Friends in Hatred and in Love

ced at the door, the threshold to Emily's mother's hospital room – a place whe

e kiss upon her mother's forehead. She had intended to turn herself in after

black awaits you beneath yonder tree," replied the

settled beside him under the shelter of the tree. There was a mome

-to-toe: black trousers, a black trench coat, black shoes, and a concealed face behind an enigma

er to absolve you from their consequences," he m

uldn't fathom how he could resolve the fact that she

ically, leaving Emily ruminating on his words: would she be dest

e, then this peculiar bargain might prove better than incarceration – her mother wouldn't be able to visit

an replied with

ile tinged with innocence, yet entirel

emporary sanctuary, she took his hand and together they traversed the unknown. With each stride, Emily experienced the disco

inhabited by otherworldly beings beyond her comprehension. Her gaze was drawn upward to an enormous traditional European-style

ssistance in navigating her new surroundings. As she boldly stepped forth into the un

me to escort you to the main office; please, follow me," he said congenially, extending his hand for a shake. Emily's reticence held

arked. "Alas, those few who bore traces of humanity generally succumbed to early demise." Shifting to a lighter tone, Mark continued, "Nevertheless, your arrival heralds a distinctive novelty: you are the first human presence in recent memory!

ed and occupied an adjacent seat. Momentarily offering Emily a weak grin before returning her focus

t: Traumatize

hate al

t is mutual, dear

ri, temper

to visit as oft

iin recounted the turbulent day on

st resonated in the grand house, as her father descen

plied, passing by his progeny

bear it," Raiin implored her older siblings, her v

f an intervention provided no solace. "Raiin, o

Not one soul in this home harbors love for me." She brushed off Angel's comfortin

"And thus illustrates the ve

behavior at her age." Angel's gaze bore into him, eliciting an abashed smile as he r

conveyed resolve as he assured her he would go in her stead, and with a soft nod of agreement, Angel remained behind. The siblings continued until th

own like their mother's, he perfected the curve of her smile. With a semblance of reluctance that barely veiled his disapproval, Yuzuru whispered,

n and tenderly sat beside her beneath the nurturing canopy above. Offering a warm salut

way? Does he hate me that much?

course not—he loves you; he simply doesn't know how to reveal it." Yuzuru chimed in with fraternal suppor

him: "So I must spend three years banished from my family at an estranged school for... what? Friends?" Yuzuru nodded, resolute

sp of skepticism, returning her head t