Yukuji 幸 means Happiness

Aesop

Being here inside the manor for a long time already is exhausting especially with someone like me. The people in the manor we're very friendly and accommodating but I'm still anxious being friends with them and revealing my true self might make them think I'm bizarre or they might stay away from me, I was always alone but I also don't want the survivors think I'm bad of me. I'm so complicated.

So I keep things to myself--well, except for that one friend who found out my hidden personality, Eli Clark, the seer.

The host gives each and everyone a present for Chinese New Year, Mobile Phones. I kept my eyes glued on it everyday. Whenever I finished breakfast, lunch, dinner, before and after I go to sleep almost every minute. I only do such when I'm cooped up in my room. Then one day I forgot to lock my room and because I was so focused on my phone I didn't hear Eli was knocking, he instinctively opened it and walked up to me, sneaking glances what could have made me bubbly while fiddling with my phone. I only noticed him when he gasped and shouted

"Do you like Norton Campbell, Aesop?"

That was the time I knew I was screwed.

I threatened him--NO, I begged Eli for my dear life not to tell anyone and in exchange I will do whatever he asks of me, Eli was a kind guy so he said he didn't want anything except for us to be friends which was so strange for me, usually people ask favors, EXTREME favors whenever someone found out their deepest, hidden or darkest secrets but I'm grateful Eli was the one who found out this secret of mine, I don't think I'll be able to live with anyone knowing and teased me for it.

In due time Eli and I become best of friends. Eli eventually shared that he liked someone at the manor too which was Naib Subedar, the mercenary. I never knew until he told me. Eli hides it pretty well since he's friendly with anyone and treat Naib equally. I'm happy Eli shared too that's why I got comfortable with him in no time.

I told Eli I go as anonymous whenever I comment or react on Norton's post as Mayu, He asked why Mayu and it's such a girly name. Heck! I know that but that name is very special to me. I didn't tell Eli why because even if he's my best friend I'm still shy to share everything with him.

****

As usual, Eli and I hang most of our time in my room, while he talks to Brooke Rose, his owl and as for me I lie on my bed, fiddling with my phone again. I keep giggling to myself.

"Hm?" Eli took notice of my endless weirdness and popped his head on my side,"Norton posted a new picture, huh?"

I flinched and slapped Eli's arm,"Would you QUIT that please!?"

"You mean sneaking behind you?" Eli chuckled,"It's because you, my friend, is always preoccupied with staring at Norton's pictures"

"I-I am SO not! Don't you have better things to do Eli besides t-teasing me!?" I frowned, Eli just kept on with his playful laughs and shook his head. He stood up and began talking to brooke rose again. I sighed and continued to fiddle on my phone

Norton looks so hot in that new costume, his toned abs and sculpted chest really brings out a sexy and gorgeous figure in that gray suit of his and that metal patch on his left eye, just wow! Even with that on, his face still looks magnificent~

All of his costume brings out his perfect structure so I'm not surprised this one would bring that one out too. I really like him.

Whenever we are matched together, I always find myself staring at him. The way he rescue us, rescue me...If it wasn't for my shyness, I would always embalm him in my coffin and place it near me when I decipher, just have my eyes bore at his gorgeous features but I won't be able to focus so I never tried. That captivating onyx eyes glittered whenever I see him and his smile that could just blast me off the moon, the way he walks, he talks, he laughs, everything about Norton just made me heart bubble with happiness. Seeing him is enough to make my day

Here I go again, daydreaming how awesome Norton is well whatever I'll just look at his post and read the comments.

--------------------------------------------------

Fiona: Wow you look fantastic in that new outfit Norton!

Emma: REEE I JUST WANT TO HUG YOUR ABS!

Emily @Emma: Emma, seriously?

