Afterwards, Sara didn't cry again.Not even when she was alone. She slipped into a rhythm of survival—class, library, study, sleep. Every day was lived withmechanical precision, her footsteps memorized by the pavement she walked. Emotions werefolded up neatly and placed somewhere unreachable, and what remained was a version of her
that moved, spoke, and smiled—but didn't feel. The people around her learned not to ask questions.She laughed when she had to.Noddedwhenrequired. not even taked to sam and zero, nor they disturbed her.And drifted through the world like a
person wearing skin that didn't quite fit. Every now and then, when silence caught her off guard, she would hear Maera's laughter echosoftly in her mind. Familiar. Unwanted.Like a ghost that refused to stay buried. Each afternoon at exactly five, she visited Alexa.Never empty-handed.Always with a bouquet of
pink and yellow roses. She would sit with her for a while—sometimes talking, sometimes not. Just being.Alexa was still
in coma, but this time doctor said that she showed signs of movements, After that, she'd head to the café, as she always had, and return to the dorm late, long after most
students had turned in for the night. She ate alone. Cup noodles, every single time. She never
complained. Sara's life had become a clock.Ticking. Turning. Repeating.And if there was anything left insideher worth saving—it stayed silent, buried beneath the noise of routine. _________________________________________________________________ Maera had barely stepped into the apartment when she realized it was empty. The layers of dust
on the furniture were proof enough—Sim hadn't been staying here for a while. The silence wassuffocating. Maera stood in the middle of the living room, staring at her own trembling hands, whispering to herself, "I've lost everything… not hers, not mine. What do I do now?" She didn't wait long. She turned around and left—out the door, into the street, chasing the onething she still had a chance to reclaim: Sim. She knew Sim's Saturday routines too well, and headed straight to the mall she often visited. Thefood court was crowded, but Maera spotted her instantly—seated with Dan, laughing, chocolateice cream on her lips. Dan was smiling too, leaning closer to wipe it off. That was the final crackin Maera's composure.
She stormed over and grabbed Dan's wrist midair. "How dare you touch her?" she growled. Dan smirked and replied coldly, "And who the hell are you to ask? You have no idea howmanytimes I've touched her." Sim glanced up—hesitant, surprised—but not denying it. Maera's fury burned through her throat. "I'm her wife," she declared through clenched teeth. "Bylaw. By faith. I have every right to take her with me." She reached for Sim's hand, threw money on the table, and shoved the ice creamin Dan's face. Before Sim could react, Maera pulled her away. "What the hell are you doing?!" Sim shouted as they reached the parking lot, yanking her handback. "Are you insane!?" But Maera didn't stop. She was silent, determined, furious. She dragged Simback to their home, slammed the front door shut, and pushed Sim back against the wall. "Have you ever lied to me?" she demanded. Sim froze. The rage in Maera's eyes was terrifying. "Answer me!" she screamed. "Did you sleep with him?" Sim's lips quivered. No words. Just the faintest nod. "Aghhhh!" Maera cried out, stumbling back in anguish. "Why, Sim?! Why would you dothis tome?"
In a blind storm of pain, Maera picked up a vase and hurled it to the ground. It shattered. Bloodfrom her palm smeared the floor. Sim rushed to her, crying, "Maera, your hand… what are you doing…?" Maera jerked away. "Does it hurt to see me like this? Then tell me—was I not enough? Didyoustop loving me? Are you in love with him now?" Sim cupped her cheeks, trembling. "No, Maera..it was..just a mistake..... I'mso sorry…" Maera's eyes softened for a second—but only a second. She pulled away, grief flaring intodefiance. "You were going to move in with him. You were ready to leave me. This house…it'sno longer a home, Sim, if you relly love him then you can just tell me, i will leave you andwon't
ask a word, why did you go to such lenghts??. "
Sim sank to the floor, sobbing silently. Maera turned away, walked into the kitchen, opened the cabinet, and pulled out a bottle of wine. "Let's drink, then," she said. "One last time. For our farewell." She uncorked it, raised it to her lips, and downed it in one go. "Maera, please," Sim whispered, panicking. "Stop… I love you, Maera. Please…" Maera turned back to her, eyes wild, cheeks flushed. She crossed the room in two strides, grabbed Sim by the shoulders—and kissed her. Sim gasped, but Maera didn't stop. She kissed her again. And again. Pouring into her all thelove, betrayal, desperation she had locked inside.until sim couln't breath, sim pulled meara awayandbreath hasilty, maera said"what!!, you let him kiss you, but you can't let me kiss you?" maerapulled sim closed once agian and said furiously
"You let him touch you, but not me?" Sim didn't answer. She just looked at her—torn, aching. "Let's make this moment ours,.afterall you are willing for dan...so you should be willing for yourlegal wife too"," Maera whispered against her lips. "One last time. Before I disappear fromyour
life… ."
