Arisa sat in the dimly lit room of Thyme's house, the soft glow of fairy lights casting a warm ambience around her. She winced as Thyme carefully applied first aid to her wound, his movements gentle yet precise.
"Sorry if it stings a bit," Thyme murmured, his voice soft with concern as he dabbed at the wound.
Arisa managed a small smile despite the pain, "It's okay, I'll survive," she replied, trying to lighten the mood.
Thyme chuckled softly, the sound soothing in the quiet room. "You're tough, I'll give you that," he remarked, a hint of admiration in his tone.
As Thyme continued to tend to her injury, Arisa couldn't help but feel grateful for his presence. Despite their differences, he was here, taking care of her. It was a side of him she hadn't seen before, and it made her heart swell with warmth.
After a few moments, Thyme finished applying the first aid, and Arisa looked up at him, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Thyme," she said sincerely.
Thyme met her gaze, his own expression softening. "Anytime," he replied quietly, a warmth in his voice that mirrored the gentle glow of the fairy lights around them.
Thyme's eyes lingered on Arisa, observing the fatigue etched in the lines around her eyes and the weariness that clung to her every movement. He couldn't help but marvel at her resilience, wondering how she managed to stand tall despite the challenges thrown her way.
Not wanting to let her succumb to the exhaustion that weighed her down, Thyme rose from his seat. He moved towards a cosy corner of the room, where a stack of blankets awaited. Among them, he found a soft, blue blanket that caught his eye.
Returning to Arisa, he gently draped the blanket over her shoulders, his touch careful and considerate. "You look like you could use a bit of comfort," Thyme remarked, a faint smile playing on his lips, "Rest up. You've been through a lot today," he advised, his concern genuine.
As Arisa's breathing steadied into the rhythm of sleep, Thyme found himself drawn to her peaceful form. With a tender touch, he carefully shifted her head to rest on his leg, ensuring her comfort as she slumbered.
In the soft glow of the room, Thyme's gaze lingered on Arisa's serene expression. He felt a warmth blossom in his chest as he traced the curve of her cheek, his fingers grazing her delicate features with utmost care.
Leaning in closer, Thyme's voice was a whisper, carrying his confession to the quiet air around them, "Arisa," he began softly, the words tumbling from his lips like a cherished secret. "I've... fallen for you."
A smile danced across Thyme's lips as he spoke those words, the admission filling him with a sense of lightness he hadn't known before. With a gentle stroke of his hand through her hair, he continued, his voice a tender murmur. "You're... the best thing that's ever happened to me."
ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚
Arisa stirred from her slumber, blinking away the remnants of sleep as she took in her surroundings. The soft glow of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a warm hue over the room. Reality slowly seeped back into her consciousness, bringing with it the weight of recent events.
Rubbing her eyes, Arisa sat up, a heavy sigh escaping her lips as memories flooded back – the confrontation, the fall, and the unexpected tenderness from Thyme. She glanced around the room, noting Thyme's absence with a pang of uncertainty.
Before she could dwell on her thoughts any longer, the door creaked open, and a maid entered the room with a quiet shuffle. Behind her, hushed whispers floated in, urging her forward. The maid approached Arisa with a small bundle in her arms, her expression a mix of sympathy and urgency.
"Here," she murmured, offering Arisa a neatly folded uniform, "this is for you. It's a replacement for the one that tore yesterday. You should change quickly before the head servant comes."
With a brief smile to the maid, Arisa nodded in understanding, accepting the uniform with gratitude. She hastily dressed herself with the smooth fabric adorned on her skin.
The maid gently urged Arisa to follow her into the dressing room. As Arisa stepped in, her eyes widened at the sight before her – a meticulously arranged array of bows, each one unique in size and design. The room seemed to shimmer with the possibilities that lay before her.
Arisa's disbelief was palpable as she surveyed the bows, each one seemingly vying for her attention. The maid, with a warm smile, encouraged her to take as many as she wanted. Arisa hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features.
"I can't," she started, instinctively denying the unexpected generosity. "I mean, there's no need for this. I don't want to impose."
The maid chuckled softly, her eyes reflecting understanding. "No imposition at all. These are here for you. Take as many as your heart desires. Consider it a small gesture of kindness from our household."
As Arisa was contemplating her choice of bows, the soft melody of a ringing phone echoed in the room. She fished her phone out of her pocket and saw Thyme's name on the screen. With a quizzical expression, she answered the call.
