Chương 2: Chapter One: The Shattering of Crimson Monochrome
With the calm sounds of waves hitting the shore, a slightly fishy scent rode freely along the chilly breeze in early spring at a prestigious university.
Monotony. Well. It isn't bad.
A 19-year-old youth leaned on his palm on the cold wooden desk, staring out the foggy glass. His somewhat long bangs covered his half-lidded eyes. Sleepily, his head wobbled. As he watched the snow melt, water droplets made small ripples in a puddle. He closed his eyes.
The sky is lovely and blue today. The sun is a bit warm, though the cool air contrasts it nicely. Nevertheless, it's calming —this boredom isn't bad. Not at all.
Suddenly, a crimson flashed in the youth's eyes; a few distant memories flickered unperturbed in his mind as the world was painted red and black. Drip. A deep red droplet hit the puddle beneath, causing ripples. Each wave slowly washed his red vision away. He slowly closed his eyes; those memories bleak into monotone. Color returned as the sight of the monotonous ocean washed it away—turning his world vibrant.
"Mmnh…" Alum lightly stretched, leaning on his palm with indifference again.
[Illustration]
The seminar wasn't even in his mind, and the professor's words were mumbles in the background. Along with that was the friction of pens and the rattle of papers woven in with the keyboard strokes. They all echoed in relative loudness of the focused silence.
Unlike the other proper students at this university, Alum Miller did not care about the classes he attended. He had his reasons, though interest was not one of them. Just like that, time flew by, and two hours passed.
"Hey, Alum," a low, hazy voice suddenly whispered to him.
The presence beside the listless youth was tugging his sleeve to get his attention. Calling him out wasn't enough. Dazed, Alum turned toward the other youth, whose bluish-silver eyes peered directly into his as though he had something important to say.
"Mm?"
"Hey? Are you listening?" he asked once again.
"…Noel? What is it?" Alum inquired, blinking a few times.
"You awake now?" Noel grinned as he kept poking him.
Alum nodded, looking at the platinum-blond youth. Cheerful, intelligent, slightly taller than Alum—coming in about 183, slender, handsome, and has a good sense of style; those were the words many would describe Noel Karlsson with.
"Good. I'm wondering. Do you wanna grab a bite? I'm getting kinda hungry." A small laugh escaped as he placed a hand on his stomach.
"…Now? We've only finished the first seminar."
We!? Well… I mean, you were present but not at the same time. I guess that's beside the point, huh? Noel sighed.
"You opened the window as soon as the seminar started! C'mon, I spent a lot of energy quivering as I focused, you know?!"
"The others look fine, though? Besides, it's not even minus degrees."
"…I'm sitting next to you—it might as well be a blizzard!"
"…Mm? But I'm fine…?"
"…"
"…"
"Maaan~ I haven't had breakfast…" Noel sighed. He got up, sat on the desk, and crossed his arms in contemplation. "The restaurants nearby or the cafeteria? What do you think?"
…I suppose the prior conversation didn't happen… Alum chuckled inwardly.
"I'll leave that up to you. Whichever one you prefer, I'll tag along."
Alum raised his shoulders a little, shrugging. Noel's eyes narrowed, deepening into Alum's. He'd always had a nonchalant attitude toward everything, so Noel didn't exactly find it new.
He doesn't have much of a preference either way, Noel thought.
Giving up, he sighed and declared, "The cafeteria it is!" cheerfully, looking content with his decision.
Alum responded with a deadpan expression and a light chuckle.
"W-what?" Noel frowned. "Did just mock me, huh?! Huh?!" Noel retorted playfully in protest to whatever Alum meant by his mocking huff.
"No, it's nothing," Alum flashed him a warm smile and shook his head.
"…"
Man, what the hell?! How do I respond to that?!
"A-ahem… well, let's go!" Noel said, pulling Alum along as he wrapped his arm around his shoulder.
"Sigh… Lively as ever."
…
..
At the cafeteria, students lined up in a long line for breakfast. It was still early in the morning, but the tired students still found it in themselves to chatter with one another with the noisy utensils echoing in the background. It buzzed across the spacious dining hall, and the tempting aroma of a simple breakfast being served only made some more eager to sit down to enjoy a meal with their friends. The knife chopping down at the cutting board echoed behind the scene as the busy kitchen personnel prepared today's lunch.
"Maaan~ the line is unusually long today…" Noel tapped his feet, eying the last special sandwich since they arrived.
