*Flashback 1 year ago*

"Hey, found that story book you lost!" Pax said, looking through their bag and pulled out the horror novel I lost 2 days ago that was due tomorrow. 

My eyes popped out and mouth gaped open. "Where...did you found..." my voice was soft and shaky, I couldn't believe that Pax found it! I thought it was deemed unfound forever but I was, once again, been proved wrong by the Great Detective Quinn. 

The detective beamed proudly at my reaction. "I found it on the cafeteria, at the farthest table on the right. It took me awhile to figure out where, but then I recall the only locations you'd read borrowed books are at home, the library, or the canteen because you're too much of a cautious type; in addition, you don't have hangouts in your schedule at Tuesdays and the janitors doesn't often clean the tables at the very back knowing their constant negligence to do their work right. Not even a new kid would try to sit there, so the book remained on the seats untouched."

Wow... aren't they an observer. Am I that easy to read? Anyway, I'm impressed. 

A huge wave of relief flooded through me, I looked back to Pax with a teary smile. "Pax...thank you. If it weren't for you, I'd still be panicking over this... I...I don't know how to pay you back..." they shook their head, smiling with pride. 

"No need." they said, "I just used the basic detective skills I learned from the same books standing in the same library you go to find horror novels." 

I take the book from their hands to my chest protectively. 'It's over now...it's here, you're not getting fined. It's here. Thanks to Pax.'

I gazed back to the twin and reached for their head to ruffle their blonde hair in a gentle, affectionate speed; I always do this whenever one or both the Quinn twins do something really cute or impressive. 

So far, they haven't complained and they trust me enough to tell me if it was getting in their nerves. Or so I thought...

While I continued to stroke their hair, I felt Pax flinch a little and tried to back away. 

Oh! I immediately stopped what I was doing and quickly retreated my hand back to clutching the book against my chest.

Did it hurt them? Was I being to rough? Oh no, I did it again, did I? My hand must've pulled their hair too hard! Ugh, stupid Jack! You always mess everything up, no wonder you keep losing friends! Why can't I just be gentle for once?! 

Wait, they didn't verbally express that they might not like this...so they don't trust me enough to voice out? And that I'm just doing this for the sake of my enjoyment? I thought this was mutual. This was actually hurting them all this time... 

GAH! I should've known, I'm such a horrible person! I'm never touching the twins' hairs again! Never again! Ugh...stop staring down the ground and face them! Change the subject, damn it!

"You're a really cool person, Pax." I say with a board smile. Alright, good cover up, Jack. 

Pax steps closer to me and pats my shoulder. Stop tensing idiot. You act like they've seen right through you...I wouldn't be surprised if they had.

"Now let's not stroke my ego further, hehe...anyway, we should get going now; our class starts at 10." the blonde hums their words as they step back, closing their bag. 

We walked down the hallway together as we continued chat about. 

"You gotta teach me your skills someday, I asked you to find this yesterday and you found it without hassle!" 

"Just stop reading the gory novels and look for some books about psychology and crime."

Since then, I refrained myself from laying a hand on Pax's or Hannah's hair again.

====

Pax's perspective

Our teacher, Mr Harrison, stroll into the classroom no longer after everyone had settle in — well, most of us; Jack wasn't at present as of late. Leslie and Bianca informed us he had a high fever two days ago, I hope he gets better soon. They also said something about petals? I... dunno what that's about, I bet they were just talking about new gardening ideas.

With a sleepy yawn escaping my lips I slouch over, my head rests on my desk, my bored blue eyes glance over our teacher; he was wearing his usual formal black suit and his purple hair was slicked back as usual. Gazing away from his appearance, I take a look of his facial features...and noticed his usual board smile he'd give us everyday was replaced with a somewhat troubled frown; a frown on Mr Harrison's face only indicates bad news, and that's what it was. 

"I hope everyone had a good morning today." he greets everyone usual catch phrase, but his voice wasn't in usual cheerful and friendly tone. Something's off. Beats of silence later, he continued, this time his voice was more downhearted and gloomy.  "Unfortunately, I bring you bad news...as of today, Jack Azaleas, will no longer be attending school for medical reasons."

...okay, what? How? What?? Why?! Several surprised gasps from other students were heard around the room. I raised from my slouch position, feeling bundles of questions filling my mind. 

Glancing over my twin, Hannah, who had been previously busy untangling hair knots from her blonde hair, stopped, absolutely taken aback from the announcement as puzzlement and bewilderment crossed her face; wide eyes, mouth slightly opened in shock.