Thyme's voice chimed through the phone speaker before Arisa could speak, "Listen, about those bows. I know you're hesitant, but take at least one. Consider it a little something to brighten your day."
"Mr. Generosity," she teased, her voice laced with amusement. "Didn't know you were in the business of gift-giving now,'' she continued, "Thyme, I appreciate the sentiment, but I can't accept gifts like this. If you really want to get me something, do it in person. Not through a phone call."
There was a brief pause on the other end, and then Thyme's voice slowly came through, ''I know that, but just for now, think of it as a token of appreciation from me. Consider it my way of saying thank you for being there in my life.''
Arisa, taken aback by his string of words pulled her phone back to see if it was actually Thyme who was calling her, then she softly spoke into the phone, "Well, when you put it like that... Fine, I'll take one. But just one, okay?"
Thyme's laughter danced through the phone, "Great. Now, choose wisely. You never know when you'll need the perfect bow to tie up a moment."
With a smirk, Arisa hung up the call and turned her attention back to the array of bows, a warm and fluttering feeling taking over her.
ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚
As Arisa made her way through the school gates, she couldn't help but feel the weight of curious eyes on her. The events of the Red Card game seemed to linger in the air, and she could sense the hushed whispers that followed her every step. Unfazed, she adjusted the new bow in her hair, a small act of defiance against the rumours and judgement.
Just as she was about to slip into the hallway leading to her classroom, Gorya emerged from the crowd, practically launching herself into a tight hug around Arisa. "You okay?" Gorya asked, concern etched across her face.
Arisa returned the hug, offering a reassuring smile. "I'm fine. Just another day in the life of Arisa, you know?"
Gorya pulled back, scrutinising her friend's face. "You're tougher than anyone I know, but this whole Red Card thing starting again is getting out of hand."
Arisa sighed, nodding in agreement. "Agreed. It's messing with everyone's lives, and whoever's behind it needs a reality check. But, hey, at least I got this cool bow out of it." She pointed to the bow in her hair, trying to inject some humour into the situation.
Gorya chuckled, her mood lifting slightly. "Well, it does add a touch of style to your 'I-don't-care' look. But seriously, we need to find out who did this again and give them a good punch in the face. No one messes with my best friend."
As Arisa and Gorya made their way to the classroom, they were unexpectedly joined by Kavin, who seemed to appear out of thin air. He flashed his signature charming smile and greeted them.
"Good morning, ladies! Gorya, if you're in the mood for a punch, I've got the perfect target for you," Kavin teased, winking playfully at her.
Gorya raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "And who might that be?"
Kavin leaned in, whispering as if sharing a juicy secret. "Our dear friend, Hana. Rumour has it she's the one stirring up trouble with the Red Card game."
Gorya's eyes narrowed, her expression turning more serious. "Hana? Seriously? What's her deal?"
Before Kavin could respond, he turned his attention to Arisa. "Oh, by the way, Arisa, did you hear the news? Hana's transferring out of our school. Looks like the drama's about to take a different turn."
Arisa's eyes widened in surprise. "Transferring? Why?"
Kavin shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Who knows? Maybe she got bored of our little playground. Or maybe someone's putting the pressure on her. Either way, I thought you should be in the loop."
Just as Kavin told her the news, Arisa, fuelled by a mix of curiosity and a need for answers, halted in her steps and turned around. She quickened her pace towards Hana's locker. There, amidst the scattered books and personal belongings, Hana was hastily packing her bag, avoiding eye contact with any passersby.
"Hana," Arisa called out, her voice a mix of urgency and determination.
Hana glanced up, her eyes meeting Arisa's for a brief moment before flickering away, guilt shadowing her features. Arisa's steps slowed as she approached, her gaze searching Hana's expression for any sign of remorse or explanation.
"Do you have anything to say to me?" Arisa's voice was soft but firm, her eyes never wavering from Hana's.
Hana's shoulders tensed slightly, her fingers pausing in their task of packing her belongings into her bag. For a moment, the air between them hung heavy with unspoken words. Then, with a resigned sigh, Hana finally spoke.
"I... I have nothing to say," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Arisa's words caught in her throat as Gorya's sudden arrival interrupted the tense silence between her and Hana. She watched as Gorya approached, her expression a mix of anger and hurt, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Hana," Gorya began, her voice wavering slightly as she addressed her former friend. "You need to apologize. To both of us." Her words were firm, yet tinged with an underlying sadness.