Emma @Emily: Kidding XD

Kevin: I can do better ( ✧≖ ͜ʖ≖)

William: dude (￣□￣)

Freddy: Pfft! Amateurs (*бωб)

Norton: Seriously guys HAHAHA It's just a simple costume

Mayu: Nice new costume it suits you, Norton

-------------------------------------------------

"Suits you?" I heard a snicker at my side, I slowly turned my head and was surprised this seer friend of mine had this teasing smirk written in his lips

"E-ELI!?" I jumped off my bed

"Really now? I bet you want to say what Emma is commenting, Aesop"

"N-no...?" I batted my eyes towards him nervously. I can never say that even if I'm Mayu! What the hell is Eli implying. If ever I do want to say it, I will just keep it to myself

"No? Are you sure--"

"O-OKAY!!! I DO--I DO!! H-his abs are... toned... n-new outfit--ugh, Eli stop... teasing me! L-like really!" I cut Eli off and point my index finger at him. This guy really knows his way around me. He's not my best friend for nothing

"Pfft! Okay~" Eli snickered. I pouted and shift my gaze to the table, even the owl is laughing at my reactions

"Why don't you use that gadget the host gave us anyways?" I asked Eli since he doesn't use his cellphone much and he only use it when I call him to talk to me

"I'd rather stroll around the garden with Brooke Rose and sleep." Eli smiled

"Oh, but you can check on naib using that gadget. I'm sure you'll get information about him too and he knows how to dance to Eli, I've seen him break dance and posted it on his profile." I suggested and maybe Eli will change his mind

"SHH! Be quiet!" Eli ran towards me covering my mouth. As if someone will hear us, I locked the door shut ever since he found out about my crush thing, I was more aware now.

I removed Eli's hand off off my mouth."Pfft, Were even now." I didn't expect Eli to blush over my suggestion, just like me, he's head over heels towards Naib

"Whatever, Aesop at least Naib and I interact whereas YOU should try to talk to Norton. Like really, Aesop try" Eli encouraged me with that hopeful sapphire orbs of his

"I do try."

"Nuh uh, Talk to him personally not through Mayu"

"Fine...I will try" I rolled my eyes at him,"I can't promise anything though"

****

Tonight was matching day.

Everyone is gathered at the hall and wait as the screen revealed who will be playing this time. Endless chatters here and there rang across the table and as for me, I was keeping tabs on what was Norton is doing. He's talking with the other survivors and of course he was always surrounded by the crowd, he is friendly after all. He's even smiling.

How cute.

------------------------------------------------

Aesop Carl - Embalmer

Naib Subedar - Mercenary

Emma Woods - Gardener

Norton Campbell - Prospector

Moonlit River Park

------------------------------------------------

"Wow." I was surprised and happy at the same time. Finally, I will play with Norton this week. I haven't played with him for a month now and Moonlit River park is a neat place to play too.

"Goodluck Aesop~" Eli winked. I glared at him for teasing me again. I walked to my seat all flustered. Seriously, Eli should stop teasing me.

When we are all seated at our respective places. I was arranging my kit when all of a sudden Naib leaned closer to me and whispered,"Hey, Aesop can I ask a favor later?"

"Huh?"

I looked at Naib, confused what is his favor all about and he gave me a mysterious grinned. When I was about to ask him about it we were transported to the park. I missed my chance to ask him. We will talk later anyways so no rush.

I was situated near the roller coaster which I'm thankful for. I could escape through it when I'm in danger, I'm not the best kiter either so this is a good spot for me. I usually drop my coffin near the gate and run to the farthest cipher machine. In case I got caught my coffin is far from the hunter's reach. I glance towards the entire park to search for Norton, I couldn't really see who the survivor is only their silhouette but since I memorize Norton's body movements I can easily identify where he is

AHA!

Over there!

He's by the bridge across the tent on the other side. I was about to run off where he was when all of a sudden a flash of camera leave me in shock.

Dammit!

I was fixated in looking for Norton that I didn't notice we were against the Photographer, The worst part is I'm standing near a visible and most common cipher machine. I need to run away from here as much as possible. I hastily ran to the other side of the park and decode near the roller coaster from the other side.

DING!

