February 13. Monday. Baade residence. 6 am.

Countdown: 4 months and 17 days before departure.

I woke up and went to the calendar. For some reason, I saw the date inching closer. Tomorrow... The date is something important. What is it? What's so important?

"You're going to strain your brain even before you get to the exams." Kanae commented while he's reading a book ever so carefee.

"Exams? Is it today?" I yawned, showing no signs of interest.

"Geez, you're so hopeless." He sighed, closing the book he's reading. Wait a minute, that book--!! "I guess I have no choice but to tutor you."

I walked past him and snatched the book he was reading before he can even bat an eye.

"'How to make desserts'? Oh, so even if you're good at cooking, you don't know how to make sweets?" I tried to sound proud and arrogant.

"I don't want to hear that from you, who can't even cook a simple fried egg!"

I thought he'd say that. "What's the occasion anyway? We don't have home economics class until the 2nd day." I asked, waving the book around.

"So you do remember." He looked slightly surprised. He then scratched the back of his head and groaned. "The occasion has nothing to do with you anyway. I just wanted to make sweets, that's all."

"Right. You have a sweet tooth, don't you?" I snapped my fingers as I remembered. "Then, I will be rooting for you. I'll go ahead." I bid him goodbye.

"Take care." He saluted without facing me.

•

I know Kanae is hiding something from me. Although I really don't care about it since he said it has nothing to do with me, but, that just made me curious.

"Joan." I called out, walking to her seat.

Joan looks like she's in a daze. She has been seeing sparkles and stars all the time, judging by her expression at least.

"Valentine's day~~ I hope someone will give me some chocolate~~" she kept mumbling.

"Joan."

"Some couples there are lovey-dovey, it makes me jealous~~" she's still going at it, huh.

"Joan."

"I would be selfish if I say I wanted to get chocolate from Zan..."

"JOAN!" I shouted, not taking any kind of tolerance against her actions any longer. "Just because you two have been hanging out lately doesn't mean you're a couple."

"Yet." She winked after continuing the sentence, if that's the word for that. She blooms every time she talks about love. She blooms even more if it's with Zan. "Ah, how are you and Kanae?"

"Same as always." I replied the same answer as usual. "But, he was reading this book." I took out the dessert book he has been reading from my bag. Of course, I won't return it that easily to him. "He says he just wanted to make sweets. Suspicious, isn't it?"

Joan's smile is so distorted. Her smile looks like a mix of sadistic, masochistic, smirk, smug smile, and holding back a laugh. It scared me.

"You baby." She then looked at me with her eyes looking like she's underestimating me, like she's looking down on me. "It's Valentine's day, stupid~~ oh? Why are you way over there?" She reverted back to normal.

I was hiding under the teacher's desk, desperately clutching the hard wooden structure. Angels can be more terrifying than demons. I felt like I submitted to her just from a little distorted expression. Wow. Can't believe that a Royal Blood will bow to an angel like her.

"What's this... Valentine's day anyway?" I was still under the teacher's desk. I can't risk my life to go near her when she's still looking at that dessert book!

"It's a holiday. We celebrate the death of Saint Valentine, the saint of love. In tradition, we give chocolates to those who we hold affection for. A friend, best friend, or even someone special." She wiggled her eyebrows and nudged me as she mentioned someone special. Lover, I think, is what she's talking about. "So there's nothing suspicious about Kanae wanting to make chocolates."

"Huh? Is that so?" I crossed my arms and thought about something. "Why doesn't he just buy chocolates? Any gift is appreciated anyway if it's bought with money."

"Tsk tsk. You really are such a baby, Celeste." Joan waved her finger side to side. "Homemade chocolates are better since your feelings are being poured into it as you make it. Don't take that literally. It just means that it's more special if the effort is actually put there, you know. If you want, I can teach you how to make them." She cheerfully stated, flashing a bright smile that erased the nightmare face image from my memory instantly! "Since I remember you saying you know how to cook." Her bright smile is there, her facial expression is not changing at all, but her atmosphere changed. I take that back, I can still remember that nightmarish face!

