Hours pass as I struggle with the haunting thoughts of that girl. Her smile, her laughter, seem to be imprinted in every fiber of my being, warming my body from the inside out. Butterflies in my stomach, sweaty palms... I am completely undone. What kind of magic has she used on me? I pace back and forth in my room, losing myself in this whirlwind of emotions.

The chime of my clock strikes eight, reminding me of my culinary duties. I sigh deeply, forcing myself out of my stupor. As I'm about to leave my room, I see Angel emerging from the neighboring room.

Me: -What are you doing, my effeminate friend?

Angel: -Oh... Al! I was paying a visit to the newcomer.

Me: -WHAT!

My reaction is abrupt, I feel boiling inside... Melody is my neighbor! Why did Charlotte give her that room? Why do I have to be so close to her? I don't want to... I can't...

Angel: -Are you okay, Al?

I glare at him and shove past him to head towards the hall...

Angel: -No, but what's gotten into you?

I don't want her to stay near me, I feel strange things in her presence... I need to get away. Arriving in the kitchen, I prepare dinner in a state of total confusion, dropping utensils, even cutting my finger... I'm disturbed.

Once at the table, I immediately notice Melody's absence... I internally scold myself, but I can't help but think of her... I grab a book to try to distract myself, but my thoughts drift back to her. Around the table, Charlotte, Vaggie, Husker, and Nifty chatter about trivial things as usual, but suddenly, their voices turn to the one who haunts my thoughts.

Husker: -Where did you find that kid, Charlie?

Charlotte: -In Vox's estate avenue, she bumped into me while lost in her thoughts.

Vaggie: -What!

Charlotte: -Calm down, Vaggie. Melody apologized and even helped me pick up my flyers.

Nifty: -She helped you?

Charlotte: -Yes.

She helped Charlotte... It's strange. What is this girl trying to do? What is her plan? And why didn't she come for dinner? Why does it bother me so much? I shake my head, trying to brush off these unnecessary thoughts.

Me: -Did anyone tell her about dinner?

Together: -Um...

Charlotte: -Why are you asking that, Al?

I hide behind my book, trying to conceal my embarrassment.

Me: -Just curious... I just find it odd that our new guest didn't show up for her first dinner with us.

I pretend to return to my reading, but a silence settles around the table. This silence persists until the girls leave, then Husker breaks the silence.

Husker: -Al?

Me: -Yes, Husker?

Husker: -What happened to your finger?

Me: -I cut it while cooking... Why this question, my dear friend?

Husker: -Tell me, this girl... She interests you?

Me: -What do you mean?

I am incredulous and slightly annoyed by his question.

Husker: -Never mind, I'm going to bed.

Me: -I'll do the same.

I close my book and we head to our respective rooms. But as I climb the stairs, I suddenly stop in the middle of the hallway, in front of her door... Should I go in? After a moment of hesitation, I grasp the handle and gently push the door open. The light is on, so I expect to see her awake, going about her business.

Me: -Good evening, my dear, I...

I freeze as I see her serene face resting on the pillow, illuminated by the soft glow of the bedside lamp. A wave of warmth washes over me, as my heart races, creating an indescribable sensation in my chest. Words get stuck in my throat, overwhelmed by a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

I must leave, I know. With one last look filled with feelings, I slowly move away from her room, making sure to turn off the light behind me to leave her in the quiet of her sleep.

Returning to the hall, I settle into the darkness, bathed in the flickering glow of the flames in the fireplace. I seek refuge in my journal, but my thoughts still wander haunted by the vision of her serene face.

An hour passes in a silence disturbed only by the crackling of the fire. My shadow whispers to me that she has headed to the kitchen, drawn by hunger. An uncontrollable impulse urges me to follow her, and I leap up, leaving behind the pages of my journal to make my way towards her.