Down System

Chapter 39

ALEERA VERNIZE

My mind stuttered for some time, seeing Ferno at the doorway, smiling evilly to everyone. I didn't know why he had to disturb the class like this.

I stood and excused myself to the teacher and when she permitted me to go but for only five minutes, I abruptly walked towards the young boy, asking him what was his business at this point.

"After class, meet me in the lake," Ferno said. "I forgot to tell you a while ago. But, well, that's all. I'm going now."

I looked at him in disbelief; he didn't even wait for the teacher to stop talking before he knocked on the door. Nevertheless, I was not able to catch anymore the second hand embarrassment thinking of what he had said.

What was he going to tell me?

I came back to my seat with my heart pounding. I could feel my whole body heating, but because I promised to not get ruled by my emotion, I did my best to strengthen my guts.

As the educator continued speaking, I was observing everyone. They were still looking dumbfounded, especially that Ferno had shown up. All their eyes were focused on the one standing in front, but their ears were not lent to what she was saying.

That boy... Ferno, was really doing things to scare more the people of Ragwarths. He was parading himself on the entire building to hook their attention. He was still indeed a kid— also when it came to managing power, he was immature.

And now, I hated him.

"What did he told you?" Ferelith asked me as we exited the room for we were already dismissed.

"He asked me to meet him in the lake," I answered, letting out a sigh.

"Lake?" Ferelith puckered her eyebrows. "Where is that lake you're talkin' about? Is it not dangerous there?"

I shook my head. "I don't think so."

"So, tell me, are you going?" Ferelith gave me a scathing look.

"Uh-huh. Besides, it must be very important. He would not interrupt the class in such a way if he doesn't have any good to say."

"But, aren't you afraid?"

"Why would I?" I asked her. "Don't you remember that when he first showed up again, I came with him? Besides, he's my friend."

"You know, since he returned, his attitude towards you has changed. Before, he didn't use to talking to you, but now, he's even visiting you in the room."

"Isn't that cute?" I smiled.

"Of course, not! I don't trust him. Never will I think he's adorable. He is creepy! Do you think he is a visible ghost?"

I laughed hard. "What do you mean, visible ghost?"

Ferelith rolled her eyes. "Stop acting like you don't know what I'm saying. He's dead," she lowered her voice. "Don't forget that."

"I'm not trying to forget, and that's why I'm coming with him because I want to know more."

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"No, please. It's not that I don't want to be with you, okay? I am just concerned about you, so you must go home after. Your mother will get worried if you'll come with me without her awareness."

"Alright, but promise me one thing."

I looked at her directly in the eyes without speaking, just waiting for her response.

"You'll be safe no matter what, huh?" Ferelith added.

I beamed at her. "Yes, I will. After this, I'll be going to your house and tell things to you. But promise me one thing, too."

"Uhm, what is it?"

"Whatever I tell you, will remain a secret between us."

Ferelith nodded willingly.

It was four in the afternoon when we were dismissed. I was about to exit the classroom with my best friend when Ferno came, telling me he was fetching me already.

Ferelith, on the same hand, pushed me to go with him. But before leaving, she pinched first my palm, giving me a signal of something we had talked about.

While heading out of the academy, no one between me and Ferno was talking. When we finally arrived in the lake, that was just the time I had the guts to ask him what made him bring me here.

"Sorry about the interruption in your class a while ago," he said. "I just can't stop myself thinking about this. I really wanted to say this to you."

Wrinkles creased my brow. "What is it?"

"You already know I'm not living anymore in the house, right?"

I shook my head. "You didn't tell me."

I knew Ferno was no longer with his family, but it wasn't out of my mind that he didn't tell me yet about it. I was glad I was able to remember things, or else I would split again into something that would surely cause me trouble.

It was right when Yoona said Ferno killed their mom and sister. After she revealed that, I asked Namika about it, and she wasn't lying— his brother really killed her family.

Until now, I still could not believe Ferno would do such a thing. I had known him as the savior of women, but things turned upside down. I just had to accept that this would happen.

"Didn't I?" Ferno creased his brow.

I nodded. "I'm surprised you left your home. At the same time, I'm worried. Why did you do that?" I asked.

"Because I'm so tired with them," Ferno answered. "Can you still recall when Yoona said I killed my mom and sister?"

"I told you, I don't believe-"

"It's real," he cut me off.

I knew he would admit it.

"I really killed them, Aleera," Ferno added as tears started to shed down through his cheeks. "I'm not crying because I'm guilty, but because I'm happy I made it."

"W-what do you mean?"

"I've always wanted to do it. I've always longed for their absence in this world. I don't want them. I don't need them, especially. I am freer now, and I'm glad about it."

I swallowed my saliva. Hearing those words from him made me want to hug him. Though he was my enemy, I still understood the root of all of these.

As the soft wind embraced me, I also passed it to Ferno. I couldn't take it anymore now that he was wailing. I believed he lied when he was happy about it; perhaps he was, but a larger part of him felt guilt and madness.

"But to tell you..."

I let go of Ferno and faced him again. "C'mon, I'll just be here for you to listen."

He bowed his head a bit. "Yoona is also gone," he said.