She's the Devil in Disguise

41

Zena's POV

I lounged on the bed while sketching the blooming flowers. I'd occasionally have to crane my neck, so I could see the flowers outside. My tongue was stuck between my teeth as I shaded in the areas and compared it to my source. I smiled since I perfectly captured the detail in the petals. I heard the door open, so I placed my book down and faced the door.

"Hey." Hana gave me a soft smile and went to her side.

"How'd you enjoy the campus?" I sat upright.

"It's beautiful." She smiled. "We didn't really get to explore that much when the games happened. We were confined to a certain section of the school and told to remain on our side."

"You didn't explore Croatia at all?" She shook her head. "Well, that's unfair. They should've allowed you guys more freedom."

"I think it was their way of assuring order and having complete control." Hana shrugged and sat on her bed. "Also, thanks for rooming with me."

"You're welcome. I admit... the only reason I suggested staying with you was because I assumed you knew no one here and would feel a bit lonely to be by yourself."

"And you assumed correctly." Hana chuckled. "When I stated that I wished to be by myself, I immediately regretted it because I was like shit... I don't know anyone." We chuckled. "But, then I had to act like I wasn't affected or concerned about being alone." She snickered.

"I'm glad you have an ally of sorts." I winked, making her laugh. "Umm... Hana, I have a question for you. I'm not saying you have to react this way since everyone is different. And everyone processes things differently, but... are you affected by what Yeira did? It's just that... did you even cry? Do you want to cry?"

"Umm..." Hana fell onto her back. "I am hurt by it." She turned, so she could look at me. "It's just our cultural differences I would say." Hana looked down. "In my culture, we're taught to keep everything in. Not like how she or you were raised, but... we didn't really express that much emotion, whether it be negative or positive. Talking about negative feelings isn't something that's often done. If we're truly upset, we remain silent and give the silent treatment a lot. It's.. it's a difference between eastern and western culture."

"Tell me more." I was fascinated.

"Generally, and this isn't always the case, but... Asian cultures are outwardly private with emotions, and view excess emotion as being socially impolite or immature. People are expected to keep a pleasant, calm and cool facade and not show that they are angry, depressed, or overly happy. But just because you don't express an emotion doesn't mean you aren't aware of it inwardly. I would say that this suppression of emotion means that people deal with their emotions in a more powerful manner vicariously—such as drinking, crying, or yelling at family members in private." She explained.

"So if you were in private with Yeira-"

"I'd be screaming my head off." She sadly smiled. "I'm hurting on the inside. I endured a lot because of her and... it's hard, but I don't know."

"Don't take this the wrong way, but I'm sensing that you weren't surprised she cheated on you. Has this happened before or what?"

"Not since we became official. This is the first time." Hana stared at the ceiling. "And you're not incorrect at sensing how I feel."

"Why aren't you surprised? Why'd you get with someone you believed to not be faithful-"

"That's not it." Hana sighed. "I'm not surprised that she was more interested in someone of royal lineage. I'm poor and not a prime candidate for her."