What happened to Jack? Why was he dismissed? Medical reasons?! Just because he had a fever?! No...that's not it, they wouldn't do such an extreme action all for a mild illness. This is something bigger, possibly even life-threatening. What did the girlfriends said about the petals again?? Mmm...I remember they said...there were blood stains that wouldn't wash out- 

wait just a moment... Blood stains? What...?

...You know what this means? Time to put on our detective hats and find out what's going on. 

I give Hannah a brief knowing look, and she understood as soon she caught it, smirking back at me with confirmation. It's (drumroll, please) investigation time!!

...

...okay maybe after school. We'll visit Jack and ask, if not demand, some answers.

====After wasting hours in that hellhole====

Hand in hand, Hannah and I saunter our way to Jack's village. I recalled the guy informing us once his parents doesn't know his friends in school so we might need to make a nice introduction. 

"Do you think they'll love these homemade ice cream sandwiches we brought?" I question my twin, gesturing at the small basket she was holding at her other hand. She nods curtly, "of course, Pax. No one except jerk faces would refuse ice cream sandwiches, especially when they're made by me." 

"Fair point." 

Wait a minute...is she referring to me? I glance over her and she's smirking with eyes unfocused, she's obviously lost in a certain memory last year. Yep, she definitely meant me. She's still holding that Sibling's Day grudge, typical Hannah.

Nothing but the pitter patter sounds from our shoes filled the silence between us; the road was surprisingly empty and it was eerily quiet for a wide open village, only the occasional barks and growls from the tethered pet dogs or the moans from the stray cats were the ones to break the peace. 

Hmmm...I noticed half of the houses were for sale, and all house we've passed had the same design -- beige white coated outdoor walls and brick walls for fences. Is this how all the houses look like here? If so, then how on earth would we know which one of these is Jack's house? For all we know, we might've already passed by- oh no wait, there's a sign that says "Amber Street".

I recalled Jack said to take a turn to the Amber Street and we'll find a house that has dozens of azalea in the front yard.

Soon we could make out Jack's house just a few feet away...they have a huge amount of azalea in their yard, they must be really proud of their legacy name... As we continue, Hannah suddenly speaks out.

"...Pax?" her pitch trembles ever so slightly.

"Yeah?"

"Do you ever wonder...what it would be like if...you had a twin brother instead of a twin sister?"

...I stared at her for a long moment without blinking; I didn't quite get what she said, but I can tell it's going to get slight personal. So I spoke with a low volume, "Sorry, I think I need you to elaborate that." 

She, however, shakes her head dismissively, trying to side-step the topic. "It's nothing, forget it. Just...don't get mad at me if I borrow your clothes okay? I've been feeling uncomfortable in my frilly dresses lately." the frail smile painted upon her doesn't relieved my doubt.

She's been stealing my clothes with permission as of late, and I might have an idea why. But since she's not ready to confide, I'll continue to act oblivious. I gave her an assuring smile. "Sure, Han. Whatever feels right to you."

We turn our heads towards the three story house ahead of us; Jack's house. We rang the doorbell and Jack's mom answered no longer than a minute later, we gave her the basket of sandwiches and introduced ourselves as one of his friends at school. 

As we asked if we could see him, his mother replied he wasn't home and he was currently roaming around town.

I didn't miss how broken she appeared; her voice came out dry and rasped and they quaked when she spoke, her black hair was tossed and disheveled(her hair was pulled violently, judging where the hair strands' stand out), her face was puffy with eyes were red, she's shown as if she just finished crying. Jack? Outside? What about his fever? What's happening here...?

...well knowing Azaleas, if he would be roaming around and about that's not the library, he would be visiting that one candy store across the park. We'll check there first, then we'll panic if we couldn't find him there. This day just keeps getting weirder and weirder.

====

We arrive at the candy shop, and just witnessed every employee in the store going hectic, each one of them were running to every candy box available and putting handfuls in different plastic bags while a blue haired guy in matching ocean blue hoodie jacket watches at the center. 

"Did we...uhh...pick the wrong time? Everyone seemed too preoccupied..." Hannah shuffled closer and whispers to me. I could only shrug back before strutting towards the guy in the blue hoodie to ask what was going on. 

As the guy turn around, our jaws dropped slack down to the floor as his face was revealed to be JACK! 

"JACK?!" We couldn't believe that it's our friend! With blue hair and a matching hoodie and...mask? Why does he have a mask? Is he still sick? If he is, why is out here instead of resting like he should be?