That sound, someone got hit I looked at my detector. My other self got hit. I knew it. I'm glad I'm far from my photo self but I have another problem the hunter probably discovered where I placed my coffin. Wow, how stupid can I get. After decoding for 70% I hastily hide behind the boxes near the coaster and--

OUCH...

Even though I didn't get a direct hit, that sensation my other self felt stings. I pressed my detector and told everyone Focus on decoding! I don't want them to heal me earlier in the game, especially when I have self-heal. I can take care of myself. We still have four ciphers left too, this hunter really is time-consuming.

I was almost done with my healing myself when I heard three of the cipher machines popped. Great! We're doing a pretty good job so far and not one of us got hit or chaired yet

DING!

I spoke too soon I see Emma got hit by the hunter. That's okay Naib or Norton could go for the save if ever she got caught and chaired, we still have time.

"Almost there..." I should've equip that fast self-healing persona. I'll change that up after the game.

"Aesop!"

That voice, I turned to see Norton running towards me and Oh Boy! He looks so good in that costume! I didn't noticed he was wearing that one lately. I was focused on fixing my kit and Naib's favor bothered me. I didn't get the chance to take a glimpse of him in the matching area.

"You're w-wearing...um...Mr. Mole, c-correct?" I asked while he wrapped a bandage around my injury.

"Hm? Yeah. It's quite fashionable and has this cute mole hanging on my shoulder too, see?" Norton smiled as he pointed out the small creature bobbing his head over his shoulder and hiding afterwards

"O-oh...I love it..." I subconsciously mumbled, I was flustered of what I just said but it is true that it's one of his costumes that I like the most. He honestly looks like a prince right now

"You do? I love it too." Norton chuckled

My eyes went shocked. For a second there, I forgot how to breathe when he said that word Love, I really am hopeless in love with this guy. He's not even saying I love you to me but I love you to his costume, Dummy Aesop, You're such a dummy! I had my eyes still on the ground, I can't look him in the eyes, I might faint or worse blurt out my feelings and do something unnecessary. After he finished healing me up, he took my arm and pulled me close to him

"There you go. We should finish the last cipher to help Naib and Emma" Norton suggested grabbing me by the wrist as we decode together at the cipher machine I was decoding earlier. I don't fancy decoding with someone but I don't mind if it's Norton. At the very least I can steal simple glances at him while I decode.

"Maybe I should wear Mr. Mole often." Norton spoke still have his focus on his task at hand

"......" I didn't know how to respond because I was so focused on decoding too but I want to ask why.

I saw Norton looked at me from the corner of my eyes, It's like he's reading my mind and answered my question,"Because you said you love it."

KKRRSSHHH

"I'm s-so-sorry...!" I missed my calibration. What did he just say!? I looked at him with this deep pinkish hues forming in my cheeks, he return my glance with a grin

"Well, you said you love it and I wanted to wear this costume whenever we play together" Norton repeated. I didn't expect him to do or say something like that. I mean why would he wear that because of what I said? I'm so confused. I love it because he wears it but I love it because I love him---Okay, I'm getting complicated and crazy inside my head

"I love you" I mumbled

"Hm?" Norton stopped decoding,"I love you too, Aesop."

"W-wait what!?" What the hell am I saying!? Am I insane and he returned that one too!

DING!

"Shoot, Naib and Emma got hit! Time to popped this one!" Norton clicked the last cipher healing Naib and Emma together, Naib heading to the other gate while Emma heading to where Norton and I stand

"N-norton! Open t-this gate...I'll open the other one...!" I commanded Norton, I'm sure he was going to say something to stop me but I immediately ran to the other gate as fast as I could and rapidly key in the password. Apparently Naib lose the hunter by using his elbow pads, Thankfully!

"Aesop!" Naib shouted, running towards me and collapsed in front of me,"Get out of here! I think Joseph will teleport on the other gate! At the very least we can get a tie!"

"I think Norton opened the door already" I have high hopes he did. I was healing Naib when I saw Emma decoding at the other gate. I'm thankful I equip this persona to see the injured survivors. I have a hunch that Norton is distracting Joseph away from Emma while she open the gate

Get out of here!

