The car ride to the coast was quiet at first, the kind of quiet that usually felt comfortable between Ellis and Aria. But tonight, Aria's energy was different, brighter, almost giddy. She smiled at nothing, hummed softly under her breath, her hands tapping the steering wheel in an excited rhythm.
Ellis tilted her head, watching her friend with curiosity. She's happier than usual today… what's going on with her?
On the inside, Aria's thoughts were far from innocent.
Today will be your last day, Eli. You won't be coming back with me, dear.
They reached the sunset point just as the world began to glow. The ocean stretched out endlessly before them, its waves tipped with gold under the fading light. The sky blazed orange and pink, streaked with clouds like brushstrokes. The place was almost surreal, magnificent, romantic, and calm.
Aria stopped the car and jumped out, her boots crunching against the gravel. "Finally! We're here," she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.
Ellis smiled softly. "You look so happy today, Aria… more than usual."
"Yeah," Aria replied lightly, though her thoughts whispered something far darker.
Because from tomorrow on, you won't exist in my world anymore.
To their right, a mountain rose high with dark green trees climbing its slope, twinkling lights strung along a path like stars guiding a trail. Aria's eyes flicked toward it.
"Let's go up there," she said suddenly.
Ellis shook her head gently. "No… that seems far. Let's go somewhere else."
To their left, an ocean of rose-colored flowers swayed gently in the breeze, glowing like embers in the last light of the sun. The view was breathtaking, the field merging seamlessly into the beach and the crashing waves.
Ellis's face brightened. "Let's go there."
Aria forced a small smile. "Okay…" she said, though her mind was already sealing Ellis's fate. Anyway, you're going to die. You can choose your last view.
They walked together, the petals brushing their legs, the scent of salt and blossoms mingling in the air. Out of nowhere, Aria asked, her tone playful:
"So, Eli… do you know how to swim?"
Ellis laughed softly. "No, dear. I never got the chance to learn… but I've always wanted to. Maybe someday."
Too late, Aria thought, her lips curving at the secret. Oopsie.
"Oh, I see…" she said aloud.
As soon as they reached the center of the flower field, Aria's demeanor shifted. Her tone, once sweet, turned sharp and angry.
"Ellissss…" she hissed.
Ellis blinked, startled. "W-what…? Why are you angry now?"
Aria's eyes blazed. "Because of you, I lost everything!"
"Ah? What?" Ellis's voice trembled with confusion.
"You," Aria spat. "You're beautiful, perfect, untouchable. No one sees me, no one admires me, only you! You're good at everything, studies, sports, literally everything. I always come second because of you!"
Ellis took a shaky step back. "W-what are you saying, Aria? We're friends…"
"Friends?" Aria let out a harsh laugh. "Friends, my foot. I hate you the most, Ellis."
"Why… why are you being like this?" Ellis's voice cracked, tears threatening to form. "I treated you as my own sister…"
"Sister?" Aria sneered. "You're a fool."
Ellis reached out helplessly. "Aria, please…"
But Aria's eyes had turned cold. "Goodbye, my dear sister."
Before Ellis could react, Aria's hands shoved her hard.
Ellis gasped, the world tilting around her. The golden sky, the flowers, the waves, all spun into chaos as her body plunged over the edge toward the crashing ocean below.
"AAAAAAAH!"
The sound of her scream was swallowed by the sea.
Aria stood at the cliff's edge, her breath heavy, her heart pounding with a twisted thrill.
The sun dipped below the horizon.