Chapter 20 Yani’s Team

“Uhm I think I can't join your group,” Elesa last said.

We were all surprised. “What do you mean?” I asked.

“Because well, I still have a lot to do especially now that I am Prince Zoltar's assistant.”

“But he agreed when we talked to him. Can't it be like your 'holiday off'?”

“Ah actually, Prince Zoltar talked to me earlier and he said he changed his mind so that's why. You know I can't deny him.”

“Oh is that so.” Really Prince Zoltar? Just great. I can't do anything because he’s a prince.

“Okay, if that's really what he said. I’ll just look for a replacement for you.”

“I'm sorry I didn't tell you right away but since you mentioned it earlier, why don't you try the fire girl you met?”

I suddenly thought. Oh right. She could be even though I know it has a low chance that she will join.

“Yes. That's good. So that we can get to know her,” Femme said happily.

“Okay. Maybe I can talk to her,” I answered. “Thank you for coming, Elesa.”

She smiled at me. “Okay. I'm leaving. Good luck,” as she walked away at the same time.

“Bye Elesa,” Femme said goodbye while waving. “Be safe.”

Callie immediately stood up and walked away. “Don't tell me you too Callie,” I said immediately so she stopped. “Jethro told you something too?”

“Jethro?” Jessy asked in astonishment. “Who's that?”

“Yeah. All I know is Prince Jethro who is the prince of ice,” said Kyrie.

I'm surprised. Of course. Why do I always forget that there must be a prince before saying his name?

“Ah I mean that. Prince Jethro, she is Prince Jethro's assistant,” I explained.

“Ah Prince Jethro,” Jessy said.

“Mali ka ng iniisip Yani, (You got it all wrong Yani)” Callie said so we looked at her. “Pumayag ang mahal namin prinsipe na sumali ako sa grupo mo kaya hindi ako aalis ng grupo. Kailangan ko lang bumalik ngayon dahil marami pang gagawin ang aming prinsipe kaya iniisip ko na kailangan niya rin ng tulong ko. Ipapaalam ko na rin sa kanya na buong linggo ay magpapraktis ako. (Our dear prince agreed that I should join your group so I will not leave the group. I just need to go back now because our prince has a lot more to do so I think he needs my help too. I will also let him know that I will practice all week.)”

“Ah okay,” I was relieved. “Thank goodness. I thought I would look for another.”

“I will take my leave then,” Callie said coldly as she also walked away.

“Woah. I think my nose bleed at what she said. The depth of her Filipino,” said Jessy.

“Of course she is.” Kyrie replied. “That’s the Ice Prince's assistant and as far as I know he is also a Filipino, right?”

“Yeah, he is Filipino,” I replied.

“Really?” Kyrie's unbelievable answer. “I just guessed that. Does that mean Yani that you were able to talk to that numb person?”

I was stunned by what she said.

“It's bad for you to say that Kyrie,” Femme said like a child.

“It's true,” Kyrie replied. “One time I stumbled and then he was there walking but he just passed by me. I can’t walk properly because of the pain in my ankle. He did not even help me to go to the hospital.”

“Maybe he thought you were just joking around just to get his attention,” Jessy said.

“Heh. Don't me. You were not there at that time so you don’t know,” Kyrie replied.

“Okay, okay enough. Let's not talk about him anymore. All I want to know is why are all still here?” I said changing the topic. “I told you that you can go back to rest and then just come back here tomorrow for the meeting and I still need to find the Fire girl.”

“Ouch girl. Are you really sending us away?” said Jessy. “What a waste. I even told the coach that I will take a day-off now just for this because I thought it was a whole day.”

I was speechless. “When I get back there…” Donna said. “…our master maid will just scold me.”

Everyone stopped and looked at Donna.

“Oh shacks,” Donna said in shock.

“You’re a maid Donna?” Femme asked.

Donna covered her face. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Wow. You’re also the assistant of the Earth Prince,” Kyrie commented.

“No,” Donna replied and sighed. “I am not an assistant. I’m really a maid of the Earth palace. As in a maid like a nanny or whatever you call it.”

“Is that so. Why did you just say it now?” Jessy asked.

She averted our look. “I'm ashamed. Maybe you’ll just laugh at me.”

“Eh?” Kyrie simply said as she looked at her nails. “At least you have a job.”

