༻ Kristina ༺

Not here, not here, not here! It's not here?! Where the heck did it go?!

It's been over an hour now and I'm still looking for my blue hanky. I already checked everywhere – the classrooms, the hallways, the bathrooms, the field and the gym. Where could I have left it?!

I remembered throwing it at Daniel's face earlier but I already checked the field – it wasn't there.

I released a frustrated sigh before continuing my search. A part of me knew it was already hopeless, but I'd still look for it anyway.

Wait... maybe the janitor picked it up, mistook it for trash and threw it away?!

I sprinted towards the back of the school, where all the trash sat waiting to be picked up by the garbage truck. Just meters away I could already smell the foul stench of the area, but that didn't stop me at all.

I was about to dive into the trash bins when Ronnie, one our school janitors held my shoulder.

"Whoa there!" he said, smiling confused. "What's the student council president doing here?"

"Ronnie!" I couldn't help but whimper. "I haven't seen you in a while."

He chuckled shortly before replying. "Well, you know. I'm busy dealing with mission impossible: making the whole school spotless. But never mind that, what are you doing here?"

I smiled at him. I've known Ronnie since I was a freshman, and he's one of the nicest people here. He's in his mid-forties I think, but he looks a tad older because of work. Nonetheless, he never complains and he always smiles. That's why I easily get mad at the students carelessly throwing their junk anywhere without considering who has to clean up right after.

"I lost something important, and I thought maybe you or the other janitors picked it up and threw it away. Ah! Did you happen to see it by any chance?" I think I talked a little too fast and sounded too excited.

"Slow down Tina! What'd you lose? I'm sure if it's something important, I wouldn't throw it away like that."

Good point.

"A blue handkerchief. The color's a bit faded and old and it's a bit small in size. Like a kid's handkerchief."

He looked up to think. "Where'd you last use it?"

"The field, while we were playing a game. I threw it at a zombie and I forgot to retrieve it. But I already looked, it wasn't there anymore."

Somehow, in the middle of my explanation, a foolish grin spread on his face, the wrinkles on the corners of his mouth appearing. I raised a brow at him but he just chuckled.

"You threw it at a zombie, huh?"

I didn't like the way he said that. I'm sensing this conversation was going somewhere displeasing. "Is this zombie named Daniel, your rumored fiancé?"

My jaw dropped. "How'd you know that?"

He laughed one more time. Boy does he look like he's in a good mood. "You can't keep secrets in this school. Whatever the students know, the staff knows. Well, except for the teachers. Because they're kill-joys."

I snorted, agreeing with what he just said.

"Anyway, I need to find that thing before I go home and – "

I remembered what awaits me at home.

"Uuuuugh..."

Ronnie smiled at me, looking like he knew what I was just thinking. He patted my head gently. "You remind me of my daughter and her husband when they were still dating. The good ol' days when I wanted to shoot the boy. He-he." Before I could reply, he pointed at the mass of trash bags behind us. "I'm in charge of this area and I myself cleaned the field earlier, but I didn't see a blue hanky. Sorry."

My shoulders sunk and I'm sure my face also fell because Ronnie looked a bit guilty, even though it wasn't his fault. I smiled at him, showing how thankful I was for his help.

Well, it's gone. I checked everywhere already. I might as well stop wasting my time and just go home.

"Thanks Ronnie!" I said, making my way back to the classroom to pick up my stuff. I gave him a big wave. "And I'll smack those kids littering the school for you, so don't worry!"

I sighed again. I can't help feeling down. I lost it. The most important thing I've owned since I was a little girl. The handkerchief Daniel gave me when I scraped my knee when we were kids.

I don't know why I treasured it so much up until now. I don't usually hold onto stuff, but that was a different case. I drenched that thing with my tears when they left that day and every time I'd remember my very first best friend, I'd cry again and use it to wipe my eyes.

When I said my memories of Daniel were vague, it wasn't a lie. Because the clearest memory I had was when he was in that car with his dad, disappearing from the streets, and me balling my eyes out every night after that.

Ha. Now I remember.

That was the time I started rejecting particularly anything with flowers, anything girly like dresses, and, well. That was also the time I grew distrust in boys that were close to my age. Because they all reminded me of him.

They all reminded me how weak I was back then.

I was young and didn't have the capacity to fully understand the situation. All I realized at that point in my life was that I missed my best friend terribly, and that he didn't keep his promise. He just left. And being the naïve little girl that I was, I felt betrayed.

Hah.

Thinking about it now is making me want to laugh. I was such a bitter kid. Daniel had no control over that situation and I just recklessly blamed him for it. Now that I've realized that, I feel so horrible.