sim couldn't say a word, she keeps pulling maera away but i was no use, maera was stronger thenher, sim was crying silently. She grabbed Sim and dragged him into the room, threw him onto the bed, took off her coat andshirt and tossed them aside, then climbed on top of her, sim cryied:"mae!!please.....don't....", "shhhh", maera put her index finger on sim's lips, the taste of blood goes into sim's mouth, ThenMaera gently caressed Sim's face and leaned down to kiss her. Her kisses grewmore intense, andshe kept kissing her passionately,And she lay there, motionless like a corpse,Then Maera slowlybegan to move down, pressing a soft kiss to his neck. She gently unbuttoned his shirt, thentossedit aside and kissed his chest. Slowly, she traced his body with her lips, leaving a trail of warmthas she went. Sim just kept crying in silence; she couldn't utter a single word, She closed her eyes, her breath trembling as she leaned closer, letting her lips trail slowlyover
the lines of her body. Sim's voice trembled with fear, but Maera didn't stop. Her touch movedlower, slower, until she reached her waist. When she tugged gently at her trouser, Simtriedtostop her — but she caught her wrists and pinned them above her head against the bed. In that moment, Sim understood — there was no turning back. She shut her eyes in silent
resignation, sorrow and fear welling up inside her. A single tear escaped, slipping down her
cheek — a quiet witness to the part of her that still lived beneath the stillness _________________________________________________________________ Dan slammed his fist on the table."Damn it... the fish was just caught in the net, and nowthis
hook shows up out of nowhere. Everything was going perfectly." He stood up in anger. Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen —Devil's Birch.Hestared at the name for a second before quietly answering the call."Hm?" he said curtly. On the other end, Georgia spoke, "What's the status of the task?" Dan clenched his jaw."You never call at the right time, Miss Grave." Georgia ignored his comment and continued, "The Master said it shouldn't take long. He wantsthe red target in front of him within the next two weeks. Not a day more. I trust you understandwhat that means..." With that, she hung up. Dan was left speechless. He stared at the dead phone screen in fury, then shouted,"Fuck!!"andstormed off. ______________________________________________ The room was quiet now. Maera lay beside her, breath uneven, gaze distant, as if even she didn't know what had just
happened — or what it meant. Her fingers lingered near Sim's hand, but didn't touch. The silencepressed down like a weight neither of them could carry. Sim stared at the ceiling. Her body was still, but her mind was a storm of shattered thoughts. Shefelt raw, like something had been taken from her — not forcefully, but quietly, in a way that
made it harder to scream. There was no violence. But there was no safety either. A dull ache lived in her chest, one she couldn't name. She blinked slowly. Her throat felt tight. She didn't cry — not really. Just that one tear from earlier, still clinging to the edge of her jaw, drying on her skin like an unwanted secret. She thought about saying something — anything — but what words could carry what she felt?Regret? Confusion? Betrayal?