Norton commanded through his detector which Emma immediately abide and replied Thank you and Sorry through her detector. Is Norton gonna sacrifice himself? I can't let that happen. After healing Naib I immediately ran to my coffin

"What the hell are you doing Aesop!? We have to go!" Naib reached for my arm and started pulling me towards the gate which I violently swat it away, ignoring Naib's calling. I embalmed Norton inside my coffin

"We can still win! Since, Joseph used his teleport and Norton is containing Joseph for 60 seconds already, my coffin takes up around 8-10 seconds. Norton can still escape with us if ever he got hit!" I focused on embalming Norton. I've never done this---for any survivor like ever. I was seriously shaking

Breath Aesop, I told myself

I skillfully sculpted his gorgeous face and watched as it solidify, showing that beautiful silky dark hair of his, gorgeous long dark lashes of his, his pointed nose, his pink lips, his sharp jawline, I was so mesmerized by the looks of his face. I travelled all the way down carved down his body--Heck! it was so sexy, it's like I'm touching every bit of that very toned abs, chest, hips, arms, thighs, legs. I was so flustered embalming this hot guy and I gulped so hard

"Uh...Aesop? Y-you okay...? You're so...um...red?" Naib brought me back to my senses

Holy petunia! What am I thinking!? I didn't notice Naib was here. I hid my face to get out of his view. I'm so embarrassed!

"N-nothing--"

DING

"Norton got hit...and now he's being chaired" Naib exclaimed. We both watched as Norton got transported to my coffin and to our surprise Joseph teleported at our gate in no time. Naib tried to block Norton and I.

Now, we're gonna get screwed...!

"Move Naib! Move!" Norton exclaimed and pushed Naib to the wall and activate his pads, dashing towards the gates. I shielded Norton from Joseph vicious attack, In a flash Norton pushed me away

SLASH!

"Argh! G-go...Go Aesop!" Norton got hit for me but he didn't fall. That's right I have that Last Effort effect when I got summoned in my coffin. I was so petrified, I can't run. Norton gathered his last remaining strength and grabbed me by the hand. We both started to run towards the gate frantically.

SURVIVORS WIN

"F*ck that was close!" Naib greeted both Norton and I with a big hug,"Good job guys!"

"Omg! Guys! We won!!!" Emma happily bounce around and join the group hug

Norton chuckled as he patted the two by the head and released us. He turned to me with a smile which I shyly looked away,"It's all thanks to Aesop."

"M-me???" I exclaimed

"Yeah! If it wasn't for you! We could have lost!" Naib shook me lightly,"Your quick thinking and your gutsy move helped us win! Good job buddy!"

"Norton told me you decided to open the other gate for Naib!" Emma gave me a big thumbs up,"That was so brave of you!"

"Plus he embalmed me in his coffin and help us snatch that glory. We couldn't have done it without you, Aesop" Norton ruffled my hair

The praises they're giving me made me melt. Especially how Norton looked at me like that, praised me like that, I'm so preoccupied with these thoughts again. I'm so happy. Guess, I did this in the name of love, I giggled.

When I was about to go back to my room, Naib called out to me.

"Hey Aesop. Come with me for a moment! Please~" Naib didn't even wait for my response and began tugging me by the arm, leading me to the library. He's kind of...anxious? He's looking around like checking if someone is following us or something. So bizzare.

"W-what is it Naib?" I asked.

"You're best friends with Eli right?" Naib fluttered his eyes towards me

"Y-yeah? What of it?" I raised a brow at his question

"Do...you think...perhaps...know, if he likes someone?"

WAIT WHAT!? Why is Naib asking--wait a second. I looked at Naib's face closely, his cheeks glowed in crimson and he's scratching the back of his head shyly.

NO. FREAKING. WAY!

If my assumptions are right. Do Naib perhaps liked Eli back? Oh boy! If my speculations are accurate then Eli and Naib can be a couple, right? I should try playing with him a little and see what I can get from his reactions. I'm starting to act like my best friend who loves teasing others.