"We are last in line. That's why you should've eaten breakfast." Alum's casual remark stabbed Noel in the chest.
"Ugh…"
"It's rare for you not to eat breakfast. Did something happen?"
"Miu overslept…" Shamefully, Noel competed in a staring contest with the floor.
"…"
"Meaning I overslept too, ah~haha…" He scratched his head and chuckled as his eyes wandered. "She's not feeling too well, a little moody, y'know—"
"Heeey~ Noel… Alum. What are you talking about?" A soothing voice could be heard as a white head and red eyes peeked out behind Alum—it was the girl in question. Miu Nanase.
"Oh, Miu, what's up?"
"I'm feeling better, so I came looking for you!" Miu smiled angelically—sending Cupid's arrows to nearby people, making their hearts race.
"What about your friends? Rather… why were you looking for us?"
"…What? You don't wanna hang out with me? Is that it?"
"No… that's not it…"
"Or… were you telling Alum something you shouldn't?" Miu leaned her head sweetly and innocently to the side.
Despite her somewhat sullen look, she was undeniably eye candy for anyone at first glance. Her soft white hair was akin to freshly fallen snow, and her ruby-red eyes were gentle despite their intensity. Around 168 in height, she was slender and well proportionate. Many may feel shy looking at her pretty face as they avert their eyes and look down. Thus accentuating the gravity around her bosom, their gazes locked in orbit, even though her chest was proportional to her slim frame.
Noel was a little different. Though he found her to be the cutest or prettiest girl in the world—she wasn't his type. Miu was essentially a sister from another mother.
"…Not really…"
"…"
"…"
"Hmph, I can't believe you almost told him I was moody because of my period." Miu huffed, mumbling in a low and upset voice as she crossed her arms.
What…? I never went that far… But should I ignore what she just mumbled aloud…? Noel sighed inwardly. "Pst… Miu, you're thinking out loud…" He whispered into her ear, holding his laughter in a teasing manner.
"…"
"…"
Miu's face slowly flushed pink. As though she was melting, words failed to escape her mushy lips. Her delicate fingers pinched Alum's sleeve, and her gaze naturally landed on his cold face. His sleepy, voided eyes were without reaction.
D-did you perhaps hear…? Miu seemed to ask with her eyes. Mouuu! That would be such an embarrassing blunder! she exclaimed inwardly.
Which cookies should I try today? Alum pondered amidst Miu's turmoil.
He noticed her gaze and wasn't so oblivious to a girl's feelings. His head leaned to the side as if to exaggerate his confusion.
"What is it?" he calmly inquired.
"U-umm…" Miu fumbled, unable to voice her words.
"I wasn't paying attention to you," he stated as he looked at the treats.
"…Is…that…so…not…at…all?" The light seemed to dim in Miu's eyes.
"…?" His eyes shifted, seeing an increasingly bashful Miu getting depressed.
"…"
"Umm…?"
"I knew it… you heard me…!" Miu covered her blushing face, looking down at the floor. This time, her red ears were noticeable.
Amused, Noel grinned as he watched the situation play out. Sometimes I don't know if he sucks at lying or if he's so good at it nobody can tell… wait, maybe feigning oblivion so many times that you make people think you're an airhead was the trick all along?! Sigh… y'know? Miu pays closer attention to you than you think. Of course, she knows you're actually attentive! He chucked inwardly. Thus placing a hand on Alum's shoulder. Which further perplexed the already troubled boy.
"…?" Alum peered at him with a deadpan frown.
Then suddenly— "I-I'll find us a seat…!" Miu declared with shaken eyes. "Oh! Noel, please get me something, too, will you?" Adding that, she escaped.
…What?! I already bought you chocolate today! Noel exclaimed as Miu got away.
He and Alum glanced at one another. Noel shook his head slowly as he closed his eyes in defeat. Alum just gave him an understanding nod.
Hm? Wait, but how did she sneak up on us? Noel pondered. The thought had struck when he finished paying. He glanced toward Alum as they walked toward Miu. But as his gaze fell lower…
"Um… Alum, I don't think cookies and treats are considered breakfast. Also, is that milk coffee—wait, how many sugar cubes are in there?! You sweet tooth!" He exclaimed as though Alum was some fiend.
"That's ironic… What are you? My Mother?"
"Hmph! Your second Mom!" Noel declared with a grin as he huffed.
"Sigh... In that case. Wouldn't that be the third, as Emy is the second?"