"That was a lie." I plainly responded because I know she was expecting me to admit it.

"Of course. I know that~~ Still, I'll teach you." She giggled. "We don't need a book." She pushed the book away. "I know the recipe by heart." She winked like she has a plan. A good plan at that!

"Hmm. I'd rather just watch Kanae." I commented. She looks like all hell broke loose and the earth has ended. She got upset over that? What's wrong with watching him rather than trying to learn something only useful for one day?

"W-well, that's too bad. And here I thought you could at least let Kanae forgive you." She rested her head on her palm as she rested her elbow on her desk.

"Forgive me for what?"

Joan, without missing a beat, used telekinesis on me and pulled me by the neck, dragging me towards her. "This." She said as she grabbed the ruby necklace I got from Oliver. Is she strangling me?!

I cough and choked, trying to pry her hands away from my neck as much as I can. "Jo...an..." It took me all the strength I have to just call her out.

Her grip strengthens. "Do you want him to know about this secret? That you accepted such a cheap necklace and actually treasured it since it came from Veronica's ex! Don't make me laugh, Celeste! You're no comedian! Snap out of it! Wake up! If Kanae knows, he can kill you, that guy, or you both! Start thinking about the consequences since you're so smart that you didn't even study in the exams, right? I bet you'll get perfect grades, like the last semester! I know you're stronger than this! Continue choking until you feel how it is to be betrayed by a friend! You actually wanted to go with him rather than ME, your first ever best friend that stayed with you, stayed loyal even when that other gal betrayed you! JUST DIE!!!"

Her grip strengthened again. Tears started to flow out of my eyes. Before my eyesight became blurry, I saw her. I saw her face in the brink of madness, in the verge of tears. What's with Valentine's day anyway? Why are you acting like this, Joan?

Could it be...--??

You are Cupid, Joan. You are forced to put two people together and you stay alone. You were jealous.

Heh.

An angel? In a wrath? Because of envy? Because she can't admit that she's a sloth? I am no comedian, Joan. You are.

I let my arms and down and hitched my breath. Once she thought I was gone for, I fell down on all fours, desperately trying to breathe properly. I looked up in a second and all I saw was her raging face, like she really hoped I would die.

Without letting me be alive for one more second, she was about to kick me in the abdomen. I was about to dodge, holding the floor and readying my legs to run.

1

2

3

I counted. It's time.

When I was about to take off, a guy came in front of me and twisted Joan's leg to subdue her with ease. He was quick and swift, I didn't even sense his presence!

"Stop it. You were with Zan yesterday, weren't you? You drank with him at Flame's. That's it. Stop messing with my property!" He pinned Joan down so she wouldn't do anything else. He then turned to me. I can see him firmly holding Joan down even if he's talking. "Are you ok?"

I nodded, a bit nervous.

"This gal here got drunk and now she's an uncontrollable ball of rage. She has a lot to hate about you. I'm glad I made it in time." He sighed like he was expecting this.

"Why? How did you know? Why do you know?"

"Zan was inviting everyone in the group." Kanae calmly explains, taking the phone out of his pocket and showed me various text messages in the group chat. "Since you still don't have a phone, Zan has no connection with you."

"Then why didn't you tell me? I would want to go!" I sounded worried.

He turned away from me, frowning. Oh no, I didn't mean for him to frown. I just wanted to know a reason.

"Kanae..." I called out.

"Celeste." He turned his head to me, holding up a shh sign while wearing a warm smile. "I wouldn't want to say it in public."

I stared at him, shocked, blushing. "Is that so?" I asked with a smirk. Kanae did the same.

"Moreover, what was that about the ruby necklace? Did the guy that had a date with you before gave it to you as a gift?" He pointed at the necklace I was clutching unto.

"Yeah..." I answered, smiling at the thought of him. I wouldn't mind hanging out with him again.

I saw Kanae frown at what I said. Is it something bad?

