The Silence [TPN]

Chapter 2

Flashback

No one's Pov

In front of the enormous gate, four younger children stand. They make their way to the gate in silence.

Emma reflected, "It was normally closed."

"There was no one there, like an abandoned building," Emma says as she drags Mizuki to the window.

Mizuki clings to Emma's shirt and stares out the window, terrified.

Emma inquired, "What do you want to do if you go outside?" Ray said, "I dunno. How about you?"

"I want to ride a giraffe!" Emma exclaimed, Mizuki still clinging to her and staring at her, puzzled.

Ray answered, "Good luck with that."

"I wonder what it's protecting us from if these gates don't open from this side?" Norman asks.

The four kids recalled what their mother had said about them. "You can never travel past the fence to the gate..."

Mizuki looked at Ray suspiciously and said, "Because it's risky, eh?" Emma was busy hunting for something, so Mizuki let her hand go from Emma's shirt.

"We all know it's a lie," Ray continues. "What do you think?" Norman inquires. Mizuki continued to stare at Ray, but she kept her mouth quiet.

End of the Flashback

Mizuki's Pov

I faded out as I remembered the time we went to the gate, my head still on Ray's shoulder.

I overheard my siblings discussing something. I think it's about what will they do when they go outside. As I glance around, it appears that practically everyone has arrived. With the exception of two,

Norman and Emma

"Hey Ray," I murmured. Ray responds with a hum, his gaze still fixed on the book. "What's taking Emma and Norman so long?" I inquired.

He said, "I dunno, maybe they're making out or something." My eyes widen on what he jut said, and I try to respond, but I got cut off.

"LOOK THERE THEY ARE!!" I turn around to find Emma and Norman.

"HE CAUGHT ME AGAIN," Emma groans as she falls to the ground.

"However, you managed to survive alone for ten minutes," Ray said, I looking at Ray and then at Emma. "New record," I muttered, and Ray nodded.

"It's so infuriating!" she exclaims again. "Why is it?!"

"How come Norman is so excellent at tag?" Emma said, who is whining like a baby. I grinned at her energy.

"I've never lost to him in a race, but I just can't win in Tag!" she exclaimed.

"Question–" Ray's abrupt question drew our attention. "Can you tell me what Norman has that you don't?"

"Norman has white hair and blue eyes," I thought as I look between Emma and Noman.

"What?" Emma exclaimed. "There's a lot."

Ray just replied, "Strategy." "If it comes down to pure physical ability, you have the upper hand."

"But Norman has brains like no one else. And you're playing tag, which is a tactical game," Ray explained while Emma listened.

"How will the target flee? What steps will the person who is fleeing make?"

"You must monitor and understand the scenario, as well as read your opponent's actions and use them against them."

"So he was saying it's like a chess game," I nod my head as I slowly understand, and imagining Norman as a human-sized chess piece.

Emma sweatdrops, "But we're just playing tag–" "At least that's how Norman does it, and that's what makes tag so much fun," Norman says with a smile. And Ray was in agreement with him.

"Not only that, but Ray is a better tactician than I am," Norman said, pointing to Ray. "Hey, don't give me too much credit," says Ray.

"reading the enemy's next move," I glance quietly. To be honest, I admire them and wish that we live in normal life.

I overheard one of my siblings say, "Those four are out of this world." "They say this is the first time the house has had four kids at this level together." I blush as I listen to their remarks. "Am I on the same level as them?"

I return my gaze to three, who were conversing about something. "I only know the truth; I'm not as intelligent as they are."

"Ah, no wonder mom is so proud of them," I furrow my brows.

"They been highly competent in both academics and athletics"

"Norman is a genius with by far the best brains," I looked at Norman, who was smiling.

"Ray is just as brilliant, intelligent, and knowledgeable a" I look across at Ray, who was calmly reading his book.

"Emma has exceptional motor abilities, and her incredible learning aptitude allows her to closely follow the other two."

"And Mizuki!!" Me? "She's practically a blend of the three, and she's also discreet and observant," they say, making me blush.

"Are you all right?" Ray asked, who is facing me. I nod and lower my head.

Don then challenges Norman one more. This time, though, he is the one who is being pursued.

"Oh–, it's Conny's last day here?" I was clenching my skirt and gazing down. "Right– I need to speak with her."

As soon as I stood up, I felt someone hold my wrist. I look down at Ray, who is staring at me, and ask, "Where are you going?"

"Bathroom," I murmured as I averted my gaze. Ray nodded and slowly releasing me.

Ray's Pov

I keep an eye on Mizuki as she enters the house. But something bothers me every time I look at her. My heart rate increased, and I felt the temperature of my cheeks rise.

I'm not sure what's going on with me. I looked through every book in the library for answers, but there were none.