the deserted yard, Bell clung to me, her grip tight on my pants, her eyes wide with fear of the mysterious girl before us.


    "Who are you, and what do you want from me?" I demanded.


    "Oh, my apologies for not introducing myself. My name is Luna, and you must be White," she replied, her voice gentle, her smile enigmatic.


    "Luna... you''re the school council president. How does someone of your stature know about an ordinary student like me?" I inquired, puzzled.


    She let out a soft giggle. "So you''ve heard of me. That saves time. And I know more about you than your friends Zen and Shu do," she confessed.


    Approaching me slowly, I instinctively stepped back. She knelt, reaching into her pocket.


    "Here, Bell, I have a gift for you. You like chocolate, right? Don''t worry, it''s untampered with," she offered, extending the treat to Bell, who peeked out from behind me.


    Bell looked to me, her eyes filled with trepidation. I nodded, and she hesitantly accepted the chocolate from Luna.


    Luna stroked Bell''s head gently. "You''re such a good girl," she praised, then stood, locking eyes with me, her smile unwavering.


    "Now, will you be a good boy and tell me more about Bell? I''ve been curious since the day I saw you ace your exam," she prodded.


    "What...?" Memories flooded back. The day after my unexpected success, I had felt a watchful presence. So it had been Luna.


    "It was quite the surprise when a boy with average grades suddenly excelled. That piqued my interest in meeting you. But more than that,when I saw an aura surrounding you," she explained, pausing as she began to walk away. Turning back, she added, "A dark aura, unlike any living human''s. It reminded me of the aura that surrounded my late grandfather, but yours... yours is the darkest and most immense I''ve ever seen."


    Her words left me reeling, yet my curiosity piqued. If she truly saw all and knew all, perhaps she could offer guidance. But first, I needed to gauge the extent of her knowledge.


    "You claim to know everything, but how can I trust you? Seeing Bell is one thing, but the rest... it doesn''t add up," I challenged.


    "Ah, you''re trying to trick me into giving you the answer with your clever words," she said, smiling.


    She''s sharp, and if I linger, she''ll soon realize that the bell is the key to fulfilling my wish, though not without a price. My curiosity is piqued, but for the bell''s sake, I must conceal this truth.


    "Enough of your nonsense; I think it''s time to go. Bell, let''s head back to school," I said, beginning to walk away with Bell.


    "You''re returning from a fatal accident, or should I say, from death itself," she spoke in a mysteriously calm tone.


    Her words stunned me, and as I turned to look at her, she walked past, then turned, leaning slightly, and said, "I suppose I''m right; you did die but somehow returned from the dead. That''s quite fascinating," she giggled.


    "How did you come to know this?" I asked, my voice trembling.


    "I told you, I know everything about you. If you wish to learn more, come see me whenever you''re free," she replied with a smile, her eyes gently closing and hand me a paper.


    After handing me a paper, she walked away. I read it and then tucked it into my bag.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "Papa, who is she? She''s frightening," Bell said.


    "I''m not sure who she is either, but don''t worry, I''m here with you. Just be cautious around her," I reassured Bell.


    She nodded, and we continued our walk to my classroom. Luna''s words echoed in my mind. How could she know so much? If she''s telling the truth, I might have to visit her after school.


    Lost in thought, I opened the classroom door, and Bell hopped onto my desk, excited and curious, taking in her surroundings.


    "Good morning, White," greeted Zen and Shu.


    I was so deep in thought about whether to meet Luna that I didn''t hear their greetings. Zen noticed and playfully slapped my head.


    "Ouch! Hey, that hurts," I exclaimed, tears welling up in one eye, while Bell gently patted my head.


    "We said hello, but you didn''t respond. I thought you might be asleep and needed waking," Zen explained.


    "Who wakes someone up like that?" I protested loudly.


    "White, you seem deeply troubled. If something''s bothering you, we''re here to help," Shu said with concern.


    "Well... there is something. Do you know anything about Luna, our Student Council President?" I inquired, hoping to learn more about her.


    Zen gave me a sly look and teased, "You''re turning into quite the ladies'' man, asking about every girl. Now you''re interested in the Student Council President?"


    "What? You... you like her?" Shu stammered, looking down nervously.


    "Pa... what does ''like'' mean?" Bell asked, her gaze innocent and puzzled.


    "I think I''ll seek answers elsewhere," I said, standing up, annoyed by their teasing.


    "Wait, I was only joking!" Zen quickly said.


    I sat back down as Bell wandered around the classroom, pretending to be an airplane. I watched her while listening to Zen and Shu.


    "Regarding the Student Council President, there are some rumors I''ve heard," Zen said thoughtfully.


    "Rumors? What kind of rumors?" I pressed.


    "You haven''t heard? They''re quite well-known," Zen replied, implying even Shu was aware of them, despite not having many friends.


    "No, I haven''t. So, what are these rumors?" I asked, eager to know more.


    "It''s rumored that she can achieve any result she desires, by any means necessary. Even the teachers are wary of her," Shu whispered, his voice barely audible.


    Zen nodded gravely. "I''ve heard she''s expelled students for minor infractions, wielding her power as council president ruthlessly. It''s best to steer clear of her."


    The tales spun by Zen and Shu painted a chilling portrait of Luna. She was a force to be reckoned with, a storm best avoided. Yet, if she had taken an interest in Bell, what then?


    Suddenly, a classmate''s scream pierced the air. "What''s going on? Why are the chalks floating, drawing a butterfly on the board?"


    I turned to see Bell, the artist behind the airborne chalk, sketching on the board.


    "Wait, you there! I told you not to cause trouble, and here you are..." My words trailed off as I realized the entire class was staring at me, puzzled about who I was admonishing.


    "White?" Shu asked, confusion etched on his face.


    "Ah, sorry, Zen, Shu. I need to use the restroom," I stammered.


    I scooped up Bell and dashed out of the classroom, racing to the rooftop sanctuary.


    "Bell, listen carefully. Don''t cause trouble, and don''t touch anything without my permission," I instructed firmly.


    She gazed up at me, her eyes wide and innocent. "Okay, papa," she murmured. I patted her head and turned to leave, only to be greeted by Aris''s waving hand.


    "White, over here!" she called out, her smile beaming with energy.


    "You made it on time. I was worried you''d be late. What did you forget?" I inquired.


    Her grin turned mischievous. "Oh, you''re curious? Concerned about me, are you?" she teased.


    I brushed past her, ignoring the bait. "Wait, White!" she called after me.


    "It was just my notebook, nothing more," she admitted, halting my escape by grasping my hand.


    I sighed. "Sometimes, it feels like I''m dealing with two Zens," I remarked.


    She quickly changed the subject. "We''re still going out after school, right?"


    "Where to?" I asked, my mind racing.


    "You''ve forgotten already? You promised to treat me if I kept your secrets."


    "Ah, now I remember. But can we postpone? I have some work to do," I pleaded, clasping my hands together.


    She pouted, then relented. "Fine, but only if you double my treat."


    "Agreed. I''ll treat you and buy you something as an apology," I conceded.


    "Deal," she said, her smile triumphant.


    I left her and returned to class with Bell. As the school day ended and Zen left for practice, I packed my things.


    "White, can we walk home together?" Shu asked hopefully.


    "Sorry, Shu, I have another commitment, and then I must return to my part-time job. I''ve taken too many leaves already," I explained.


    She nodded understandingly. "It''s okay. I''ll see you tomorrow."


    As she began to walk away, I called out. "Shu, about your situation with your parents, if you want, I can talk to them..."


    She stopped me with a smile. "I''ll face them myself. No one can help me if I don''t take the first step. But if I need help, you''ll be there, right?"


    "Always," I assured her.


    With that, she left, and it was time to meet the President. I steeled myself and approached the room noted in her message¡ªa clubroom labeled ''Paranormal Club.''


    I took a deep breath and opened the door. Luna sat there, facing the entrance as if expecting me.


    "Welcome, White. I''ve been waiting for you and Bell," she greeted, her smile enigmatic.

 Ch.14 Paranormal Club

    "Welcome to the Paranormal Club," Luna said with a serene voice that belied the room''s eerie atmosphere. "I''ve been waiting for you. I knew you would come, so I prepared some tea for us. Please, come and sit."


    Her calm certainty sent a shiver down my spine. How could she have known I would come? The rumors I''d heard about her echoed in my mind, urging caution.


    As I entered with Bell, the tension was palpable. The room hardly resembled a club at all, its shadows and oddities looming like silent spectators.


    Luna gracefully poured tea for Bell and me, her movements deliberate. "You seem troubled, but rest assured, the tea is pure. And do try the cookies," she offered with a gentle smile.


    She took her seat, closed her eyes, and savored a sip of tea in silence.


    The air grew thick with unspoken words. I struggled to find my voice under the weight of her presence.


    "Hmmm... Papa, these cookies are delicious! Look, they''re even different colors," Bell exclaimed, her hands eagerly exploring the assortment.


    Luna''s eyes flickered open, a hint of amusement in her gaze. "Bell, help yourself to as many as you like. And Papa," she continued, turning to me, "it seems Bell has taken to calling you ''Dad.'' That''s quite interesting."


    While Bell delighted in her tea and treats, I broached the subject that had been gnawing at me. "I... I never knew we had a paranormal club at our school," I said cautiously.


    "It''s an unofficial club, founded by me. I''m its sole member, so it''s natural that the students are unaware of it," she replied, her voice as soft as the light from the flickering candles.


    "And why did you start this club?" I inquired.


    Luna''s eyes seemed to pierce through the veils of reality as she answered, "As you know I possess a gift, you see. My eyes can perceive what others cannot."


    Intrigued, I leaned forward. "Beyond Bell, is there anything else invisible to us that you can see?"


    She smiled enigmatically, setting her teacup down with a soft clink. "Many things," she whispered, "but that''s a story for another time."


    "I find you personally fascinating," she confessed, her voice tinged with intrigue. "The aura surrounding you is dark and vast. It''s as if you haven''t perished, yet you have..." Her words trailed off, leaving a silence heavy with implication.


    I held my tongue, wary that any slip could spell danger for Bell.


    "I presume you''re not inclined to divulge this to me," she mused, glancing at Bell. "Yet, there''s an undeniable link between your predicament and Bell."


    Her rapid deduction was alarming. Despite our brief acquaintance, her insight was unnerving.


    "May I inquire if you''re aware of why Bell is here with me? Why is she invisible to others?" I ventured.


    "Truth be told, I''m as much in the dark as you are," she admitted. "Bell''s human-like presence is unique among the phenomena I''ve encountered, which led me to establish this club¡ªto unravel such mysteries. And you, it seems, hold the key."


    "But I''m clueless," I protested.


    That wasn''t entirely honest. To my knowledge, Bell was an entity born from my wish. Yet, her very existence remained shrouded in mystery, with Aisha consistently evasive about anything beyond Bell being a part of me.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "You''re withholding the truth," she accused, her gaze piercing. "You fear the repercussions for Bell."


    "Hey¡­ don''t say my daddy tells fibs; he always tells the truth. I thought you were a nice big sister, but you''re not being very nice," she told Luna, her voice small but firm.


    Luna offered Bell a conciliatory smile and a gentle pat. "My apologies, Bell. But it''s clear your papa cherishes you deeply." Turning to me, she added, "I yearn to understand Bell''s story, but it seems patience is required¡ªuntil you''re ready to share, or I uncover it myself."


    With that, she rose, her bag slung over her shoulder, and strode towards the club''s exit. Pausing at the door, she offered a cryptic smile. "From what I''ve gathered, there''s a profound connection between your miraculous survival and Bell''s existence."


    Her smile widened, enigmatic and knowing. "And as you might have heard, when I desire something, I stop at nothing to obtain it."


    She held the door open, waiting for Bell and me to pass before securing the club behind us. "White, I must attend to student council duties, but our paths will cross again. Take good care of Bell; after all, you are her father."


    With those parting words, she departed. I stood motionless, contemplating. I had come seeking answers about my own enigma, yet in questioning her about Bell''s existence, it became evident that Luna, too, was searching for clarity.


