Sairenne’s Point of View
I arranged my books on the desk and glanced at Xavier. Celestia’s seat was empty, and the bell was about to ring. Where on earth did she go?
She’s probably raging somewhere because Xavier talked to me. She even walked out earlier. I turned to the seat beside mine, but Gallant wasn’t there either. Did the two of them secretly meet up?
I took a deep breath and looked toward the door just as Gallant walked in. He didn’t look at anyone—just headed straight to his seat. So cold, as always. Even if he helped me earlier, that doesn’t make us friends.
Maybe he’s just trying to impress Celestia.
“Guys, did you see Celestia?” one of our classmates asked while retouching her makeup.
“Nope. After their argument earlier, she didn’t enter the classroom.”
“What if she got mad?”
“Xavier!”
I looked at Xavier, who turned toward them. “Why?”
“Do you know where Celestia went?”
“She went home. She had an emergency, so she went home. She won’t be able to come to class,” Gallant answered, and I turned to him.
Do those two have a secret relationship? What if they’re seeing each other behind Xavier’s back…? But… probably not.
They didn’t look like a couple earlier.
But still—what exactly happened to make Celestia skip class? I bumped into her earlier, but I didn’t mean to. Did she get scratched and took an absence over that?
This is Celestia we’re talking about. She’d exchange bullets with me just to take the top spot in class. She wouldn’t skip over a tiny scratch.
“Is that so?”
“But she didn’t feel ill earlier. We came to campus together,” Xavier said.
I closed my eyes as my head throbbed lightly.
Great. Must be from lack of sleep. How can I sleep properly? I have to take care my mother. I also work part-time at Gallant’s family restaurant. And I have to study for the upcoming exams.
Maybe I really do need a break.
“Well, she’s ill now, that’s why she went home. She has a medical certificate at the clinic if you want to check,” Gallant said coolly, and I turned to him again.
He looked at me coldly, as if I was the one at fault. It was an accident. But… did she sprain her ankle? Was she injured because of earlier?
The bell rang, signaling the start of class. My head hurt too much to focus, so I stood up.
“Where are you going, Renne?” Xavier asked.
“I just need to step out for a bit. I’ll be back,” I replied, heading toward the door.
Once outside, I walked without really thinking, until I found myself at the top of our classroom building. The rooftop.
The cold wind greeted me, and I closed my eyes, soaking it in. I can’t afford to get sick. What would happen to my mother or Ruxe?
“You’re not feeling well, right? Why don’t you go to the clinic and take a leave?” a woman’s voice suddenly said behind me.
I turned to see her—she wore a dress straight out of a historical movie. Her hair was decorated with jewels that looked like diamonds. Who cosplays at school without an event?
“Who are you?”
“Celia. The wish granter…”
I let out a small laugh. Looks like the guard missed something today—someone who’s probably supposed to be in a mental institution slipped in. “Okay… sure. Am I supposed to believe you?”
She snapped her fingers, and in an instant, she was wearing our school uniform—long-sleeved polo and a short skirt. She smiled, raising a brow at me. “Now, do you believe me?”
I cleared my throat, but no words came out. Seriously? Something like this exists in this era? Or maybe this is just a talent show.
“You won’t know unless you try. I really grant wishes,” she said irritably.
---
Class ended, and my vision swayed as I walked toward the gate.
“You okay, Renne?” Xavier asked, his voice sounding distant as I took a deep breath.
I straightened up and faced him. I smiled and nodded. He’s always worried about me. No wonder Celestia gets mad. “I’m fine. I just need some rest.”
“My driver’s on the way. Let me take you home,” he offered, but I shook my head.
“Thank you. But I’m really fine. Don’t bother.” I gave him another smile and left.
I walked toward home. Xavier didn’t follow, so I exhaled in relief. I pressed a hand to my forehead and shut my eyes.
This wasn’t here earlier.
I stopped and pulled out my backpack to take some medicine. Once I found it, I didn’t even read the label—I just swallowed it. I had no water, so I forced myself to take it dry despite the bitterness.
But instead of feeling better, my vision darkened. All strength drained out of my body.
“R… Ruxe,” I whispered as I collapsed to the ground.
“Ate! Ate!”
I’m sorry, Ruxe. Looks like my body couldn’t handle everything anymore. And I still haven’t told you about Dad’s letter. I’ll tell you… once I wake up again.
…
A long sigh escaped me when I felt the pain in my head. I touched it and felt something wrapped there.
Looks like Ruxe put a cloth on it. Did I get hurt from the fall?
I opened my eyes, and the first thing I saw was an enormous closet several feet away from the foot of the bed. I lowered my gaze to the bed itself—wide, soft, thick blankets, freshly scented.
But this wasn’t my house…
“W-Where am I?”
The door opened, and I looked up. Xavier stepped in carrying a tray with bandages, antiseptic, and alcohol.
He looked at me and smiled. “You’re awake, Tia?”
“Tia?” I held my throat. My voice—this wasn’t my voice!
“You only got a mild wound on your head. Forgot who you are already?” Xavier joked lightly.
Tia? Tia? Wait… does that mean Celestia and I switched bodies?!