Jack just grins(even if we couldn't actually see it) at the sight of us and his usual dull grey eyes were replaced with excited glimmering joy. "Pax! Hannah! Why, isn't it my two favourite twins!" His voice -- although slightly muffled from the mask he's wearing, it didn't change a pitch, but the amount of confidence and happiness dripping in every word he says...it's as if you're talking to another person. 

He pulls us both in a tight hug. Oh! What the heck?! He's never hugged us before!

When did he...how... I quickly press my hand against his forehead and instead of feeling the expected flaring heat, I didn't feel anything; his fever is gone! That fast? But they said he was burning just a day ago! 

"Pax, your hand is really cold. You didn't try anything with the ice cubes again, did you?" That jackass mumbles a private reference, loudly enough for Hannah to hear! ACK- SHUT UP YOU IMBECILE!  MY TWIN'S HERE- I immediately pull away from his embrace and so did Hannah, a faint blush flushing upon my cheeks from the mortification. 

"A-anyway..." hearing my voice stuttered, I clear my throat, trying to get back to the main topic. "Leslie and Bianca said you were burning like a roasted chicken two days ago! How are you fine and dandy now?! And what happened to your hair?!"

His eyes twinkles again, his hand curled into a pointer as he points at his hair. "Oh, like it? I just had it cut and dyed at the salon this morning. Do I look awesome or what?" 

"It...certainly gives you a new aura..." Hannah mutters in a somewhat agreement, totally dazed from how the light shines from the guy's hair. It's...so shiny, what the heck?! I noticed that his hair was no longer a messy medium length, it was now a typical spiky short hair you see on the guys at school. 

Hm, such a shame...I liked his hair before. 

"And don't worry about my fever. That has already been taken cared of." Jacks assured me as he pet my head, with extreme care and caution. Oh? That's a surprise...he used to ruffle our hairs, which were nice times because we absolutely loved it. However, he suddenly stopped one day and it left us a little dejected. 

Thus this is...another experience; not a bad one though. I noticed his posture was completely different; his chest was out and his head lifted, showing confidence.

...Was this still the Jack we know? My eyes narrow and scanned him from top to bottom suspiciously. His height and weight, his anemic-pale skin, his physical characteristic, his voice were still the same, and he knows us. It's Jack, but at the same time, it's not him either.

An employee from the candy shop then fumbles in his steps towards Jack with an enormous pink plastic bag. "Here you go sir, just as requested." the employee announces with a little too much politeness than usual, and the smile he wore was a little too wide to the point it send an uncomfortable shiver in my nerves. 

"Thanks, Will. You can keep the change, I don't need it." our now blue-haired friend beamed as he takes the massive bag. That bag can't all be candy, that's impossible, especially with his usual allowance.

"Oh! By the way, I bought these star shaped chocolates for you, Pax. Since you've been eyeing them every time we walk past by." he picks a blue pack filled of chocolate from the bag. My eyes had widen, mouth opened slack. I couldn't believe what I was seeing...the chocolates in his grasp are really expensive! They've originated from Korea! How did he get the money to buy...

I hesitantly accepted the chocolate, he turns his attention to my twin. My eyes never leaving the sweet, questions frantically floating around me. How in the heck did he get the money to buy...

...so he basically bought half of the candies in the store?! Wait no, he emptied the gummy rolls section. Good grief, what is he going to do with all that?!

"Come now, we're not done by a long shot. Let's go eat some street food, then go to a buffet!" He jumps before skipping his way out of the shop, sounds coming from his shoes and twirling the bag in his hand, as Hannah and I following suit, still confused and concern about our friend. 

His new cheery and confident persona doesn't exactly give us a reason to relax, and we need to keep on alert until we get to the bottom of...whatever this is.

====Some hours later===

We've been following Jack in the street for hours now; eating stuff, going to places, and buying things we didn't know he could afford in one day. We went to a Cat Cafe, then a Hot Topic store, then a toy store, then a karaoke bar, then an arcade, then...honestly I've lost track. 

How did we get in so many places in just scant of hours? Jack basically treated us with everything, and I mean everything; not a single cent left my pockets or even Hannah's. How did he get that much money? And how does he use so much energy running and jumping while having no trouble breathing in his mask?

Whenever I try to bring up money or his mask, or really any subject related to his mysterious drop out or health, he tries dodging it by changing the subject or by stuffing food into my mouth. I suppose he doesn't wanna talk about it, huh? 