"Anyway, I need to send this bitch off. Where's the mastermind?" Kanae looked around.

"Hello. Is it me you're looking for~~?" I heard a familiar voice from the doorway. He was singing a tune I haven't recognised before. "Good morning." He greeted us with that carefree attitude of his.

"Zan, great timing. Send her off." Kanae easily handed Joan to Zan without a single hint of emotion. I thought he was sending her off.

"My ears must have deceived me. What I heard was that you were sending her off." Zan said what I have been thinking. Way to go, Zan! Zan glanced at me and smirked. "Don't worry, I'll take care of your girlfriend while you're away."

All the other girls were shocked and some immediately glared at me. Zan is making the situation bad. And no one seems to be denying it. I guess I have no choice but to--

"Uhm..."

"Don't fucking lay a bloody finger on her hair or I will hunt you down with every last bit of my life!" He glared like there's no tomorrow, his face got really dark just now. When did I last saw that face?

Zan did nothing but to put on his usual smile. Afterwards, Kanae left with such a bad mood. I wanted to go and cheer him up, but this is probably the best. After all, Zan did this on purpose.

"Ok, now..." He thought for one second before dashing to me with a hand on my arm, dragging me away the classroom the next. "You've noticed, have you? Kanae's behaviour, I mean." Zan told me in a secluded place. Is this the janitor's room or something? This place stinks. Literally.

"Of course I have. You also planned this from the start, didn't you? To talk to me in private like this." I arrogantly crossed my arms.

"Right. He must be expert in hiding his jealousy like that if you keep on being reckless on showing signs of interest with another guy." He sighed like he was disappointed. Deeply disappointed. It was a very heavy sigh, he really is troubled, isn't he?

"Do you know why Kanae refused to invite me over with you? I wanted to hang out at Flame's too!" I asked. I know it's hopeless asking him since I believe only Kanae knows the answer. Still, I want to know if he has any ideas.

"Did he do anything to you on that day?" He hummed like he's trying to figure something out.

"Hmm... I guess, if it counts, but he held me tighter than usual that day... Wasn't that just last night?!" I jolted up, now realising what my situation has become.

"I guess you have noticed." He sighed again, but this time, he was relieved. "Look, don't cause him too much trouble. It'd be better if you distance yourself from that Oliver guy." His statement caused me to snap. No, was it an order?

"Heh. What makes you think you can tell me what I can and cannot do? In speaking so highly of yourself, you must've forgotten your position!" I raised my eyebrows and looked down at him like he was some kind of swine. Right. Who would defy such orders from a highness?

He was shocked at my sudden change of personality, yes, but then he flashed a huge grin that reached his ears. He then got down on one knee, a hand on his chest, and the other was already on my hand, kissing it.

"I deeply apologise. As your loyal subordinate, may I request the princess to listen to one of my wishes?" He looked at me with eyes full of triumph and domination. How the tables have turned!

"Sure. Hurry up." I casually asked, immediately dropping the royalty act, though I have started it.

"Just don't cheat on Kanae." He blankly said, also dropping the subordinate act.

"But we're not a thing yet...?"

Zan stopped. He just looked at me, shocked. His mouth is slightly ajar. I know he wants to say something to me but can't for some reason.

"Yet?" He emphasised, confirming what I said.

"Well, I mean, I don't need to rush things but dating a human is kind of a drag..." I embarrassingly scratched the back of my head, turning away with such a red face. Ugh, why did I have to say that?

"Huh? Aren't you a human right now, Celeste? Is that the only problem? You know you can easily fix that." Zan explained. A minute after, I felt like a light bulb appeared above my head. "Tomorrow." He sternly said. "Tomorrow, ask him out. If it's you, I'm sure he will immediately accept."

With that, Zan left me in a bit of a confusion. Knowing how many girls are after Kanae, and on Valentine's day at that! Sigh. I wonder what will happen from now on...

•

February 14. Tuesday. Lunchtime.

Countdown: 4 months and 16 days before departure.

