The commotion soon caught the nurses' attention.
"We understand that you're all happy to see someone you care about recovering," one of the nurses said with a gentle smile, "but could you please lower your voices? This is a hospital, and some patients here are in critical condition."
With that, they quietly walked away.
Pollen lifted his gaze and subtly glanced toward her parents, making sure they weren't paying any attention to them. Once he was certain their focus was elsewhere, he leaned in slightly and asked in a hushed voice,
"So... when are you getting discharged?"
"Day after tomorrow," her father answered before she could speak. "Why? What are you planning?"
The room instantly fell into silence.
An uneasy fear settled over everyone as they exchanged nervous glances.
Pollen cleared his throat awkwardly. "U-Uh... sir, we were actually planning to gather at a cafe to celebrate her recovery."
The others immediately forced awkward smiles, nodding in agreement as they looked at her father, silently hoping he would approve.
Her father slowly rose from his seat.His frowning face with his thick eyebrows and mustache silencing the environment.
Everyone froze.
A wave of terror swept through the room as they anxiously waited for his next words.
"...Alright."
The single word was enough.
They all let out the breath they had been holding, relief washing over their faces.
"Thank you, Uncle," he said with a grateful smile. "We'll take our leave for now. We'd love to come and visit her again tomorrow."
He replied firmly.
"No need."
Pollen quickly corrects himself.
"I meant the day after tomorrow,sir"
He simply nodded, his eyes never leaving the newspaper in his hands.
Pollen gave Brooklyn a quick, subtle wave, barely moving his fingers as he whispered, "Bye."
The moment they stepped out of the room, every one of them bolted toward the door, practically squeezing through the frame in their haste.
Only after they were several steps away did they dare breathe again.
"Thank goodness..." one of them muttered under their breath.
For a terrifying second, they had all been convinced the next words out of that man's mouth would be enough to stop their hearts.
Unable to hold it back any longer, Brooklyn let out a quiet chuckle at the sight before her.
The day of her discharge soon arrived.
Pollen was, without question, the most impeccably dressed among the classmates. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit that hugged his frame with effortless elegance. The crisp black blazer rested neatly over a spotless white dress shirt, while a deep crimson tie added a striking splash of color against the monochrome attire. His matching black trousers were sharply pressed, and his polished leather shoes gleamed beneath the morning light, giving him the refined appearance of a young gentleman.
Beside him stood Brooklyn, looking just as charming in her own way. She wore a graceful white dress that flowed gently to her knees, its soft fabric swaying with every step. A delicate baby-pink satin bow adorned the center of her chest, adding a sweet, youthful touch to the elegant dress. Her long, silky black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, framing her bright smile and giving her an effortlessly graceful appearance.
It was quiet easy to tell the moment was planned for the twoonly.
Instead of heading straight to the café, the group decided to spend the day at an amusement park.
Laughter echoed through the air as they wandered from one attraction to another, teasing one another and creating memories they knew they would cherish for years to come.
Amid the crowd of their classmates, the two of them quietly intertwined their fingers. Hand in hand, they walked side by side, keeping pace with their friends ahead. Neither of them spoke much, yet the warmth of each other's touch said more than words ever could.
Brooklyn, For the first time in what felt like forever, she had forgotten every burden weighing upon her heart.For the first time in what felt like forever, she had forgotten every burden weighing upon her heart.
Watching the love of her life care for her so tenderly, and being surrounded by friends who had stood by her through every storm, she realized how blessed she truly was.
She had allowed herself to become blinded by the circumstances she could never control, failing to see the people who had quietly remained at her side all along.She had allowed herself to become blinded by the circumstances she could never control, failing to see the people who had quietly remained at her side all along.
Beyond the boundaries of their world, in another dimension.
Stood Zenith standing before her, he pressed the long, razor-sharp blade of his gleaming sword against Florence's neck. Its polished edge caught the light, reflecting a cold, merciless shimmer.
His piercing emerald-green eyes glowed with murderous intent, never once leaving his target.
Strands of his dark hair fell over his eyes, casting shadows across his face, while beads of sweat clung to the tips of his bangs before slowly slipping down, breaking the suffocating silence.