The past school year has been hectic, as always with all the previous ones. Changes everywhere, new experiences, and all that stuff. Sometimes, it felt like I couldn't breathe, but alas, that too has passed.

And now, we're here. Where the road ends and a new one begins.

Can't exactly say happiness floods me, however, a sense of accomplishment did dwell when I was able to be more than just Cassandra's shadows. Even if it was just once. Though looking at the big picture, it seems like an effort in vain because divided by four quarters, the once-in-a-lifetime soccer prodigy still triumphs.

"Honey, are you nervous?"

A small chuckle escaped my lips, "Not really. But neither am I thrilled. Guess it's just a neutral type of feeling."

Natalia laughed, "Why? Is it because you got too used to going up to the stage that you don't feel excited anymore?"

"Perhaps."

Graduations typically require a parent to overlook this huge milestone in your life. However, being an orphan has stripped you of both a mother and a father, which therefore led me to look for a temporary guardian. Thankfully, Natalia consented on accompanying me today.

As names and names were called, the sound vibrating through the entirety of the stadium, I patiently sat — awaiting my turn. When it finally came to be, I did what I've always done throughout the years. I headed upstage, shook a lot of hands, and faked a smile in front of multiple cameras — including one that wasn't supposed to be there.

Screw you, Lucas. No one invited you to my graduation, you loser.

"What's with that face?" he asked in response to the displeasure written all over my face. "You had such a pretty smile back then, what happened to it?"

"You stole it," came my grumpy reply.

"Eh?" He looked confused. "That's not supposed to be right. I steal hearts, not smiles."

"Well, well, well." Wow, that voice is something I can never forget. "Look at who we have here."

Seems like the culprit has shown its face. "So it was you!" I exclaimed with my index finger pointing towards sweet sweet Liliabeth.

"Why? Did you think he came for you?" As always with the twisted expression, I see. "Of course, he came for me—"

She didn't get to finish her sentence. I didn't let her. Normally, my self-control would not be this terrible, but on an important date such as this? No, no, no. This warrants a grab in the collar.

"Why on God's green lands did you invite this loser?" I said calmly.

Yep, calmly. No lies there.

She released herself from my fists with an even infuriated face. "Ha! We're family. It's only natural for him to be here." The seeming yandere looks me up and down with a clear sense of displeasure. "And would you look at you, seems like a slut can also garner an award or two."

"Well, at least I don't have a crush on my cousin."

The remark didn't seem to delight her as it only cultivated her rage. "What did you say?!"

Before she could successfully grab my collar, Lucas intervened and put himself between us. "Alright, that's enough. I don't know why you two are on bad terms, but stop bickering."

"No."

He turns and gives me a face that says 'Really?'.

"She's the one who started it. She called me a slut!" Wow, what a classic. Playing the victim card now, eh?

"Lucas, you need to give your girlfriend some attention. She's starving for it." I roll my eyes.

Once again, he's confused. "...I'm single."

"Look, I know you're famous, and I don't care. But your fans and beloved cousin really need to stop pestering me."

***

"Lucas, what is she doing here?" That's my line, pipsqueak.

Mr. Blonde laughs, "It's her graduation too, and mom's the one who arranged this celebration for her."

"No, the real question is why are you two here?" I thought that it was going to be a peaceful afternoon between just the two of us: Natalia and I. Why are there two uninvited guests?

He looks at me, a bit taken aback. "Hey, hey. I'm the son here, and this is my house. Why are you me that?" No, that still doesn't constitute a good excuse. The reason being is that you two suck no matter which way I look at it. "Plus, Liliabeth's graduation party will be in the evening, so she's got time to spare."

Fueling an argument isn't a part of my character, yet at that moment, I was prepared for an all-out war. If only Natalia hadn't arrived with her fragrant cookies. So fragrant that it converted my vexation into tranquility, which therefore had me yielding without even starting.

"You three really are lively today," she remarked while carefully placing the newly baked cookies on the table. "Well, it can't be helped. After all, today is a memorable date that all of you will one day look back to."

Hardly, but whatever floats your boat. I'll let this slide for now. Such a worthless dispute isn't even worth the time anyway.

For most of the afternoon, Liliabeth was pretty tamed. Perhaps in an effort to flaunt what a darling she is to her future mother-in-law and of course, her precious Lucas. She did not display any kind of ill-mannered behavior nor did she once direct an insult toward me. Deceit was something I did not particularly engage in, so the whole time, it felt like an ugly mask was being constantly advertised to you— even after making your refusal clear.

On the other hand, the delicious FREE foods have distracted me enough to overcome the temptation of making my annoyance known. From numerous desserts like cake and ice cream to main course dishes like grilled meat, the variety laid out in front of you would make you wish your antrum was a black hole.

When the ever-so-sadistic Liliabeth commented on my appetite, I shut her down by retorting that she was just jealous she can't eat as many good foods as I can. Surely enough, it was effective, and the yandere stayed silent the rest of the night. Nonetheless, it struck me as odd since it wasn't that strong of a retort for it to have such a powerful effect.

The whole thing lasted for hours, and before we even realized it, the moon had already replaced the sun. Between eating, talking, and binge-watching multiple shows, time seemed to be so trivial. But the arrival of the house's breadwinner brought us back to reality.

The first thing he did when he stepped foot in the house was hug his wife and kiss her forehead. He then proceeded to fist-bump his carbon copy who met him with the same cheerfulness he exuded. In the process of that, he spotted his niece, "Oh, you're here too, Lily?" The called-out niece got up from the couch and hugged him.

Soon, it was my turn. "You must be the maid my wife hired. I've heard so much about you from my wife and Lucas."

Of course. Like mother, like son. "And you must be Mr. Reymond." At first glance, the man appeared to be harmless, and even... normal. But something inside me — possibly my instincts — screamed otherwise.

He was observant and perceptive. As proof of that, three seconds was more than enough for him to determine what movie was playing. While it is true that The Purge is well-known, there are only people who would be able to identify something so swiftly. Either a super fan or a genius. And that is what's so suspicious. Because the man seemed to be neither.

Shortly after the arrival of Mr. Reymond, I decided to take my leave. Because no way on Earth am I staying for that girl's graduation party. The family offered to take me for a ride due to the fact that it was already late, but it was only a short walk from here. There was no need. Besides, it's not my first time walking alone at night.

En route to my apartment, my gaze couldn't help but linger on every twinkling star in the sky every few seconds. Perhaps a part of me still couldn't accept that... another year has once again passed— another twelve months of mine that I can't go back to anymore. It felt out of character of me to be sentimental, yet, despite knowing that, the feeling did not recede. Instead, it grew.

Even as I hang my keys by the door, the strange feeling still lingered inside me, not even missing a beat. Is this what they've been calling nostalgia? How irksome. Hanging on to the past doesn't benefit you. Neither today nor in the long run. It would only serve to tie you down. And when its insatiable thirst had finally consumed everything of yours, it moves on to your sanity.

That happened once to me. But it will not anymore.

Q: Mr. Reymond is definitely sus. What do you think is his real identity? 👀

Author's Notes commented inline here ➵