The girl with silvery-white hair led me slowly through the quiet hallways. Each step echoed softly against the walls, and a curious mixture of confusion and wariness churned inside me. She was special—the only other person who could see Bell. No one else could, and that made everything feel… strange, and yet somehow important. Perhaps she held answers I desperately needed.
As we stepped into the wide, deserted schoolyard, Bell clung tightly to my pants, her small fingers trembling. Her wide eyes darted nervously at Luna, the mysterious girl ahead of us.
I swallowed, steadying my racing heart. "Who are you? What do you want from me?" My voice was quiet, but held a need for truth.
Luna turned smoothly, a faint smile lighting her face. Her silver hair shimmered softly in the daylight, and her eyes held a softness that made her seem both distant and strangely kind.
"Oh, forgive me for not introducing myself sooner," she said gently. "My name is Luna. And you must be White."
I repeated the name, letting it settle. "Luna… you're the school council president, right? How does someone like you know about someone like me?"
She giggled lightly, the sound delicate but sharp. "So you've heard of me, then. That saves some time." Her gaze sharpened. "And I know more about you than even your friends Zen and Shu."
My breath caught. She stepped closer, and I instinctively took a small step back. Luna knelt down, reaching inside her pocket slowly.
"Bell," she said softly, "I have something for you. You like chocolate, don't you? Don't worry—it's perfectly safe."
Bell peeked out from behind me, eyes wide with hesitation. I nodded reassuringly, and she carefully took the chocolate offered.
Luna smiled warmly and softly stroked Bell's hair. "You're such a good girl." The tenderness in her voice surprised me.
She stood, her sharp silver eyes fixed on mine. "Now, White, would you be kind enough to tell me all about Bell? I've been curious ever since I saw you ace your exam."
My heart hammered as memories flooded back. The day after that unexpected success, I had felt an unsettling sense of being watched. So it was Luna all along.
Luna's voice dropped to an almost whisper. "It was quite the surprise—a boy with average grades suddenly top the class. But even more than that…" She hesitated, then added, "the aura around you…it's unlike any living person's. Darker than anyone I've ever see."
"What do you mean" I asked
"Nevermind " she replied
I swallowed hard, feeling a chill. If she truly saw all that, maybe she could help me understand. But I had to be careful—so much depended on what she did or didn't know.
"You say you know everything, but how can I trust you?" I challenged her quietly. "Seeing Bell is one thing, but the rest… it doesn't add up."
She smiled, amused. "Trying to coax answers out with clever words, aren't you?"
Her confidence unnerved me. If I lingered, she might see that Bell was the key to everything—to my fragile wishes and the heavy price they demanded. For Bell's sake, I had to keep that secret.
"Enough," I said firmly. "Bell, let's head back to school."
As I began walking, Luna's voice drifted behind me. "You returned from the edge of death, White."
I froze and glanced back. How did she know I questioned myself.
She walked past, then leaned in slightly, her voice playful and chilling. "You did die, but somehow came back. Fascinating."
My throat tightened. "How do you know this?"
"I told you—I know everything about you. If you want to learn more, come find me when you can." She gave me a slip of paper, then disappeared softly.
I folded the paper carefully and slipped it into my bag.
Bell looked up, eyes full of unease. "Papa, who was she? She's scary."
I knelt down, brushing her hair gently. "I don't know yet, but don't worry. I'm here with you. Just be careful around her."
Bell nodded solemnly, and we slowly walked toward the classroom.
Luna's words echoed through my mind. How could she know so much? Maybe, after school, I would visit her and find the answers I sought.
Lost in thought, I opened the classroom door. Bell hopped excitedly onto my desk, eyes wide in wonder at everything around her.
"Good morning, White," came cheerful voices from behind.
Zen and Shu greeted us warmly.
I barely heard them, my mind tangled with Luna's mysteries.
Zen laughed and playfully slapped my head. "Ouch! Hey! What was that for?"
Bell patted my head gently in response.
"We said 'hello' but you didn't respond. Thought you might be asleep," Zen said with a grin.
"Who wakes someone like that?" I muttered.
"White, you look troubled. If something's wrong, we're here for you," Shu said kindly.
I looked at them both and took a deep breath. "Well… do you know anything about Luna, the student council president?"
Zen smirked and nudged me. "So you're interested in the student council president now? Look at you!"
"What? You like her?" Shu blushed and looked away.
"Papa, what does 'like' mean?" Bell asked, innocent and unknowing.
Annoyed by their teasing, I stood and stretched. "I have to find answers elsewhere."
"Wait! I was only joking!" Zen called after me.
Bell ran around the classroom, pretending to fly like an airplane while I let my mind wander.
"About Luna," Zen said quietly, "there are rumors."
"Rumors?" I asked, interested despite myself.
"You haven't heard?" Zen glanced at Shu, who gave a slight nod.
"No. What kind of rumors?"
"They say she gets whatever she wants, by any means. Even the teachers are wary of her," Shu whispered.
Zen nodded seriously. "She's known for being ruthless. Expels students for minor things. Best to avoid getting on her bad side."
A shiver ran down my spine. Luna was not just mysterious—she was dangerous. But if she cared about Bell…
Suddenly, a scream broke the classroom's quiet, "What's happening? Why are pieces of chalk floating around, drawing a butterfly on the board?"
I turned and saw Bell, her small hands guiding the floating chalk, smiling with delight.
"Bell! Stop causing trouble!" I said as everyone's eyes turned to me.
"White?" Shu asked, confused.
"I—I need to use the restroom," I stammered, scooping Bell into my arms and rushing out the classroom.
We hurried to the rooftop, our quiet sanctuary.
"Bell, remember, don't cause trouble and don't touch anything without permission."
"Okay, Papa," she said seriously.
I patted her head and started to leave when Aris waved at me with a bright smile.
"White!"
"So You made it! What did you forget this time?" I asked
She teased with playful eyes.
"Oho Intersted in me" she said, being annoyed I brushing past her.
"Wait, White!" she called again.
"It was just my notebook," she admitted, catching me.
I sighed. "Sometimes I feel like I'm handling two Zens."
She laughed and quickly changed the subject.
"We're still going out after school, right?"
"To where?"
"You forgot! You promised to treat me if I kept your secrets."
"Oh, right. But can we postpone? I have some things to do."
She pouted, then smiled. "Fine, but double the treat."
"Deal."
She beamed triumphantly.
We went back inside as Bell played nearby.
Later, Zen left for practice while Shu asked if we could walk home together.
"I have other commitments and work, so I can't today," I said.
She smiled sadly. "See you tomorrow then."
I called out, "If you want, I can talk to your parents."
She stopped. "I want to try myself. But if I need help, I'll ask you."
"Always here," I said.
She left, and I walked toward the clubroom Luna mentioned—the 'Paranormal Club.'
I took a deep breath and pushed open the door.
Inside, Luna sat calmly, waiting with that enigmatic smile.
"Welcome, White. I've been waiting for you and Bell."