"Yes, he does." I teased Naib. I don't want to jump into conclusion just yet. I'll test him,"Why do you ask?"

"Oh..." Naib looks sad about my response,"There's this friend of mine..."

Friend huh? I highly doubt it.

"What about your friend? he or she likes Eli?" I asked bluntly. I need to press more questions so Naib would reveal who is this Friend he's talking about

"He likes Eli and he thought you and Eli are going out..."

"WHAT!? We are so not! That friend of yours is so weird! I like Norton not Eli, Eli is just my best friend!"

"You like Norton?" Naib cocked his head at me looking dumbfoundedly

Okay! You've done it this time Aesop! You are so screwed!

"N...no...NO!" I declined and of course it wasn't convincing. A blush crept on my face when I retaliated. This was supposed to be me teasing Naib not the other way around. That is why I don't like interacting with other people I always end up blurting whatever is on my mind

"Ho Ho Ho~" Naib tilted his head to my view, "You like Norton?"

There's no escaping this.

I glared at Naib. I was wavering, scared even but I was determined to tell him and after that I will beg him not to tell the others too just as I did with Eli,"Y-yes... I-I do! S-o w-w-what!?"

"Don't be mad Aesop..." Naib smiled at me and heave a resigned sigh. Why does he looked so relieved? He grabbed both of my arms as his lips curved into glorious smile. I was a little bit confused,"I'll help you with Norton, help me with Eli!"

"WAIT WHAT!?"

I was right! He likes Eli and Eli would flip if he finds this one out but I don't want to tell him just yet. I'll pretend I know nothing of their mutual feelings for each other.

This is so adorable. I want them to confess to their feelings already.

"Pretty please~" Naib gave me this puppy dog eyes. Wow, he really like Eli a lot if he's asking for my help desperately.

"Okay Naib. I'll help you but first..." I removed his hands off of me and sat down. Gesturing him to sit down with me."...Why don't you confess to Eli now? I'm pretty sure he likes you back."

"You think he likes me?" I nodded at Naib's question,"At first I thought he liked you and then I saw him declining that assumption and you as well and now you told me you liked Norton, It gave me hope but I'm still nervous to tell him how I feel. I don't know if he'll like someone like...me..."

"What makes you say that?"

"Eli is..."

"Eli is?"

"He's very innocent..."

"What?" One thing for sure that best friend of mine is NOT innocent and he's not as the HOLY SEER they all see him to be. Naib will be stunned what Eli hides under his sleeves. You will be in for a ride Naib subedar if you and Eli will end up together. Naib if only you knew Eli liked you back too. these two are so complicated, why don't they just tell each other how they feel, be honest with it. It will be reciprocated in no time. HA. HA. HA. I'm the one to talk, I can't even confess my feelings for Norton.

"What do you like about Eli, Naib?" I asked curiously

"His cute eyes!" Naib grinned from ear to ear

"He wears a blindfold, Naib..." I shook my head at him

"I mean no! No! Uh... he has a nice hair!" Naib slammed his hands on the table inching close to my face

"He wears a hood...how are you able to see that?" I rolled my eyes at him

"OKAY! HIS HANDS ARE SOFT AND SMOOTH!" Naib leaned back and crossed his arms

"He wears gloves...nevermind!" I placed my palm on my face. Goodness, I didn't expect Naib to this ridiculous with describing what he likes about Eli and I think talking about this more will give me cringe,"I will just help you."

"Great! Then I shall proceed in devising a plan for you and Norton to be together!" Naib raised his brow up and down

"Please don't I'm already doubting your credibility as my wing man" I shook my head violently. I don't think he'll be a good wingman let alone keeping my secret. Naib is making me nervous that being reassured.

"Excuse me! I'll have you know I'm not Naib Cupedar for nothing"

"Wh-what!?"

Naib blushed at his own remarked. I knew he'd be cringy. He coughed at his own declaration

"Nevermind Aesop. Forget I ever that"

"I can't unsee it..."

"PLEASE STOP IMAGINING IT DAMMIT! It was a joke!"