“Yeah Donna. Why will we laugh at you?” said Femme.

“Yeah,” said Hera. “You are really hard working,” as she smiled at Donna at the same time.

Donna looked at them and smiled. “Thank you for what you guys said. Maybe I just realized I’m lucky to be in this group,” said Donna.

I smiled at what she said.

“Aww I’m touched,” Jessy’s drama.

“Can we stay here first with you Yani?” Femme pleaded. “We can help you with what you have to do.”

“That’s right girl,” Jessy agreed. “And at least we will know which challenge we are in so we can start training tomorrow morning.”

I just looked at them and it was obvious that they were all just begging in front of me just to stay. I couldn’t do anything but let out a sigh.

“All right if that's what you all want,” and smiled at them but I also immediately realized something. “Oh right, I still need to look for the Fire girl first—”

“LUMAYO KA SA AKIN! (GET AWAY FROM ME!)”

We were all surprised by the shout. We immediately looked at where it came from and saw smoke.

“I think someone needs help,” said Kyrie.

“It's not just someone needs help Kyrie,” Jessy said. “Someone really needs help and she spoke Filipino which means she is a Filipino.”

“Come on guys. Let's see it for ourselves,” I said immediately.

We ran immediately to where the smoke was coming from and when we arrived, there was a fire blocking in front of us.

“I'll take care of it,” said Femme and immediately controlled water coming from a plant to put out the fire on our way.

“There is a woman in the middle surrounded by fire,” said Hera while looking straight ahead. She has an eye scanner.

“I'm going in,” I said immediately.

“Wait Yani—”

I went inside and just went through the fire and saw a fire girl in the middle who was just standing.

“Uhm okay ka lang? (Uhm are you okay?)” I asked.

She immediately turned to me with a shocked face. We stared at each other while I wondered.

“Kilala ba kita? (Do I know you?)” I asked. She looks familiar.

“You spoke Filipino. Who are you?” she said cautiously.

“Looks like it’s not anyways what happened here? Is anyone hurting you?”

She just glared at me. “There’s nothing here. I'm okay,” she replied.

“Okay but are you the one who shouted earlier?”

“Yes but it’s gone now. He has left.”

“Which one? Who? “

“It’s none of your business,” she replied firmly.

We stared at each other again and there was a silence between us before we were both surprised.

“YOU?!” we exclaimed together.

“What are you doing here?” I happily asked her. Oh thank God. I don't have to search anymore.

“You, what are you doing here?” she asked back very seriously.

“Oh well because—”

“Yani!”

We both looked at the caller and saw the five walking towards us.

“Are you okay?” Femme asked me worriedly.

“Yes, I'm okay” I replied.

“Are you sure girl?” Jessy made sure. “Like oh my gash you just walked through the fire without anything happening to you. How is that?”

I'm surprised. “Oh that…” Of course, they didn’t know that I could control all the elements. “Uhm—”

“Why do you have companions?”

We were all surprised when the Fire girl spoke and we confronted her.

“Who is she?” Kyrie asked.

“I think she’s the one who shouted earlier,” Femme replied.

“Oh that's why the surroundings are on fire,” Kyrie just commented while looking around her.

“What happened here Yani?” Donna asked me.

“I don't know either,” I looked at her at the same time. “But she said he left already.”

“Tell me,” Kyrie said seriously. “…is he the one who burned the plants here?”

Fire girl turned to look at Kyrie seriously. “You’re a nature girl,” she said, not asking.

“That's right and I hate that person who did this,” Kyrie replied.

“What if it’s me?” Fire girl asked.

Kyrie was surprised and not only her, but all of us, at her answer.

“Really?” unbelievable, Jessy asked.

She didn't say a word and still stared at Kyrie seriously. Kyrie later smiled at her.

“I will not punish you or anything. I know you have a reason why,” said Kyrie and snapped her fingers so the plants immediately appeared in the burnt areas.

“But just a warning,” she added. “…if you’re going to hurt animals this time,” Kyrie smirked at Fire girl. “…you can feel the ferocity of Mother Nature.”

The Fire girl just rolled her eyes at her.

“Now I get what she means she is friendly with animals,” Jessy whispered to Donna while Donna nodded in response.

“Okay so uhm guys,” I said so they all looked at me. “…before everything I just want you to know that she is actually…” I pointed to Fire girl at the same time. “…the Filipina fire girl I met.”