Being the way I am right now, I don't deserve that handkerchief. That's why, I give up looking for that precious item.

I give up.

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"May I come in?" I knocked on the door. I was currently outside the faculty room. I had to drop off the monthly report of the student council before going home. It seemed like there was nobody inside so I decided to let myself in. I was given prior permission to enter as long as it was for reasons like this anyway.

Before I even got to twist the knob, somebody on the other side of the door opened it.

"The teachers are out on a meeting right now," a familiar voice spoke before completely opening the door. I recognized that accent.

When I looked up to see who it was, my eyes widened in surprise. It was the boy I bumped into earlier. The walking brick wall.

"Oh it's you!" he laughed, saying 'you' as if we were old acquaintances.

"What are you doing here?" I asked suspiciously. I forcefully opened the door and entered as if it was my own room. "This office is off-limits to students. Uh... You're a student here right? Who are you again?" I placed the monthly report on the Principal's desk before returning my attention to the stranger.

"Do you really not know who I am or are you just pretending?" he grinned, a bit cockily if I may add. I actually got annoyed, because he reminded me of a certain butthead.

"Wow, forget I asked." I scoffed. Maybe I came off a little too rude, but I didn't care. I wasn't in the mood.

He looked like he didn't believe me one bit. He changed the topic quickly and folded his arms, studying my appearance from head to foot. He looked like he knew something I didn't. And I hated that look the most. "Oh, but I know who you are, Miss President."

"Really," I challenged. Whatever prank he was playing, I wasn't interested. And then he winked at me.

Ugh.

"Yep." He smugly persisted. "My cousin just adores you."

Cousin? Who? "Look, I don't have time for games – "

When my eyes landed on the wall clock, I cut my conversation with him and ran off. It's already this late?! My mom was gonna kill me! "Whatever. See ya!"

He looked like he wanted to say more, but I already left the office. I'll deal with him tomorrow.

┅┅┅┅┅┅┅༻❁༺┅┅┅┅┅┅┅

"Mom? I'm home!" I yelled as soon as I entered the living room. Unlike some kids my age, I still had curfew, and my mom was rather strict about it despite her usual light personality. She was just leaving the kitchen when she saw me. I was getting myself ready for an earful.

"Honey!" She ran towards me with a wide grin.

Or maybe not..?

"Why're you so late? Where have you been?" She asked. Usually, the tone she'd use while saying that was similar to a woman on her period, but this time, she sounded so gentle and happy.

I'm scared.

"Sorry, I was stuck doing the monthly report," I reasoned. I can't tell her about the hanky. She'll tease me about it and it gets pretty annoying when she teases me.

She nodded her head in understanding and hugged me. She hugged me. Another sign that something's wrong.

"What? What?" I asked, getting more confused by the second. "What's going on? Why're you in such a good mood?"

My mom just giggled. "Oh nothing! I'm just OH SO HAPPY!"

Now I'm suspicious. I know Daniel's here, that's one thing that'd make her happy, but other than that, I feel like there's something else going on.

I studied her appearance in which she looked pretty nice – she was wearing a deep purple halter-neck dress with her hair tied up into an elegant bun, with soft curls framing her slim face. I noticed that she was wearing her favorite jewelry and a pair of stilettos as well.

"What's the occasion?"

"Oh it's just an adult thing," she waved an airy hand.

"What'd you do this time?"

She laughed and endearingly messed up my hair before skipping back to the kitchen, humming a cheery tune.

I don't trust this woman.

I undid the braid Ella did for me earlier and brushed my soft locks with my fingers as they fell down near my hips. My hair got this long already. I should cut it when I get the time. While on the process of making myself at home, I also untied my ribbon, rolled up my sleeves and undid the two upper-buttons from my blouse.

I'm so tired. I just want to go to bed.

I followed my mom into the kitchen and I halted in my steps when I found a demon casually sitting down on our table, devouring a delicious looking piece of chocolate cake. I scoffed at him as soon as he noticed my presence. He just nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders.

Did my mom know about our stupid 'master and slave' contract? Did he tell her about the dumb punishment game?

Well whatever. As long as my parents are here, I'm safe from his clutches.

And then I remembered that I just saw my mom all dressed up and pretty.

"Liz?" Uncle Jonathan suddenly appeared. "You ready? We're gonna be late."

Oh, no. Uncle John, I'm not ready.

"I'm ready, I'm ready!" she chirped while putting her phone inside a small purse that matched her dress.

"For what? Where are you guys going?" I asked, genuinely curious. Even Uncle John was dressed up all fancy wearing a tux and his hair pushed back neatly.

"A formal dinner party." He smiled at me. They gave me the impression that they didn't have the time to tell me all the details. "Jake's already waiting in the car, Lizzy."