Hana's gaze shifted between Arisa and Gorya, her expression unreadable as she listened to Gorya's words.
"I... I considered you a real friend," Gorya continued, her voice breaking slightly as she spoke. "But your betrayal... it hurt me. It hurt both of us."
Arisa felt a pang of sympathy, realising that Hana's deception had wounded not only her but Gorya as well.
With no answer to either of them, Hana turned and began to walk towards the exit, paying attention to the broken feelings she was leaving behind.
Arisa's voice cut through the fading echoes in the locker room, each word sharp and filled with the weight of betrayal. Hana halted in her tracks but didn't turn around to face Arisa. The air thickened with unresolved tension as Arisa continued, her tone laced with a mixture of anger and disappointment.
"From the beginning, I knew you were a manipulative little..." Arisa's voice trailed off, the unspoken words hanging between them. She didn't want to give Hana the satisfaction of a full insult. Gorya stood beside Arisa, watching the confrontation unfold, her eyes mirroring a mix of sympathy and anger.
Hana, without uttering a word, continued her exit, disappearing around the corner. Arisa's jaw clenched, a mixture of emotions coursing through her. She turned to Gorya, a determined look in her eyes.
"I'm done with her," Arisa declared, ''Let's go.''
ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚
The cafeteria buzzed with the typical lunchtime energy, but at their corner table, Gorya and Arisa sat in a heavy silence. The clatter of trays, laughter, and chatter surrounded them, yet an unspoken tension lingered between the two friends.
Arisa absentmindedly poked at her food, her appetite diminished by the recent events. Gorya, glancing at Arisa's sombre expression, decided to break the silence.
"You okay, Arisa?" Gorya asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.
Arisa sighed, looking up from her plate. "I'll be fine. Just need some time to process everything, you know?"
Gorya nodded, understanding the weight of the situation. "She really fooled us, didn't she? I never thought she'd go this far."
"Yeah, well, people surprise you," Arisa responded, a hint of bitterness in her voice.
Suddenly, the girls who had played a great role in the Red Card torment approached the table. Standing up, Arisa eyed them warily, still carrying the emotional bruises from the previous day.
Before they could utter a word, Arisa cut through the awkward silence. "I spent all my energy trying to stay alive yesterday, so whatever you've got to say, make it quick, or leave."
The girls fumbled with their words, glancing nervously at each other. One of them stammered out an apology, "We... uh, we wanted to say sorry. For everything."
Arisa raised an eyebrow, a mix of scepticism and weariness on her face. Gorya observed the exchange, ready to step in if needed.
"Yeah, we were wrong. We shouldn't have done what we did," another girl added, avoiding eye contact.
Arisa sighed, not fully convinced but willing to let go of the tension for now. "Fine, apology accepted. Just don't mess with me again."
Thyme's entrance was timely, as he draped an arm protectively around Arisa. His eyes locked onto the girls, a hint of a snarl forming on his lips,"You bothering Arisa again?" he demanded, his tone sharp.
The intimidated girls shook their heads vigorously, denying any ill intentions. Thyme maintained a stern gaze, letting the implication of consequences linger in the air. With a sly grin, he added, "Being a superhero is a tough job, you know. Mess with her, and you deal with me."
The girls, eager to avoid any trouble, scurried away, leaving the trio alone once again. Thyme's protective stance softened into a more casual demeanour, and he looked down at Arisa with a smirk, "Superhero duty accomplished. You're welcome."
Arisa rolled her eyes, but there was a subtle appreciation in her gaze. Gorya, watching the exchange, and couldn't help but chuckle.
In a gentle manner, Thyme shot his hand into the air. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he gestured for silence. Thyme stood tall, commanding the attention of the bustling cafeteria. "Alright, listen up, everyone!" he called out, his voice carrying easily across the room.
As the murmurs died down, Arisa turned to him, her expression a mixture of confusion and apprehension. What is he up to now?
Thyme grinned, enjoying the anticipation. "I have an announcement to make," he declared, his voice carrying a hint of theatrical flair. "Arisa and I..." He paused for dramatic effect, relishing the moment. "Are dating!"
A collective gasp filled the room as everyone turned their attention to the unexpected revelation. Arisa's eyes widened in disbelief, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "What? No, Thyme, we're not—" she began to protest, but Thyme continued, steamrolling over her objections.
