101. Marcelline's POV
The hallway was noisy, chaotic, alive — painfully different from the quiet weight of the power I carry inside me.
Humans move so fast, so loudly, so carelessly… yet somehow, I don't mind watching them.
I had just finished reading the robotics notice board when I sensed someone approaching — not cautiously, but with… bright, explosive energy.
I turned.
Chloe.
Small, fierce, glowing like a warm candle.
And nervous.
Very nervous.
"Um—Marcelline? Hi!" she said, voice slightly too high.
"I'm Chloe… Aiden's sister. We met earlier in the morning!"
Her hands fidgeted behind her back.
Her thoughts were practically audible in the air:
Don't mess up. Don't embarrass yourself. Don't stare too hard. She's so pretty oh my god help.
I almost smiled.
"Yes," I said softly. "I remember."
Her aura flickered with joy.
Then she blurted —
"W-will you… have lunch with me?
I mean—with us! Me and Aiden! Only if you want! NO PRESSURE—"
She spiraled so fast her own soul nearly tripped.
I tilted my head, unable to stop the small amusement curling in my chest.
She was genuine. Pure. No hidden intentions, just excitement.
"I'd like that," I said.
Chloe froze for a heartbeat — then lit up like morning sunlight.
And grabbed my wrist.
"Come before the cafeteria fills up!"
I let myself be pulled.
Her warmth was… surprisingly comforting.
---
THE CAFETERIA FROZE FOR ME — HOW TIRING
When we entered, the entire room went quiet.
Again.
It always happens.
My aura, my presence, my unnatural perfection — they react before people even know why.
Someone dropped their spoon.
A boy forgot how to breathe.
A girl stared like I'd stepped out of a myth.
Chloe leaned close and whispered:
"You basically have a fan club now."
I sighed. "I noticed."
It is… exhausting at times.
Being watched, admired, worshipped for something I didn't ask for.
But then—
Aiden.
---
AIDEN SEES ME — AND THE WORLD SHRINKS
He looked up from the table…
…and the room faded for him.
I could feel it.
His chest stuttered.
His soul brightened, stretched towards me — fragile but warm, like a flame trying not to burn too bright.
He looked…
happy.
Startled.
Blinded.
By me.
I don't know why that affected me.
Chloe pushed me forward with childlike pride.
"Aiden, look who's having lunch with us!"
Aiden tried to greet me—
But only managed:
"Oh—hi—hello—uh—hey—Hi!"
I bit back a laugh.
"Hello, Aiden," I said politely.
He melted so hard I could practically hear it.
---
SITTING WITH THEM — A VERY ODD COMFORT
I sat beside Chloe.
Aiden sat across from us like an obedient puppy guarding a priceless treasure.
Eyes soft.
Hands nervous.
Heart beating far too fast.
People around us whispered like they were witnessing a prophecy unfold.
I ignored them.
I looked at Chloe and Aiden instead.
Something… peaceful lingered between them.
Family warmth.
Human comfort.
It felt foreign to me — unfamiliar — but not unwelcome.
---
CHLOE'S CHAOTIC ENERGY
"So, Marcelline!" Chloe began, full of excitement.
"I'm doing Literature. Aiden is in post-grad Business!"
"I am in AI & Robotics," I told her.
Her eyes sparkled.
"That's so cool! You must be super smart!"
Aiden added softly — and helplessly:
"She's stunning AND brilliant. God is biased."
Chloe smacked him.
"Aiden. Control yourself."
For the first time today, I laughed out loud.
And the entire cafeteria gasped.
They really need to get a grip.
---
THE BRUSH OF HANDS
While reaching for a napkin, Aiden's fingers brushed mine.
Energy pulsed.
Just a brief spark.
But powerful enough that even I inhaled sharply.
His breath caught.
He froze, eyes wide.
Chloe kicked him under the table so hard he nearly yelped.
"STOP ELECTROCUTING THE AIR WITH ROMANTIC TENSION."
I hid my smile in my sleeve.
Even the entity would probably roll its eyes at this level of stupidity.
---
THE END OF LUNCH — AND SOMETHING NEW
When the bell rang, Chloe grabbed my hand.
Warm. Firm. Familiar — like a friend I hadn't known I needed.
"You're coming to class with me, right?"
I hesitated.
But…
I found myself nodding.
"Okay."
Aiden stood too, nervous and hopeful in the same breath.
"See you in the Robotics corridor later?"
"Yes," I said.
His joy was so pure it filled the space around us.
Chloe smacked his back to stop him from floating away.
I walked between them.
People stared as if witnessing a dream.
But for the first time in a long time…
I didn't feel like a celestial being walking among mortals.
I felt like a girl…
Walking with friends.
---