“Oh it’s her?” Femme said cheerfully. “What's her name?”

“That, I don’t know,” I looked at her at the same time. “What's your name again?”

Her forehead furrowed as she looked at me. “Why do you need to know? What do you need from me?”

“Ah yes by the way, we want you to join our group. We need you,” I replied.

“Huh? What group?” she asked, confused.

“Yani's group. She will join in the Tradition but she needs members,” Femme explained. “Actually we are complete but one backed out so we still need one.” Thank you Femme.

“And I'm that one person?” she asked.

“That's right,” I replied.

She crossed her arms and looked at each of us before answering. “I don’t want to,” she answered directly.

We were surprised. “Huh? But why?” I asked.

“Because I don't want to,” she replied again. “Just find someone else,” as she turned around at the same time.

“But just wait,” I said stopping her. “You are the only one I know. We can think of no one but you.”

“And why me? When were we close to each other?” she replied.

I was speechless. Right. We only met at the Fire Cabin during the tour but that’s the same case with the others.

She turned to me. “Not because we talked to each other before, we are close and all of a sudden you appear out of nowhere just to put me in your group?”

“But FYI…” Jessy entered. “…we came here because we heard your cry and we are here to help.”

“In that case, I don’t need your help. You can leave now,” replied Fire girl.

“Wow how mean can you be,” Jessy commented. “Come on guys. Yani let’s just look for someone else.”

“Do you know anyone else Yani?” Donna asked.

I just sighed. “No one.” I really expect her to agree.

My companions looked at each other and also looked at the fire girl who was just standing there and watching us.

“Well don’t worry girl. I'll take care of it. I know a lot of people in the Air Cabin,” said Jessy. “It doesn’t need to be a fire girl, right?”

I looked at Jessy and just gave a weak smile. “Yeah.”

“Then good. Let's go because we still have a lot to do,” Jessy offered as we walked away.

We walked away one by one until I was the only one left and looked at her again who is still looking at us seriously.

“I'm sorry for the inconvenience,” I apologized before walking away.

We haven't gone far yet when,

“AAAAAHHHH!!” We were surprised because she shouted again. I immediately turned around and ran back but when I arrived, the fire girl ran behind me.

“Wait are you okay?” full of concern I asked.

“Come on! Come on! Kill him,” she said in panic.

“Kill? Which one?” I also started to panic.

“That one,” she pointed at once but I was surprised.

“Huh? Which one?”

“That one!” at the same time she’s still pointing at it but she’s just pointing at a flying… butterfly?

I was confused. I followed her finger. “The butterfly?”

“YES!” she shouted.

I'm surprised. “Huh? I shall kill the butterfly?”

“YES!” she shouted again.

“What happened this time? Why is she shouting again?” Jessy asked.

“I don’t know. She said I should kill the butterfly,” I replied.

“Woah woah wait. Kill the butterfly?” Kyrie's question was also unbelievable.

“Yes.”

“Huh? Why would you kill a butterfly?”

“Just do it!” she shouted still behind me and she was crouching on the floor while still shaking. We looked at each other and wondered at her reaction. The butterfly landed on Kyrie's shoulder and she put it on her finger.

“Are you sure this is what you are referring to?” Kyrie asked.

The fire girl looked up and was surprised as she stood up and walked away from Kyrie. “What are you doing?! Kill him!” she panicked.

The astonishment on Kyrie's face could not be erased once she blew the butterfly and we watched it fly away.

“Is it still there?”

We just stared at her who was still crouching on the floor with her eyes closed.

“It’s gone now,” I replied.

“Are you sure?!” she asked.

“It’s already gone,” Kyrie repeated.

She opened her eyes and stood up at the same time exhaling a wide breadth.

“That was close,” she said.

“That was close at what?” Jessy asked so she was surprised once she looked at us just looking at her.

“No-Nothing,” she stammered.

“Nothing?” Kyrie said. “There’s nothing about a fire girl who is so afraid of a small and helpless insect like a butterfly? Care to explain.”

“Why do you need to know?” she asked irritably.

“Why?” Kyrie walked closer to her. “Because we are the ones who saved a life that is not even in danger. Maybe you forgot I sent the butterfly away and I am a nature girl. If I was able to get rid of one, I can also call it back and you might want me not just call one…” Kyrie said threateningly.