    After escorting Bella to the apartment, she was overcome with sleepiness, a side effect of the day''s excitement. "Wait here for me," I instructed, as I prepared to step out. She yearned to accompany me, but I gently refused. Leaving her behind, I ventured to the pizza shop where I once worked part-time. Since my accident, I hadn''t been able to continue, but with Mrs. Elsa''s recovery ongoing and my savings dwindling, I was hopeful they might have a job for me.


    Upon reaching the counter, I was greeted by Chris, my former senior and the shop''s manager. He had once pursued college but had to drop out after his father''s passing. I held immense respect for him; he was akin to an elder brother.


    "Hey, White, long time no see. Where have you been? You vanished without a word, and we''ve been swamped here," he chided gently.


    "Ah, sorry, Brother Chris. I... well, I had some matters to attend to, and my phone was stolen, so I couldn''t call," I stammered, fabricating an excuse. I couldn''t bear to worry him with tales of my accident.


    "Umm... Is there any chance you have a job for me? My savings are nearly gone," I inquired, hopeful.


    "Of course, you''ve come at the perfect time. We''ve just taken on a new part-timer today; perhaps you could show her the ropes," he suggested warmly.


    "Thank you, Brother Chris. I''ll give it my all and won''t let you down," I promised.


    I changed into my uniform in the staff room and headed back to the counter, only to be approached by a familiar voice. "Umm... hello, I''m new here. Mr. Chris mentioned you''d show me the basics."


    Turning around, I recognized the voice instantly. It was Aris, the ''fresher'' Chris had mentioned.


    "Aris, what brings you here, and to a part-time job at that?" I asked, surprised.


    "Ah... Ah... White..." She stammered, attempting to conceal her face, but it was too late. "Well, the allowance from my parents ran out, and I need money," she confessed quietly.


    "But if Zen finds out, he''ll be furious, you know that," I warned her.


    "Yes, I''m aware! But I don''t want to depend on him all the time. He tends to overreact, just like Mom. Please, White, don''t tell him about this," she pleaded.


    "Alright, if you''re set on being independent. But you know the night shift isn''t safe. The customers can be unpredictable," I cautioned, concern lacing my words.


    "It''s only 8 PM, not quite night yet. Besides, this is the only time I can work, what with club activities ending after 4 PM and homework to do," she reasoned.


    "And your parents and Zen?" I probed.


    "I told them I''d be studying at a friend''s house, so they''re okay with it. I also said Zen might pick me up from there later since it''s close by," she explained.


    I pondered whether to inform Zen or not, my gaze fixed on her.


    "Please, White, please... Oh, I have an idea!" She suddenly exclaimed.


    "What''s the deal?" I inquired, curious.


    "Heh, I''ll give you my personal photo collection. I''ve never uploaded these¡ªlook, some are really cute. You''d like this one, right?" she offered, confident in her bargaining chip.


    I hesitated, then dialed Zen''s number. "Hello, Zen, there''s something you should know..."


    "Stop!" she cried, snatching my phone and ending the call.


    "Sorry, sorry, I was just kidding. I''ll do anything, just please don''t tell Zen," she begged.


    I sighed, weighing my options, then relented. "Okay, but promise me you''ll wait for your brother to pick you up from your friend''s house. And I''ll drop you off there each night; you mustn''t go alone, agreed?"


    "Yay! I knew you''d understand. I love you, White!" she exclaimed, her joy uncontainable.


    "Sure, sure. But remember, at the counter, I''m your senior. Take my instructions seriously and work diligently," I reminded her firmly.

 Ch.15 Memories

    "Great job, Aris! Here''s some juice for you," I said, handing over the can with a smile.


    "Thanks, Sir," she replied, her gratitude shining through her eyes.


    "You''re a quick learner, unlike someone else I know," I teased, thinking of Zen. "You''re quite renowned in your grade, but I must admit, I didn''t expect this level of skill from you."


    Aris chuckled, closing her eyes in mock annoyance. "I''m not that famous. It''s mostly because of my brother Zen. He''s the ideal man, at least to other girls. But to me, he''s just¡­ Zen."


    I nodded in agreement. "Well, he is one of the best players on our school''s basketball team, so his fame isn''t too surprising."


    "Yeah, but aside from basketball and games, he''s pretty useless," she quipped.


    "Come on, he''s your big brother. You should be proud of him," I encouraged.


    "Well¡­ if you say so," she conceded with a reluctant grin.


    Aris has always been like this since I met her and Zen. Zen is a tad overprotective of his sister, which often annoys her, especially when he scares off her friends. But deep down, I know she loves her brother, even if she won''t admit it.


    Catching her eye, I grinned, lost in thought.


    "What? Why are you giving me that look? Don''t tell me you''re bringing this up just to let my guard down and make a move," she teased.


    In response, I playfully performed a karate chop on her head. "Did you say something? I didn''t hear you," I joked.


    "No, no, not at all, sir," she quickly backtracked, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.


    Glancing at the clock, I realized it was nearly 10. Zen would be visiting Aris''s friend''s house soon, and I had left Bell and Miss Elsa alone at home. Concern washed over me.


    "Let''s pack up; it''s almost time. Zen will be at your friend''s house shortly, and we need to get there before him," I urged.


    We left and made our way to Aris''s friend''s house.


    "Thank you for the company, White," she said, bowing respectfully.


    After bidding her farewell, I slowly made my way back to my apartment. The door was locked, so I used my keys to open it.


    As the door swung open, I heard cheerful voices coming from the living room. Bell must be watching TV, I thought. I had brought pudding, knowing she would love it. I walked into the living room.


    "Bell, look what I''ve brought for you!" I announced, only to stop in my tracks as I saw Bell playing with Aisha.


    "Papa! Welcome back! What''s this?" Bell ran towards me, grabbing the bag.


    "Pudding! Yayyy! Look, Aisha, Papa brought us pudding!" she exclaimed, jumping with joy and showing the pudding to Aisha.


    "It''s good for you, Bell. See, just as I said, your Papa always takes care of you," Aisha said, looking at me with a knowing smile.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Right, Papa?" Aisha giggled as Bell dashed to the kitchen for spoons.


    I sighed. "So, what''s the matter now? What have I done this time?" I asked Aisha.


    She always seemed to have something to tell me, and it was rarely good news.


    "Ara, I never said you did anything wrong," she mused, striking a thoughtful pose. "Ah, right¡­ You left Bell alone here. What if someone broke in?"


    "Nothing would happen. No one can see Bell except for me. So, out with it. What do you need to tell me?" I pressed her.


    I had to keep it a secret that I met someone who could see Bell. It could be dangerous for Luna if Aisha found out.


    "Hey, that''s very rude, you know. I may not be human, but I have a heart too!" she protested.


    "Yeah, yeah, and?" I prodded, eager to get to the point.


    She heaved a sigh and said, "I thought after our many encounters, you''d see me as a friend, but you remain guarded." She paused, then smiled teasingly, "You know, when you thanked me for helping you, what you said was, ''Thank you, Aisha, the most reliable and beautiful. I will always be grateful to you.''"


    "I never said that!" I protested.


    She giggled, "Oh, right. You met someone today, didn''t you?"


    "What¡­ what are you talking about? I met no one," I answered hesitantly.


    "Don''t lie to me. I know very well. Was her name Luna? And she can see Bell? That''s surprising to me too," she said, her smile unwavering.


    Damn it, how does Aisha know about Luna? It''s not right. Luna may be smart and intelligent, but there are things that don''t make sense, things that humans can''t handle and against Aisha, She can''t do anything either.


    My expression turned serious, and as Aisha observed my deep thought, she reassured, "Don''t worry, I''m not as evil as you think. If she can only see Bell, it''s not a big deal. And you need to check on Elsa too, right?"


    "You came here just to confirm that; honestly, there''s nothing more you wish to say." I asked


    "What do you think of me?I consider you a friend, regardless of whether you feel the same. And yes, since the bell is with you, I can visit anytime I want, not merely to cause you trouble," she said with a pouting face.


    Just then, Bell interrupted, running towards Aisha with pudding in hand.


    "Here, Aisha, big sis, your pudding. And Papa, I''ll get yours too," she said cheerfully.


    "Ah, Bell, enjoy this with Aisha. I''ll go and meet Miss Elsa, okay?" I replied.


    "Okay," she agreed.


    With that, I left to find Elsa. I knocked on the door of her apartment.


    "Miss Elsa, if you''re not asleep, I''ve brought puddings," I announced as I opened the door.


    She was studying, glasses perched on her nose. Seeing me, she slowly removed them.


    "Ah, White, welcome back from your part-time job," she greeted with a smile.


    "Yes, and I''ve brought you this pudding. You''ll love it," I offered.


    "Thank you, White. And there''s something I want you to see," she said, her smile energetic as she held up a notebook.


    "A notebook? Is there something written in it?" I inquired.


    "It''s the diary I was writing before the amnesia. I''ve written everything in here," she explained.


    "That''s wonderful. You might recover from amnesia by reading about the things you''ve forgotten," I said, hopeful.


    It wasn''t exactly amnesia, though. She hadn''t lost her memories; everything that had happened to her was still there. The only parts she''d forgotten were me and the accident.


    "I remember reading in this diary about small incidents involving you, but¡­" She paused, sadness in her eyes. "I don''t know how to say this, but the memories I shared with you, written in this diary, feel like they belong to a different person. I¡­ I''m sorry," she apologized.


    "Don''t apologize, Miss Elsa. Don''t force yourself to remember. It doesn''t matter whether you have memories of me or not. I''m just happy that we can make new memories to share and enjoy," I assured her, though deep down, I felt disappointed.


    "Big Sister¡­" she began.


    "What?" I asked.


    "You know, whenever you call me ''big sister,'' it feels warm and familiar. Could you please stop calling me ''Miss Elsa'' and just call me ''sister''?" she requested.


    "Yes, Big Sister. I''ll always remember that," I promised.


    After wishing her goodnight, I left. She seemed happy as we talked about the little things, and I felt relieved seeing Miss Elsa''s recovery progress so quickly. As I walked, a message pinged on my mobile. It was from Aris.


    "Thank you for today. I managed to slip back home undetected. Zen spent the whole time fussing over my late-night studies, but I just tuned him out. He''s such a worrywart. Oh, and I almost forgot¡ªdon''t forget our deal after school tomorrow, okay?" she texted with a hint of mischief.

 Ch.16 Morning tea

    As the morning light filtered through the curtains, I felt a comforting warmth enveloping me. Gently opening my eyes, I found Bell, her innocent features softened in sleep, nestled beside me. Her serene expression and the peaceful rise and fall of her chest filled the room with a sense of tranquility. As I reached out to stroke her hair, a sudden awareness of being watched washed over me. Turning my gaze, I caught Aisha leaning against the doorway, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.


    "Oh, carry on," she teased, barely containing her laughter.


    A wave of embarrassment crashed over me, and in a flustered attempt to divert her attention, I blurted out, "It''s not what you''re thinking! What brings you here at this ungodly hour?"


    "Shhh," she whispered, her finger pressed to her lips. "Let''s not wake Bell. She''s in such a peaceful slumber. Come, let''s talk in the living room."


    Treading lightly, I followed her, careful not to disturb the quietude of the room. Aisha was already seated on the floor, her eyes closed in a moment of repose, as I entered. Sensing my presence, she opened her eyes and declared, "I could use a cup of tea to start the day."


    "And what am I, your servant?" I retorted, half-joking. "Besides, you hardly need sustenance from this world, do you?"


    Her laughter filled the room, a clear, melodious sound. "I may assist you, but that doesn''t mean you can''t return the favor," she said, her eyes twinkling. "And you''re mistaken about one thing¡ªI am very much of this world, and I was once human, too."


    I paused, the teapot in hand. "Wait, what did you just say?"


    The revelation left me reeling. It was the first time Aisha had ever hinted at a past humanity. If true, it only added layers to the enigma of her existence.


    "How did you... If you were once human, then what are you now? And what exactly did Luna see?" I pressed, seeking clarity.


    Aisha stood, her movements graceful and deliberate. "I can''t divulge everything; there are rules, after all. But I can tell you this¡ªwe are anomalies, beings that defy the natural order of this world."


    She stepped closer, and I could feel the air around us charge with an unspoken tension.