No. Just silence. She turned her back to Maera, curled into herself, and pulled the sheet higher. Apart of her hadgone quiet. A part of her that once believed in trust. _________________________________________________________________
Sam and Zero sat across from each other, steaming cups of coffee between them. But Samwasmore focused on his phone screen than the coffee. His fingers tapped rapidly —probablygaming. Zero, meanwhile, sipped his coffee slowly, eyes fixed not on the cup…but on Sam. He couldn't help it. "Hey, Sam," Zero finally said. "Hm?" Sam responded distractedly, eyes still glued to the screen. Zero hesitated, then spoke thoughtfully. "Have you noticed? Sara's…different these days. Sheused to barely talk to anyone. But now… she actually speaks when someone starts a conversation. She even smiles in the hallway. She never used to do that." Sam glanced up from his phone, brows furrowed slightly. "Maybe she's trying to change. After
everything that happened… and now with Alexa in a coma, maybe she's figuring herself out. Weprobably shouldn't interrupt her transformation. Maybe she just needs space." Zero nodded. "Yeah… maybe." But then Sam looked at him more closely, a teasing glint in his eyes. "But you? You're the onewho's acting different lately." Zero blinked. "W–What do you mean?" Sam smiled slyly. "You used to ignore girls completely. And now you're actually talkingto…what's her name again? Amaya?" He leaned forward, playful yet observant, eyes locking with Zero's. "What's going on?" Zero was caught off guard. How could he explain that he was only doing it to stay away fromSam? His words fumbled. "I… I mean… I'm just talking to her. It's nothing." Sam raised an eyebrow but smiled, though something about it didn't feel genuine. He leanedback, his tone light. "Bro, I'm actually starting to expect a sister-in-law at this point…" Zero laughed nervously, trying to change the subject. "Sam… it's almost class time. Exams areinten days. Let's go." He stood up quickly, but before he could take a step, Sam grabbed his wrist, stopping himinplace. Zero's heart skipped a beat. Slowly, he turned back.
Sam's expression had changed — the teasing gone. He looked serious now, his voice low. "Areyou avoiding me on purpose, Zero? Because I know you're not interested in Amaya. Whenshegave you that love letter, you ignored her. You even lectured her. So why are you doing this?"Zero stared at him. That gentle grip on his wrist made his chest tighten. Slowly, he said, "Sam…don't ask strange questions. I'm just talking to her. I'm not in love or anything. Love onlyhappens with one person. And I… I can't love two people at once." He walked away before Sam could speak. Out into the corridor. But Sam wasn't done. He ran after him, grabbing his arm again, stopping himwith a breathlessurgency. "Then why won't you answer me? Who's the one person you love so much?" Zero snapped, eyes wide, frustrated and cornered. "It's you, Sam! I love you!" Sam froze, stunned. "W-What? You… love me?" Zero looked at him for a long moment. Then suddenly burst into laughter. "You idiot! I scared you, didn't I?" he laughed. "Sam… I don't like guys. I was just messingaround. Come on, stop looking so pale." Sam stared at him, confused, unsettled. Zero smiled brightly, too brightly. There wasn't a trace of a tear in his eyes. Samcouldn't seeanything behind that perfect act. Sam stepped closer, cornering him against the wall. His voice was firm. "Zero…you playedthat
joke on me. Don't even think about trying that with anyone else." Zero looked at him, laughing nervously. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry. Let's go to class. I'll eventreat
you to ramen today." Sam narrowed his eyes. "You? Treat me? The guy who's never taken a coin out of his ownpocket?" Zero chuckled. "Well, you've done a lot for me. And you're going back to your home soon. Let
me do something for once." Sam rolled his eyes and laughed. "The end is near, people! It's the last day of Earth! Samael isgiving treats!"
"Shut up, idiot," Zero said, tackling Sam playfully as they both laughed. Then Zero leaned in and whispered, "We'll go out tonight, okay?"