I have everything in my hands-- chocolates, school things, stuffs, and more stuffs. Kanae already knew that I stayed with Joan for the night. I told him I have stuff to do, but really, I just wanted to make special chocolates for my friends.

This time, I will give it to him! They are always so crowded so I managed to only hand one to Cervi. He seemed to not like it at first but then, he saw my face, and endured the taste. I knew it was an act. After all, I can read him like an open book. That smile was only an act of courtesy.

As I expected, Kanae is more surrounded than Carol. I can't even approach him... So I stayed with Cervi the whole break time.

Carol is a natural flirt so he had a nice harvest from girls who liked him solely because of his sugar coated words.

Joan is fairly popular as well. She is straightforward and has a sharp tongue. Although seeing her get embarrassed is cute. Any guy can fall in love with her the moment she is vulnerable! Plus, she is frank and honest. It will be hard for her to stay calm and composed after knowing that a lot really likes her. All of them secretly likes her. They're good.

Zan is the Class Clown. I get why he got so many too. Many girls fell for him because of his ability to make them laugh all the time. He really is popular, even when I first met him. He was fun. I remember he just got to be friends with me so that his brother can be happy. I guess Palatino is happy now that he doesn't need me. His brother is all he needed.

Cervi and I are outcasts. It's been like that in the beginning anyway. Ever since I came to Earth, he was the first and only human friend I had, well that was my first impression anyway. I didn't think for a moment that he is possibly Adam Smith's secret son.

A lot happened. I can't believe I'm being incredibly soft today. Maybe it's because of the lovey-dovey atmosphere around me.

"Celeste, are you going to give it to him this time?" Joan whispered as he nudged me.

Only Joan knows my intentions. No one than me, Joan, and Kanae knows that I stayed at Joan's house and even slept there. I got too tired, I guess.

"I'm glad you're normal now. Don't drink ever again." I sighed, ignoring what she just asked. She knows the answer anyway.

"I have a very low alcohol tolerance. And I become an aggressive little demon bouncing around the place. All the pent up anger is really getting to the deepest part of my heart. Besides, I can't easily shake off my childhood." Joan smiled reassuringly. "Kanae really held back his strength. If he didn't, I think I'll be limp by now. You didn't do anything bad to me, I know that. Believe it or not, I got angry and beat up everyone in school if not for Kanae's interference." She giggled like it was a normal thing. Well, it was, if she's drunk.

"I can't believe you've still earned the title of being an angel if you're holding grudges like that."

"I'm not."

I stared at her, hoping she will take that back. She didn't.

"I was unconscious that time. It was not a grudge, I felt like that I was possessed or something like that. If I did hide grudges, I wouldn't remain my position as an angel." She sipped her tea like it was no big deal.

"I guess so." I commented, sipping tea too. My eyes automatically searched for Kanae. Ah, found him. He's with some girl again. I wish they'd stop clinging to him so much.

When I was staring at him, Veronica blocked the view. I lazily looked up. Veronica was showing me her phone. The number was blocked but she still knows who sent the message.

"It's from Oliver. He doesn't have your number since you said you don't have a phone." She calmly stated. It's like we're acquaintances now. Ever since I lent Kanae to her, she's been soft to me.

"I'm not lying though. I really lost my--"

"Yeah, yeah. Just read it!" Veronica shoved me her phone and dropped it. I was fast enough to catch it.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Celeste~~<3. I have some chocolates for you. Meet me at the Mall, ground floor, Starbucks today at 4:30. I'll be waiting. Muah~ <3"

"What a flirt." I giggled. I'm not annoyed at his flirting now. I guess it's because I got to know him better.

"Do you like him?" Veronica asked solemnly, keeping her phone back in her pocket.

"Of course I do. Isn't that obvious?" I answered while smiling.

"Then, let me spend the same time with Kanae."

That... put a powerul impact on me. I'm giving her too many chances.

"I'm sorry, but Celeste will never accept a trade like that!" Joan tried to butt in and help me.