Hannah guessed his family might've won the lottery, and that's why he's being so carefree and gleeful today, and he's being moved to another school. Seems a plausible reason, but something in this puzzle doesn't seem to fit in here...if that were the case, that wouldn't explain why the school declared his drop out as due to 'medical reasons' and how his fever went away so quick.

We made a stop at our town's park under a chestnut tree, purely exhausted, feet sore from all those walks, and stomach full from the snacks we ate. Orange and purple hues begin to appear in the sky, the sun was starting to set down. We won't be eating dinner at this point.

Hannah and I were resting against the tree while Jack on the other hand, was too engrossed  searching through the bags we've carried along, I'm gonna take a wild guess he was trying to find something. Minutes later, he picks out an empty airtight container...a pack of gummy bears...and a bottle of VODKA-

"Jack! What the hell is that?!" All the alarms in my head went off; my feet jumped upwards from my spot and ogled in lightning speed, causing some bystanders to glance at our direction. Hannah pulls me back down, punches my ribs, and damnnit it hurt! 

"Ow, geez!" gritting my teeth in pain, rubbing the spot she punched as I glower my glare at her. "Language Pax! Use your inner voice!" she hisses sharply, her glare was a blazed of anger that would've been equivalent to a thousand daggers. Tch, bitch.

Jack continue rummaging in the bags before grabbing out a shot glass before turning back to us and states in a imitated British accent, which was almost an accurate imitation if he didn't exaggerated too much. "This, my friend, is Vodka; also known as clear distilled alcoholic beverage with different varieties originating in Poland, Russia, and Sweden-"

"I know what Vodka is, our parents drink it."

"Then why would you ask what it was if you already knew, my dear friend?~" With his voice back to his normal tone, he questioned me teasingly while he opens the bottle and began pouring some into the glass. 

Groaning, I let my back hit the tree and rub my temples from the growing annoyance I was feeling, something I never thought I'd feel directly at Azaleas; The guy was a quiet and reserved loner with protective tendencies before, and he did a complete 180 personality on us today -- all bold, confident, and unashamed teases. 

This guy's new mannerism will be the end of me, if this is going to be a permanent change. "What Pax meant was, why you have a bottle of Vodka? Aren't we still underaged teenagers?" My sister butted into conversation.

Jack remained quiet for a long time before ruffling his own dyed blue hair and slowly taking his mask down. His voice was soft and had faltered, but it was still just loud enough for us to hear. "My dad gave this to me, he said it'll help me..." 

He grabs the shot glass now half full of Vodka and slowly drank the alcohol, grimacing at the taste when he finished. His voice was a mixture with insecurity, doubt, and...despair? Me and Han glance at each other with disconcert briefly before back to Jack. 

"Help you with...what exactly?" my twin interrogated with interest, crossing her arms to her chest. He doesn't answer however, he just kept his focus on the shot glass spiral patterns in which he is currently tracing with his fingers. 

Tch. 'Okay, keep your secrets.' I thought, eyes narrowed directly towards him. 'But that's not stopping us from getting the truth.'

For a moment, Jack looked like his old self whenever he's anxious despite the new appearance change; unsure, distressed, and fragile. At times like these, I would always have the impulse to embrace him(and end up standing awkwardly in results) or try to ease him using words but...I restrain any of my feelings; now is not the time.

"Jack, what exactly are you going to do with all of this stuff you bought?" I notedly point towards the bags...surely he doesn't plan on eating all of these candies and snacks on his own? 

"Isn't it obvious?" Okay, he was back to being loud and cheery. "I'm going to eat them! Not all at once, of course, but maybe some every once in a while." with his masked down at his chin he grins widely at us with immense pride and satisfaction, and I felt my soul face-palming inside me. 

Yep. He does plan on eating them all. Good God...he gazes back to the vodka, pouring himself another shot.

"You should consider giving some to other kids, Jackie. The fruit flavoured cookies and some gummy rolls would be great gifts for our favourite garden couple in school." Hannah suggests with new enthusiasm as I nod in agreement, for once my twin has a great idea. 

"Yeah, Han is right! I bet they'd love it. Maybe some of these rock chocolates be given to Kevin and his-" before I could finish my sentence, we immediately hear Jack heaving onto the grass and coughing violently!

Woah! What the hell!?

We hurriedly scrambled to support Jack, we rubbed circles and patting his back, trying to reduce his coughing and retching fit. But moments later, he leaped onto his feet  and sprinted away from us! What the...! Without hesitation, we ran to his direction, leaving everything else we had bring at the tree.