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    "You mentioned something earlier that you shouldn''t have," she continued, her voice a mere whisper. "I wasn''t aware Luna can also see others things also aside bell. I assumed Bell''s bright aura made her visible, or perhaps it''s because she shares a part of you¡ªa part of humanity but, other beings That''s intriguing."


    I cursed under my breath. My careless words had potentially endangered Luna. I needed to be more cautious, to steer clear of topics that could draw her further into this world of shadows.


    "You won''t harm her, will you?" The question hung between us, heavy with concern.


    Aisha simply smiled, her gaze softening. "Worry not. But first, my tea?"


    With a sigh, I poured the tea and took a seat opposite her. An awkward silence settled, punctuated only by the soft clinking of porcelain. Questions burned on the tip of my tongue, but I dared not voice them, for fear of what truths might slip out next.


    The bedroom door swung open, and there stood Bell, rubbing her sleepy eyes.


    "Good morning, Papa... umm... big sister Aisha? What brings you here?"


    "Oh, a delightful morning to you, Bell. As you can see, I''m having a lovely chat with your papa," Aisha replied, her smile beaming at Bell.


    Bell scampered over and climbed onto my lap. "Let me join! I want to be part of it too!"


    "Absolutely, Bell. I''ll chat and play with you until your papa returns from school, alright? And White, you need to head to school as well," Aisha said, giving me a playful wink.


    "Well... Yes, I''d be late if I kept chatting with you, Bell, and Aisha. Perhaps we can continue later, okay?" I suggested to Bell.


    "Okay," she murmured, her head drooping, a shadow of sadness in her eyes¡ªperhaps feeling lonely because I couldn''t spend more time with her.


    I gently patted her head. "Bell, don''t be downhearted. I have an idea! How about a picnic this weekend? We''ll play games and prepare our lunch together, okay?" I reassured her.


    "Really! Can Aisha sis join us too?" She looked up at me with those irresistible puppy eyes.


    "Ah... well," I hesitated, glancing at Aisha, signaling her not to commit, but she seemed puzzled and then declared,


    "Of course, Bell! Your big sister will make sure to join you and share in the joy," Aisha said, and Bell leaped up, bubbling with happiness, while Aisha gave me a reassuring thumbs up.


    "That wasn''t quite the signal I was giving," I muttered under my breath.


    "Hmm?" Bell looked puzzled.


    "Ah... Don''t fret. Oh dear, I''m going to be late. Aisha, could you kindly entertain Bell while I get ready?" I asked Aisha.


    After preparing myself and ensuring Miss Elsa was fine, who assured me not to worry about her, I glanced at Bell, who was engrossed in the TV. My concern grew¡ªwould it be alright to leave her alone? Aisha approached and reassured me, "Don''t fret over Bell; I''ll look after her."


    "I''m curious, do you need something from me? You''ve never shown much concern before, but now you''re acting quite friendly¡ªit''s suspicious," I inquired.


    Her usual indifference had shifted, and now she was engaging with me and Bell more than ever. There had to be a reason behind it.


    She looked at me, feigning shock, then smiled. "What if I said there might be something I require?" she teased.


    "I knew it! You never lend a hand without a reason. So, what is it?" I pressed.


    "That''s a secret. For now, think of it as a favor I''m doing for you, and I''ll call in a favor when I need one. Now hurry along, or you''ll be late for school," she said with a sly grin.


    Her talk of favors concerned me, but with school awaiting, I had no time to dwell on it. I left the apartment, pondering her words. When she had asked for tea, she mentioned, "once I was human too." If she was once human, what could have happened to turn her into a spirit-like being?


    As I reached the school gates, someone called out my name and approached.


    "Good morning, White. I''ve been waiting for you," she greeted me warmly.


    The girl was none other than the student council president, ready to start the day.

 CH.17 The Council President鈥檚 Invitation

    "Welcome, I''ve been waiting for you," she said, her voice cutting through the cacophony of whispers that filled the hallway. The crowd''s eyes were fixed on us, their murmurs painting a picture of curiosity and speculation. Why would the Council President, known for her strictness and rumored to suspend students on a whim, seek out an ordinary student like me? Their hushed tones seemed to suggest I was her next target.


    Noticing my discomfort amid the sea of stares, she clapped her hands sharply, commanding silence with a simple gesture. A hush fell over the crowd; it was evident that her presence commanded respect¡ªor perhaps fear¡ªfrom everyone in the school.


    Taking a deep breath, she addressed the onlookers with a stern yet composed tone. "It seems some students have ample free time to eavesdrop on others'' conversations. Such behavior could infringe upon the rights of your peers, don''t you think?" Her gaze swept over the students, sharp and discerning, yet her lips curled into a smile that didn''t quite reach her eyes.


    As if on cue, the crowd began to disperse, leaving us in a sudden pocket of privacy.


    "Perhaps you could use a little break," she suggested, her tone softer now. "I wanted to have a word with you. Would you mind joining me in the club room after school?" Without waiting for my response, she turned on her heel and strode away, leaving a trail of intrigue in her wake.


    I stood there for a moment, processing the unexpected invitation. What could the Council President possibly want with me this time? With a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, I made my way to the classroom.


    As I sat at my desk, lost in thought, Zen and Shu approached me in a rush.


    "Hey, are you alright? Did the President do anything to you?" Zen asked with concern.


    "Ah... Ye...." I began, but Zen interrupted me.


    "I told you to stay away from her, but you didn''t listen to my advice," Zen said sternly.


    "Ah.. no, that''s not..." I tried to clarify, but Shu cut in.


    "White, you were asking about her yesterday. Did something happen? If so, tell us; maybe we can help," she said, her voice laced with worry.


    "Well, yester......." My response was cut short as Aris made her entrance into our classroom, standing beside her brother Zen.


    "What did you do that made the president herself come to the school entrance to punish you?" she asked, gripping both my hands.


    Shu looked at me, her expression a mix of curiosity and shock. "Ummm.....You are?" she inquired, eager yet apprehensive.


    "I am his future wife," Aris declared bluntly, her gaze fixed on Shu.


    "Wh... Whatttt?" Shu''s eyes darted between me and Aris in disbelief.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Zen, standing behind Aris, thumped her on the head with his fist. Aris winced, trying to soothe the pain by pressing her hair with both hands, a soft whimper escaping her lips.


    "Maybe this will teach you a lesson. I''ve told you many times not to make such jokes; they can lead to misunderstandings," Zen chided.


    Internally, I mused, ''Nice, Zen. For once, you played the part of a good brother, albeit a small one.''


    "But, Zen brother..." Aris began, only to be interrupted as Zen placed a hand on her shoulder, his eyes serious.


    "I''ll say this once, and listen carefully, okay? White isn''t interested in girls. You know he was ga...." Before he could finish, I punched him on the head with my fist.


    "I was wrong to think you might actually have a good side, not just as a human, but as a brother," I retorted, watching Zen try to alleviate his pain by pressing his head.


    "Shu, you don''t need to listen to them," I said, turning to Shu, who stood in shock, murmuring to herself.


    "White is a gaaaaa..." she mumbled, her voice trailing off.


    "Hey, you don''t need to listen to them," I reassured her.


    As the school returned to its usual buzz, Zen decided it was time for introductions. "Shu, meet Aris, my younger sister," he said with a smile.


    Aris stepped forward with a confident grin. "Hey there, I''m Aris. You might have heard about me¡ªI''m pretty well-known in the junior class," she declared, her pride evident in her voice.


    Shu blinked in surprise, her response tinged with embarrassment. "Oh... um, I''m sorry, but I haven''t," she admitted, then quickly added, "I''m Shu, a friend of your brother Zen," trying to mask her nervousness.


    Aris''s brow furrowed in confusion. "Really? You''ve never heard of me? But why, and how...?" she mumbled, her thoughts trailing off as she spoke to herself.


    Shu attempted to bridge the gap, "I''m sorry, it''s just that I don''t really have many friends," but Aris seemed lost in her own world.


    Zen intervened, "You don''t need to explain," he reassured Shu before turning to me. "So, what''s the latest with the president?" he inquired curiously.


    I hesitated, the truth on the tip of my tongue. "Well, not much. I met her yesterday. She wanted to discuss something about..." I paused, contemplating the wisdom of full disclosure.


    Choosing discretion, I continued, "Yeah, she needs my help with something," I offered vaguely.


    Zen raised an eyebrow. "But why does she need your help? There are plenty of brilliant students at school¡ªwhy you?" he pressed.


    I pondered for a moment before responding, "She''s curious about how I managed to score 100 on the last test. As an average student, she believes I can provide insight into how others might improve themselves. She''s looking to assist other students."


    "That''s it?" all three echoed in unison.


    "Yes, she wants to meet so she can extend help to others," I explained, hoping my excuse would hold.


    Zen let out a sigh of relief. "Good, I was worried you''d be her next target," he said.


    Shu nodded in agreement, "I was concerned too, but if that''s the reason, then it''s fine. It''s a bit odd that she wants to help others, though. Maybe the rumors aren''t true," she pondered.


    As Shu spoke, the bell signaling the start of the first period rang, prompting everyone to take their seats. Zen and Shu headed to their desks, and just before Aris departed, she leaned in with a plea.


    "Please, keep my job a secret from Zen, okay?" she whispered and then hurried away.


    The final bell of the day rang out across the school.


    As usual, Zen made his way to his club, and Shu left to visit her grandmother. Alone with my thoughts, I decided it was time to meet Luna. She had mentioned she''d be in the club room. Upon arrival, I found her seated comfortably, sipping her tea. She greeted me warmly and poured a cup for me as well.


    "So, what did you want to talk about?" I inquired.


    Luna glanced around, seemingly searching for someone. "Well, I just need to confirm something, but first, where''s Bell?" she asked.


    "I left her at home; she was a bit of trouble yesterday," I replied.


    Luna nodded, then hesitated. "Ah, what I wanted to say is..."

 Ch.18 Gifted Eyes

    "There is one thing bothering me, and I want to confirm this," she said with a smile, her sharp eyes fixed on me.


    "What?" I was cautious, knowing that I must not reveal any information that might be dangerous.


    "Yesterday and the day before, I felt something¡ªsomething unusual. But when I think about it, it must be the case," she continued.


    "What are you saying? You''re just babbling nonsense," I replied.


    "Hmm... Is Bell somehow connected to you?"  she asked, her gaze unwavering.


    "How would I know? She''s still a mystery to me as well," I excused myself. I knew that Bell was a part of me, but revealing that to Luna might drag her into this tangled web, and I wanted to avoid that.


    "Let me rephrase the question. What if I told you that Bell doesn''t have her own existence? That she''s just a part of you?" Luna smiled and took a sip from her tea.


    Her words sent a shiver down my spine. How had she noticed this so quickly? Luna had peculiar eyes, capable of seeing things others couldn''t, but that didn''t explain how she could ascertain this so swiftly.


    Setting her cup down, she locked eyes with me. "Your aura is completely different from other human beings, and I''ve seen the same aura from Bell. Somehow, it feels like she''s connected to her core."


    I was stunned. Luna was far smarter than people gave her credit for. She had only met me and Bell once, yet she had already unraveled this secret. But now I faced a dilemma: should I hide this from Aisha? She was curious about Luna''s situation, and if Luna continued to uncover truths one by one, I feared what Aisha might do.


    As Luna¡¯s words lingered in the air, each syllable heavy with revelation. Her piercing gaze cut through me, probing my innermost thoughts, and I couldn¡¯t help but wonder how much she truly understood. The room seemed to shrink, the walls inching closer, as if they were eavesdropping on our conversation.


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Luna reclined, her fingers dancing along the teacup¡¯s edge. ¡°Bell,¡± she began, ¡°is not a separate being. She¡¯s a piece of you, spun into being by some celestial loom. A mirror image, perhaps.¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re suggesting she¡¯s a part of me?¡± I asked so I can ensure myself how much she know


    ¡°No, she¡¯s not merely a part,¡± Luna clarified. ¡°Rather, she¡¯s akin to a parallel existence. A silhouette cast by your very soul.¡±


    ¡°But why?¡± I pressed. ¡°Do you know the answers? Have you found out Bell''s existence reason?¡±


    Luna¡¯s expression softened. ¡°Well unfortunately, I don''t know this ,But your aura¡ªthe essence that envelops you¡ªit harmonizes with hers.¡±


    I clutched the table¡¯s edge, my thoughts racing. Bell, my cryptic ally, had always been shrouded in mystery. Her abrupt emergence baffled me.