She kissed my forehead and pinched Daniel's cheek before going with Uncle John. "We're gonna be late so I asked Danny to babysit you until we come back. You guys can watch a movie in the living room or something."

"What? Babysit me?! Can't I go with you guys?" Getting all dressed up was a nuisance but that was better than me staying here alone with the devil.

"Don't worry dear, we'll be home before midnight. And if anything happens, Daniel's there. He's a reliable fella despite his looks." Uncle John reassured me.

It was not reassuring at all. If anything happens, it's because Daniel's here.

I looked over my shoulder to see how he'd react with everything happening so quickly but he seemed like he didn't give a damn.

Ugh, whatever. I don't care anymore. I'll just ignore him for the rest of the evening.

༻ Daniel ༺

It was half an hour since our parents left. Poopy was still staring into space in the living room. Did she hate being alone with me that much?

I slid my hands under my pockets and casually sat beside her on the sofa. No reaction. Did something happen to her today? Maybe she's sulking because I went home first and didn't give her a ride?

Before I opened my mouth to speak, she took a deep breath and sighed.

Her hair was a mess. Her two upper-buttons were loose. Her sleeves were rolled up her elbows. Her eyes looked so dull and lifeless. Her lips were in a tight line.

She was obviously worn out.

Yet why did she still look so utterly gorgeous?

I awkwardly coughed, shaking off my thoughts. Stop thinking. Stop looking at her like that.

"You look zombie-er than me today," my stupid mouth found its way back into the spotlight.

There was still no reaction.

What are you thinking about?

"Hey stinky." I tried using another nickname on her. Usually she'd clobber me right? This was so weird, not getting hit by her. "You stink."

No she doesn't. She smells like roses and jasmine or something sweet like that and you know you like it.

Aaah the voice in my head finally made its reappearance. Shoo, shoo.

Tsk. Kid. Grow up.

I feel so sad.

I shifted closer to her and began playing with her hair. It looked curlier than usual, probably because of the braid. It was so soft too. And it smelled nice. "What kind of hair is this? It's like my dad's armpit hair. Go brush it or something."

Why stupid mouth? Why?

Six year-old me would have been so disappointed.

I winced a bit, expecting a comeback, but there was none. What the hell was going on?

"Please stop ignoring me," I said, sounding like a total sissy.

I waved my hand in front of her face, but her eyes were too focused on something else. She looked lost in her thoughts. Does she even realize I'm right next to her?

I don't know why I felt sulky all of a sudden. She wasn't paying any attention to me at all, and that bothered me a lot.

A bright idea lit up my head. Guess I'll have to do something to have her get mad at me. Her getting mad at me was better than her giving me the silent treatment.

So without warning, I held her chin and kissed the corner of her lip.

What the hell was I making up excuses for? I kept finding her pretty and just couldn't help myself. That was the truth I always denied.

I'm not counting that kiss in our deal.

I guess my plan worked, because her eyes snapped open, and she turned to look at me with a wild glare. Her face was pinkish and her nose crinkled up.

Ha-ha.

I'm dead.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT?"

"I want my slave back," I grinned. Finally, she's snapped out of her thoughts.

We continued our little stare-down, but in between stares, I started to notice her hard stare getting softer and softer. She sighed and pushed the strands of hair framing her face up. "Whatever."

"What's wrong with you today?" I blurted out. Ah... Was that a mistake?

She glared at me again, probably mad because I didn't mind my own business, but shortly after, she looked at the ground with a guilty expression. "Nothing that matters."

Nothing that matters huh? Not so.

"C'mon tell me," I insisted. I can't help it. I wanted to know. And to help, somehow. "It's an order."

What am I doing, using that as an excuse?

It was a few seconds until she finally replied. It sounded a bit reluctant too. Now I felt bad for asking. "I lost something at school. But whatever, it's gone."

Oh.

"Was it that important?"

"Would I look this depressed if it weren't?"

Um.

"Sorry, that was a stupid question." I quickly apologized. I just don't know what to say. What did she lose anyway, to make her act like this? Her phone? Her notebook? Her –

No way. Was it that handkerchief, maybe?

Was it?

I don't know why I felt so excited all of a sudden.

"It's not your fault, sorry I sounded rude," she sighed again. How many times did she sigh today? "It's my fault for losing it."

I slowly nodded my head, squeezing the handkerchief inside my pocket. Will I get killed if I ask her?

"Can I um..." I wasn't sure about this, but here goes nothing. "Can I ask what you lost? Maybe I can help you find it."

She scanned my face a bit suspiciously, but she smiled right after. "Thank you, but I already looked everywhere. It's gone."