By the time we reached him, he was walking out behind a bush, already stopped coughing and he was in the middle of shoving something into his hoodie's pocket. His posture was slouched, and he was starting to pace back and forth in a worrying manner. "Jack!" he whirled to the sound of our voices, his head bowed with his free hand massaging his forehead. 

"Are you okay? What happened?" Hannah and I begin to bombard him questions, one after another; but he remained soundless, which led us to ask him more questions. We carried on asking until we saw a visible glint of annoyance and irritation firing wildly in his eyes. "Guys...shut. up." he lowly growls with warning and audible strands of utter exasperation. 

...woah, man! Don't growl like that in front of my sister! Or in front of me! Or just anyone in general, you're scaring us! In instant, we had our mouths clamps shut, goosebumps popped on our skins.

The low threatening snarl from Jack sank into my brain. He's...never done that. Hell, I didn't know he was even capable of making a sound like that!

After couple of silent beats, he groans to himself and looks to us to pat both of our blonde heads. "Sorry I ran like that, Quinns. I guess I just choked on that vodka...nothing too serious, don't worry." he tries to apologize with a weak lopsided smile, but we were still a bit shaken from his low aggravation. We head back to our spot; luckily nothing was stolen and unfortunately the bottle was still there. 

Jack sat back down to the grass, grabbed the vodka and...drank it without his shot glass as measurement. He might've only had two gulps from the bottle before setting it backdown; though it did seem to have a massive decrease on the amount.

...he's not okay.

After the sun has settled down, we escorted Jack home along with the bags of processed food in hand. When we were standing in front of his house, he stopped in his tracks and spin to us with a soft and gentle smile. That yard of azalea really stands out from the other houses...in an overwhelming way. "Thanks for spending time with me today. I didn't really think you'd come looking for me but ahh...here we are. I'm sorry for snapping at both of you again, that was uncalled for." 

"It's alright, Jackie. We know you didn't mean it." I gave him an assured pat on the shoulder, but the dangerous gleam in his eyes and the guttural sound he made awhile ago still burned within my memories like a permanent branding mark. His body tensed under my contact, he always tense at my touch whenever I put my hand on his shoulder. I wonder why...

"I promise I'll make it up soon. Hey, maybe after school, we can go somewhere again? We can invite our other friends this time!" he suggested, unconsciously taking a step back away from me.

"Yeah, that's a great idea!" Hannah squeals cheerfully, clapping her hands together and bouncing on her feet. He smiled again, but this time it seemed forced than genuine. I was going to purpose of inviting Kevin, but then I recall how the now blue haired reacted the moment I said his name...I kept my mouth silent. We gave each other last goodbyes before watching him enter his house.

It's just me and Hannah now. The buzz of the street light was the only thing that interrupted our silence.

"...Welp, that could've gone worse." my twin cringed, her eyebrows knitted together, her hand holding her chin in thought while she clicked her tongue. "At least we know he's...okay...ish. Honestly, this feels like that Coraline movie and this Jack isn't really our friend Jack; he's just so...out of himself today."

Nodding to her statement, I added reluctantly, "I agree, it isn't like him to go all out like this. I hope...we can still investigate this further. There's too much unanswered questions in the air."

Then something glittering at the lower corner of my eye captured my attention. Glancing down on the ground, was a dandelion petal. I bend down and pick it up, raising it to my eye level; It looks really beautiful and healthy...and covered with blood stains?

Wait...

Things are starting to come together.

"What is it, Pax?" Hannah puts a hand on my shoulder, showing extreme concern at my sudden immobility. I pursed my lips together as I concentrated on connecting the previous events together:

"So you're telling me that he suddenly had a high temperature fever out of nowhere and passed out on Leslie?" 

 "Yes! 10 minutes before French class started, he ran into the girl's restroom. And coughed these out in the sink!" The couple showed me handful of dandelion petals.

"..as of today, Jack Azaleas, will no longer be attending school for medical reasons."

When the guy turned around, our jaws dropped to the floor -- It was JACK! With blue hair and a matching hoodie and...mask? Why does he have a mask? Is he still sick? If he is, why is out here instead of resting like he should be?

Jack just pauses before ruffling his dyed blue hair and taking his mask down. "My dad gave this to me yesterday, he said it'll help me..."

By the time we got to him, he already stopped coughing and he was in the middle of shoving something in his hoodie pocket.

...