Aster Veren
Episode 96's

-nadin

"... I'll give it back myself" I said, throwing my eyes off the red man before me. I don't know, I don't feel like staring at the maniknya for long. Especially after he gave me his threat last night.

Besides, I was lazy to take the diary Carel meant in my room.

I don't want to go to the dorm and come back here just to get the book into Carel's hands. And again, he also couldn't possibly return it directly to Kalea right? Because obviously he said he had to return it without the child's knowledge. That means .... My mind is trying to shake my bad thoughts about Carel.

"Hem .. Do you want to give it back yourself?" His murmur made my sight back diverted to him.

I saw that Carel had put on his annoying expression and smiled faintly with her sarcastic gaze that troubled me.

"Yes, whatever. I'd be very grateful if you'd take the initiative to give it back yourself. So I didn't have to bother infiltrating their room anymore just to keep Kalea's diary in her desk drawer." He continued while brushing his hair back, but soon his hair returned to its initial position and was blown by the cool night breeze.

"So you really stole it? And again you infiltrated the girls' dorm?" I muttered feeling so shocked by what I heard from the mouth of that annoying man. Though I only thought about his bad behavior at a glance, but what I thought was really done by him.

I was in vain to dismiss my bad thoughts about him,

Though at first I thought he borrowed it directly from Kalea, but in hindsight, who would lend his diary to anyone else? Let alone lending it to a shitty kid like Carel.

"Then I leave now, don't forget to return it to Kalea huh. And ... If you can't tell him I borrowed the book. See you later." He said as he walked leaving me who was still in my place, did not give time to reply to his words.

"... is he g*la? Borrowing?! Didn't he pick up his diary secretly?" I muttered to my own annoyance with that remark, I can't even understand the way the troublemaker guy thinks like him.

"It turns out Carel is very cool, yes" said Tia aware me of his presence that I had forgotten.

I saw that he was very fascinated by the figure behind Carel who walked away from us.

***

- Esther

The time had already shown at 06:00 in the morning when I finished preparing in front of the mirror to tie my long hair with the ribbon Carel gave me as a memento first.

Then I saw Kalea still sitting on her bed with a shady look watching me who was still standing in front of the mirror. Looks different than usual.

Maybe because of our conversation last night? My mind was relieved to itself because Kalea was not trying to avoid me anymore. He usually avoids me and goes to the academy before me. Trying to hide his closeness to me from the other students.

"Hhihi," I laughed as I watched the reflection of Kalea's figure in the mirror. I saw that he was frowning confused when he saw me laughing.

"What's wrong?" Her question made me look at her who was standing next to me.

"Just feel good" I replied after a satisfied laugh.

"Happy?"

"Yes, because Leah didn't leave me again." My answer again showed my big smile.

"Because you threatened me." His words obliterated my sincere smile.

"... If you don't, you'll just keep acting the way you want." I'm not remembering my threats last night.

Last night I threatened her to go out in a fuss with people who were gossiping about the planned murder article on Grandma. To those who are superficial about the Veren family that framed Kalea's family.

And since last night, Kalea has always been attached to me after explaining all her thoughts about the rumors circulating about her grandmother's accident and her family's actions. Then he also did not forget to apologize for representing his mother and grandmother. He also apologized for his past actions. Even without explaining, I already know the truth from Carel.

***

- Carel

"What's wrong with you? Why are you so lethargic this morning," Teo told me to slacken at him.

"... just lazy to go to class." My reply was short, again watching my footsteps down the academy hallway towards the top floor.

"You don't mean to truant anymore, do you?" Teo's stressed question made my steps stop and turned to her again.

"It seems like a good idea," I muttered immediately to Teo's deadly jingle, leaving me squealing in pain.

For the first time Teo dared to snap at my head. He never showed me such a side.

"You've got the nerve to snap my head, haven't you?" I growled while stroking the top of my head that was already a victim of Teo violence.

"Hhaha, reflex–maaf. But if you really intend to truant again, I will not hesitate to catch you again. Especially if you invite Aster to come along with you again." He said after forcing himself to laugh.

"Ck, how could I ask him to ditch again. It was a different situation then, so I asked him to ditch." I was obviously trying to defend myself. And again, I did not intend to involve Aster to ditch again.

He had to frequently enter the classroom and gain many achievements in the academy. Then another reason, I don't want to deal with the old man. I can't imagine that until he finds out I'm taking his daughter in for a ditch, my life might drift when I meet him.

"But that doesn't mean you have to take him out of the academy either. ..," he said, leaving me silent, "in addition, you have to focus on your lessons right? Don't you have to prove your sincerity to your father who helped you get into the department you wanted?" He continued while stopping his steps right in front of his class.

"You're right, I have to prove my determination to be a doctor to my father, mother and grandfather." It was me who stopped my steps as well.

"Then fight!" He said while punching my chest softly with his fist, then I returned his fist to his chest as well.

"Yes, you too." I said after punching Teo softly in the chest with my right fist, "then I leave now. Titip Aster as usual huh." I continued while feeling the two corners of my lips that had been lifted.

Then I took my legs to my classroom and left Teo standing there.

The boy is right, I have to focus on my goals. My mind recalled my conversation with my father in the hospital, before I decided to enter the academy.

At that time my father and mother really gave their support to me, thanks to them I was able to enter this academy and choose the majors I wanted. Then thanks to them I can meet Aster also every day.

I can't imagine what it's like not being able to meet Aster for a long time. Moreover, I have been so patient waiting for him to return from Singapore.

If I were still being stubborn at that time, I might have to part ways and wait for him again. But, fortunately I followed the advice of my father and entered the same academy as Aster.

"... I hope you explained everything to Grandpa, explained my determination to make my dream come true." I continued while clenching my two palms that had been hiding in my pants pocket.

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Thanks for reading...