No More Pain For This Villain.

My heart was racing, and my mouth felt dry all of a sudden. I couldn't feel my footfalls, but they led me back to my room. I heard someone call my name, but I just couldn't spare a single glance at them because... my chest felt like it'd explode any minute.

THUMP.

I fell on the bed, my foot hitting the side table. "Ouch." I rolled up in a ball.

Ren loved Mary.

"Ughhhhhhhh." Even thinking about it made me cry, and I had to hear him admit it. He said that he loved her! Mary Kleine! And she dumped Ren!

"Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid." I know it's silly to think for someone else, but how could she dump Ren? Like, look at him! She dumped him and went for Adam!?

I never understood girls obsessing over Adam Stales. Maybe because he's an honor student, decent looking, and strong... But Ren? How could she—ugh.

"Why did I have to ask him?" I cursed myself for asking that dumb question.

"Tell me about your relationship with Mary... dumbo! Look what you've done to yourself now!" Even the thought of Ren and Mary together makes me nauseous for some reason. I feel like crying.

It was all good and merry. I met Ren's parents—I REALLY WANTED TO MAKE A GREAT IMPRESSION ON THEM!!!

But Ren went ahead and told them that embarrassing meeting as our first meeting.

I pulled a blanket over myself as I whispered, "It wasn't even our REAL first meeting. We met way before that..." I felt like yelling these words aloud at him but couldn't.

Ren doesn't know that I have met him before. How would he react? The first time I saw him was when he was covered in blood of someone else... I can't say that!

"Ughh, still, they went as far as engagement! Like, how long have you known each other? Childhood friends and then lovers!" I was yelling while trying to control myself.

Spending years together, engaged, and then she came here and fell in love... Did you not LOVE HIM? I felt angry but relieved at the same time knowing there's nothing between Mary and Ren now.

"But still...."

I murmured, my thoughts swirling in a confusing mess of jealousy, anger, and relief. I hated that I was so affected by it, but I couldn't help it. Ren meant more to me than I had realized until now.

I rolled over, staring at the ceiling. The memory of Ren admitting his past love for Mary replayed in my mind. I knew I shouldn't let it bother me—everyone has a past—but the idea of him having such deep feelings for someone else hurt more than I wanted to admit.

"Why did it have to be her?" I whispered to myself. "Why couldn't it have been someone else, someone less... perfect?"

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. I needed to focus on the present, not on a past that couldn't be changed. Ren had moved on, and so had Mary. They were just part of each other's history now.

Like they don't even talk to each other now! Yes! They don't care about each other!

But what about us? Where did I fit into Ren's life? Was I just a friend, or was there potential for something more?

I couldn't stop the flood of questions. Ren and I had grown closer, especially after everything we had been through. He was always there, always supportive, always... Ren. And now, meeting his parents, hearing them talk about him with such pride and love. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

I sat up, pushing the blanket off. I couldn't keep torturing myself with these thoughts. I needed to talk to Ren... about anything and keep my mind off of these weird thoughts.

I stood up and walked to the window, looking out at the academy grounds.

Knock, knock.

And then there was a knock on the door. I walked towards the knob. Who's here?

The door creaked, and I saw Mary. Thud! I closed the door immediately.

Mary is here!? I didn't see her expression, but she is here!

Soon came a voice from the other side. "Raven, you don't have to be scared. I... I just wanted to talk. I'll come back later if you want."

I sighed. What am I doing... I pulled the door open and saw Mary standing there. "Thank you," she said.

"You need something?" I asked awkwardly.

"Oh no. It's just, I wanted to apologize for what I did a few days back. I should've held back—I'm really sorry for hurting you." She explained, her gaze lingering on the bandages on my right arm.

She came here to apologize? That's...

"Oh, this... no, it's fine. I am fine now—" I stopped when my sentence was interrupted.

"See, I knew it!" Behind Mary, from the other end of the stairs, came the familiar voice. It was Adam. "Ha, now I feel relieved," he said while he climbed up.

What is he doing here?

Mary stepped sideways and Adam came near us. "I really was worried when Elsa told me that you went into a duel and got hurt!" His expression seemed genuinely concerned.

"It's nothing—" I tried to brush it off, but he cut me off.

"How can you say it's nothing? You were so angry that you didn't even hear me when I called you. I'm so upset with Mary, but she said she didn't mean it." He explained. Oh, it was him who called me... but yeah, it wasn't Mary I was thinking about... maybe partially I was.

"It's fine, really," I said, trying to diffuse the situation. "I'm okay now."

Mary's face showed a mix of regret and relief. "I really am sorry, Raven. I didn't mean to hurt you."

I glanced between them, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "I appreciate the concern, but let's move past it. It's in the past now."

Adam nodded, though he still looked concerned. "If you say so. Just take care of yourself, okay?"

"Yeah, I will," I replied, forcing a smile.

The tension in the air began to dissipate, and I felt a bit more at ease. "So, what brings you two here?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

Mary looked at Adam, who nodded. "We actually came to see if you wanted to join us for a quick walk around the campus. Clear our heads, you know?"

"Oh I'm fine,have fun." I said and immediately closed the door.

"I'm not letting her take Ruu from me." I am not sure why but I think I might know why Mary picked up fight with me.

Noice!