“Don't! Okay fine! I will join your group,” she said suddenly.

Kyrie wondered. “Wait, that's not the—”

“Perfect!” Jessy interrupted. “She finally joined Yani. We are complete. Not bad Kyrie.”

“What are you talking about? That's not my intention,” Kyrie replied immediately.

“Well whatever that is don’t even bother. The important thing here is that she joined,” Jessy said happily.

“Huh? But— “

Kyrie stopped talking because Jessy looked back at her full of seriousness on her face and it was etched on her face that she must remain silent.

I looked at Fire girl. Yes, it made me curious why a fire girl is afraid of an insect that is not even dangerous. She is now standing not far from us full of shame and sorrow on her face. I approached her.

“Uhm are you sure of what you said?” I asked.

“What else can I do?” she answered in regret. “You guys forced me.”

“She is not forcing you,” I replied. “She's just joking around, isn't it Kyrie?” at the same time I looked at her.

“Whatever,” she just rolled her eyes and walked back to the group.

“See? So you still have a choice. We understand why you don't want to.”

She looked at me. I just smiled back at her.

“All right, we're leaving,” at the same time, I faced my other team mates. “Come on guys.”

“Eh? Are you sure girl?” Jessy assured. “But yeah, it's not even good if she’s just forced. Like Elesa.”

“There are many people living in this nation who can join our group,” Kyrie replied.

“Hmmm I think I know someone in the Water Cabin,” Femme suggested.

We are already in the middle of the forest and talking for the remaining one slot for our team when,

“Wait!” we also stopped and saw the fire girl panting in front of us. “I will join your group. That is what I choose,” she said directly.

We were surprised. “But—”

“Many people have seen and know that I am afraid of butterflies…” she began. “…and they all laughed at me but you guys…” while also looking at the others. “…I didn't even hear a chuckle. Someone threatened me but you still understood me.”

We looked at each other. “I just refused at first because you are all strangers to me even you…” she said at the same time she looked at me. “…but even though it was just a small insect and not a danger, you still saved me,” she said honestly.

I smiled. “In that case, welcome to the team.”

Together, we reached the front of the fountain.

“Ah yes by the way,” I once faced the fire girl. “Can you introduce yourself to us?”

“Ah yes. I’m Flare.”

“Ah okay,” I commented while writing it in my notebook. “So Flare, uhm can you say your strength and weakness?”

“Why?” she asked, frowning.

“Uhm well since you belong to the group, we need to know so we know which challenge we will put you in.”

She let out a sigh. “Strength and weakness... strength, I’m a good skater. Skateboard and roller skates are okay as long as it’s not ice skating. Weakness, one that you saw earlier but I also don't like painting. Maybe because of the need for water whenever you do it.”

“Okay,” I wrote it at once. “So Flare, she is Femme, Jessy, Donna, Hera and Kyrie,” as I pointed at them one by one. “There is another one and her name is Callie and she is an ice girl. She is the assistant of the ice prince so she is not here today but she will come tomorrow.”

Flare just nodded.

“Okay. So let's start.”

We started talking about who will be the challenger in each challenge. When we were starving, we ate at the restaurant that Donna said and we were surprised that she became the waitress at the restaurant where we ate.

After we ate, they forgot that they had no money… well except for me so I paid for everything. They said they would just pay me tomorrow and I didn’t refuse. I also need money.

We also went back to the fountain and planned again and we also finished it right away. We talked about what time it was tomorrow and they also went to their respective cabins to rest.

The next day, when we were all complete, “Good morning team mates,” I happily greeted.

They all greeted back.

“So let’s go. Let's practice.”

“Uhm Yani, just a moment,” I turned my gaze to Jessy. “How about the second challenge?”

“Oh that,” I replied. “Uhh I don't know any of those because they said it should be a surprise,” I replied.

“Right. But isn’t it that the rule is that the challenger in the first challenge, he or she is also the challenger in the second challenge? What if we can't do the second challenge? “ Kyrie asked.

“Yes, Kyrie has a point. How is that Yani?” said Donna.

“We can't do anything. We can't ask the princes to say because it’s cheating,” I replied.

“Oh yeah. Why does it have to be a surprise in the first place?” Donna complained.

“It seems unfair,” Jessy said.

