Chapter 20: Why?
After everything that happened yesterday, Arabella didn't know what to do.On top of that, she'd had a nightmare last night, which only left her more confused.
"I need to apologize… but how am I even supposed to approach him?"
"What if he doesn't accept it… what am I going to do then…"
Arabella was thinking desperately.What could she possibly do to make him forgive her?Her trauma and Theodore's words kept making her feel worse and worse with every passing minute.
Knock, knock!
A sudden knock on the door startled Arabella.Could it be… that winged man again?
She slowly made her way toward the door.Each step felt heavier, as if someone had piled weights onto her body.
"I-if it's th-that m-man… w-what will I d-do…"
Knock… knock…
"O-or maybe… B-Baran…"
Knock… knock…
"O-or… could it b-be… b-both? NO… PLEASE NO…"
With these thoughts swirling, Arabella finally reached the door and opened it.
Standing in front of her was a beautiful woman, with wavy auburn hair, hazel eyes, and light freckles on her cheeks.
The moment she saw the woman, Arabella felt relief wash over her.It wasn't the winged man.It wasn't Baran.It was her one and only caretaker—Alessia Bianchi.
Ever since she'd seen Arabella's state yesterday, Alessia had been worried.And now her fears were confirmed.
"Giovane Padrona, what happened to you?!" Alessia immediately started fussing over her young mistress and hurried to get her into the shower.
She carefully examined Arabella as she worked.She was wearing only a plain nightgown, her hair was a mess, dark circles under her bloodshot eyes.In a word—she was a wreck.
Alessia did everything she could to make Arabella look and feel like herself again:a soothing shower, flawless makeup to hide the bruises, healing magic to clear the redness from her eyes, and finally dressing her perfectly in her school uniform.
Arabella Belini… was now ready—or at least, she looked ready on the outside.
Alessia knew Arabella should really lie down and rest…But instead, she cut straight to the point.
"Why don't you start by simply apologizing?"
Alessia knew exactly what had happened yesterday—down to the smallest detail—and she truly felt sorry for the Sonnenaufgang.
"B-but w-what if… he doesn't accept it…" Arabella stammered, her voice trembling.Yesterday had traumatized her far more than she wanted to admit.Especially… that smile…
"You won't know unless you try, Arabella." Alessia smiled at her gently, reassuringly.She believed in her.
"B-but…"
"Enough. You're a Belini. You won't know if you don't try… Besides, Angellica will help you."
Alessia hushed her with a hand and spoke firmly.Arabella needed someone to push her.
Knock, knock!
Another knock on the door startled them both.
"I'll get it," Alessia said, going to open the door.
Arabella was lost deep in thought, still crawling through the pit of her own mind.She knew she was in the wrong toward Baran, but the courage to apologize…It wasn't there.Especially after that smile… she still shuddered just thinking about it.
"Arabella… don't tell me you're still like this."
A sweet, melodic voice snapped her out of her spiral.
She looked up to see a divine beauty with white hair and deep golden eyes.Angellica Baldwin.
"Come on. We're going."
Without waiting for an answer, Angellica grabbed Arabella's arm and dragged her out of the room.
"A-Angellica, w-wait—"
"Why? So you can keep making excuses?"
Angellica refused to hear any more protests and simply kept pulling her along.
In the corridor, other students turned to look at them.After all—who wouldn't stare at two divine beauties walking together?
Meanwhile, Baran was making his way to class with Tristan trailing behind him.
He wore a pair of light gloves on his hands.
Even though he had fully recovered since yesterday, he was still pretending to be injured.He knew everyone thought he looked weak… but that was actually good.It was the perfect excuse to avoid unnecessary duels.
"Baran… are you sure you're okay? You don't have to push yourself," Tristan said nervously.
Baran turned to Tristan with a cold stare.Couldn't his little toy be a little smarter?Oh well—not that he blamed him.He didn't know anything about the truth of this situation anyway.
"Baran!"
A powerful voice called out to him.Without delay, Baran turned toward it.
It was a divine beauty with white hair and deep golden eyes, pulling someone by the arm.Angellica Baldwin.
"Yes, Angellica?" Baran replied gently, his tone soft, as though speaking to a little sister.
Angellica and Arabella finally reached him, slightly out of breath.Then Angellica spoke.
"Arabella wants to apologize to you… Taa-daa."
She gestured to Arabella with her hands and then turned to watch Baran's face.
Baran's cold eyes immediately locked onto Arabella.And just seeing his eyes almost made her take a step back.Her hands and feet felt tangled, her mind blank.
"M-maybe… maybe I shouldn't even do this…"
Every second that passed only made her sink deeper.But then Alessia's words came back to her.She really wouldn't know unless she tried.
And so, Arabella placed her hands over her chest, lowered her head slightly, and spoke in the most sincere voice she could muster:
"I'm sorry. Please… forgive me."
Even though what she had done couldn't simply be erased with an apology, it was at least… a start.
Students began gathering around them, waiting for Baran's response.
And finally… Baran spoke.
"WHY?"