Why was she so pessimistic about this? Usually she'd get all fired up.

"What's gone?"

She bit her lip and looked away. Did she blush?

"My uh... hanky. The one I threw at you earlier."

It was my turn to look away.

I covered my mouth with my hand and took a deep breath. Oh man. I'd be dead if she catches me grinning so widely. I can't believe it. I can't believe it.

I'm so happy I might cry.

Kidding.

"Oh, you mean the blue one?" I asked, forcing myself to sound nonchalant but not too suspicious. She nodded her head.

"Yeah. Did you see it after the game?" She asked, though she looked like she already knew the answer. I just gave her a sympathetic smile.

I didn't want to lie to her. Though even if I didn't say anything, this smile of mine was still a lie anyway. I had to play safe in this one.

"It was just a handkerchief. Did it have any sentimental value or anything? Did your mom give it to you?" I'm such a douche for asking what I already knew. But a guy's gotta make sure right?

"No..." she mumbled. "It was given by... someone else."

"I see."

The topic was getting a bit uncomfortable for us both so I decided to let my stupid mouth run the rest of the show. "Well, no point getting down at what's already gone. Go make me some food."

I'll just play along until the end of the evening. I'll give her the handkerchief before going home. Yeah, yeah I know. I'm an insensitive jerk.

༻ Kristina ༺

That insensitive jerk.

I stood up from the couch and looked at the zombie still sitting down. "Butthead."

At least we got out of that awkward topic. I didn't want to say anything else. If he finds out that it was his handkerchief I was feeling down about, I know I wouldn't hear the end of it.

I'd just be feeding his already inflated ego.

"When are you gonna make dinner? I'm hungry." He asked, making himself comfortable on the couch.

"Didn't mom leave you anything in the fridge? Go buy your own food, freeloader."

I honestly didn't want to deal with him right now. I just wanted to sulk, eat then sleep.

"She did give me some cake, but I want real food. And she said to leave the cooking to you."

If my mother told this guy to leave the cooking to me, then there was only one reasonable explanation.

She wants Daniel to die a horrible death.

I don't know how to make a single dish! The only thing I know how to make are omelets! And they're not even that good!

"W-Whatever," I mumbled. I think I already overused that word for today.

I left him there in the living room. I just need to change out my uniform. He called me stinky. Did I really stink? I didn't sweat or anything.

In the middle of climbing the stairs, I noticed him following behind me.

"What do you think you're doing following me up here?" I resisted the urge to kick his face.

"Your mom told me to keep an eye on you at all times." He replied with bored eyes. This was getting so annoying.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "I'm going to change."

"Then I hope you put on a good show."

Does he ever run out of things to say?! He's fooling everybody, making them think he's a quiet person or something!

"Oh shut up!" I quickly changed course and went down the stairs. "And don't you dare follow me!"

Of course, he didn't listen to a single word I said. He walked down the stairs and followed me into the kitchen like a lost puppy. "I thought you were gonna change clothes?"

"I'll do that later," I opened the fridge and searched for something safe for even me to heat up. I've got to get rid of him somehow. "I'll just prepare dinner in the mean time. There must be some leftovers here somewhere..."

He was just standing quietly behind me, making me feel a bit anxious. Is he a kid or what?

"Found it!" I took the soup from two nights ago and closed the fridge. "I'll just heat this up and dinner will be ready in a jiffy."

I took a large bowl from the cabinet and turned on the stove. Heating this up should be easier than making something from scratch. "While I'm working on this, you go watch TV or go outside or something."

"Fine," Daniel yawned and walked out the kitchen.

I waited for a few minutes until I could no longer sense his presence. I checked the living room but he wasn't there. He must've gone outside. I couldn't help chuckling.

Now that that jerk's nowhere near me, I'll run upstairs and quickly change. That way, he won't catch up.

I'm such a genius.

After a few more minutes, I left the soup heating inside the pot and tiptoed my way up the stairs. I felt like a burglar in my own house, feeling so conscious of my surroundings by looking left and right every second until I reached my destination.

When I finally arrived in my room, I gently closed the door and locked it. I stood there for a few seconds before I sighed in relief. What an accomplishment! I felt so proud of myself. At least something good happened to me today.

I laughed to myself. "I finally outsmarted the devil!"

"Who's the devil?"

I screamed at the top of my lungs when I heard his voice. Damn it did he have to scare me like that?!

I quickly turned around just to see him sitting on my bed, playing with the stuffed animals I won at a shooting gallery some time ago.

"YOU EVIL, EVIL PERSON! HOW DID YOU – "

"Don't you think you're a bit too old for this kind of toys?" He smirked.