    ¡°And what if I said what you¡¯re saying is true?¡± I asked maybe I can get more information about it


    Luna leaned in, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. ¡°That¡¯s the fascinating part. When two souls converge, they have the power to shift destiny. To rewrite the script. Maybe Bell isn¡¯t just a mere reflection; maybe she¡¯s the key to unveiling something.¡±


    This situation isn''t good. Luna has quickly ascertained that Bell possesses powers, but she still doesn''t fully understand the extent of those abilities. I need to be more cautious around her, but first, I must change the topic.


    I asked, hoping to shift the conversation, "Regarding the other things you can see, could you tell me a little more about them?"


    Luna paused, took a sip, and replied, "As I mentioned before, Bell is the only spirit¡ªusing that term to describe what I perceive¡ªin human form that I can see. Additionally, I see auras around people, which reveal information about their behavior."


    Perplexed, I asked, "What do you mean? I''m having trouble following."


    Luna explained, "For instance, an angry person emits a red aura, while a sad person''s aura appears gray."


    Curious, I recalled our initial meeting. "You also mentioned something else," I said. "What was it?"


    Luna hesitated, then continued, "This will be my last answer on the topic. Sometimes, when human emotions take a drastic turn, their auras transform into strange creatures. Often, these creatures fade over time. However, if the emotional form persists, they..." Her words were interrupted by a voice.


    "Then those emotional creatures consume their host."


    As Luna and I turned toward the voice, Aisha sat at the corner desk, one hand supporting her face. The revelation hung heavily in the air.

 CH.19 Vice President & Secretary

    Luna''s heart raced as she faced the mysterious woman who had materialized out of thin air. The room, once empty except for Luna and me, now held an otherworldly presence. Aisha''s eyes bore into Luna''s, and the air crackled with tension.


    "Who¡­ Who are you?¡± Luna¡¯s voice quivered, but her eyes held an unexpected resolve. She faced Aisha, the enigmatic stranger who had materialized in our room. The air crackled with tension, yet Luna¡¯s fear seemed tempered by curiosity maybe it was because of her eyes, she used to this kind of things


    Aisha''s lips curved into a wicked smile. "Well, well, well," she drawled. "You''re quite clever, Luna. Your deduction skills are commendable." She stepped closer, her movements fluid, almost ethereal. "You''ve reached a conclusion that most would dismiss as impossible."


    Luna''s mind raced. How did this stranger know her name? And why did her presence send shivers down Luna''s spine? "You... How do you know my name, and..." Luna''s words trailed off as Aisha interrupted.


    "My name is Aisha," she said, her voice melodic yet chilling. "And You look tired maybe you should take a little nap,Goodnight." With a flick of her finger, Aisha touched Luna''s forehead, and darkness enveloped her. Luna fell unconscious.


    As I caught Luna, my heart pounding. "What was that?" I demanded, my anger simmering. "You promised to take care of Bell when I wasn''t home!"


    Aisha''s eyes held ancient knowledge. "Bell is safe," she assured me. "But Luna... she intrigues me. She solved this phenomena without evidence or support. Impressive."


    Luna''s unconscious form lay before us, and I struggled to understand. "If what Luna said is true," I began, "then Bell is one of those creatures that consume their hosts. Creatures born from emotions left unchecked."


    Aisha shook her head. "You misunderstand. Bell isn''t a mere emotion. She''s a reflection of your soul¡ªa beacon of happiness. She exists so you can find joy."


    "Then What is the meaning of, what luna said "if these creatures remain,


    they consume their hosts, it''s means they die?" I said


    Aisha''s eyes softened. "Not always. Imagine an angry husband. His rage births a creature. If he calms himself, the creature fades. But if he doesn''t..." She hesitated.


    "Kills his wife," I finished, horrified.


    "Exactly," Aisha confirmed. "Now you understand." She took a final sip of tea, her form dissolving into a thin black mist. "I erased Luna''s memories of meeting me. I suggest you stop her, for further discovery if not it could lead her to danger."


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    With this, she disappeared in a thin black mist.


    I was thinking about Aisha''s words that trouble me. They also clarified many things related to this, but they didn''t tell me about Bell. She is completely different from the creature, but...


    "Umm..." Luna slowly opens her eyes and looks towards me. She asks, "What happened? And why am I sleepy?" She stands up, feeling dizzy, and falls. I catch her again.


    "Calm down. Maybe you are tired, which is why you feel dizzy. Perhaps you should go back home today," I say to her with concern.


    "I... Well, maybe you''re right. I should go back now." She stands and retrieves her bag from the table. As she leaves the room, she stops and says in a low voice, "I am not able to clarify things now due to my health, but I want you to bring Bell next time you come here."


    As I leave the club room, I think about how to prevent Luna from further discovering the truth. If I lie to her, she''ll likely see through it; she''s clever. While lost in thought, I bump into a person. He has dark grey hair, brown eyes, and wears glasses.


    Looking closely, I recognize him as Blake, the vice president of the student council.


    "Ah, sorry. I was lost in thought," I apologize. But he interrupts me, his sharp eyes scrutinizing me.


    "You are... White, right? The student who scored 100 on the school test? The one who''s never been on top achieved something unexpected," he questions.


    Worried about the consequences of my earlier mistake, I try to escape. "Ah, yes, Vice President, but that was a coincidence," I excuse myself.


    "I saw you just now with Luna. Are you both friends? I''ve never seen the President talk to someone other than teachers or council members, unless it''s related to her duty," he says suspiciously.


    "Ah... Well... She wanted to ask me something about how I improved myself so she can help other students," I offer, hoping he''ll accept this explanation.


    "Lie. As far as I know, Luna never thinks about others with such care," he asserts.


    Stuck and unable to lie convincingly, I wish someone would intervene.


    "So, there you are, Blake. I was looking for you," a voice comes from behind me. A girl with pink, long hair and pink eyes approaches. She leans in close, examining me.


    Feeling embarrassed by her proximity, I whisper, "Um, you''re quite close."


    She leans back and addresses Blake, "I don''t know him. Is he your new friend, Blake?"


    Blake explains, "No, I just wanted to ask him something about the President."


    The pink-haired girl turns to me, smiling cheerfully. "Hi! I''m Claire, the Student Council Secretary. Ignore Blake; he always scares people."


    "Um, hello. I''m White," I say, feeling overwhelmed by Claire''s aura.


    "Ooooooo, so you''re White! The one who scored a clean 100 on the test," she exclaims, shocked.


    "Claire, leave us alone for now. I''m talking to him," Blake says, annoyed. But Claire interrupts, "Don''t be mean. Why are you always concerned about President Luna? I know she''s a little weird, but she''s kind. She always treats me well," she rambles on.


    "Ahhhh... Hey, you. I''ll deal with you later, but first, can you stop? I don''t want to hear your nonsense," Blake retorts. They continue arguing as I excuse myself and head to the part-time shop."

 Ch.20 Delivery

    As I reached the shop, narrowly escaping an unexpected encounter with Vice President Blake and the elusive Secretary Claire, I was met with a scene of chaos. The shop was brimming with customers, and amidst the frenzy, Brother Chris caught my eye and gestured urgently.


    "White, perfect timing! Get changed, and deliver this order," he instructed, barely managing the counter''s demands.


    "But the delivery boy?" I queried, puzzled.


    "He''s out sick today. Just hurry and suit up," Chris replied, his attention already snatched away by another customer.


    I darted to the staff room, donned my uniform, stowed my bag, and returned to find Chris burdened with an Everest of pizza boxes and an address slip.


    "Take these and go," he said, apologetic yet firm. "Extra pay is on me."


    The task seemed daunting. "This will take ages," I whispered, "and what about you? "concern lacing my voice.


    "Don''t fret. The team''s on it, and Aris will be here any minute. Just focus on the delivery, and don''t dawdle," Chris reassured me, turning back to the impatient crowd.


    With a nod, I hoisted the stack of aromatic boxes and stepped out into the evening, the address slip clutched tightly in hand.


    "It will surely take a lot of time, and I hope Brother Chris will be okay," I murmured, casting a worried glance towards Chris.


    I mounted my bicycle, carefully loaded all the delivery boxes into the bag, and set off to deliver the orders.


    At 6:30 PM, in the bustling pizza shop, Aris arrived. The place was still teeming with customers. She made her way straight to the staff room, swapped her clothes for the uniform, and while glancing back at the shop, she noticed White was conspicuously absent. Approaching the counter, she called out, "Manager..."


    Chris spun around, "Ah, perfect timing! Come here and help me out. Today''s going to be hectic, so I need you to give it your all, okay?" he instructed.


    Chris and Aris were swamped, tending to a relentless tide of customers, while I was equally engrossed in delivering orders.


    Finally, at 9:20 PM, the onslaught of customers dwindled, and Chris and Aris exhaled deeply in unison, a sense of relief washing over them.


    "Ahhhhh... This is so exhausting. I never imagined managing the counter would be this challenging," Aris exclaimed.


    Chris chuckled, "Haha... It''s your first time, so it''s understandable. But you did well, and for that, I''ll throw in a little extra for your hard work," he said, smiling at Aris.


    "Whaaaa... That''s incredibly generous of you, manager. But now that I think about it, where''s White? Did he take the day off?" she inquired, a hint of concern in her voice.


    Chris shook his head, "No, no, our usual delivery boy fell ill, so I sent White to cover his deliveries. He should be back soon... Well, I think I should also thank the rest of the staff, so if you''ll excuse me," he said before departing.


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Glancing at the clock, which now read 9:30, Aris grew anxious. She needed to be at her friend''s house before 10:00 PM. She attempted to call White, but his phone was unreachable. After waiting another ten minutes, she grew restless. She had promised White she wouldn''t venture out alone at night, yet he was nowhere to be found.


    Her brother might already be at her friend''s house, and if he arrived before her, she dreaded what might happen. With these thoughts swirling in her mind, she decided to leave, hoping to get there before her brother Zen. But before she did, she left a message for White and inform manager. Manager offer her to escort her but she refused the offer kindly.


    The path to Ari¡¯s friend¡¯s house was eerily silent, devoid of any passersby. As Ari walked, a growing anxiety to reach her destination quickly was overshadowed by the unsettling feeling of being followed. She glanced back, but the street remained empty. Her fear mounting, she quickened her pace, yet the sensation of an unseen presence persisted.


    The deserted streets amplified her fear; it was undeniably risky to be alone at night. In a burst of panic, she ran, hoping to outpace her phantom pursuer. A sudden turn left her colliding with a stranger, and she tumbled to the ground.


    ¡°What are you doing, girl! This could have been dangerous if it were a car instead of me,¡± he exclaimed.


    ¡°Ah, sorry,¡± she stammered, rising to her feet. ¡°Could you please help me? I think someone might be following me. Would you accompany me to my friend¡¯s house?¡± The fear in her eyes was palpable.


    ¡°Ah¡­ Yes, but here,¡± he replied with a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes. In a swift motion, he grabbed her, his hand clamping over her mouth, muffling her cries for help. As she struggled against his grip, the person she had feared was following her appeared, attempting to overpower her.


    Ari fought desperately to escape, but the man¡¯s hold was unyielding, tears streaming down her face. As he pressed a handkerchief to her nose, the scent it carried began to dull her senses, her struggles growing weaker with each passing moment.


    Meanwhile


    "Ah... I''m going to be late, so very late!" I muttered to myself, pedaling the bicycle with fervent urgency. The clock had already struck 9:50, and I had to reach the shop posthaste. Aris must be anxiously awaiting my arrival.


    As I raced through the streets, the cool night air whipped against my face. In mere minutes, I arrived at the shop to find Brother Chris beginning to close up for the night; it was nearly 10:00 pm.


    Brother Chris turned to me, his face lighting up with a grateful smile. "Ah, White, you''ve come! I''m sorry to have burdened you with so much work. I truly appreciate everything you''ve done today," he said, his eyes shimmering with sincerity.