“It's not unfair,” Flare replied. “The team of each cabin don’t know the second challenge and only the princes really had an idea because they could not join the game. They will facilitate it.”

“Is that so? How did you know?” Jessy asked Flare.

“The Fire Prince said it,” was her simple answer.

“Wow, you two are talking?”

“Uhm I think they really say that in every cabin because Prince Aes also told us that,” Hera replied.

“Oh. I may not be listening,” said Jessy.

“So it is fair but I think we need to prepare,” said Kyrie.

“That's right. Later on, our second challenges will be difficult,” said Femme.

“But what are we going to prepare for? It's just a waste of time and it's tiring,” said Jessy.

“Are you that lazy?” Kyrie commented.

“But it's true,” Jessy replied.

“Okay guys, that's enough. Just calm down,” I said and let out a sigh. “I understand all your concern but all we can do is trust each other. Besides, I really don't think of winning as champions, because our real goal here is to enjoy. Whether we win or lose, as long as we learn a lesson from that challenge, that's okay. So, do you agree with me?”

They were silent. “Uhm guys?”

They didn't say a word and just stared at me. “Uhm so… does that mean you don't agree with me?” I asked.

“What do you mean no? I totally agree with you girl!” said Jessy.

I'm surprised. “Yeah. I was motivated by what you said Yani,” said Femme with a thumbs up.

“Now I’m pumped up Yani. If I used to be nervous, now I am excited,” said Donna.

“Uhm what you said is inspiring,” Hera said and she smiled.

“Looks like I got words of wisdom,” said Kyrie.

“Then it looks like I will enjoy this tradition,” Flare commented.

Callie applauded and they all applauded.

“Wow guys. I didn't even make a speech,” I said. But deep inside, I was flattered.

“It's good that I'm in this group,” said Jessy.

“Yes. I will no longer doubt my decision,” said Flare.

