a quiet world (sequel to: together forever- ira x reader)

chapter 2: la douleur exquise

C L A R A

"A lovely day isn't it Mackenzie?" I asked my purple- haired friend, smiling warmly. We sat on my back garden porch; just the two of us. I simply wanted to catch up with her, as we all seem so incredibly busy these days. Me and Mackenzie barley ever get to bond, so why not on this beautiful, sunny day?

"Yes, it really is, Clara." Mackenzie replied, returning the smile. I could tell something was on her mind.

"Is something wrong? Has your drink gotten warm?" I asked, concern laced around my words.

"No-yes? I don't know Clara. Its.. odd, that you invited me around. I-I don't mean to sound rude but, why?" She was right and wrong. I invited her round because, yes, I did want to bound with my teammate; but I also had my concerns.

"Well, when I say it, you may have already guessed what I'm going to say.." I almost mumbled, hoping she could to hear me; I don't like repeating myself.

"It's about the whole Y/n, Ira and Rachel thing right?" Mackenzie asked.

"Yes, h-how did you know?"

"I've already spoken to Maya about it. She agrees that its a silent war going on between the two. Its not like they're fighting for Ira, but it is in a way. Y/n and Ira are already a pair, but Rachel seems determined to prove she can be the girl Ira wants."  Mackenzie explained. I took in everything she said, nodding in approval of what she's saying.

"Well, we can't live in an awkward atmosphere forever. What if she turns back to her alternated self again. We still don't know how it happened." I challenged.

"Yes, but I feel as if this is something Y/n and Rachel will have to sort out between themselves. Unless, they see nothing wrong with anything. We need to take their feelings into consideration."

"You're right. I just don't want anymore fights. I want to relax again, and I'm sure everyone else does too."

"Yeah.." Mackenzie agreed. She started to grin. "Hey, how about another cup of this amazing lemonade; mines gone slightly warm."

"O-oh! Yes, of course, Sebastian!"

***********
R A C H E L
Today, I was on my way to the library. We had a massive science test coming up and I felt the need to study. I didn't need to; I was just trying to get my mind off things, and by things I mean Y/n. I've been trying so hard to feel happy for her relationship with Ira, but I just can't. Why you ask? Its hard seeing the person you loved so much, love someone else. Its like what my mother always used to say:

"la douleur exquise"

It's a French phrase; it means feeling an excruciating pain experienced when you want someone you cannot have. That just about sums me up, sadly enough.

I'm jealous of her. If I had known Ira had another girl in his head from the beginning I would have never fallen in love with him, or gone crazy lover mode. What does she have that I don't? We're both smart, caring people. Is it because she's prettier than me? She is absolutely stunning and I don't compare to her on any scale or graph. But I shouldn't be thinking this way; that's what turned me into the evil version me. How you ask? Well it's a long story.

It happened the night when Y/n was captured by Bel and Marmo. I was worried about her; we all were. I just suddenly felt angry towards the situation. Ira cared so much for her and was scared for her life, more than any of us. I offered to help her and- it just made me upset because I've never seen Ira act that way towards me.

As I got to the library door, I thought to myself: 'why am I even here? to forget the fact that I'm lonely? or is it because I have no one left?' Which ever one it is, I walked into the library nonetheless. Surprisingly enough, it was full, full of students prepping for their finals. I would be lucky enough if one of the good spots isn't taken. Most of them were; the one near the food stall, the small table near the balcony and the long table near the majority of the books. All but one was taken and I have to admit I wasn't disappointed. It was a small, three person table, in a corner surrounded by the romance novels. In the past, I found myself coming to this section more, as my love and admiration for Ira grew.

I noticed books were already placed messily on the table with an open notepad. My eyes drifted toward the notebook and reading some of the notes, I realised this unknown person is in my class! They are studying for the same exam I am. Taking a closer look, I noticed little doodles along the edge of the paper.

I.M<3

I.M? A crush maybe? But there's only one person in our class with the initial I.M, and only one person who would write that and who has that exact handwriting. You have got to be kidding me...

"Oh Rachel! I didn't expect to see you here." The one and only Y/n. The cause of all my pain, the past year, stood right in front of me, innocently smiling as if she didn't make my life ten times harder.

"Y-yeah.. I'm here to study for my test that we have coming up. There are no other tables available, a-and I realised it was you when I saw your familiar handwriting." I stuttered. Why was I stuttering? I wanted to sound intimidating.

"Oh yeah that's fine. Take a seat, Ira should be here any minute now with snacks." She grinned at the thought of food.

Wait Ira?

"I-Ira's here? What's he doing here?" To say I was shocked was an understatement.

"Yeah, why? Problem? He's here to study with me obviously." Y/n said. Was she utterly clueless on the situation or stupid. Or both? Did she not realise this would be awkward for me and maybe for him?

"Well I wouldn't want to interrupt your little study date." I said through gritted teeth. I needed to get out of here.

"No, no, no! Stay. Honestly, there's enough room here for all of us; come, sit, sit!"

Why on earth was she so eager for me to sit with them? She must hate me! Only a psychopath couldn't realise what was going on. Sadly enough, I sat down and placed down my bag. Y/n smiled happily at me, as I started to take out my notepad and study book. I started to subconsciously fix my hair, ruffling the ends. Luckily, I was sat down and Ira wouldn't see the mess of an outfit I'm wearing. Hopefully, he will notice me.

"Hey I'm back- Rachel?" The one and only Ira. He didn't seem happy to see me, but instead, disappointed. My small smile was immediately wiped from my face and replaced with a frown. It was a staring contest between me and the blue- haired boy; but not the one I hoped for. He glared uneasily at me, glancing towards Y/n every couple of seconds, whilst I glared back.

"Yes, I saw Rachel coming near so I invited her over to sit-" Y/n tried to say.

"So she knew we were here and decided to sit with us?" Ira accused, squinting his eyes at me. I knew he didn't like or trust me, but I didn't know it was this much.

"N-no. Yes? No. All of the seats in the library were full and I asked her to sit down. What's the problem exactly?" Y/n said, starting to get frustrated, standing up. Should I remind them that we're in the library?

"No love. I don't have a problem, don't worry. She can sit with us." Ira said, almost hissing the word 'she'. Before giving me one last glare, he kissed Y/n on the lips. I felt my heart split into two; I could almost hear the remains of my heart pinging on the ground. I felt tears prickling the corners of my eyes, as I tried my hardest to hold them back. I never knew how much it could hurt me, seeing them. But, now I know.

And it hurts like hell.