    "Don''t mention it, Brother Chris," I replied, scanning the area. Aris was nowhere to be seen. Concerned, I turned back to Chris. "Is Aris on leave too? I don''t see her around."


    "She left in a hurry, said she needed to visit her friend''s house before 10. I urged her to wait, but she insisted," Chris explained.


    "She left alone? At night?" I frowned, recalling my stern advice to her never to do so. Reaching for my phone to call her, it suddenly rang. It was Zen.


    With a knot of worry in my stomach, I answered, "Hello, Zen?"


    "White! Have you seen Aris?" Zen''s voice was laced with panic, and it sounded as if he was on the move.


    "No, what''s happened?" I inquired, concealing my knowledge of Aris''s secret part-time job and the possibility that she might be late returning to Zen''s place.


    "She was supposed to study at her friend''s house, but when I got there, they told me she never arrived. I''ve tried calling her, but her phone is switched off," Zen''s voice trembled with concern.


    A chill ran down my spine as I thought of the perilous route to Aris''s friend''s house. "What? Don''t worry, Zen. We''ll find her. I''ll let you know if I hear anything, and please, call me immediately if you do," I reassured him before ending the call.


    "Is something wrong?" Brother Chris inquired, his voice heavy with worry.


    "It''s Aris... Her phone is off, and she''s missing. Zen just called me," I explained hastily. "Brother Chris, I need to go¡ªI''m taking the bicycle, okay?"


    "This is bad. Don''t worry, I''ll help too," Chris offered.


    "Thanks, Brother Chris." With that, I mounted the bicycle and pedaled away with all the speed I could muster, the night swallowing me whole..

 Ch.21 Passes Time

    At the White House.


    "Yayyy, I won again!" Bell exclaimed, her voice bubbling with joy as she hopped around, game controller triumphantly in hand.


    Aisha offered a strained smile, her frustration thinly veiled. She muttered under her breath, "This is so frustrating. How can I not win against a mere child?"


    "Now the score is 10-0. Shall we play another round?" Bell chirped, oblivious to Aisha''s growing vexation.


    Aisha, weary from her unbroken losing streak, was loath to admit defeat to a child yet again. As her gaze drifted to the clock, and a pang of alarm shot through her as she realized it was past 10 o''clock.


    With a glance at the time, a wave of solemnity washed over Aisha. "Oh, the time has come," she whispered to herself. Rising to her feet, she addressed Bell with a newfound gravity, "Bell, we''ll continue our games later. For now, your dear father needs your''s help, Bell."


    "Papa needs help? Did something happen to him?" Bell asked, her eyes wide with innocent concern, a hint of confusion and fear lacing her words.


    "He''s fine, but he needs you. Shall we go see him?" Aisha replied, her smile reassuring as she met Bell''s gaze.


    "Okay! I''ll help them. Come on, Sister Aisha!" Bell declared, dashing towards the door. Aisha took Bell''s hand, and together they left the room.


    In the shadowy alleys


    I searched desperately for Aris, but she was nowhere to be found. I retraced the usual route to her friend''s place, but there was no sign of her. Anxiety gnawed at me, fearing something untoward had befallen her. With each passing moment, my concern deepened as I scanned every street in the vicinity.


    I halted my bicycle, gasping for air after pedaling non-stop for three hours. My legs ached from the relentless cycling, but I couldn''t rest¡ªnot until I found Aris. As I pondered other places she might be, a thought struck me¡ªperhaps she had sent a text.


    Checking my phone, I found two unread messages from Aris. The first, sent around the time I left school, and the second, timestamped around 10.


    The initial message was an our deal  to the cafe, her words tinged with irritation and punctuated by angry emojis.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    I had forgotten about our meeting after school because I got caught up in a last-minute meeting with the vice president and the secretary of the council. I didn''t remember our promise at all.


    The second message conveyed her haste; she had left the shop, fretting that her brother might reach her friend''s house before her if she lingered for me.


    Yet neither message shed light on Aris''s whereabouts. I redialed Zen, hoping he had uncovered some trace of her, but he, too, was still searching. As time slipped through my fingers like grains of sand, my anxiety mounted. Lost in thought, I was startled by a soft voice calling out.


    "Papa... Papa, what brings you here? I was so worried about you," the girl said.


    Whirling around, I found Bell standing beneath the streetlight. Initially, I was taken aback by her presence, but she soon became a beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness. Perhaps Bell, with her wish-granting innocence, could aid me in finding Aris. Without hesitation, I grasped Bell''s shoulder gently and pleaded.


    "Bell, why are you here? No, wait¡ªfirst, you must help me. Do you remember Aris, the girl with raven hair and sapphire eyes who visited our apartment? Can you tell me the location of her? " I implored, urgency lacing my words as the peril to Aris intensified.


    She recoiled slightly, her eyes wide with concern. "I know of her, but..." Her voice trailed off, uncertainty clouding her features. "I don''t know where she is."


    "Don''t say that! Yes, I know Bell, I wish to know Aris''s location. If you''re unsure, just suggest any direction. Your words might just make it so. Please, Bell, I''m desperate," I beseeched, my voice thick with urgency.


    "Okay, I may not know where she is, but for Papa, I''ll do my utmost," Bell replied, her smile a small comfort.


    Mounting the bicycle with Bell, I pedaled with fervor, following her haphazard directions. With each turn, my heart sank further, for they seemed to lead us astray.


    Eventually, we arrived at an abandoned construction site, isolated from the residential area.


    "Are you certain this is the place, Bell?" I questioned, skepticism creeping in.


    "I''m not sure, but I have faith that Sister Aris is here," Bell responded hesitantly, her own doubts surfacing.


    "Don''t fret," I reassured her, patting her head as we ventured into the building.


    Ascending the stairs, guided by Bell''s tentative directions, the faint sounds of commotion grew louder with each floor. My conviction strengthened¡ªAris had to be here, and she was in peril.


    Reaching the fifth floor, Bell indicated that Aris was just above us. The muffled voices became clearer, though whether they belonged to one man or two, I couldn''t discern.


    Then, a chilling scream pierced the silence¡ªa girl''s cry of distress. Driven by fear and resolve, I charged upstairs. There, a man was attempting to clothe Aris, who was bound by ropes and tearful.


    "Stop this at once!" I bellowed.


    "Who? Who are you? what are you doing here"


    The man turned to face me, his intentions clear as he lunged. I tackled him, fueled by a tempest of rage. He struggled beneath my blows, but my fury was relentless. With each strike, his cries of pain echoed until, at last, he lay unconscious.


    Breathing a sigh of relief, I was suddenly struck from behind. An iron rod connected with my skull, and as I spun around, another assailant loomed over me, weapon in hand.


    The impact was so powerful as I collapsed, the world fading to black as Aris and Bell receded into the distance...

 Vol.02 Ch-22 Resurgence: The Unseen Bonds

    "Pa¡­ Pa," Bell uttered, her voice barely a whisper, eyes wide with shock as she gazed upon White, who lay unconscious, blood beginning to pool around his head.


    "White¡­" Aris, seized by panic, rushed to White''s motionless form. She called out to him repeatedly, but there was no response; her hands were stained with the blood oozing from White''s wound.


    As Aris''s pleas continued, Bell, initially frightened and bewildered, felt a surge of anger. Floating into the air, she spotted the assailant¡ªiron rod in hand, now also in a state of panic upon seeing White''s condition. A direct blow to the head with such a weapon meant White''s chances of survival were slim. In his haste, the attacker dropped the rod and bolted down the stairs.


    Attempting to flee, he stumbled as an unseen force began pulling at his leg. Bell, channeling her fury, dragged him back to the scene of his crime.


    He clawed desperately at anything within reach, but it was futile. Bell then turned her attention to another figure, lying unconscious from White''s earlier defense. Harnessing her powers, she commandeered the fallen man''s body, forcing the would-be escapee to confront his accomplice, now wielding the iron rod with vacant eyes.


    "Hey, you''re okay! Hurry, we need to get away from her¡­" he implored his partner. But the response was a brutal strike with the rod, breaking the man''s arm.


    "Ahhhh¡­ hhh," he cried out in agony, retreating. "What¡­ What are you doing? Hey!" Another blow to the head followed, and blood began to flow as his skull cracked open. After a brief struggle, his body went limp.


    The one with the rod then pointed it at his own neck and, with a swift motion, impaled himself. As he collapsed, blood spattered across the floor.


    Aris, witnessing this macabre turn of events, was traumatized. The room had transformed into a scene of horror. As she looked at White, who lay unconscious, his eyes fluttered open slightly. He saw Aris and Bell.


    "Bell¡­ Ar¡­ is¡­" he murmured, his voice faint. Assured they were safe, his eyes closed once more.


    After 12 hours¡­


    "Um¡­" I groaned, my vision blurry as I awoke to an unfamiliar ceiling. Surveying my surroundings, I realized I was in a hospital. Attempting to move, I felt a warmth around my arm and looked to find Bell, tears in her eyes, asleep beside me, clutching my hand.


    "Bell¡­" I whispered.


    "So, you''re finally awake," came a faint voice from the table where Aisha sat.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation."You know, you always get caught up in someone else''s troubles and end up here. I''m starting to think you have a fondness for hospitals," Aisha teased gently.


    "Don''t joke about it¡­ Is Aris safe?" I asked, concern lacing my voice.


    "Aha, so you''re speaking quite calmly. Did the blow to your head make you forget how to panic, or have you become emotionless?" she prodded, gesturing to my bandaged head.


    "Well, if I''m here talking to you, that means we succeeded, right?" I inquired.


    "You''re not wrong. Bell saved you and Aris before anything worse could happen. This is the second time I''ve saved you from death," she revealed.


    "Second time?" I echoed, puzzled.


    "Yes, just like before. You were pronounced dead en route to the hospital¡ªno breath, no heartbeat," she explained, her voice soft yet steady.


    I pondered for a moment, then asked, "If I was dead, then why save me a second time? I remember prioritizing Aris''s safety over my own. I can''t see any reason for you to save me again."


    She nodded towards Bell, still asleep, and said, "She begged me to save you. She was inconsolable, unable to bear the thought of losing you, and pleaded for my help."


    I looked at Bell, gently patting her head, warmth filling my gaze.


    "And I must warn you, death can be postponed, but it cannot be evaded forever," Aisha said gravely.


    "What do you mean?" I inquired.


    "Don''t fret over it now. Focus on your recovery, but remember, this is the last time I can bring you back. Next time, even I won''t be able to prevent the inevitable," she said before vanishing.


    As I continued to stroke Bell''s head, she awoke, rubbing her eyes before looking up at me.


    "Good morning, Bell," I greeted her softly.


    "Pa¡­" she began, but before she could finish, tears welled up, and she embraced me tightly.


    "Don''t worry, I''m not going anywhere. As you can see, I''m fit and fine. Please, stop crying," I soothed her.


    Looking down, she murmured, "I was afraid I''d never see you again. You were hurt, and I felt so helpless¡­"


    As I comforted her, the door opened, and familiar faces appeared¡ªbig sis, Shu, brother Chris. They were relieved to see me, their questions flooding in. Amidst the commotion, I realized Zen and Aris were missing.


    "Where are Aris and Zen?" I asked, a sense of dread creeping in.


    Shu mustered the courage to speak. "Well, the thing is¡­"


    To be continued in Vol. 3.

 Vol 03 Chapter 23 Recovery

    The injuries from the Aris Accident are still in the recovery phase. Everything seems to be progressing normally, just as it was before. However, there have been some significant developments since the accident.


    On the day of the incident, I was injured when I was hit by an iron rod. Thanks to Bell and Aisha, I am still alive. After waking up in the hospital, Shu filled me in on what happened while I was unconscious.


    According to Shu, the police arrived at the construction site after Aris called for help. They discovered the bodies of the criminals and brought me to the hospital. They also contacted Aris''s family to inform them about the incident. When the police tried to question Aris, she was unable to provide any coherent answers. Instead, she kept apologizing, seemingly traumatized by the events.


    I''ve been in the hospital for three days now. Miss Elsa, Shu, and Chris visit me regularly, but Zen hasn''t come by. Perhaps he''s upset that I didn''t reveal his sister''s part-time job. I''ve tried calling him several times, but he hasn''t answered.