"Meh, I guess?" Noel paused before grinning. "But you don't call her that now, do you?"
"No. I suppose I don't." Alum gave him a tiny shrug, his head leaning slightly to the side.
"By the way," Noel suddenly said.
"What?"
"Were you perhaps teasing her back then?" Noel grinned as he nudged Alum with his elbow.
"Why would I?" Alum's answer was as gray as ever.
"Hmm~ I see," Noel grumbled as he grimaced, seeming to have fallen into deep thought.
Perhaps a little, Alum thought, his lips loosed into a smile while he watched the contemplated Noel.
They approached Miu, who people surrounded. Already? They thought. Around Miu, both boys and girls were chatting, forming a half-circle around her. But as they noticed Alum and Noel approach, one of the guys—Oliver, waved. His group also followed with a casual wave and hello.
"Oh? Noel, it's rare to see you here," he said.
"Well, y'know? I happened to oversleep, haha." Noel replied with a casual grin.
"That so?"
Oliver chuckled. As his gaze wandered to the side, his deep blue eyes met Alum's uncaring pair. A slight frown rose as his breath hitched—his bright mood brutally murdered. A sigh leaked as he discarded the chills. His previous casual smile surfaced.
"…Anyhow, we should get going, guys." Oliver gestured to the others with a raised hand in dismissal. "Noel, Miu, see ya at the seminar afternoon."
"Oh, okay! See you later." Miu smiled—even though the edge of her mouth twitched.
"See ya," Noel casually waved.
"Talk to you later, Miu, Noel," the others said as they headed to another seat.
"…" Miu watched the others leave, her eyes troubled as they wandered to Alum.
"Infamous as ever," Noel grinned as he nudged Alum's arm, his face written with smugness.
"I don't care," Alum coolly replied.
"…Oliver isn't a bad guy, but that was pretty rude." Miu huffed with puffy cheeks. "But you're not even bothered, are you?"
Alum shrugged; it told her everything she needed to know. As he was about to place his tray down, Noel had already placed his across from Miu—where Alum was about to put his.
Move further in, Alum told Noel with his eyes.
Playing oblivious, Noel subtly tilted his head. Said something? His expression seemed to say.
"Can I sit here?" Alum resigned, asking Miu if he could sit beside her.
"Yeah, feel free." Miu flashed Alum a cheerful smile but passed Noel a bladed stare as if to ask what he was scheming.
"Here, Miu, your share." Noel handed her a garlic cheese toast.
"…!?" Miu eyes widened in horror.
As she resentfully glared at Noel, she was about to complain until she noticed how little Alum cared, eating his sweets.
"Sob…nom...sob." The poor girl ate in resignation.
"Tasty?" Noel asked, grinning smugly.
"It is... but… but!" Miu sighed, taking another bite. "Nom…"
Messing with these two sure is fun~. Noel laughed devilishly inside. Miu's torment was blatant, as was Alum's subtle glare. Soooo, he really was troubled back then? Ah-haha-haa… He grinned smugly, stirring his black coffee.
The menace giggled as he picked up the glass on the seat next to him, pushing the glass toward Miu.
"Here, lemon water," Noel said as he exaggerated a chuckle, covering his mouth with a fist.
"…"
"…" Alum sighed.
So… you were aware… Miu noticed Alum's subtle glance toward her and the lemon water.
"Thanks…" Miu glared sharply with a sweet smile at the culprit.
"Want some spearmint gum, too?"
"…"
I don't know if I'm baffled or mad! Is it both?! It's both, isn't it?! Miu internally squirmed.
"By the way, Alum, did you finish reading the book I lent you?"
"Which one?"
"…The fantasy one?"
"Mm… I learned a new word. Concupiscent—in the context of knights."
"—Cough…cough…cough…"
"…?"
Noel was dying, choking on coffee. Miu tilted her head, asking, "What does it mean?" as she picked up her phone. Before she could, Alum grabbed her wrist, causing her heart to jitter in surprise.
"There's no need to look it up. It just means passionate."
"…"
"O-oh… I see!"
Alum, letting go of Miu's hand, glanced over at Noel, who'd just recovered—
"…Huh? Knights?" Miu eyes narrowed, glaring at Noel.
"Bluntly. It means lustful," Alum stated.
Ooooi?! Did you soften the blow only to crash it all down!? Noel protested inwardly.