“Okay. Let's practice!”

~~~

Zoltar was inside his lab while mixing chemicals when there was a knock on the door.

“Yes, come in,” he said without taking his eyes off pouring an acid on the other beaker. The door opened once he turned to look.

“So how can I—” he stopped when he saw Jethro but he smiled back. “What is it brother? Today is not your check up,” he asked.

“Are you busy?” Jethro asked.

“Oh well uhm… why?” Zoltar asked in wonder.

“I want to know what's left in the ice,” he replied.

Zoltar paused. “Why? Did something happen? Did you experience another chest ache?” Zoltar asked him.

“I think.”

Zoltar just let out a sigh and began to fix his work station. He immediately put Jethro to bed and put him to sleep to do his check-up again.

After waking up, he sat down immediately while Zoltar just stared at the screen.

“So what's the result?” Jethro asked him.

Zoltar didn’t speak. “Did it reach 50?” Jethro asked again.

Zoltar still didn’t speak and just stood up in his chair. Jethro stood up to look at the screen and was surprised.

“I think your results are wrong,” Jethro said immediately.

Zoltar didn’t answer him. “Or you miscalculated—”

“That's the result,” Zoltar interrupted suddenly.

Jethro was silent for a moment and looked at him. “You said it was 60 and I will collapse at 50,” he said seriously.

“You collapsed at 50,” Zoltar said.

Jethro was surprised. “What did you just say?” Jethro asked incredulously.

“You heard it,” Zoltar replied. “You collapsed at—”

Zoltar was interrupted because Jethro grabbed the collar of his lab coat with one hand.

“What's the meaning of this? Why did you lie to me?” Jethro asked annoyed and his eyes glaring at him.

It had no effect on Zoltar but suddenly he smirked at him that made Jethro more angry and grabbed the other end of the collar with his other hand.

“Why are you smiling?” Jethro asked angrily.

He chuckled sarcastically. “I'm not.”

“Stop what you're doing. Just tell me why you did that!” Jethro strongly said.

“I don't know either,” Zoltar replied with a smile. “Maybe it's just that I want to… experiment.”

“Experiment what? Me and Yani?”

“Yes. The both of you and your feelings.”

Jethro was silenced. “It was actually fun,” he’s still smirking.

“Listen Zoltar,” Jethro's voice was full of threat. “…playing with other's feelings is not right. You're hurting her.”

“Really? Well guess what, I know I did.”

Jethro was surprised at the same time he immediately let go of him and took a few steps back.

“What's wrong with you?” There was a look of astonishment on his face and he just looked at him as if he couldn't believe he was talking to his brother now.

Zoltar's face immediately became serious. “Why Jethro? How can you see or feel something's wrong with me? Isn't it you're cold hearted? And by definition, you can't really feel.”

Jethro was silenced. “What’s wrong with me? Nothing… because what's something wrong here is the relationship between you and Yani have. Why can't I tell what's the reason why Yani can melt that frozen heart of yours?”

He was speechless. “And you know how that feels Jethro?”

Jethro's face was still shocked just looking at Zoltar. “Oh right, you can't feel. Then I tell you what…” Zoltar's face showed anger. “It's frustrating and disappointing.”

“They say that maybe I can make a cure to your condition but I don't even understand how she is melting your frozen heart. They say it's love and love has a lot of definition that I think no one can arrive at a definite meaning of that word so how… how can I make a cure?”

“I'm not forcing you to make one,” at last, Jethro was able to answer.

“No, but I have to,” Zoltar replied back which made him silent again. “I just can't stand it if I just stand here and do nothing to make you feel better.”

They shared stares but Zoltar walked towards his computer. “They say the only solution here is for her to stay away from you but I just heard the news that you were even the one who is approaching her.”

Jethro was surprised by what he said.

“I don't need evidence for me to know that's true because the person that told me that is none other than her. Isn't it you vowed to avoid her once it reaches 50?”

Jethro averted his gaze from him while Zoltar turned to face him. “You're the one who commanded your assistant to look for the seven of us to go to your office in the Ice Cabin when it was your turn to tour Yani because I'm guessing that you want us to tell her about your heart and I suppose that I don't need to tell you what happened when you woke up that time because you knew so why?” Zoltar said directly to Jethro.

He still avoided looking at him.

“Just because I said that it was still 60% frozen, you still want to be with her? Huh Jethro? “

He did not answer.

“Oh wait… it's because you like her right? Or should I say… you love her… don't you Jethro?”

Jethro was slightly surprised and he looked at him and that it was obvious on his white face that he blushed. Zoltar was surprised by his reaction.

“Okay let's just say I get it…” full of sarcasm he said but seriousness returned to his face. “…but so what if that is how you feel towards her? You still need to avoid her.”

Jethro could not answer so he turned his back on Zoltar which surprised him.

“Jethro can't you understand the situation?!” Zoltar shouted. “Can't you understand that your life is in danger when you're around her—”

“I know that!” Jethro replied while facing him which silenced Zoltar. “I know everything about that that's why I commanded Callie to call for the seven of you to check up on my condition and tell her everything why I have an ice in my heart and I know that I should avoid her!”

There was rage on Jethro's face so Zoltar kept silent but Jethro also immediately took a deep breath.

“But I also know to myself that I vowed to avoid her only when it reaches 50…” he gently said. “…so when you said that there's still 60% left, I believed in you because you're a great scientist and you're my brother.”

Zoltar was surprised by what he said. “I know my life is in danger if I'm around her but you will never understand how happy I am to spend that 10% with her because…”

Tug! He felt the pain again so he immediately squeezed his chest. Zoltar quickly walked closer to him but Jethro stopped him by raising his hand telling him to stop.

“I'm fine,” he stopped him. “I need to go,” he took his jacket and walked away.

“But Jethro—”

“And by the way,” he cut him off and stopped at the door while looking at Zoltar. “Thank you for playing with our feelings, for telling me that there was 60% left even though it's not because… I realized my own feelings now, and I know what to do,” and he left.

~~~

YANI

Four days passed... time runs so fast. We only practiced in those four days and even practiced our weaknesses. There was laughter, quarreling, crying but it was fixed. I’m having fun with them. It's good that I met them.

This is the last day and we have just finished our practice. The tradition is tomorrow. I don’t know if I will be excited or…

…sad because my last day here in this nation is tomorrow. Maybe it's because of these feelings that I can't sleep right now. I was rolling on my bed but still nothing. What can I do? Maybe I just need to drink milk. That is effective for me.

I went to the shops and it’s a good thing that even at night, there are some that are still open. I bought one at a convenience store that sells milk in packs and asked for a cup of hot water. After mixing it, I first sat in one of the chairs and blew the hot milk before sipping. I put the cup down on the table and played with the stirrer.