"Okay, Mr. Cupedar~"

"STOP!"

I burst out laughing.

After Naib and I's crazy conversation. I promised him that I would help him with Eli and he insisted he wanted to help me and Norton too so I just agree with him.

I headed back to my room and to my surprise Eli was dozing off while Brooke Rose fluttering her feathers. I flopped to my bed and start doing my daily routine of fiddling with my phone. I wondered if Norton posted something. This phone really keeps me busy.

Hm?

A notification on my messenger. It's probably a message from Eli earlier, he's the only person I talked to anyways. I opened my messenger and to my surprise. It was Norton who messaged me

--------------------------------------------------

Norton: Hello =)

--------------------------------------------------

My eyes went in deep shock.

I mean, why would he messaged me, Mayu!? I accidentally read it too and now I'm obliged to reply. I don't know what to reply. I'm too flabbergasted to reply and my heart's going haywire.

What should I do?

What should I do?

What should I do?

Oh that's right! Eli!

I nudge Eli vehemently to wake him up,"Eli please wake up! This is an emergency! Wake up!" When Eli was half awake I shot my phone at his face. He was scanning the contents and started scratching his head

"ELI! WHAT SHOULD I DO NORTON MESSAGED ME!" I was panicking. My heart starts pulsating in a faster rate.

"Say hi...I guess?" Eli blinked at me profusely

"HI!? JUST HI!?" I grabbed his cheeks and started pulling it apart

"Ow h-hey Aeshop cusht ish ousht!" Eli removed my hand off his cheeks,"Yes, Aesop Carl. Say Hi to Norton. What do you want to say to him. I love you, Norton?" Eli joked rubbing his swollen cheeks

I gasped I remembered the matched earlier. I grabbed Eli by the shoulder and shook him again."I SAID I LOVE YOU TO NORTON! ELI!"

"Aesopppppp!!! Please calm down! What's going on!?"

I let Eli go and hang my head low as I explained the events that occured today. The match, naib and I's conversation except the fact that Naib liked Eli of course and the message. Eli laughed at me and told me I was really out of my mind today.

"Okay, okay, I'll give you ideas what to say to him but you have to think of your own ways to say it otherwise It will be me who's chatting him and not you" Eli reassured me. He's not a love guru but Eli gives some good advice when it comes to interacting with others

"Fine." I sighed

Eli gave me some casual tips on how I can talk to Norton casually without him ever finding out it was me who's talking to him. After that we proceeded to chat him and await his reply

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mayu: Hello to you too Norton

Norton: I've been seeing you in my post lately and am quite thankful for your comments and even leaving a like ^^

Mayu: Oh, No problem

Norton: I was wondering who could you be?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Wow, that was bold of him to ask" Eli watched as I stopped typing. I was shaking, that question gave me squirmies

"What should I do, Eli?" I asked Eli worriedly

"Let's see." Eli fidgets his index finger under his chin,"How about we play a game with him?"

"Er... O-okay...wait what?"

"Will you let me reply to him?"

Now this got me...scared? The way Eli say play a game. I think he's gonna do something stupid but I trust Eli and I don't know how to reply back. So, I gave him my phone which he hides from me while typing a response, he told me to stay put and that I'll be surprised what he'll do for me. A few minutes of Eli and Norton chatting, he gave me back my phone. When I read it's contents I was so flushed

"ELI! WHAT THE FREAKING HELL!"

"You like it?"

"I do NOT--AHH!!! What the hell!"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mayu: You have to guess who I am though

Norton: Guess huh? Can you give me a hint? Like are you a survivor from the manor?

Mayu: Okay, just one and yes I'm a survivor

Norton: I see

Mayu: How about we play a game?

Norton: Game? Sounds fun. What do you have in mind? hahaha

Mayu: If you guessed who I am, iI can do any of your favors

Norton: and of course if you win I'll do the same, correct?