Miu glared at Noel as if asking what sort of stuff he was lending Alum. She placed a palm on her soft cheek, leaning on the table with a deadpan expression.
"Sigh… you really love the disciplined, headstrong older girls, don't you? Are you trying to drag Alum into that as well?"
"…The word was related to something else in the book," Noel objected, but it came out more like a whimper instead.
"…"
"…"
I was ignored?!
"But it's funny, isn't it? You're such a hit with flirtatious girls and young girls!" Her innocent smile slowly withered away at Noel.
"Ugh…!" Noel clenched his chest. "You're telling me my dream is just a dream…?"
"It's called a dream because it isn't real," Alum shrugged.
Miu glanced at Alum as if to say payback to Noel, causing Alum to chuckle as he paid Miu with a cookie.
"…"
They suddenly get along…
…
..
With the sun low in the sky, defused golden rays peered through the clouds, stretching the shadows; the prior humid air dried and chilled as frost crystallized. By this time, most seminars had ended, evident by the chatter of students echoing in the halls.
Emely Miller, a young and beautiful professor in her early thirties, held one of those seminars. Looking at her students, she felt sorry. The heaters did not make the room cozy, nor did the projector work correctly, as lights in the ceiling flickered occasionally.
With the relatively cold lecture hall, many of the students had wrapped themselves in warm coats or jackets. For them, the seminar didn't end until 18.00.
"…Should we wrap things up early today?" Emely asked the students. Some quivered but diligently noted down the contents of the whiteboard. "The hall's equipment doesn't seem to work properly." Her giggle was light but troubled.
"Hahaha, Emely, are you disappointed you won't be able to show us your presentations?" one student lightly remarked. Giggles and laughs would echo throughout the room.
"He-he~ I am a little. I've shared them with you all, though. So check them out!" Emely responded warmly and enthusiastically, as her cozy golden eyes would suggest.
The students burst out laughing and began to pack their stuff. Some would chat with their friends while others already left.
Noel, the ever-popular guy, chatted lively with Daniel, Kurt, and Kevin. It wasn't any different for Miu, who leaned her back on Noel's shoulder while she spoke with Lena, Lova, and Julia.
Their conversations occasionally mingle on the topic of hanging out during the weekend. Noel suggested going to the pool.
"—Really? Aren't you just going to be stuck in the sauna?" Miu teased as she bumped him on the shoulder with her head.
"Whaaat~ nooo…" Noel crossed his arms, glancing sideways with an exaggerated pout. "Hey, Alum, what about it? You should join us, too!"
"I don't like drowning."
"Well, duh! Then join me in the sauna!"
"I meant in the sauna," Alum shrugged, causing Noel to lament as the group burst out laughing.
It was precisely as Miu said, but now he was trying to drag Alum inside the hot, steamy room as well... The last time they went to the pool, he'd spent most of that time inside—when he joined them, he was a ripe tomato.
Emely couldn't help but chuckle at the scene unfold but soon sighed. Her eyes stuck on a youth in an unkempt formal shirt, numb to the cold, Alum—her cousin.
Al… oh you… Emely huffed as she rubbed her arms, shivering despite her thick jacket.
In the corner of her eyes, another lone figure read a book with a soft smile. Unlike Alum's detached expression, this youth seemed to enjoy himself.
David, huh? So similar but different. Diligent in class, social when needed, put together with styled hair, and dressed appropriately for the weather! Emely sighed in exasperation, resting her cheek in her hand. But my cute little Al is still the most handsome! …Sigh, I really want to go home together, but I have to report the faulty equipment to management…
She finished packing her belongings and headed toward Alum. His calm, sleepy face looked soft. Some might've found him cute if only it weren't for his cold demeanor.
"Al!" she called out to him energetically as she approached the group. "Can you go home first? I'll have to report the faulty equipment…"
"Okay."
"Oh! And don't cook! You should eat out, or if you're not too hungry, wait for me!" Emely smiled warmly.
Alum tugged at Noel's sleeve. "This guy is Mother Three. He'll do it."
"Huh? You're coming over again today? Noel?" Emely seemed relieved, but for Noel, it came as a surprise.
"Yeah~ why not? Gotta feed the animal, y'know? Miu, you wanna feed the animal, too?" Noel inquired, nudging her with his elbow.
"W-wah?! Can you pet it too?!" Miu exclaimed, turning her body shoulder to shoulder with Noel as she peeked at Alum.