"Remember when I saved you from those bullies? Classic knight in shining armour move. And that time we worked on the project together? Sparks were flying," he declared, earning a few chuckles from the audience. "And don't forget the time you fell asleep on my shoulder in the fire-escape stairway. Clearly, it's a sign of true love!"
Arisa groaned inwardly, realising that Thyme was weaving a narrative far more dramatic than reality. She shot him a pleading look, silently urging him to stop, but Thyme was on a roll, revelling in the spotlight.
Having had enough she protested, "Thyme, you're exaggerating everything! We're not dating!"
Thyme's hand shot up to cover his mouth, his eyes widening in mock disbelief. "Whoa, whoa, whoa," he exclaimed, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "Arisa, your idea of dating must be completely different from mine if you think we're not together." He waggled his eyebrows suggestively, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, implying something more intimate.
Arisa's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment as she swatted Thyme's hand away from his mouth. "Thyme, that's not what I meant, and you know it!" she protested, her voice tinged with exasperation.
Thyme raised an eyebrow at Kavin and MJ's arrival, shooting them a playful glare. "What's got you two clowns so amused?"
Kavin grinned mischievously. "Oh, just enjoying the show. Arisa, you didn't tell me you were dating our fearless leader here."
Arisa rolled her eyes, resisting the urge to groan. "We're not dating, Kavin. Thyme's just being... Thyme."
MJ chuckled, leaning against the nearby table. "Yeah, but you can't deny the chemistry. It's practically crackling in the air."
Thyme flashed Arisa a smirk, his gaze teasing. "See, even MJ agrees. Maybe we should give the people what they want, eh?"
Arisa sighed, shaking her head. "You're impossible, Thyme."
Meanwhile, Gorya, who had joined in the teasing with a playful elbow jab at Arisa's side, caught sight of Ren entering the cafeteria. She excused herself with a quick wave and a smile, making her way over to him. Ren's eyes lit up at the sight of Gorya. Their eyes locked for a moment, exchanging a silent understanding that spoke of more than words ever could.
As Gorya and Ren engaged in their own silent exchange, Arisa found herself caught in the crossfire of teasing from Kavin and MJ. Thyme, enjoying the banter, leaned in with a smirk.
"You sure you want to deny it, Arisa? The people are demanding answers," Thyme quipped, a playful glint in his eyes.
Arisa sighed, a reluctant smile playing on her lips. "Fine, fine. If it'll put an end to this circus, then sure, we can go with the 'dating' narrative."
Thyme's grin widened, his arm slipping around Arisa's shoulders. "There you have it, folks! No more speculation. Arisa is officially mine!"
A chorus of playful cheers and exaggerated applause erupted from their friends. Arisa rolled her eyes, but there was a subtle warmth in her gaze as she looked at Thyme. Maybe, just maybe, beneath the banter and theatrical declarations, there lingered a hint of something real.
Gorya, now back from her moment with Ren, raised an eyebrow at Arisa. "Well, well. Looks like the fearless leader has finally worn you down, huh?"
Arisa, while blushing, couldn't help but share a happy glance with Thyme. Maybe, amid the playful banter and theatrics, there was an authentic connection blossoming between them.
ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚
Thyme's mother sat in her opulent office, her brow furrowed as she studied the images displayed on the tablet before her. The pictures showed Arisa and Thyme together, sharing laughter and conversation, a sight that didn't sit well with her.
Beside her, a disguised man stood, waiting for her command. His features were obscured by dark glasses and a hat pulled low over his face, his presence imposing despite his nondescript appearance.
Thyme's mother tapped the screen of the tablet with a manicured finger, her voice cold and calculated as she spoke. "This is unacceptable. I want you to take care of it immediately."
The disguised man nodded curtly, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Consider it done," he replied in a voice devoid of emotion.
With a dismissive wave of her hand, Thyme's mother signalled his departure. As he left the room, she leaned back in her chair, a calculating glint in her eyes.
ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚
Hello to my lovely readers!
Here is another part of the story. What do you think will happen next? Will Arisa and Thyme's love really be deterred by Thyme's mother, or will it stay strong?
Well, that depends on my mood now, doesn't it? 😏
Also, whenever I finish writing a part, I just want you guys to read it ASAP so the weekly updates thing won't be happening for now. Enjoy the frequent updates, then!
Bye for now!
ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