Before Sam could respond, he saw her — Elina, walking toward them, his girlfriend of almost ayear. He straightened immediately. "What's up, Elina?" Sam asked softly. She smiled sweetly. "Can we go shopping today, Sam? I want to pick something for my birthdayparty." She looked at him like she already knew the answer she wanted. Sam hesitated. On one side was friendship. On the other, his girlfriend. Before he could speak, Zero stepped in. "It's okay, Sam. Take her. We'll have dinner together
tomorrow." He smiled. Sam smiled too, and walked away with Elina. Zero stayed behind, watching them go. And once again, he broke — silently. The tears he had hidden so skillfully began to slip down his cheeks the moment Samwas out of
sight. He wiped them away, as if erasing a part of himself. There was no space for feelings. There was no place for what he wanted. And one thing became painfully clear to him —Whatever this was with Sam, it could never
become anything more than friendship. So Zero chose friendship. He fixed his expression. And in a second, he was back to his usual self— his armor of playfulness perfectly in place. He walked alone toward class. After a while.... All the classes had finally ended. As usual, Sam made his way to the vending machine — their spot. The one where he andZeroalways ended the day together, grabbing coffee before heading home. It had become a ritual. Aquiet corner of the day that belonged only to them. But today… something felt off. Zero wasn't there.
Sam glanced around, puzzled. He remembered seeing Zero rush out of class the moment it ended— not unusual, honestly. Zero always made his exit like a prisoner escaping a cell. But still…hewas always at the vending machine before Sam. Always. Not today. Sam waited. Maybe Zero got held up. Maybe he was just running late. Five minutes passed. Ten. No sign of him. Sam frowned, finally pushing himself off the wall and heading outside. On the way, he ranintoTom, one of their classmates. "Hey, Tom," Sam called out. "Did you see Zero?" Tom nodded casually. "Yeah, he left right after class. Like, immediately. Didn't even wait for
anyone."
"Oh… okay. Thanks," Sam said, trying to hide the confusion rising in his chest. He left without telling me?
Sam reached for his phone, unlocking it to call Zero, but just then —"Elina!" her voice chirped behind him. Sam turned, surprised. He instinctively locked his phone and slid it back into his pocket. "Hey… you're here," he said, forcing a small smile. "Let's go to my place first," Elina said briskly. "I need to grab a few things and drop off mybag. Then we can head to the mall." Sam nodded. "Sure." She reached out, and he took her hand — walking beside her, just like any other day. But something in him felt detached. Half-present. As they walked off together, a part of Sam's mind stayed behind…near the vending machine, near the silence Zero had left him with.
And he couldn't shake the quiet thought:Why didn't you wait for me today…?
Zero stood outside the dimly lit bar, hands shoved into his pockets, his gaze fixed on the glowingred neon sign that read Hot Night. He didn't know exactly what he was thinking —or maybehedid, but there were no words big enough to hold what he felt. He used to say coffee solved everything. No matter what kind of hell he and Samwere goingthrough, a warm coffee at the vending machine fixed it all. But tonight, for the first time, Zero was standing outside a bar instead —lost, quiet, aching. He didn't think twice. He pushed the door open and walked in. Inside, the music was loud, the lights were dim and dancing, flashing over bodies swayinginrhythm. Boys and girls moved to the beat — some were celebrating life, others desperatelytrying to feel like they were living. Zero made his way through the crowd and sank into a chair near the counter. And then came a familiar voice. "Hey Zero! Long time no see, bro!" Zero turned. A wave of surprise hit him. "Jacob?! Damn, bro—what the hell! You're here?"
Jacob grinned. "This is my place. My bar. And I'm also the bartender here now." Zero gave a real smile for the first time that day. Jacob had been Sam's old friend since highschool — always a little reckless, always obsessed with the idea that pain could be numbedwiththe right drink. "Wait—your bar?" Zero asked. "Of course, man. Welcome to Hot Night. Now tell me… who broke your heart? Where's Sam?"Zero slouched forward. "Ugh… I'll tell you everything. But first, make me something strong."Jacob laughed. "You got it." As Jacob prepared the drink, Zero stared ahead, his mind playing scenes he couldn't pause. "Jacob," he said finally, "I'm exhausted. I've been running so far for so long…and nowI just
can't anymore. I'm done."