    One morning, Shu came to visit with a bouquet and a fruit basket. She expressed concern about my well-being and reminded me not to push myself too hard during my recovery.


    "Any updates on Zen?" I asked, hoping she had managed to get in touch with him.


    "Nothing," Shu replied. "He''s not answering anyone''s calls, and he hasn''t been coming to school either."


    "And Aris?" I inquired.


    "She''s still the same," Shu said sadly. "She locks herself in her room and refuses to talk to anyone. Zen''s parents are worried too."


    I sighed. It seemed like there was no progress with either Aris or Zen.


    Shu changed the topic. "The police officer spoke to you yesterday. How did it go?"


    I hesitated for a moment. "I told them that when I tried to stop the criminals, one of them swung at me. I managed to dodge the attack, and it hit the second person. After that, the last thing I saw was the scared criminal attempting to run and slipping, with the iron rod piercing his neck."


    In reality, I didn''t remember anything after falling unconscious. Aisha later explained what happened, allowing me to piece together a coherent story as the rod contains only criminal fingerprint they accepted the story I told them


    "Hm... Well, I will come here later after school. Till then, please take care of yourself," Shu said, standing up and leaving the room.


    As I sat there, the weight of what had happened to Aris pressed on my mind. Maybe if I had managed to arrive at the right time, things could have been different.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Lost in my thoughts, I heard a soft voice from under the bed. It was Bell, the familiar presence who always hid when someone entered the room.


    "Sorry..." Bell''s voice trembled as she peeked out from her hiding spot.


    "It''s not your fault, Bell," I reassured her. "And what are you doing under the bed?"


    "Hiding," she replied, her eyes downcast.


    "From whom?" I asked, genuinely curious.


    "From everyone," Bell admitted.


    "But you know that I''m the only one who can see you, right?" I said gently. "You don''t have to hide."


    She emerged from under the bed, standing beside me. Bell seemed different now, hesitant. Perhaps she felt responsible for what had happened to me, just as I blamed myself for Aris''s suffering.


    I reached out and patted her head. "Don''t worry. My condition isn''t your fault. You helped me back there, and I''m still alive, talking to you. So smile."


    Bell nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. It was a start.


    --


    After a few days, I was discharged from the hospital. The doctor prescribed some medication and advised me not to overexert myself. Miss Elsa took care of me, insisting it was her turn to repay the debt from when she had returned after the hospital.


    As I regained my strength, I decided to visit Zen. I needed to talk to Aris and Zen, to apologize for my role in everything that had happened. I asked Bell to stay home and look after Miss Elsa, then headed to Zen''s house.


    It had been a while since I''d been there. I rang the bell and waited, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness.


    Zen''s mom opened the door. "Good morning, Aunty. It''s been a while," I greeted her.


    "You are...? Ah, White! That''s you?" She squinted, recognizing me. She welcomed me inside and led me to the living room.


    "Thank you, White. You saved our daughter''s life, and we''re so grateful," she said, tears welling up. She bowed in gratitude.


    I waved it off. "Aunty, Zen and Aris are my friends. It was nothing. Is Zen here?"


    "Sorry, but Zen isn''t home," she replied.


    "He''s not answering my calls either. I''m worried," I confessed.


    She sighed. "I''m worried too. Both my children are suffering, and I feel helpless."


    I hung my head. "Aunty, it''s my fault. If I hadn''t hidden Aris''s job situation or arrived late that day, maybe both Aris and Zen wouldn''t be going through this."


    She interrupted me firmly. "It''s not your fault."


    After a few moments of silence, I gathered my resolve. "May I see Aris? Maybe I can talk to her."


    "Of course. Aris always listens to you," Zen''s mom said, hope in her eyes.


    I stood outside Aris''s room, knocking gently. "Aris? Hey, it''s me, White. Can you hear me?"


    "Aris, I knew you are there I just want to talk to you. I know it is hard for you to forget everything that happens but just let me in for a second


    I knocked again, but there was no response from the other side of the door.


    "Aris," I said, my voice echoing in the quiet hallway. "I know you''re in there. I just want to talk to you. I understand it''s difficult for you to forget everything that''s happened, but please, just let me in for a second."


    As I spoke, the door creaked open slightly. I stepped inside, and the room enveloped me in darkness. The feeble light from the window barely illuminated the space. Aris sat on her bed in the corner, her once-shining eyes now red from constant crying.


    "Wh... White?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.


    I approached her cautiously. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her tone filled with pain.


    "I''m just here to talk to you and Zen" I replied.


    "There''s nothing left to talk about," she interrupted, her voice heavy with sorrow. "Everything is messed up."


    Aris''s voice trembled as she confessed, her words a torrent of regret and pain. "If I had listened to you, if I hadn''t left too early, if I hadn''t hidden my part-time job¡­ none of this would have happened. I lied to everyone¡ªmy parents, Zen, and even myself. And it''s my fault you nearly died."


    The room seemed to hold its breath, memories swirling like dust motes caught in a sunbeam. I reached out, wanting to erase the pain etched across her face. "Aris," I whispered, "it is¡ª"


    "No!" Her voice rose, echoing off the walls.


    Aris''s voice cracked, her anguish palpable. "I know what you''ll say," she began, her words a desperate plea. "That it''s not my fault. That you''re here to help me find solace. But I can''t escape the truth¡ªI caused all of this."


    "Aris," I said softly, "sometimes life throws us into storms we can''t control. But blaming yourself won''t change the past.

 Vol.03 Ch.24 Unexpected Visit

    "I also know that thinking about the past will not change anything, but¡­ But I can''t," she stopped for a moment, then said, "I don''t have the strength. I am not that strong,"


    while sitting on her bed, her head down.


    I sighed and scratched my head, trying to cheer her up. To make a fresh start, I needed to distract her from our serious conversation.


    After all, talking about painful memories only deepens the wounds.


    And it''s true¡ªsome wounds can only heal with time.


    "Aris, I won''t force you, and I understand that forgetting the past isn''t easy," I began, thinking about what to say next. Then it hit me.


    "That''s it!" I exclaimed, catching Aris''s attention with her tear-filled red eyes.


    "I know what we have to do! Aris, be ready in the evening," I said, excitement bubbling up. It might not fully heal her, but it could help her regain a bit of herself.


    "But¡­ I don''t¡­" Aris started to protest, but I wasn''t in the mood to accept rejection. I left her room, determined to prevent her from declining.


    Back in the living room, Aris''s mother sipped her tea, looking at me expectantly. "Did you manage to talk to her, White?"


    "Yes," I replied, unsure of how much progress we''d made. "I think I might be able to help her find her way back to herself."


    Her mother''s relief was palpable. I bid her goodbye and left for my apartment.


    As I reached my door, I saw a familiar figure¡ªa person in a hat and red clothes¡ªstanding there. My heart sank. It was none other than Luna, the student council president.


    Trouble, I thought. Maybe I could avoid her for now. But Luna sensed my presence and called out calmly, "White."


    I turned, putting on a fake smile. "Hello, Miss President. When are you coming here?"


    She glanced at her wristwatch. "It''s already 28 minutes and 17 seconds. I''ve been waiting for your return."


    "Okay, did something happen? Why are you here?" I asked hesitantly, trying to ascertain why she had come.


    "1 tea with 2 sugar cubes and keep it between 150-180¡ãF," she replied, ignoring my question.


    "What?"


    "Do I have to say it again?" She asked, a smile playing on her lips.


    "No! Wait a second." I opened the door wider, inviting her inside. As I did, Bell came running to the door.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Papa, you''re back! Welcome back!" Bell exclaimed, spotting Luna standing behind me.


    "Hello, Bell. How have you been? It''s been quite some time since we last met," Luna said, stepping forward to pat Bell''s head.


    "Oh, it''s Luna sis! Helloooo!" Bell giggled, clearly excited by Luna''s presence.


    "Here, you liked the cookies I made before, right? So, I made these specially for you." Luna handed Bell a packet of cookies, her smile kind and genuine.


    "Yaayyyy! Cookies!" Bell exclaimed, running off to the kitchen with the cookies in hand.


    "She''s just like always, isn''t she? Bell''s Papa," Luna said, turning to me with that same smile.


    "Right."


    We settled in the living room, and I offered Luna a seat while I prepared tea for all of us. Pouring the tea, I noticed Luna''s focus on it, just as she had in the clubroom. The silence hung awkwardly in the air, and I still didn''t know how to handle Luna''s presence. She gave off an uneasy vibe.


    Just as I was contemplating how to start the conversation and ask why she had come, Luna broke the silence.


    "The tea you made is quite good. I didn''t expect you to be so skilled at it," she said, looking directly at me.


    "Well, I''ve been taking care of myself for a long time, so I''ve learned many things¡­ But wait, why are you here?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation back to the reason for her visit.


    "What do you mean? Isn''t it obvious? I came here to check on your health, and I''m relieved to see you''re doing well," Luna replied calmly.


    "That''s it? You came all this way just for that?" I was taken aback. Luna, the rumored President whom everyone feared, had come here just to check on me?


    "But¡­ that''s also interesting." Luna''s smile sent a chill down my spine. "The dark aura you were giving off before has multiplied¡ªit''s doubled now. And the connection between you and Bell feels even deeper."


    She patted Bell, who sat beside her, munching on cookies. Concerned, I asked Bell to take the cookies to the bedroom. If she overheard any more of this conversation and mentioned it to Aisha when she returned, things could get complicated.


    "Are you sure you didn''t die again and not realize it?" Luna''s question was both weird and unsettling. I couldn''t tell her the truth¡ªthat Aisha had revived me. Revealing that would put Luna in danger.


    Perhaps sensing my hesitation, Luna stood up and approached me. Her closeness sent shivers down my spine. Just then, someone entered the living room.


    "White, you''re back! I was out shopping, and I bought you¡­" Big sister Elsa''s voice trailed off as she looked at Luna and me. Her face turned red, and she covered it with her hands.


    "Ahhh¡­ Sorry, I didn''t know your girlfriend was here. It''s my fault¡ªI came in without knocking," Elsa stammered, clearly embarrassed.


    "No, it''s not like that," I reassured her. Luna walked over to Elsa and bowed.


    "Nice to meet you. I''m Luna, the council president of the school and also the president of the paranormal investigation club. I came here to check on my club member¡­ No, my friend." Luna''s smile remained, but her eyes held a hint of mystery."


    "Student council president? Oh my, White, I didn''t know you had a friend who is a council president," Miss Elsa exclaimed, glancing from me to Luna. "Thanks. I''m Elsa, and I''ve been taking care of him since he was a child. He''s like my younger brother. Luna, I hope you''ll become good friends with White."


    "Yes," Luna replied. She checked her watch and added, "Sorry, but I have to go. I have a piano class. It was nice meeting you." With that, she left.


    "Oh, right! What was I saying?" Miss Elsa handed me a bag of fruits. "These should help with your recovery. I''ll come back later after doing some laundry. And if you need anything, just come next door, okay?"


    "Yes, and thank you, sis," I said as Miss Elsa departed.


    Now I''m wondering when I joined the club and how Luna became my friend. Understanding what Luna is thinking remains an impossible puzzle.

 Vol.03 Ch.25 Promises and Pudding

    Sigh.*


    I take a deep breath, knowing that understanding Luna''s thoughts is an impossible task. But even with that knowledge, I can''t help but feel helpless.


    As I open the bedroom door where I''d asked Bell to go, I find her sitting there with an unexpected visitor¡ªAisha¡ªsharing cookies.


    Aisha glances at me and says,


    "Thanks for your hard work."


    "What hard work?" I ask.


    "Oh, I mean dealing with your smart president," she replies. "It must be tough for you, always on guard around her."


    "I don''t know," I admit. "I just feel uneasy


    whenever I''m near her."


    "Sometimes," Aisha continues, "I think she''s more mysterious to you than I am. It hurts my feelings, you know." She pouts, still munching on cookies.


    "It''s not something to be angry about," I say, forcing a smile. Then, looking at Bell, who''s still engrossed in her cookies, I add, "Hey, Aisha, would you mind taking care of Bell and Miss Elsa for me this evening?"


