Third Person’s POV
On the second day of the field trip, Lawrence brought the reviewers to a traditional market town, which was a popular tourist spot.
“Today, you can freely explore the town and enjoy your day as much as you want,” Lawrence told everyone. “You have three hours to walk around,” Lawrence continued. “After the limited time, everyone must go back here to our meeting place. Make sure you all wear your ID.”
“Yes, Sir!”
Many murmured joyous words as they were all excited. While everyone was celebrating, Sebastian looked at Agatha. She was in deep thought.
‘Is she still bothered because of what happened between us last night?’ Sebastian asked inwardly.
He thought that Agatha felt uneasy just like him. Last night, he didn’t sleep well. He was worried Agatha would see him as a freak, so he tried to look for her, but he couldn’t find Agatha’s tent. Today, he wanted to talk about it to Agatha. But she seemed so out of it.
“Ahh, one more thing, don’t travel alone. Especially for girls. Please come in pair.”
As soon as Lawrence announced it, Sebastian thought that would be a good chance to spend time alone with his best friend.
“Agatha,” he called, “do you want to pair u…”
“I am sorry, Sebastian,” Agatha said without looking Sebastian. “I will explain it to you later,” she added before she walked away.
Speechless, Sebastian watched her walk towards someone. He was surprised to see her approach Mikhail and stand before him!
Mikhail was shocked either. The sounds around seemed to be put on mute while the two looked at each other. His mind went blank for a second. It was as if his brain was like a computer, and he accidentally deleted all the folders inside of it.
Meanwhile, Agatha remained nonchalant while looking at Mikhail.
“Mikhail, do you want to pair up with me?” she asked.
Lawrence watched the scene in silence, while Sebastian gasped silently. He couldn’t understand why Agatha suddenly invited Mikhail to come with her. What happened last night? Was there an incident between Mikhail and Agatha that Sebastian wasn’t aware of?
Meanwhile, the other students around laughed at Agatha’s braveness. The girls tried to ask Mikhail to join them during this trip. However, Mikhail always answered a firm ‘No’. They were sure that no matter how pretty Agatha is, Mikhail would reject her too. But…
“Sure. Let’s pair up,” Mikhail said.
What kind of sorcerer did Agatha use to convince the cold Mikhail?
Only those who knew their past could tell why Mikhail agreed.
Since Sebastian was left alone for the first time, the girls fought against each other who will take Sebastian out for a walk around the town.
**
The group dispersed around the crowded market.
Agatha and Mikhail walked at the boisterous market, and they maintained enough distance away from each other.
Mikhail isn’t someone who enjoys hanging out with other people because he hates wasting his time with those who only act friendly on the outside. But if it is Agatha, he is willing to walk all day.
‘Why did Agatha choose me to be her partner? Doesn’t she hate so much?’ Mikhail asked himself.
Mikhail looked around to ease the nervousness. People were pushing, shoving, and shouting. The heat was unbearable for him. If it was hard for him to move in this crowd and under this heat, he wondered if Agatha felt the same.
He looked beside him and was surprised to see Agatha squeezing herself through the minuscule gaps as she tried to find some sort of exit. It was futile, she was stuck in the middle, surrounded by people
“E-Excuse me…!” Agatha asked.
Agatha, who can’t cope with different body odors she can smell, whether they are pleasant or stinky, tried her best to get out of the pack. Fortunately, Mikhail pulled her hand and took her to a place where there were lesser people.
“Damn it. I couldn’t breathe at all,” Agatha said as she looked at Mikhail’s long legs. “Good for you for having long legs. I really envy that, really.”
Mikhail was stunned again.
‘Agatha talked to me casually.’
He didn’t know why she was acting strangely as if they were back from being friends.
Still confused, Mikhail forged a cough and asked her, “Are you okay?”
“Do I look okay?”
Mikhail shook his head.
“Haaaa,” Agatha took a deep breath, bending forward as she leaned her hands on her knees. “Anyway, thank you for saving me.”
His body twitched uncontrollably. Not only did Agatha talk to him casually, but she was also thanking him. If this is a dream, Mikhail doesn’t want to wake up anymore.
As Agatha lifted her head, she saw several shops decorated beautifully.
“Although this place was crowded, it’s beautiful,” Agatha praised. She walked forward and visit a shot.
Mikhail went right on her tail.
“Hi there, cute lady,” the seller called Agatha. “Are you looking for souvenir?”
“Souvenir?” Agatha repeated the words before she looked at the goods that the old woman was selling.
Is there someone to buy a souvenir for? Weirdly, Agatha thought of two people.
Given her current budget, she cannot buy expensive souvenirs, and her eyes landed on the keychains. She picked up two keychains which are actually a pair.
“You chose a good pair, Miss,” the seller praised. “You can buy it for your boyfriend,” she said, pointing at Mikhail.
Agatha and Mikhail looked at each other.
“He’s not my boyfriend,” Agatha told the lady.
“Ahhh, he is not? Sorry about that, Miss,” the seller apologized.
Mikhail shoved his hand inside his pockets and clenched his fists. It is true that he’s not Agatha’s boyfriend anymore, but the truth was painful.
“But if you have a special person in your life, you can give one pair of the keychains.”
“Is there anything special about these?” Agatha tossed a question.
“Those keychains were made from Jade. It will keep your love ones safe.”
“Like a lucky charm?” Agatha asked again.
“Yes, like that.”
“I see.”
Nodding her head, Agatha looked at the keychains. Mikhail wondered to whom Agatha would give a pair of keychains. He felt jealous just thinking that it wouldn’t be him.
“Give me two pairs of it,” Agatha said.
Two pairs?
Mikhail felt more confused. Why is she buying so many?
Agatha bought the keychains. She placed the three inside her bag and then…
“Here.”
She offered one to Mikhail.
With widened eyes, Mikhail looked at the keychain and back at Agatha’s face. His flustered expression showed how bewildered he was.
“W-Why are you giving me that?” Mikhail asked.
“Because I wish you a good and happy life.”
He knitted his brows. The reason why Agatha was doing this was like a mirror covered with fog. He could not decipher what was going on. Not until he heard the next words Agatha said.
“I know the reason why you broke up with me. You were guilty because your father betrayed my father, weren’t you?”