Jacob placed the drink in front of him. "You look broken, man. What happened?"
Zero took a sip — it burned. He liked it. "In these past few days, I've gotten used to him. The more I try to keep my distance, the closer hefeels. There's no future for us — none. But I can't even breathe without himsometimes. I want
him beside me every moment." A tear slipped from his eye. He looked down at the drink and murmured, "I never understood why Grandpa used to drinkthisbitter stuff. But he always said, 'One day, kid, you'll drink this and it won't taste bitter at all —not compared to the truth.'" He downed the rest in a single gulp. "Shots," he said quietly. Jacob lined up a few. Then, hesitantly, he asked, "Zero… who is it? Who do you love so deeply you can't evenexist
without them? Is it someone… close?" Zero nodded slowly. "Very close," he whispered, tapping his chest. "He lives right here."
Jacob watched him with growing concern. "Do they know?" Zero looked at him, eyes hazy, lips curling in a broken smile. "It's Sam."
Jacob's eyes widened. "Wait—Sam?! You're in love with Sam?!" Zero raised a finger, signaling he needed another shot. Then he chuckled. "Yeah. It's Sam. But he doesn't know. He's busy building his beautiful future with his beautiful
girlfriend. He's probably out shopping with her right now… and I'll be the one dancing at their
wedding. The good friend. The bystander."
Jacob blinked, shaken. "You're telling me you're in love with your best friend —and he's inacommitted relationship with someone else?" Zero nodded again. "Yep."
Jacob leaned forward, furious now. "Then what about you? What the hell happens to you, Zero?"Zero laughed, hollow. "I stay by his side. Always. As a good friend. Because if I ever toldhimthe truth… I'd lose him. And I'd rather live with the pain of silence than live in a world whereSam hates me."
Jacob slammed his hand on the counter. "You're insane! You're just going to keep hurtinglikethis?!"
"Yes," Zero said quietly, eyes glassy. "Because at least this way…I don't lose him."
Jacob went silent. Zero kept drinking. Shot after shot after shot. He was completely drunk now. The music around him blurred into a low hum. His head spun, but his heart felt heavier than ever. And somewhere inside him, the truth echoed again and again:You'll never have him. But you'll
always love him. The mall was bright, lively, and full of noise — couples laughing, children tugging shoppingbags, and the soft echo of music from every corner. Sam and Elina walked hand in hand, perfectly in sync — a picture-perfect couple. She leanedagainst him as they moved from shop to shop, and Sam carried most of the shopping bags
without complaint, helping her choose outfits, holding things up, offering opinions with that soft
smile of his. Elina beamed. "Sam, let's eat something first. I'm starving."
"Sure, my dear," Sam said gently, placing a kiss on the back of her hand. He always was thegentleman. They made their way to the food court and found a small table in the corner. Samset the bags
down and had just sat down when his phone buzzed. He frowned. "Who's calling me now…" He took out his phone and saw an unknown number. Curious, he answered, "Hello?" Elina glanced up from the menu, eyes on him. A man's voice responded, urgent and strained."Is this Sam?"
"Yes," Sam replied, suddenly formal. "Who's this?"
"It's Jacob… from Hot Night."
The name hit him like a lightning bolt. "Jacob?!" Sam repeated, sitting up straight. "Yeah, bro.
, I'm sorry to call like this out of nowhere, but…" Jacob's voice dipped slightly. "It's Zero. He'shere. And he's… not okay." Sam sat up straighter. "What do you mean not okay?"
"He's wasted, man. Like really out of it. And he's been saying things I don't think he meant tosayout loud."
"What kind of things?" Sam asked, already standing. Jacob hesitated. "The kind that'll break your heart if you're not ready to hear them." Sam felt a chill rush through him. "I'm coming." He ended the call abruptly. "Elina—" he started, already halfway out of his seat. "What happened?" she asked, worried. "I—I'll explain later. I'm sorry." And he ran — weaving through the crowded mall, phone clenched in his hand, a strange dread tightening around his ribs.
TO BE CONTINED....