Heart of Cursed

╰┈➤ ❝ 2.1❞

Location: DownGolden High School / SilverUp Academy
Date: 27th May 2035
Time: 12:40 p.m.

"Wanna bet how many losers are there gonna be in the festival?"

"Afuru, for the last time," I stopped myself from letting out an exasperated sigh when I heard my very own helper just give out one of her thoughts, "Those are competitors, they'll be a loser when they're lost."

"You sound so confident, my prince." Afuru said, then she turned to me and crossed her arm, "Do you think you're gonna lose?"

"...No."

"Hesitation isn't a good look on you." Afuru said and let out a disappointed sigh. Why does she have to let out that sigh when I'm supposed to be the one to do that to her?

Afuru and I are tasked to set up the poster for the festival that's gonna be held for the DownGolden High School and SilverUp Academy. It's a so-called Friendship Game between the two schools. Basically, we have this Friendship Game once in every year and to make up a truce. But they, the teachers, don't know how much the students took advantage of this game.

If one of the schools wins in the said Friendship Game, they will try to demand or command the students to do the task that is set for them... It's a bit childish in my opinion.

"Glad we're on the same page," suddenly Afuru said out of nowhere. I look at her and give her a look, while she raises her brows at me. Sometimes I swear she might have mind reading curses...

Oh who am I kidding. She might have cursed more than one cursed...

... I am not Phoenix. My name is Ray Ashton, I'm the current President of the Students Council. But that's not important right now. I have done my introduction and you will not mistake me for another person.

Just as Afuru and I had done our task to put the game's poster on the announcement board, I saw someone that I wished to just go in the other direction. Anywhere but here...

"Ray," I hear my voice being called, "Just as I expected, I've been looking for you now that you're here with..."

"Hello, Mr. Ashton." Afuru said in her polite attitude.

"Hey, dad." I said, no holds of affection or longing for the man I called my father.

"Hello, Miss Inkuro." Dad said, politely greeting Afuru but I know he held back his distastement towards her, "It is time we have a talk with the Friendship Games that's gonna be held later."

Dad started to walk away, probably going to the Students Council's room, where we list off many contestants that are willing to join some certain games. Before I could follow him, I felt something hold me back by my hand.

I turn to my back and realise Afuru is still her and she's the one who held me back by holding my hand.

"Listen, I don't care what your fuck up relationship with your dad, but I know for sure you dislike it." She said it, oh so casually and hold no interest but to me, it shows a bit of her care and concern, even if it didn't show it on her face nor her tone, "I have no clue how parents should show their care and love for their kids but your father does not show a bit care. And all of that was coming from me..."

...That's nice, even coming from her. I sigh, "It wouldn't matter a single thing for him if I dislike it or not." I say, and slowly pull my hand away from her hold, "Besides, I think he might drag Colby into this as well. Whether he likes it or not."

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"I think I didn't have to explain the rule for you, correct?" Dad says, after finally discussing the game.