The Mysterious World

Chapter 13: Our Plan

Selene's POV

The memories came flooding back as I left the crowd, MG's absence weighing heavily on my heart. He had been more than just a leader to us; he was a guardian, a mentor, and a father figure. I recall the day when Paul discovered me on the fifth floor of this very building. When I regained consciousness after passing out, he was there to welcome me, provide for my basic needs, and offer comfort in a world that seemed overwhelming.

His kindness and compassion were unwavering, and he took the time to explain the intricacies of this world, helping me navigate its complexities. The way he approached me, with patience and understanding, had made a lasting impact. It was as though I had a father assuring me that everything would be fine and that he would shield me from the dangers outside. MG's presence had been a source of strength, and his absence would be deeply felt by all of us who had come to rely on his guidance and protection.

MG's stature as the oldest member of our clan, both in age and duration of being trapped in this world, commanded a deep sense of respect. His extensive life experiences, accumulated over decades, lent credibility to his wisdom and leadership. The fact that he had endured the hardships of this world for over 15 years and still maintained a sense of hope and positivity was truly inspiring. This enigmatic reality brought a sense of positivity to everyone who found themselves trapped in this world.

Mystery Number 14: No One Ages

The timelessness in this world was both fascinating and unsettling. The fact that our bodies seemed to defy the natural aging process, halting all physical changes, was a remarkable observation. Even nails and hair stopped growing. MG's unchanged appearance after 15 years from the day he arrived here was a testament to this mysterious aspect of our reality.

The implications were far-reaching, and the benefits were undeniable. For us women, the end of our monthly cycles was a welcome relief, freeing us from the hassles and discomforts associated with menstruation. For couples, the natural protection against unplanned pregnancies was a significant advantage, eliminating the need for contraception.

The quiet moment by the sidewall was a welcome respite, and the cool concrete against my back was soothing. As I sat there, I watched as members of our clan went about their night, each with their own agenda. Some were in a hurry to return to their spaces, while others lingered, seeking to make the most of the time for personal kills because it's almost 2 AM.

I noticed how many of them clustered around Gabriel, likely hoping to gain his approval or favor. But I knew Gabriel's character well enough to understand that he wouldn't be swayed by such attempts. He was fair, making decisions based on what would be best for the clan, not personal biases or favoritism. His fairness and integrity were qualities that earned him this position, and I was confident that he would lead with wisdom and impartiality.

Right! We must meet on the rooftop to discuss our feelings for each other and formulate a solid plan. With him now being the leader of the clan, engaging in a relationship is strictly prohibited. I do not wish to complicate matters for him, yet I cannot deny my love for him. His responsibilities weigh heavily, and I am overwhelmed with conflicting thoughts. We need to have this conversation, but I am uncertain about what to say. Should we pursue these feelings and keep our relationship hidden? Or should we suppress our emotions? Or should we end it before it begins? This situation is overwhelming, and I'm going crazy with these thoughts. I wanted to cry.

I am already feeling exhausted and wish to rest, but he seems occupied at the moment. I was approximately 10 meters away from him, and he was still engaged in conversation with most of our clanmates. Perhaps I could take a brief 10-minute power nap before heading to the rooftop? However, this might not be a wise decision, as that nap could easily turn into a longer sleep. If only an alarm clock were available here. Well, Gabe was my alarm, the one who woke me up every morning. Now I suppose I will have to manage waking up early on my own as he will no longer be my floormate. That is truly disheartening.

With thoughts occupying my mind, I ultimately resolved what to do. I decided to head directly to the rooftop for a nap. Rising from my seat, I began walking toward the elevator, only to find all of them were in use and ascending. Consequently, I opted to use the stairs in the meantime. Upon reaching the fourth floor, I felt my feet burning and thought to myself, "This is exhausting! I need to focus on my cardio and stamina." Good thing an elevator has finally become available, and I am now on my way to the rooftop.

I initially considered taking a nap on the rooftop, but the cool breeze made it impossible. Feeling cold, I chose to wait for him near the door, right in front of the elevator. After I closed the door, I sat on the floor, and before long, I drifted off to sleep.

The surprise of Gabe sitting beside me and resting his head on my shoulder melted away, replaced by a sense of warmth and closeness.

"You're here." I said as I held his hand.

"Could I stay like this for a few more minutes?" he asked as I felt the gentle pressure of his fingers intertwined with mine, a deep sense of connection washed over me.

At that moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us.

"What are we going to do now, Gabe?" I popped the question right away.

"I love you, I don't want to let you go. The thought of losing you is unbearable. That's my fact." he replied. His words, spoken with such sincerity and vulnerability, touched my heart.

"I feel the same. But if someone knows about us, we will be expelled from the clan. I don't want that to happen. This clan is important to both of us." I said.

The weight of reality settled in, and I knew that our relationship posed a risk to our standing in the clan. The rules were clear: any romantic involvement between a leader to any member would lead to expulsion. So even if we loved each other, the thought of being kicked out of the clan was a daunting prospect. We had both found a sense of belonging and purpose within the group, and losing that would be a significant loss. I looked at Gabe, and he met my gaze, understanding the unspoken concerns.

"I know that you are scared. I am, too. I can also sense that you have already decided in your mind. I can't fight for something that you don't want to fight for either."

"I love you, Gabe."

"I know and I feel it. But I guess this is it. I love you, Selene. Will you say it to me one last time?" He asked. I could sense the weight of emotion behind his request.

"I love you so much. I just can't risk you losing this position and this clan." The tears streamed down my face as I spoke, my voice trembling with emotion.

I was torn between my love for Gabe and my desire to protect him and our place in the clan. The thought of him losing the position or being expelled was unbearable, and he knew I would do anything to prevent that from happening. He gently wiped my tears. I knew he understood the depth of my feelings and the sacrifices I was willing to make for him.

I kissed his hand and said, "Maybe it's not the right time for us yet. But please know that you will always have a special place in my heart, Gabe. For now, I think what's best is to keep the distance between us. Or make it casual, just like the old times. You are not losing me, okay? But we need to let go for now." I said to him while sobbing.

"If that's what you wanted, then I respect your decision." He said and kissed my lips like it was the last time he'd done that.

It was a long and passionate kiss. Pouring all our love at once. Then he turned away and stood up without saying anything. He went in the elevator and didn't look back.

I can feel him trying to hide the pain. I cried my heart out after the elevator closed and started descending. I felt broken. But what's more painful is the fact that I caused Gabriel pain. I gave him another heartbreak, and I felt really bad about it. I hope this is the right decision for us.