    "Why?" Aisha asks.


    "I have to go somewhere," I reply.


    "To meet Aris, right?" Aisha says confidently.


    "Are you stalking me?" I tease. "How do you know everything I''m up to?"


    "Well," Aisha explains, "since Bell is


    Born from you as a result she contains how you feel, think and all and also she has some of my abilities that helps her to grant wishes. So You could call me her ''mother'' I guess."


    "Whatever, So Will you do this for me, then?" I request.


    "Sure," Aisha agrees, pointing to Bell, who''s still pouting. "But remember, you might need to ask someone too."


    I looked toward Bell and asked hesitantly, "Bell, can you be a good girl and stay here with Aisha? I promised I would buy you the best pudding you''ve ever had."


    Bell interrupts, her anger evident. "No! I don''t want to stay here! I want to go with you! You always leave me alone!"


    "Please, Bell," I plead, reaching out to calm


    her down. But she slaps my hand away, tears in her eyes. "I hate you! You always do this!" She storms out of the room.


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "Bell, wait!" I call after her, then turn back to Aisha, who''s finished her cookies while licking her fingers.


    "You should''ve helped me convince Bell," I say, a hint of frustration in my voice.


    Aisha shrugs. "You don''t give her enough time. As a child, she''ll naturally get upset. But if you want, I can put her to sleep, just like before." Her wicked smile sends shivers down my spine.


    "Mother, you say, huh?" I sigh. "How can a mother say that with such a wicked smile?"


    "Maybe you should worry about other things before saying that to me," Aisha retorts.


    "I guess you''re right." With that, I search the room for Bell. It''s hard to find her, but eventually, I locate her. She has locked herself in the bathroom. I knock on the door, and her angry voice responds, "No one is here! Stop knocking!"


    "I know you''re angry, Bell, but try to understand. I can''t take you there just this once. Only listen to me, okay?" I plead, hoping she''ll accept.


    "No! If you want to go, go! I won''t stop you. Just leave Bell alone," she replies defiantly.


    "Having issues?" I turn to Aisha, who''s munching on potato chips.


    "Don''t you think you''ve become too comfortable here? While I''m trying to convince her, you''re just enjoying this, aren''t you?" I say sarcastically.


    "Well, you can''t blame me," Aisha retorts. "Bell, you don''t have to listen to your father. If you do, he''ll always do this to you." She provokes Bell.


    "Hey, what are you doing? You''re making this more complicated!" I try to catch Aisha, but she passes through the locked bathroom door like it was never there, and I accidentally hit my nose. I sit down, holding my nose.


    "Bell, I came here to support you," Aisha''s voice comes from behind the door.


    "Thank you, big sister Aisha," Bell says gratefully.


    "Don''t worry, but¡­" Aisha hesitates. "Don''t you think if you keep being stubborn, he''ll leave you? Remember what happened last time when he left you. Do you want that again?"


    Bell recalls the past when White shouted at her and stopped talking to her. "Umm¡­ But if¡­" Aisha interrupts, "how about asking him about the picnic you missed a few days ago? You know, the one you couldn''t attend because of Papa''s injury."


    "Okay," Bell nods and calls out to White, "I''ll only forgive you if you take me to the picnic tommorow as you promised."


    "Okay, I promise. We''ll go tomorrow. Please open the door," I assure her.


    Bell opens the door and says, "I''ll stay with Sister Aisha, as you said. But don''t forget your promise."


    "Yes, thank you, Bell. I''ll bring pudding. You''ll love it," I say with relief. Bell runs off to the living room to watch her favourite show.


    After she leaves, Aisha tugs at my hoodie. "What about me? I helped you, so you''ll buy something for me, right?" she asks.


    "What? Well, you''re not wrong, but what do you want?" I inquire.


    "Um¡­ Since you''re going to the caf¨¦ with Aris, how about this: bring back a dark deluxe chocolate cake for me?" Aisha demands.


    "Are you really sure ? You are not stalking me " I asked this again with loud voice


    She smiles


    "Don''t you think your request is unreasonable? And when did your behavior change from a wicked evil spirit to a sloppy eating spirit?" I tease.


    "Well, who''s talking? A scared little child who used to tremble in my presence is now taunting me like it''s normal," she retorts.


    "Well, I can''t deny that. But you''ve helped me more. After the first accident, everything changed. Life became lively, with many moments where people around me were troubled¡ªnot small issues, but big ones but in the end I never thought life can be this exciting," I say, laughing hesitantly.


    Aisha leans toward me. "So¡­?"


    I blush a little and look away. "Thanks, I guess?"


    She smiles warmly. "Thanks accepted."

 Vol.03 Small Steps

    "In the evening around 5:00 PM, I stood at the entrance of the gate, bidding farewell to Aisha and Bell.


    "So, I am going. Please take care while I go," I said.


    Aisha waved her hand, saying, "Take care and don''t forget about my dark Deluxe chocolate cake."


    Bell chimed in, "And my pudding as well."


    "Okay, okay, I won''t forget," I reassured them.


    As I left the apartment, I messaged Aris to let her know I was on my way.


    At Aris''s residence, I knocked on the door. Her mother answered.


    "Ah, White! Aris mentioned you were coming this evening. Initially, she was reluctant to get ready, but I convinced her. Wait here; I''ll call her," Aris''s mom said.


    "Aris¡­ Aris¡­ White has come!" she called out. Aris emerged, wearing a beautiful yellow casual dress and a hat.


    "So, you''re ready. Shall we go?" I asked Aris. She nodded.


    Before leaving, I checked with her mother, "Aunty, what about Zen? Has he returned? If so, he can join us; it might help him calm down."


    Aris''s mother touched her face and replied, "No, he hasn''t come back yet. But I''ll let him know you want to talk to him."


    "Thank you; please do," I said gratefully.


    "No, thank you for caring about my children. They''re lucky to have a friend like you," Aris''s mother said.


    "Don''t mention it. It''s my privilege to have friends like them; they mean a lot to me," I replied.


    As Aris and I walked to the caf¨¦, I sensed the awkwardness. The girl who used to speak energetically, never stopping, now walked beside me in silence. It felt like a different person.


    I decided to break the silence. "By the way, I''ve never been to the newly opened caf¨¦. You seemed excited about it before. Any suggestions?" I asked Aisha, hoping for an answer.


    "I don''t have any special suggestions," Aisha replied, still gloomy.


    "Well, no worries. As promised, I''ll treat you, so don''t hold back," I said, trying to cheer her up. But she responded with nods and brief sentences.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    At the caf¨¦, I ordered for Aris since she didn''t express any preferences. I hoped this outing would help her recover, but it didn''t make a difference.


    I attempted various topics, but she remained unresponsive. Every conversation I started ended with just a line or two.


    Time flew, and before heading back to Aris''s house, I bought cakes for Aris'' family, Aisha, and Elsa sister, and pudding for Bell.


    I asked if there was anywhere she wanted to visit, but her response remained unchanged¡ªshe wanted to go home as soon as possible, defeated. We decided to end our meeting.


    My plan had failed; I hadn''t made any progress. I knew Aris''s trauma wouldn''t heal overnight, but if things continued like this¡­ the opportunity I have today will never come again.


    I had to do something; otherwise¡­


    "Aris!" I blurted out, thinking about the consequences. She nodded.


    "There''s something I want to show you. Please accompany me a little longer. I beg you," I said, bowing my head.


    Aris looked confused but agreed. I led her to our middle school, where I first met her and Zen


    "Why did you bring me here, to our old school?" Aris asked, her expression a mix of surprise and confusion.


    I replied, "I wanted to visit our little hideout¡ªthe one we created with you, me, and Zen behind the school, in the forest."


    "But a hideout? Why now? I don''t think there''s anything left," she responded.


    "Well¡­ Maybe, but how can we know until we find out?" I suggested.


    "Okay," she said as we entered the forest.


    We searched for the spot where we once built our hideout. Our memories were blurry from back then, but we finally reached the place. Sadly, there was nothing left¡ªthe hideout we had built together had faded away.


    I looked at Aris, who stared at the remains, lost in thought. "I''m sorry, Aris. I was hoping that coming here¡ªto our hideout with Zen¡ªmight lift your mood," I said, my hope dwindling.


    "Nnnn¡­" She shook her head and walked toward the tree that had once held our hideout. As she touched the tree, she pointed out the barely visible words etched into its bark.


    "Well¡­ I guess, but my memories are still hazy," I stammered, my hesitant smile mirroring the uncertainty within me.


    Her eyes softened, and she turned toward me. "If you don''t remember, it''s alright," she said gently. "Don''t force yourself to recall. This place holds precious memories for me, and these words are the proof of that."


    Her smile¡ªgenuine, warm¡ªwas a rarity today. It thawed the frost that had settled in my heart since morning.


    "Let''s go back," she said, walking past me. Her steps were deliberate, as if each one led her closer to healing.


    I hurried to catch up. "Wait! But what were the words written here? Give me the answer," I pleaded, my curiosity tugging at me.


    The path to Aris''s house remained silent, just as it had been all morning. No words exchanged, no conversations shared. Yet, somehow, I sensed that returning here might help her find herself again. It wouldn''t fully heal her, but it was a crucial first step toward her recovery.


    Thinking about the words written in the tree and tried to talk with her during the path we reached our destination bidding farewell to the Aris.


    I started to walk  back to the apartment holding the promised I made with the Aisha and  bell

 Ch.27 Yet to be paid

    "I''m Back"


    As I stepped into the apartment room, a delightful aroma enveloped me. It was a familiar scent¡ªone that instantly made me feel at home. "Welcome back, Papa!" Bell came bounding toward me, clutching a cute bunny-shaped rice ball.


    "What is it?" I asked, eyeing the rice ball in her small hands.


    "Hm! It''s made by big sis Aisha," Bell replied, her eyes shining with pride.


    "Really?" I raised an eyebrow, surprised that Aisha, our mysterious phenomenon, could cook. If she even existed, that is. But I figured, if she did, it was best not to question it.


    Aisha appeared, wearing a yellow apron. "Ah, so you''re back," she said, her voice warm. "Welcome back. How was your date?"


    "Everything seems to be going okay, I guess," I replied, scanning her from top to bottom. Aisha blushed, realizing I was staring. "Why are you looking at me like that? Haven''t you seen a girl in an apron before?" she teased.


    As she realised the situation she blushed "Just forget what you saw," she continued, flustered. "And don''t say a word."


    But I couldn''t resist. Taking advantage of this rare chance to tease Aisha, I smirked. "You know, you look¡ª"


    Before I could finish, a knife whizzed past me, embedding itself in the wooden door behind me. Aisha held another knife, her expression a mix of frustration and menace. "Did you say something? I couldn''t quite hear you."


    I shook my head vigorously. "No, nothing."


    "Good," Aisha said, turning to Bell. "But Papa is right " Bell said and continued. You''re adorable, just like an angel, Big sis Aisha."


    "More like a dark angel," I quipped, earning a death glare from Aisha. I quickly averted my gaze.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Bell chimed in, oblivious to the tension. "Big sis Aisha, you''re beautiful! And your cooking is amazing.You are the best at cooking the number 1 .... No not the number 1 But number 2 ¡­ after Big sis Elsa''s food."


    Suppressing my laughter, Aisha muttered, "Should I be happy or sad about that?"


    As we sat down to dinner¡ªAisha''s delicious creation¡ªI marveled at her culinary skills. "I never expected you to know how to cook," I admitted.


    "Well," Aisha said, feigning modesty, "I am a phenomenon who knows everything. Cooking was child''s play."


    I glanced at Bell, who was practically bouncing in her seat. "Tomorrow, we''re all going on a picnic!" she announced.


    I sighed. The thought of mingling with real people while conversing with invisible companions like Aisha and Bell made me feel like a certified weirdo. "I can''t do anything about it," I mumbled.


    Bell was watching her favourite show taking that consider Aisha said


    "So, how are things going with Aris and Zen?".


    I said, concern lacing my voice.


    " As for Aris, I think I made a little progress so I hope she will be able to recover soon, but there is no progress with Zen, I didn''t have the chance to meet him.


