Ethereal Love: Hidden in the Stars || FreenBecky [Completed]

Chapter 6: Unveiling Charismatic Chaos

"Every individual is an exception to the rule." - Carl Jung

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Gulf never left my side, even during my practice sessions. Each time I missed a shot, he couldn't help but laugh, which only fueled my frustration. I shot him an annoyed look, tempted to hurl my bow at him. However, he swiftly grabbed my vest and tugged me towards the dormitory before I could act on my anger.

As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the curious gazes directed at us due to Gulf's rather forceful gesture. I gently freed myself from his grip and gestured for him to observe our surroundings. While I didn't view him as anything more than a friend, I knew that others might misconstrue our interactions as flirtation.

Gulf was a highly ranked Sagittarius, and it was no secret that many students in our block admired him. I didn't want to be lumped in with those who sought his attention. My desires were simpler than that...

"Let's head to the cafeteria!" Gulf exclaimed, taking hold of my hand, causing a surge of nervousness within me.

What if I accidentally absorbed his abilities? What if I unintentionally tapped into his mana?

We arrived at the cafeteria without incident. Gulf was animatedly scanning the menu while I found myself preoccupied with my own thoughts, anxiously examining my hands.

Why didn't Gulf feel anything? Could it be that I possessed Sagittarius traits as well? Or was he an Ophiuchus, like me?

While the students in the cafeteria cast heated glances our way, their attention quickly shifted as the most popular student, Freen Sarocha, made her entrance. I had come across her file in Mr. Kugimiya's folder before, which revealed that Freen possessed unique abilities beyond those of a typical Leo. As a Leo, her natural abilities included superhuman speed, incredible strength, and enhanced senses and reflexes akin to a beast. However, Freen's powers seemed to surpass those of her fellow Leos. Unfortunately, I never discovered the exact meaning behind Mr. Kugimiya's note labeling her as "overpowered."

"I heard Freen confronted you the other day," Gulf remarked. "Do you know how heightened her senses are? She can supposedly detect a person's fart from across the country." He chuckled and deftly caught a glass that was thrown in his direction.

Gulf's demeanor shifted as he locked eyes with the person responsible for the glass incident. With a swift motion, he shattered it on the floor, returning his gaze to me, his eyes returning to their usual color from their earlier purple hue.

"Apologies for that, Freen detests vulgar conversations," Gulf said, his voice tinged with amusement. "She has a tendency to deal with those who obstruct her path quite ruthlessly."

"I'm not particularly interested in her," I replied, diverting my attention to the waiter who had just served our food. "I have my own goals. I prefer not to involve myself with such individuals."

"But you already have," Gulf interjected. "When you entered the washroom, when Nat saved you, and when she confronted you. Becky, your name is already known by everyone here."

I furrowed my eyebrows, shaking my head in defiance.

"I want to escape this hellish place. I want to return to where I came from. This isn't my rightful place, Gulf. I lack powers or any means of self-defense. I can't hit my target, I can't anticipate an attack from behind. I won't survive here without someone's help!" I exclaimed, my frustration nearly boiling over.

"If you're searching for a hero, this isn't the place," Gulf responded, his expression filled with concern. "I've tried to escape numerous times before. But if you want to return to your mother, you must endure until graduation, which is still four years away."

His words weighed heavily on me, causing my shoulders to slump, as if all strength had been drained from my body.

Once again, Gulf reached out for my hand, gently caressing it. "The only way to survive without powers is to keep the most dangerous demon by your side," he whispered. "You must befriend Freen, or else she'll bring about your demise in the most excruciating manner imaginable."

Gulf's words echoed in my mind until the lunch was over, leaving me unsure of whether to heed his advice. Freen was undoubtedly the most perilous person I could seek out. Approaching her would likely result in either my death or her ordering someone to end my life.

Soon enough, Freen crossed my path once more in the hallway, but this time she didn't pause. It was as if she hadn't noticed me at all. I couldn't help but feel a strange mixture of admiration and confusion whenever Freen was around. Despite knowing deep down that she was a morally dubious individual, there was something undeniably captivating about her.

I lied to Gulf when I claimed to have no interest in her. Freen possessed an incredible charisma that effortlessly drew people in. It was as though she had a magnetic pull, and those around her were simply caught in her orbit. She exuded audacious confidence that I secretly envied, even though it often came at the expense of others. Freen disregarded societal norms and rules, operating on her own terms and fearlessly breaking boundaries. Witnessing this was both mesmerizing and unsettling.

In contrast, I had always been cautious, adhering strictly to the rules imposed by society. Freen's disregard for such conventions felt liberating and terrifying at the same time. There was a part of me that yearned to be as bold and unapologetic as she was, despite understanding the harm she caused. It was a conflicting admiration, a constant struggle between wanting to emulate her fearlessness and recognizing the moral wrongs of her actions. Deep down, I longed to find a balance between her audacity and my own sense of morality.

"Freen!" I called out her name, causing gasps to ripple through the crowd of students.

Freen halted, fixing her gaze on me with her customary expression.

"Do you need someone to run errands for you?" I asked, my hands trembling.

In the blink of an eye, she stood by my side. Our faces were mere inches apart as she leaned in and whispered, "Let me think about it."

It was the first time I had heard her voice. Just as quickly as she appeared, Freen vanished, leaving the students clamoring around me, asking if Freen had indeed spoken. I didn't respond to their inquiries, instead searching the area for any trace of her presence, but she had disappeared.

"Think about it?" I pondered, my mind filled with questions. What did she mean by that?