Mayu: Not really. you will never who I am so why would I bother asking from you, you might find out who I am itoo

Norton: Good point. Not unless you ask something that's not noticeable then I will never know XD

Mayu: I'll give you a week to figure out who I am, then I'll tell you what reward I want if you loose

Norton: DEAL! Just you wait I'll figure out who you are HAHAHAHA

Mayu: Goodluck

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"He wont find out~ trust me and if he does be prepared for his request."

"Eli! You little..." I groaned but then again as long as I'm discreet he will never find out and it did seem kind of fun. Eli really loves to prank. I let out a breath and replied,"Fine"

"You're interested too aren't you~ let's wait for his response okay?"

I want to try asking Eli something about Naib too or maybe pushed Eli to confess Naib. Compared to me, Eli is more braver and confident in these confession thing

"Eli"

"Yes?"

"About...Naib..."

"What about him?"

"Er...Nevermind"

"Huh?"

"I hope you two end up together too."

"I doubt it. I think he likes someone"

"He do? Who?"

I was shocked by Eli's reply. He looked away with a forlorn expression on his face. I wait for him to continue

"That hunter, Jack the ripper. I always see him being carried by Jack lovingly during the matches and Naib will let himself be carried like that, I remembered Jack talked to Naib too when he was in the rocket chair, they were laughing and such. So, I have a hunch they're a thing? Or maybe a secret relationship. I don't know."

"Oh wow..." I didn't expect Naib would think Eli likes me and Eli would think Naib likes Jack, these two are so complicated better think of a plan where they could confess to each other too so everyone would be happy.

****

Another Matching Day

Apparently, Eli, William, Vera and Tracy is chosen to play tonight's game. I watched as Naib focused his gaze towards Eli the entire time. He really likes Eli, I chuckled to myself. Guess, I should wait for Eli while strolling around the manor. I still need to think of a perfect set up for Naib and Eli and I honestly don't fancy watching survivors play the game.

I was going rounds when I stumbled in an empty music room by the 4th floor in the manor and I take a peak and my eyes fixated on that majestic piano sitting in the middle of the room. I smiled to myself as I approached the piano. I used to play the piano but ever since I got here in the Manor, I forgot about it and I think I'm a little rusty playing it too. I wonder if I could play that beautiful melody that I love.

I sat down in the chair and glide my fingers towards the keys, feeling every rhythm flowing inside my head. It's lullaby in my ears. I really love this music, It calmed my nerves. When I finished playing that short momentum, I heard someone clapped from behind. I immediately stood up, hitting both my knees at the piano

"O-ow!"

"You okay, Aesop?"

That voice again. Don't tell me, I whipped my head seeing Norton running to my side

"Wh-what...are...you doing h-here?" My heart pounded inside my chest upon seeing Norton. I did not expect him to listen while I play.

"I heard someone playing the piano and I thought It might have been ghost?" Norton joked

"Gh-ghost?"

"Just kidding. Is your knees okay?" Norton sat near me, touching my knees. It made my whole body flinched. I nodded shyly,"Good. What were you playing?"

"Uhm...M-mayu's piece...Maybe"

"Mayu?"

"Yeah my favorite pianist and composer"

"Oh..." Norton had this surprised expression. It kind of confused me. Maybe he knows this composer too? When he took notice of my puzzled stare. He smiled at me,"Can you play it again for me?"

"S-sure..." I didn't think Norton would be interested in these kind of things but I happily obliged.

I let my fingers danced through the keys, creating a beautiful melody around us, I didn't even notice I was closing my eyes occasionally and smiling while I play. My love for this piece is endless. I feel like I'm being taken somewhere calm and serene, some place where the flowers bloomed vibrantly painting all the colors in the world, where the sky and sun touched the ground, the wind breeze glazing over my face, the grass tickles my feet and the water reflects that velvet sky above. This music is breathtaking

When I finished playing the piano, I looked at Norton and I was surprised he has this stern look carved in his onyx orbs. We were stuck in each other's eyes. I don't know why but It felt like his expression are telling me something. I watched my reflection deep in eyes. Norton's lips curl up into a smile

"You're beautiful Aesop"

Huh?