"…"
"Aww, his hair does look soft!" The other girls joined in on the fun. "Ehehe~ should we style it too?" they giggled.
The boys were envious but seemed to pity him simultaneously, thinking the girls didn't see him as a guy. "O seven…" one of them said aloud. "Oh, for god's sake, Kevin…" another one sighed in exasperation.
"…" Alum scratched his cheek, averting their attention. I should've opened the window, he thought.
"Hehe, oh, you guys!" Emely giggled, involuntarily covering her mouth—as did the others. Her warm gaze wandered around the whole clique. "I'll be heading out then. You guys take care!"
"Haha, you too, Professor! Try not to get stuck in management!" the others replied lightheartedly.
"Aww… thank you… sniff. I'll try!" Emely leaned forward on the backrest towards Alum. "Chu," she pecked him on the cheek before turning around and walking away. "Bye-bye!" she smiled and warmly waved.
"See you, Emy," Alum waved lightly.
"…"
I'm so damn jealous! The guys cried in their minds.
"You guys are sooo~ dramatic," one of the girls said. "It was just a cheek kiss with no contact, you morons." She shook her head.
—Clunk clunk…
Suddenly, the attention of every student turned towards the exit. Emely, who yanked the handle, scratched her head, embarrassed she caught their attention abruptly.
That's strange. The electronic lock shouldn't be kicking in just yet… While she found it odd. She thought nothing in the hall seemed to work correctly today either way. So she took out the key, but it got stuck in the lock, not turning.
"…"
"Hey, Emely, is the door not working?" Oliver called out to her. His group approached since they were the closest.
"Yeah, the key is stuck too…" Emely sighed, stepping to the side.
"Hmm… lemme try." Although he said that confidently, as he tried to turn the key, it wouldn't budge. "Hmph!" He put more strength into it and used both his hands. "Damn. It really is stuck… Sorry, Emely, but you might wanna call the faculty," he sighed.
"Ahaha…" Emely chuckled in defeat since she now had more to deal with. "I'm on it—huh? My phone is all glitchy…"
Her words caught the attention of everyone. The situation was suspicious. They checked their phones and noticed the same. Subtly, realization began to sink in; everything had gotten silent. It was darker than usual outside—even if it was this time of the year.
"Ugh…" Emely clenched her chest with a pained expression, startling everyone.
"…!?" Alum noticed instantly, dashing towards her.
Oliver, who stood beside the suddenly ill Emely, caught her by the arm as he noticed her legs wobble. Her breath ragged, and sweat ran down her face.
"Hey! Are you okay?" Oliver called out to her with uncertainty and worry.
But he, too, noticed his legs weaken, and the rest of his strength drained. Dizzily, he lost balance. Alum pushed the others to the side and caught them both.
"Emy!" Alum exclaimed, his eyes shaking.
"Al…" Emely grabbed his shirt, her expression vulnerable, almost drunken red, as her moisturized eyes haze. "Al… I… I… lo…"
"…"
—Thud.
Every other student around him dropped. Miu, unconscious, in Noel's protective embrace. Noel, whose eyes met his, gasped and haggard as he leaned on a desk. His feverish complexion slowly gave in—thud…
"…"
Alum, whose world finally escaped monochrome, turned dark crimson again. An insufferable amount of pain throbbed and ached as his heart pounded unsteadily—his already dull senses lost all feel.
Despite his heart twisting, his blood scorching, and his lungs drowning—he closed his eyes. Coolly, he breathed—letting go of Oliver. He scooped Emely up gently, forced his melting bones to hold, tear his decaying muscle to stand.
Pitifully, he advanced. His vision hazed—his deep crimson world flashed abstractly. The outside world, through the glass, was an intelligible space.
"How absurd…" His calm voice would echo more icy than usual.
He glanced at Emely, who had just suffered. But… now, she seemed peacefully asleep, breathing calmly like everything was a lie—his crimson world fell apart. He leaned in, listening to her steady breath and heartbeats. His eyes wandered to the others—there was no suffering.
"Ugh…"
Despite that. His misery was excruciating. Blood streamed from his eyes as his muscles tore open, carving a crimson stream down his body—finally, his melting bones cracked—thud.
"Urgh…!" a light, cold cry escaped his lips.
Although he violently crashed down to his knees, Emely was safe. As he placed her next to Noel and Miu, he smiled. His world has never been so colorful before.
No… perhaps… dying like this might not be so bad…
—Thunk.
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