Today was exceptionally bright — the sun poured its warmth over the sky, weaving itself between drifting white clouds. A perfect day to begin anew. The air was gentle too, neither scorching nor chilling, merely resting softly against the skin.
Stepping off the bus, Leci arrived at the stop near her school. It was only about fifty meters to the main gate. A short walk brought her to the entrance—
"Oh? Good morning, Leciara!" Someone greeted her with a cheerful wave.
Jayden stood by the gate, smiling so brightly it almost rivaled the sun itself. His aura today was as radiant as daylight.
Seeing Jayden's baby face so early in the morning felt like splashing one's face with cool water beneath a blazing sun — refreshing in a way Leci could never describe.
"Morning, Jayden," she replied. It felt strange to be greeted by someone other than Taryn. Not unwelcome — just unfamiliar.
Jayden fell into step beside her, matching her pace so they walked side by side. Since they shared the same classroom, their paths naturally aligned. "You look healthy today," he commented, still wearing that lingering, gentle smile.
If this boy walked in total darkness, he would still shine, Leci thought, catching a glimpse of his dazzling presence beside her. Jayden's aura was the exact opposite of Kieron's — like white to black, light to shadow.
"It's thanks to you all. I appreciate you visiting yesterday," Leci said sincerely. It was the first time someone besides Taryn had ever come to check on her.
Jayden nodded, his smile widening in quiet delight. "I'm glad you're feeling better," he answered — then as if remembering something, he rummaged through his backpack.
When he found what he was looking for, he handed it to Leci. "I made you notes from yesterday's lesson."
Leci froze — utterly stunned. Not only had he visited her yesterday… he even made notes for her?
There are boys this green-flag at my school?! Her mind practically screamed.
For a moment she didn't know how to react. Kindness like this made her heart flutter with a blend of joy and unease. Is this… good news? Or bad news? She wondered nervously.
But her parents had always taught her to never reject genuine kindness. Not wanting to offend Jayden, Leci accepted the notebook with a small smile. "Thank you so much. Let me treat you to lunch later," she offered — Leci hated owing favors.
Jayden looked relieved at her reaction, scratching the back of his neck shyly. "I… I hope we can be good friends after this."
It was the second time someone offered her friendship. After Taryn, now Jayden too. Leci didn't know what she had done to receive such blessings so early in the morning.
"You're Norris's friend, and we're classmates. It's better if we get along," Leci admitted simply. Her thoughts slipped out without filtering — perhaps affected by Jayden's radiant presence.
To Leci, this was just friendship.
But Jayden seemed to think otherwise. He looked away, cheeks slightly flushed. He had waited a long time for a chance to talk to her like this.
Because Leci lacked any experience in romance, her ability to detect anyone's affection toward her was almost nonexistent. Even Norris had realized in one glance that Jayden had long harbored interest in Leci. It was practically an open secret among the boys of Class 2-C.
Yet neither Leci nor Jayden noticed the figure watching them from the rooftop above. A suffocating darkness clung to the presence like a shadow given form. His piercing gaze marked Jayden as an enemy.
Leci felt a chill crawl up her spine. A heavy, sinister aura radiated from the direction of the classroom building's rooftop. She lifted her gaze — and there stood Kieron, staring down at them from behind the iron railing.
Leci quickly glanced at Jayden. Her new friend was unknowingly standing in danger.
"Jayden, I'm sorry. I need to see Taryn about something — you can go to class first!"
She didn't wait for his reply. Leci sprinted away, racing down the hallway and up the stairs. She knew exactly where Taryn would be — the Music Club room. Her friend always spent her free time playing instruments before class.
Leci had to move quickly. Kieron must not get the wrong idea about Jayden. If he suspected anything between them…
Jayden could be in serious danger.
Huft… She had just begun enjoying the excitement of making a new friend. Did she now have to distance herself because she feared Kieron's jealousy?
Wait — jealousy? Why did she even think Kieron would be jealous about her and Jayden? Why was she so sure he actually… liked her?
Leci shook her head vigorously. Her own thoughts were spiraling into nonsense. She didn't even notice Taryn staring at her strangely.
"Leci? What's wrong? Is that some new dance trending in Tuktuk?"
Hearing Taryn's voice, Leci quickly stopped. But what she saw next worried her even more — Taryn looked pale, with dark circles under her eyes.
"Your face is pale. Are you sick?" Then a realization struck her. "You caught my fever yesterday, didn't you?!"
Taryn struggled to shake her head — Leci was still holding her cheeks. "No… I just haven't slept. I keep having nightmares lately."
Leci frowned, concerned.
"You're cursed by the woman ghost from the lotus pond," a voice chimed in behind her.
Leci turned to see Norris arriving, plastic bag in hand — probably from the cafeteria. "I heard that ghost always curses pretty girls."
Leci's brows knotted in curiosity, while Taryn widened her eyes as if remembering something. "I've heard that rumor too… it's really popular in my grandmother's neighborhood!"
Norris snapped his fingers dramatically. "See? Maybe that ghost from your grandma's area followed you!"
"Have you visited there recently?" Leci asked, growing more worried. Taryn rarely got sick — seeing her in this condition was unsettling.
Taryn seemed lost in thought before nodding slowly. "I visited last Sunday… I remember walking Ciko — my grandma's dog — around the housing complex, and I saw… something. Something like a white cloth flying above the abandoned fish pond."
Hearing this, Leci and Norris went pale.
Why didn't she tell me this earlier?! Leci panicked inwardly.
"Come on. I'll check if you have any dark aura around you," Leci said, pulling Taryn toward the infirmary.
Taryn didn't resist; Norris followed as well. They still had twenty minutes before class started.
Leci wasn't sure whether the ghost stories were true. But hearing Taryn saw something flying was enough to alarm her. As an Exorcist used to dealing with spirits, she could say with certainty — that wasn't an ordinary floating cloth.
She would have to inspect the lotus pond after school.
On the way to the infirmary, Leci's steps halted — a foreboding sensation washed over her.
In the empty corridor before the library, Kieron stood facing Jayden. Their gazes clashed like blades. The tension between them was unmistakable — as if a violent storm was moments away from erupting.
Leci was sure she had sent Jayden toward class 2-C. How did he end up here with Kieron? Did Kieron call him over? For what? And why did they look like enemies?
"Jayden Troy," Kieron said, voice cutting colder than winter steel, "there is something I must warn you about."
For the first time, Leci saw a cold, hostile expression on Jayden's usually bright face. "What is it, Sir? I'm certain I've been an exemplary student. What have I done to deserve a warning?"
Wow. Bold. Even Leci hadn't expected Jayden to talk back to Kieron — whose aura yesterday alone had nearly terrified her.
Kieron forced a smile, though it looked more like a grimace. "Leciara… she—"