    As we are having dinner


    Curiosity tugged at me. "I have a question," I ventured. "Can you give me the answer?"


    Aisha, calm and composed, set down her fork. "If I''m allowed to answer, I will."


    I hesitated, my emotions swirling like leaves caught in a tempest. "Luna once said that if someone''s emotions become uncontrollable, they take form¡ªa creature that consumes until the person breaks. Is it possible to eliminate that creature, to restore normalcy?"


    "Forget about that. Attempting it would be futile. Emotions can''t be changed by anyone other than the person who harbors them. You can only hope they overcome it on their own."


    I asked the question because I was worried about Zen and Aris. The emotions they feel now run so deep that perhaps their''s emotions taken the form of a creature.


    Desperation clawed at my chest. "Is there anything I can do to help Zen and Aris? There must be something, right?"


    She sighed, as if dealing with a stubborn child. "Be yourself. Create scenarios that calm them, help them forget. Sometimes indirect actions yield the greatest impact."


    Relief mingled with helplessness. I couldn''t alter their emotions directly, but perhaps my presence could weave a soothing tapestry around their fractured souls.


    Later, over a quiet dinner, Bell retired to bed, leaving Aisha and me at the table. Her gaze bore into mine. "About the price¡­ Did you pay?"


    "What price?" I was caught off guard.


    "The price for your wish," Aisha said. "To know about Aris''s whereabouts."


    My mind raced. The wish hadn''t cost me anything. That meant something bad was brewing¡ªa price yet to be paid.


    " Is something going to be happens soon with Aris and Zen? " I asked with concern


    " How can I know?" She said and continue " if you are saying this means the price is yet to be paid"


    " It is stupid why are you brought this topic now ! You must be know something must be happens in the future and you are hiding this from me " I raised my voice loud


    She sighed, her eyes searching mine. "I''m telling you this again: I''m not here to cause you trouble. This is true, there are many things I know about but there are many things too that are still not within my knowledge."


    "You are lying, if you are not here to trouble me." I continue "Why, then? Why are you here? There must be a reason. If you''re not human, why do you still exist in this world?"


    My voice rose, frustration and curiosity warring within me. She had always been enigmatic, veiling her true intentions behind cryptic smiles and half-truths. "Tell me," I demanded.


    She turned away, her footsteps echoing on the cold stone floor. The room felt smaller, suffocating. "I hope," she said softly, "that I would know this too."


    The words was still unclear to me as I am unable to heard her and at the next moment she disappeared in the thin dark mist.

 Vol3. Ch.28 Picnic

    Yawn


    "Good morning," Bell said as she came to me, rubbing her eyes.


    "Good morning, did you sleep well?" I asked her while preparing breakfast.


    "Yes," she replied. I continued, "Bell, I''ve prepared most of the lunch. If you want anything else, just let me know."


    "Lunch? Oh right, we''re going on a picnic today!" Bell exclaimed, running towards me. "Can I help you with anything, Papa?"


    "Nah, I''ve done most of it, so you don''t have to worry. Go brush your teeth and wash your face, then I''ll serve you breakfast," I said.


    She looked at me closely and asked, "Are you feeling okay? You look tired," her voice filled with concern as she noticed the dark circles around my eyes.


    "Don''t worry, I''m okay," I assured her with a smile.


    The truth was, I couldn''t sleep last night. I was thinking about the price that would be deducted soon, and my previous experiences with it were not good. It could be something dangerous. I was worried that my wish might also pose a threat to others. Plus, Aisha''s words were still unclear to me; I couldn''t hear her clearly.


    ""Are you worried about the price?" a voice came from behind me. As I turned, I saw Alisha leaning against the wall, her arms crossed.


    "This has nothing to do with you, and I''m not in the mood to talk to a person¡­ no, a witch like you," I said ironically, with a serious tone.


    "A witch? ¡­huh¡­ Maybe you''re not wrong. A person like me, who doesn''t exist in this world, must be a witch," she agreed. There was sadness in her voice, but she still kept a smile on her face.


    Her tone troubled me. From the beginning, I had been cautious around her. I always thought she was the reason behind all the events that happened one after another. But as time went on, I never felt her motive was to cause me any harm. She always helped me in dire situations.


    ""You know, I¡­" I began, but Bell came in after brushing her teeth.


    "Big sis Aisha, good morning," Bell greeted Aisha.


    "Good morning, you look good and energetic as always," Aisha greeted back.


    "Hehe, you know what, big sis Aisha? Papa prepared lunch, and there are sooo many dishes I''ve never seen before," Bell said with a happy face.


    "Oh, I see. Maybe he''s excited to go on the picnic with you?" Aisha said, sitting down and patting Bell''s head.


    "Hehe¡­ Did you bring everything you need, big sis Aisha? Bell will bring everything there, like the ball¡­?" Bell asked.


    "Sorry, Bell, I can''t come with you this time. You know, I¡­ I have urgent work I need to attend to, plus¡­" Aisha said with a smile and an apologetic tone.


    "I don''t want to ruin the mood," she whispered to herself.


    The energy Bell had faded slowly as she felt gloomy after hearing this. "But¡­ you promised Bell that you would go with Bell and Papa¡­ why¡­ wh¡­" Bell looked sad and angry at the same time as she lowered her head and was about to cry.


    "Bell, you need to understand¡­" Aisha said, patting Bell''s head while trying to calm her. I interrupted.


    "Hey, you. I don''t know what your urgent work is, but if you make a promise to someone, you need to fulfill it at any cost," I said to Aisha, who looked surprised after hearing this.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    As Bell held back her tears, she looked towards my direction as I continued, "Bell, you know the punishment I got before leaving you alone, as when I broke my promise, you also need to punish her if she breaks promises, right?" I winked at Bell with a big smile.


    Bell wiped her tears with her sleeves as she ran to my side, facing Aisha.


    "Right! Big sis, if you break your promise, then Bell will never talk to you," Bell declared while pouting and making an angry but cute face.


    "But¡­ Bell," Aisha tried to deny.


    "We will never accept rejection on that, you hear?" I added.


    Aisha thought for a moment and then nodded to Bell.


    "Yay! Papa, we did it!" Bell jumped and hugged my legs, then ran towards Aisha and, while pulling her arm, said, "Let''s go, big sis Aisha. We need to pack everything."


    "You go, I''m coming," Aisha said to Bell as she rushed towards the bedroom.


    After watching Bell go to the bedroom, Aisha looked at me before saying anything. I said, "If you''re going to ask me why I''m doing this, then my answer is simple: I don''t want to ruin Bell''s day. She was waiting for the picnic. And as for you, I''m still not sure whether what you said yesterday about not knowing the price is a lie or the truth, but I know one thing: leaving everything aside, I know you will never do anything that will hurt Bell." I said this without making eye contact with Aisha and returned to preparing breakfast.


    While stunned for a moment, she retreated to the bedroom, her mind swirling with thoughts.


    Breakfast continued in an uneasy silence, broken only by Bell''s excited chatter about the picnic. The contrast between her joy and the tension in the air was palpable.


    We left the apartment and caught the train to the spot I had carefully chosen. It was a secluded area, perfect for avoiding unnecessary attention. The fewer people around, the less I had to worry.


    When we arrived at the lakeside spot, I was relieved to see it wasn''t crowded. This serene place, usually bustling with campers, was now a haven of tranquility, just as I had hoped.


    As I spread out the mat and set up for the picnic, Bell and Aisha were already by the lake, their laughter echoing as they tried to catch fish with their hands. Seeing them so carefree brought a fleeting sense of relief, though a shadow of worry still lingered about the price of the previous wish.


    Once everything was ready, I called them over for lunch.


    I could feel the curious gazes of the other campers. I was the odd one out, talking to Bell, who they couldn''t see. It was embarrassing, feeling their eyes on me, judging. I could understand their confusion; if I saw someone alone, talking to the air, I might think they were unstable too.


    Lost in these thoughts, I didn''t notice the two college students approaching until they were right in front of me.


    "Excuse me¡­ Sorry, we were wondering¡­ If you don''t mind, would you like to join us?" the girl asked, her expression a mix of pity and curiosity.


    "Yeah, you can join us. We don''t mind having you with us," the boy added, his concern evident.


    I knew how strange it must seem, me being here with Aisha and Bell.


    "Ah¡­" I stood up, fumbling for words. "Don''t worry about¡­ this¡­ I¡­ I came here to explore myself." The words felt hollow, even to me.


    "Pfft¡­" I heard Aisha''s stifled laughter. Frustration bubbled up as Bell looked at me, puzzled.


    They must think I''m crazy.


    "Ah¡­ Well¡­ This is interesting¡­" the girl said, trying to suppress her laughter.


    "Okay¡­ If you need anything, just let us know. Good luck on your journey of self-exploration," the boy said, clearly teasing as they walked away.


    I sat back down, my face burning with embarrassment.


    "I didn''t know you came here specifically for e-x-p-l-o-r-i-n-g yourself," Aisha teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm.


    "Don''t say that! I know it''s embarrassing, but I didn''t know what else to say," I replied, my voice louder than intended.


    Bell tugged at my pant leg, her innocent eyes full of curiosity. "Papa, what does ''exploring yourself'' mean?"


    I tried to hide my face, leaning down to the ground.


    Aisha''s laughter rang out, her eyes watering as she wiped away tears. I stayed hidden, feeling Bell''s small hands gently patting my head.


    After lunch I started finding a spot where I can play with Bell.


    After finding a secluded spot in the forest where we could play with the bell without attracting unwanted attention, we spent the day immersed in games like volleyball, hide and seek, and tag. As the sun began to set, Bell fell asleep, exhausted from all the fun. I started packing up our things when I noticed a figure standing by the lakeside, gazing at the setting sun. The figure''s eyes seemed hollow and empty, as if she was searching for her destination, much like the sun returning home after its daily journey.


    I sighed, feeling a mix of curiosity and concern, and walked towards the figure. "Hey," I called out softly. She turned to look at me, her expression unreadable.


    "Don''t you act like your usual self," I said, my voice tinged with worry.


    "What do you mean?" she asked, confusion and a hint of vulnerability in her eyes.


    "I mean¡­ well¡­ never mind. Just act like your usual self," I replied, struggling to gather my thoughts, my heart pounding.


    She smiled, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. Leaning towards me, she teased, "How do I usually act? Can you tell me?"


    I averted my eyes, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "Like smiling wickedly all the time, causing trouble, and demanding unreasonable things¡­ I guess," I mumbled.


    She started laughing, and I felt a mix of embarrassment and relief. Sensing the moment was right, I bowed to her. "Aisha, I know this may be sudden¡­"


    "No, rejected," she interrupted, her voice trembling slightly. I looked at her, surprised. I had never seen her so embarrassed before, her face flushed red as she tried to hide it.


    "You didn''t even let me finish," I protested, my heart sinking.


    "And I don''t want to hear it," she interrupted again, her voice firmer this time.


    "But at least let me finish," I insisted, my voice pleading. "Aisha, I¡­ I''m sorry for calling you a witch today! I know it must have hurt you, and I was furious at the time. Could you please forgive me?" I apologized, closing my eyes and hoping for an answer, my heart heavy with guilt.


    She remained silent for a moment before laughing again, a sound filled with both amusement and relief. "Hahaha¡­ You know, that''s really funny. Why would I be hurt by you calling me a witch? I am a witch, after all, so it doesn''t hurt me," she said, wiping away her tears of laughter.


    "You forgive me?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper, hope and fear mingling in my chest.


    "I was never hurt or angry, so you don''t have to worry," she replied, her voice gentle and reassuring.


    I sighed in relief, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "I''m sorry for before, but I hope I can count on your help in the future. I don''t know how to handle things properly," I admitted, my voice filled with sincerity.


    She walked past me, and I turned to look at her, my heart pounding. "I will help you, but you have to fulfill my demand."


    "Well, if it doesn''t cost me much," I said, worry creeping into my voice.


    She turned back, leaning towards me with a mischievous smile. "That''s good. Now let''s go back home, White."


    After our conversation ended, we headed back home. Aisha said she would meet me there and disappeared, leaving me and Bell alone. I carried the sleeping Bell on my back, feeling a mix of relief, gratitude, and anticipation for what lay ahead.