(Y/n)'s POV

I reluctantly opened my eyes, feeling too tired to move. My head was spinning and my sight was blurry. Ugh, were these the side effects of getting my power taken away? Or was it simply from the pain that still lingered within my mind?

"(Y/n), you're awake?"

I noticed Sorey and Mikleo both staring at me as if I had come back from the dead. The two were expecting an answer so I simply muttered a 'yeah' in reply.

"Thank god...you were asleep for almost two days," Mikleo exclaimed.
"T-two days? You're joking...right?"
"Does it look like we are?"
"So you stayed here for the whole time?"
"Yeah, sorry but we kinda just made ourselves at home. But you can just think about it this way: you won't starve to death anymore because we filled your fridge and pantry," replied Sorey.
"...eh?"
"Oh and you don't have to worry about school for the next few days. We asked gramps to give us a break," Mikleo added.
"B-but-"
"We also took care of Shiori and Catherine so you can just forget about them."

I was at a loss for words, trying to comprehend what they had just told me. Geez, all this was making my headache worse. I definitely needed a break from everything.

The two boys in front of me continued to talk as if nothing had happened. It was like everything had returned to normal, only I wouldn't have to face them again.

"Hey guys."

They turned their heads to look at me, stopping in the middle of their conversation. I looked down at my shaking hands, suddenly fully aware of everything they had done for me...a friend...

"Thank you."

Mikleo's hand grasped mine, his warm ones overtaking the cold that was encasing mine. I hesitantly looked into his calm eyes before a thankful smile etched itself onto my face.

I squeezed his hand to let him know that I was okay before a sudden cough interrupted the moment. We quickly let go and looked elsewhere, feeling awkward.

Ugh, I had somewhat forgotten that Sorey was still in the room. Once he saw our reactions, he burst out laughing, which made me blush a dark shade of red in embarrassment.

Omg, his laugh was contagious. I couldn't help but laugh along despite the embarrassment burning my cheeks. I felt my exhaustion fade away as we sat here in my room talking about random everyday things.

I missed days like this, where we didn't have anything to hide and/or worry about. It felt like I was actually a normal girl.

"Hey, since we have a break, do you two want to go somewhere?" Sorey asked.

The two looked at me, as if worried about my well-being. I simply smiled and reassured them of their anxieties.

"Sure, where do you feel like going?"
"I don't know, to be honest. I guess just spending the day out wouldn't be so bad," Mikleo replied.
"Why don't we go visit some old ruins, like when we were children?" Sorey asked us, but it was mostly directed at Mikleo.
"The ruins?"
"Yeah, it's amazing. Why don't we show her, Mikleo?"
"Yeah, if that's okay with you, (Y/n)."
"I'd love to go."
"Great, then it's settled. Should we invite everyone else?"
"Go ahead."

I couldn't help but get this bubbly, light feeling in my chest. Was this excitement? Happiness? I honestly didn't want anything else, only to remain with my friends and by Mikleo's side.

No one's POV

While (Y/n), Mikleo and Sorey were planning their fun day out, Shiori had locked herself up in her spacious, unusual room. It was no different from a typical rich girl's room except for the multiple pictures up on the walls she had secretly taken of Mikleo.

One would call this obsession but she called it love, a deep unrequited love. She had made a mess of her once beautiful room due to her painful heartbreak.

Catherine hadn't bothered to comfort her friend, Shiori forbade her to. She considered Catherine a traitor for letting them go. After all, she had worked her whole life for that moment.

Her love for Mikleo was still there but was used to fuel her anger and hatred instead of driving her motivation to win his heart. She had given up after realising that Mikleo would never love her, at least not the in way he loved (Y/n).

Her mascara ran down her cheeks like dark stains that remained after one spilt food. She had been crying for the past two days, unable to accept anything or move on. One could argue that she was being a little childish.

Unexpectedly, she had called someone over. Of course it was only to help her with her own benefits. The person aiding her would be provided with nothing but resentment.

The figure entered without bothering to knock. Shiori immediately stood up and ran into the person's stiff arms. She was just using him, she didn't love him no matter how much she tried to stray away from Mikleo.

"Yuma-"
"Shiori, I didn't come here to listen to your helpless rants. Stop using me to ease your pain. You're just too caught up trying to steal a heart that's already stolen. Please stop all this," he exclaimed emotionlessly.
"Y-Yuma, I-I um...I..."
"No more stupid excuses. Don't delude yourself into thinking that you love me. I'm just here to tell you that I think I've done enough to pay back my father's debt."
"No..."
"You can even go ask your parents. I'm done."

Before she could get another word in, he turned around and left the room, leaving Shiori with no one but herself. Everyone thought she deserved. She was the real monster that lurked in the shadows. Only, she didn't realise it.