"If she's not going to hang out with Kanae, I might as well have him instead!" Veronica insisted. She sounded frustrated. How much does she intend to keep Kanae all for herself? She wants him so bad. But... she does have a fair point.

"Why are you asking me for permission? Ask Kanae yourself. After all, you two did became close, right?" I sighed. Even if I accept, if Kanae doesn't want it, it will all be useless, wouldn't it?

"If he accepts, what will you do?" Veronica peered in closer to my face. Her eyes are dark, cold, serious. What is she planning to do? Am I still her enemy or what?

"I have no power to do anything if it's Kanae's will. There are some things I prefer not to interfere or change. Kanae's will is one of those things." I explained in a clear voice.

"You really are interesting." She smirked. For once in this kind of conversation, never did Veronica's face move an inch.

Afterwards, she left just after giving me a brief smirk. I suddenly got emotionally exhausted. Dealing with her is like dealing with a competitive child. So troublesome.

"Are you sure about this, Celeste? If you spoil her too much--" Joan sounded deeply concerned and worried.

"I told her, didn't I? Weren't you listening?! It all depends on what kind of decision Kanae makes. It's not my fault if ever she gets dumped or not." I am annoyed. Not because I don't appreciate Joan's concern or anything. I am just annoyed on how they think I'm controlling Kanae.

I know that even I can't control his will. That's a fact.

•

"You accepted?" I asked Kanae, who's walking by my side.

With hands buried deep within his pockets. I know that he's clenching his fists in those. He is angry but he doesn't want to show it. Why is he angry?

"Yeah." He replied laconically. Is he angry at me?

"Where will you meet up?" Even though I know what he's feeling, I can't help but be a bit curious.

"At my house."

"Wow. So bold." I tried to lighten up the atmosphere by joking and snickering.

I wanted him to snicker with me or at least feel a little bit embarrassed or play along my joke.

He didn't.

He just stared at my eyes. His eyes are that of a murderer's-- dark and merciless. It looks like he wants to kill me. Why? Why is he acting this way? Did something happen?

I clutched the chocolates in my hand tightly. I don't want it to melt, but I didn't want to give it to him if he's in such a bad mood. Maybe I can just keep it with me, chill it in the freezer a bit, and give it to him the next morning. Right. That plan might work.... Might.

"Well, I'm going this way. See you." I left while waving and smiling, trying to leave with a light atmosphere. I can't ligten up his atmosphere. He just straight up ignored me and left with nothing to say, nothing to do, nothing to look at.

Why are you being distant? It's Valentine's day, isn't it? Do you hate me? I was just going to get chocolates. I'll be back sooner than ever. So please... Don't be upset.

I ran to the mall. I want to go back to Kanae sooner. These chocolates will melt if I take any longer.

"Ah, Celeste! You're here." Oliver sounded happy. It was the complete opposite of Kanae.

"I am." My voice is a bit low. I am worried about Kanae the most, more than anything at all. I can't stop thinking about that face.

I think as I clutched the melted chocolates close to my chest.

"Here are your chocolates." Oliver eagerly gave me chocolates. "Since we're here, why don't we buy something for you? What would you want?"

"Oliver." I called out, tugging the hem of his polo. It seems like he just got dismissed. He has school too. "I have money, really. It won't be mine, but I want to buy something. Let me, ok?"

Oliver stopped all his actions, then nodded. He understands. That's great then.

•

It started raining.

I ran and ran, practically not knowing where to go. I can't contact anyone since I haven't bought a new phone yet.

I didn't bring an umbrella with me either. The busy streets are filled with people with umbrellas, raincoats, trench coats, jackets. It seems like I'm the only one uninformed.

I clucthed the poorly wrapped chocolates and strawberry frap close to my chest, trying not to get it wet.

I continued to run until I eventually ran out of breath.

•

I finally reached his house-- the house that we both live together in. The house that gave me comfort, the house that I can feel loved and accepted.

It's very different from my hometown.