Did he just say. I'm beautiful? That can't be right, I must be hearing things. He might be saying that piece was beautiful and not me.

"Uh...Uhm...Th-thank you..." I stammered. I averted my gaze. he's too captivating to look at. My heart joyfully pumped inside my chest yet again. I felt Norton's fingers brushed my bangs away from my face, I look up to him with bewilderment

"Aesop, I want to ask you something."

"A-ask me?"

"Yeah, Did you see my post last time...That costume...Hmm...." Norton stared at the ceiling trying to recall something as he continue where his words left off and the turn to me again,"What do you think of my patchwork costume?"

"T-that one...Oh...I-I think it suits you...well..."I was trying to avoid his gaze when I noticed his onyx eyes dilated with my answer.

Why is that?

"Okay. That's good enough to hear" Norton gave me a playful smirk and stood up,"Come on, let's go back I'm sure those four survivors are done with their match."

I nodded shyly and tail him from behind.

****

After the match, I didn't expect they will lose because everyone was scared of Violetta's new nerfed abilities. In any case, their scores are good even if they lose, I think it'll compensate for their loss. We all went to our respective rooms and of course before I go to sleep I fiddle with my phone again and I got a notification, A message from Norton

Why am I not surprised? His message gave me both happiness and nervousness

-------------------------------------------------

Norton: Sucks that the survivors side lose today, right? =(

Mayu: Truly

Norton: You're not a part of the game today, Aren't you? =3

Mayu: Not really

Norton: I see~ I see~ Hopefully we get to play in a match soon!

Mayu: I hope so too

Norton: Good night Mayu, See you tomorrow. Love you~

Mayu: WAHT!?

Mayu: *WHAT!?

Norton: You stammered here too XD

Mayu: I what????

Norton: Anyways, Night!

Mayu: Okay? Night.

-----------------------------------------------

"Er..." I was a little bit confused just now. Norton sure is acting...odd? I should tell this to Eli tomorrow maybe he knows something. That conversation gives me goosebumps.

****

Tomorrow Morning

When I left my room, I saw Norton walking past me and smiled,"Morning Aesop"

"M-morning..." Oh shoot, I think my face is getting warmer. I remembered him saying Love you last night. It's not directed to me but Mayu but it still gave my heart a loud thump. I was about to storm off when Norton suddenly grabbed my arm.

"Let's go together." Norton smiled

"O-okay..." I am so nervous right now, gripping my arm for comfort.

"So, Aesop."

"Hm?"

"I want to invite you tonight"

"E-eh???"

"I want us to talk about something."

"I...uh...er....uhm...."

What talk about!?

Did he find out I was Mayu!?

It's only three days!

I was panicking internally and then Norton ruffled my hair. I looked at him and he smiled at me. Something about his smile calmed my heart. We both took our breakfast with the rest of the survivors but not all survivors are here most of them are not a morning person and to be honest I'm not too but I want to talk to Eli, hoping he was here.

Why am I not surprised?

That lazy bum isn't here.

He might be in his room sleeping again. I should head there after breakfast

****

Eli's Room

"Eli! Norton he asked me to talk to him tonight!"

"Wow, He's fast. Did he find out your Mayu already?"

"No...? I-I don't know...? I don't know...! What to do...E-eli help me!"

"Why don't you go? I mean, maybe you're just gonna hang out or play some games or something?"

"Eli he wants us to TALK!"

"Oh...What talk?"

"Gee, Mr. Clark how should I know."

"Right. Just stay calm and talk to him, how bad can it be?"

"Bad for my heart. I'm blaming you if I die of a heart attack, Eli Clark."

Eli laughed at my remarked and started talking of other things to sway that anxiousness I'm feeling right now.

When the night came I visited Norton's room and to my surprise he really is waiting for me. He looks so hot in his loose shirt and shorts. Even his messy hair looked so gorgeous on him.

His hair looks soaked. He just finished showering, didn't he?

"Come in" Norton politely move out of the way and let me in. I nodded and slowly sneak inside his room.

Here goes nothing

END OF CHAPTER