The other side of the park seemed deserted as I walked along it alone, taking small steps. A thin mist had begun to envelop the evening, but I had no intention of returning to my room just yet.
I was already too bored and quite distracted by the commotion of the other students bickering over missing sandals.
"Can you give me a three-card reading?" I asked, spotting Nehi sitting on one of the park benches.
Nehi hesitated for a moment before chuckling. "Unfortunately, I don't have my cards with me. But let me warn you, Ishihara. The dark entity tied to your life is a symbol of mystery… or perhaps a symbol of negativity or evil that continues to stalk you."
My eyebrows raised. The dark entity? Was she referring to Black Robe, the emotion-devouring pursuers, or Syllain?
"Recently, a white-robed figure has been coming to me as well," I said bluntly, trying to find a comparison. "Does his presence mean something good?"
Nehi seemed to consider my words before answering bluntly, "Yes, of course. White is a protector, a contrast that balances your darkness," She looked me straight in the eye and added softly, "You look different, Ishihara. Your eyes... are filled with a strange serenity now."
I offered a faint smile. She was right. Ever since I met the White Robe and the Black Robe together in that frozen lake, I felt whole. I no longer feared myself or the volatile energy coursing through my veins.
All those fears seemed to have vanished there, drowned in the frozen lake... or had they simply frozen in a corner of my soul because I was too tired?
"You'll be fine," Nehi's voice echoed again amidst the rustling leaves. Her head bowed before continuing, "Remember, ultimately, your destiny lies in your own hands."
I nodded slightly. Look who was speaking—trying to reassure me even as the lines on her face betrayed her own turmoil.
However, I didn't try to inquire further. We weren't close enough to share a private space—yeah, I was merely a customer in her interpretation.
After exchanging a smile in an unspoken goodbye, we got up and went to our respective rooms to prepare for our final night as high school students.
Deep down, I knew this would be the last time I would speak with that blessed Dream Interpreter.
⊹
⁛
⊹
It was just a regular graduation farewell party, made extraordinary only by the fact that it was hosted in a three-star hotel ballroom rather than a school auditorium. A magnificent crystal chandelier cast golden radiance across the polished marble floor and the radiant faces of my classmates.
I sat in the corner of the hall, feeling awkward and out of place. The modern kebaya I was wore—an elegant amethyst-colored dress paired with delicate lace—felt so foreign to my body.
Occasionally, I touched my wrists, hoping for the cool sensation to return to soothe my anxiety. However, all I found was the boisterous chatter about a future that somehow felt so distant for mine.
My eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar face. Nehi seemed busy taking photos with her friends. Well, I couldn't disturb her. I could only sigh, hoping this event would end soon.
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CREAAAK—SWOOSH!
Suddenly, the buzz of conversation around me began to falter. The laughter, the music, the clinking of glasses—all abruptly ceased. All heads turned toward the wide-open entrance.
My heart skipped a beat, and I didn't realize I'd risen from my chair.
Standing in the doorway was a man.
He wore a tailored black suit draped over a flowing black robe, accessorized with a blood-red ruby brooch. A delicate silver chain stretched from the jewel, holding the fabric together.
He looked elegant, but something was off—his silhouette was so dark, as if he were a living shadow. His handsome face, so familiar, now adorned with a faint, captivating smile.
In his gloved hand, he held an exquisite bouquet of black roses.
It was Black Robe.
The entire ballroom froze in collective shock. He didn't wait for permission—he stepped inside.
His steps were slow and sure, weaving through the now-silent crowd. Everyone's gaze followed him, but he only stared at me, as if I were the only person in the hall.
My breath caught as he reached me. He bowed briefly. My eyes scanned his shiny shoes, his neatly styled hair, and his attire, which looked like something straight out of a high-fantasy manhwa.
However, that wasn't what was bothering me—it wasn't his smile that had captured the hearts of the girls here.
"...They're all staring at you!" I hissed under my breathe. "How is that even possible?!"
Black Robe's smile widened instead of answering. He raised the bouquet toward me.
"Oh, Miss. Where would I look if I came without a gift?" he joked. His voice was soft, yet full of authority. "Ishihara, congratulations on your graduation!"
Really, I didn't care about the flowers. I reached out, grabbing his hand tightly as I stared straight into his dark eyes. "Answer me. Why are you here in the mortal world?"
The sweet laughter on his face faded, replaced by a deep gaze. He leaned down, narrowing the distance between our faces until only an inch remained.
"Because I really wanted to see you," he whispered, his cold breath brushing against my skin. His eyes glanced at the crowd for a moment, before returning to me. "Am I not allowed?"
I don't know, I just didn't expect him to come and everyone here could see him. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see several students and even teachers still staring this way, whether simply curious or fascinated by the creature before me.
Of course, their reactions were very different from Nehi's, who seemed to know exactly who this creature was, to the point where I wanted to run over and threaten her if she didn't answer.
"So, will you accept my gift?"
He offered the bouquet once more. Reluctantly, I accepted it, my fingers caressed the dark petals. A sweet, intoxicating, and slightly dangerous fragrance bloomed into the air.
Feeling awkward under his gaze, I gestured toward the buffet behind him. "Would you... like something to eat? Pudding, perhaps?"
One eyebrow raised slowly. A faint, amused smile crossed her lips. "Pudding? A sweet choice for a celebration. I would love to try it."
Before I could even step toward the dessert table, a sharp, deafening noise shattered the glass windows.
GLASS CRASH!
BAANG! BAANG! BAANG!
Instantly, the previously silent ballroom turned into hell. Panicked screams echoed, drowning out the background music. People trampled over chairs, pushing wildly toward the exits.
Black Robe didn't flinch. He stood tall, letting the panicked crowd pass him by. His eyes anchored to mine. His serene smile never fade.
"There's... there's shooting outside," I gasped in panic.
He didn't answer, just nodded slowly. Suddenly, a shrill sound rang out again. It wasn't a gunshot, but the sound of a loud alarm.
My eyes darted around, searching for the source of the sound. It came from an electronic board mounted on the center wall displaying a countdown.
10... 9... 8...
"A bomb?!" The scream caught in my throat. Terror seized me—this was the mortal world, and a blast of that scale would shred my physical body to pieces.
Black Robe's smile vanished instantly, replaced by a look of utter seriousness. He cupped my cold hand, bringing it up to press a gentle kiss on the back of my fingers.
"It's okay," he murmured softly, full of reassuring assurance. "I'm here, Ishihara."
7... 6... 5...
He didn't let go of my hand. His smile returned—not playful, but mysterious and infinitely deep.
I immediately remembered the conversation between Nehi and her friends. About the Death who was said not to carry a scythe, who retrieved souls with a meaningful smile.
But, was the figure before me really the Death—who had come to retrieve me?
"It's time," he whispered softly.
4... 3... 2...
Before I could ask or scream, Black Robe pulled me violently into his chest, wrapping his arms around me in an unyielding, protective embrace.
A blinding white light enveloped us. I couldn't see anything. I could only feel his cool embrace, his broad chest shielding me from the world, and the fresh scent of rain falling upon a garden of dark roses.
BEEEEEP—!