Felix released the embrace, his eyes still fixed on me. With one hand, he rummaged through his pocket and when he pulled his hand out, I noticed two tickets in his grasp. I tilted my head, puzzled about what the tickets were for.
"How about we go to the Carnival together tomorrow? I picked up two tickets yesterday because I had a feeling you would come back," he said, waving the tickets in front of me as he handed one over. I accepted it with a soft chuckle and slipped it into my pocket.
"So you had a sense that I would return, yet you act like you don't want me here," I teased, trying to lighten the mood, though I felt it was in vain given my fear of the lifeless bodies on the floor, especially with him covered in their blood.
He looked at me for a moment before his gaze shifted to the ticket. "I feel that way," he replied, contemplating his words before nodding in confirmation. That was his response.
"Feel what?" I asked, resting my hands on my thighs as I awaited his answer.
"To be cold towards you," he said bluntly, prompting me to facepalm. "Seriously?" I questioned.
"So you're not actually cold?" I inquired, noticing his awareness of my confusion. "I am cold and indifferent. I just don't want to be that way with you. It feels forced to be unpleasant when you're around, even though I know I can be rude. I'm aware of my nature. People often say I'm hard to get close to. I have my defenses," he explained, and I felt a pang of sadness for the way others fail to see his true self.
I understand why he erects barriers. After all, with his parents and grandparents passing away so early, he has had to navigate this harsh world alone. I admire his resilience in not giving up.
"It's okay, I'm here," I said, taking his hand in mine. "Yeah," he replied calmly, a faint smile emerging before quickly fading. "That's why I'm grateful to have met you," he admitted as he stood up. He extended his hand to me, and I took it willingly. He helped me to rise, and I followed his lead.
We both surveyed the chaos around us as we heard sirens approaching. The police arrived to assess the situation and began questioning Felix, who simply presented his license. They promptly apologized. Felix asked for cleaners to attend to the scene, and they complied, leaving the area respectfully. I watched in amazement at the influence he wielded over everyone.
Being an Elite is quite impressive, I mused. Felix turned to me and gestured for me to come closer. I nodded and approached him.
"Yes?" I inquired. Without saying a word, he took my hand and led me outside as the cleaners started their work. I turned to see them removing the bodies, and a chill ran through me as I recalled the earlier events.
"Look ahead. Forget about what's happening behind us," Felix instructed, directing my focus forward. I nodded, letting out a sigh as I tried to steady myself, gripping his hand a little tighter for reassurance. "Okay," I replied softly.
Felix guided me to the gates. When we reached them, he gently released my hand. The guards slowly opened the gates for me.
"Don't forget that we're going to the carnival tomorrow," he reminded me, and I smiled at his thoughtful words, finding it somewhat maternal.
"Of course, what time?" I asked, eager to prepare for the next day.
"One in the afternoon," he said, waving goodbye as he walked away. I continued to smile as I watched him go.
"Alright," I murmured to myself as I stepped through the gates.
Reo and Mhil were watching Felix's silhouette from a distance.
"That was blood, wasn't it?" Reo asked Mhil, who shrugged in response.
"Perhaps... but it's not surprising for an Elite," Mhil replied in a disinterested tone.
"True. Even the 'Rich' kill without mercy," Reo concurred.
I could hear their conversation, but I focused on the day ahead. I envisioned the joyful moments I would share with Felix, and it filled me with excitement.
Tomorrow finally arrives...
The place was packed, and I could feel everyone's gaze on me. It was clear they sensed my different aura, a result of Felix's information, and that made me want to stay hidden. I could see their contemptuous looks, questioning why someone like me, who is 'ungifted,' would be here.
I waited for him. I didn't have a phone since those are available only to the 'Gifted,' while those like me have to settle for what's discarded. For people in my situation, attending school and finding a job is challenging because all the opportunities are here, not in the realm of ungifted humans.
It was already one in the afternoon. I reached out to Reo awhile ago because I trust him. Hopefully, he wasn't being dishonest.
I hoped I looked nice. I did my best to braid my hair, grateful that Stella was there to lend a hand. I chose a simple floral purple dress paired with flat sandals, and I wore shorts underneath because I didn't trust the wind.
"Clara?" Upon hearing that familiar voice, I turned to see Felix, who looked exceptionally handsome as always.
He wore a green turtleneck sweatshirt that fit him well, along with black jeans and shoes.
"You look pretty," he whispered, his awe evident. It was surprising to hear such a sweet compliment from him while he maintained a casual demeanor. "You look amazing, too," I replied genuinely.
"Then we're both equally stunning." He offered me his arm, and I wrapped my hand around it.
"Wait a moment..." He retrieved something from his bag and handed me a bracelet featuring a ruby at its center. It was a genuine ruby, sparkling in the sunlight. "This isn't just any bracelet. It can alter your aura to match someone like me. They won't know you're ungifted. I want you to feel comfortable and not be bothered by the stares," Felix concluded, and his thoughtful gesture warmed my heart.
"Felix..." I smiled at him sweetly.
"Let me help you." Felix took my hand and the bracelet, gently placing it around my wrist, our skin brushing together. Once he secured it, he nodded approvingly at how it looked. "It's beautiful. It suits you." He admired the gem before intertwining his fingers with mine.
"Shall we go?" Felix asked, and I nodded enthusiastically. "Yes," I replied with excitement.
The curious stares from the crowd had faded away. The bracelet truly transformed my aura to blend in with theirs.
At the carnival, laughter and screams filled the air, bustling with families, friends, and couples. Numerous food stalls lined the area, offering plenty of options to eat and benches to relax. We explored different games and attractions, riding the roller coaster multiple times. I couldn't stop screaming as we raised our hands high during the thrilling double loop, our hair whipping in the chaotic breeze. We also took a ride on the Ferris wheel, looking down at the tiny people below.
We chatted, swapped stories, and laughed together. We ventured into the haunted house, which turned out to be one of the most exciting yet terrifying experiences for me. I kept jumping onto him for comfort whenever a monster or ghost attempted to startle us. It was endearing how Felix scolded the scare actors for frightening me.
Eventually, we ended up at a photo booth, having a great time taking countless pictures. Time flew by, and before we knew it, we were resting on a bench while nibbling on corndogs.
"Did you enjoy yourself?" Felix asked, curiosity mixed with hope that I had a good time.
"Absolutely! I loved everything. It was thrillingly challenging!" I replied cheerfully, a wide grin on my face while I savored the corndog, my cheeks puffed up like a chipmunk.
Little did I realize there was sauce smudged on my lips. Without hesitation, Felix brushed his finger against it to wipe it away. I stared at him in surprise, and he appeared taken aback by his own actions, pausing momentarily.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Fireworks lit up the night sky, their sparkling colors casting a glow on our faces as we kept gazing at one another.
"Clara…" Felix murmured, as if he had something to say. I felt his finger quiver against my lip before he withdrew. He averted his gaze to the sky, watching the fireworks, while I tried to make sense of what had just transpired.
"I appreciate you being here with me, Clara. I truly enjoyed it," he said earnestly, his eyes shining with the reflections of the fireworks above.
"Me too…" I replied with a smile and turned my attention back to the dazzling display in the sky.