How is Jethro now? It’s because lately he doesn't seem to be forcing himself to talk to me anymore. Maybe it's because I'm busy with practice while he is busy preparing for the Tradition… or maybe he also realized because of the rude way I treated him?

I immediately shook my head. What’s with these thoughts again?! It's good that way so that I won't have a hard time avoiding him, right?

I felt the water in my eyes again. Don’t cry. Don’t cry.

Great. My tears really betrayed me. How come I just realized that when I leave after the Tradition, I will miss a lot. I know the event itself is not there yet but I will not only miss the memories I used to have… I also have my team. The many things that happened during our practices that I really miss. Just great.

I wiped away my tears immediately. Later someone will see me like this and wonder why I’m crying over milk.

Speaking of that, I looked at another table and saw a stranger in a white hood sitting on the table right in front of me looking at me. My eyes widened and I immediately averted my gaze.

Great. I should have just read my journal for me to sleep but I also don't want to because I might just cry. If I could just bring this glass to my room then even if I cry it's okay.

I glimpsed at the stranger again and… shacks. He didn’t look away from me. His eyes were white and because of that I found out he was an ice person. He looks very cold but I stared at him for a long time because…

…that look is familiar. It was as if I suddenly remembered something and for some unknown reason, the memory that came back to me was the times when I was still in school in the Philippines while I was picking up the books and someone was staring at me.

My eyes widened when I realized that that ice guy was not just a stranger. I immediately drank my milk, returned the glass and walked quickly out of the store. I turned to check his place again and I was surprised because…

HE'S GONE! Shacks! Did I hallucinate that he was there earlier?! Is he gone or is he really not there in the first place?! Oh no! Oh my gash! I'm going crazy! Shacks!

No. I’m just tired. It just really means that I need to sleep. I let out a sigh and slapped my face. Relax Yani. You still have a Tradition tomorrow. Go back to your room and relax. That's right.

I walked back. I was in the middle of the hallway when I stopped because...

…he was standing there looking at me coldly and still wearing the hood.

I don't know if I will be happy because I wasn’t hallucinating a while ago or panic because… it’s him. Even though he was wearing a hood, I knew it was him… even just in the eyes.

We just stared at each other and neither of us spoke. He suddenly walked closer to me. I wanted to walk too and just pass by him as if I didn’t know him but it looked like I was stuck in my position and just waited for him to get close until he stopped about a meter away from me.

He looked me in the eye but I immediately averted my eyes.

“Why can't you look at me?” he asked coldly. “Even earlier in the store.”

I was surprised not because he said he was the stranger ice guy in the store but because of his question. I looked at him for a while. There was a build-up of silence between us before he asked.

“Is it because you need to avoid me?”

I'm surprised. What is he saying? Is my suspicion correct? That he did not really know what had happened in his office? But Prince Zoltar said it to me… but what is that, he just found out right now?

I averted my eyes from him again. “Uhm... we-well... uhh…” I stuttered. “Uhm… well… because—”

I was cut off from what I was going to say because I was surprised when he walked past by me and when he came next to me,

“I don’t need your explanation,” he said coldly. I was just dumbfounded and fell silent. For reasons I don’t know, my eyes watered again. Why am I crying? Isn't it just right… it’s right that he is numb to me? My question was answered. He already knew.

“Yani.”

I was surprised because he called me back. I thought he left already. Wait, am I hallucinating again? Even though my tears were dripping, I still turned around to look at him…

Tick! He flicked my head and at the same time, my tears stopped flowing and… my mood seemed to calm down.

“Relax.”

I was speechless and was stunned. He just gave me a serious look even though my face was obviously still wet due to tears.

He suddenly put his hand on my head and at the same time changed the engraving on his face…a face full of… remorse?

“I-I’m sorry… for everything,” he said. There was no cold tone in his voice at the same time he patted my head. I was still dumbfounded by him as he patted my head and later on, he also removed it and turned away.

“Good night,” he whispered but I still heard him once he walked away.

I just watched him until he disappeared from my sight. I just bent down and I could feel the heat on my face.

Why after he said that, all the problems I thought were gone? Those are probably the most comforting words I have ever heard.

When I got to my room, I immediately laid down and slowly closed my eyes.

I fell asleep with a smile on my lips.