ᴛʜᴇ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀꜱ : ᴛʜᴇ ᴜᴘʀɪꜱɪɴɢ

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The next morning dawned bright and clear, but the events of the previous day still weighed heavily on my mind. I woke up on the couch at Raiden's house, the blanket still wrapped around me. The unfamiliar surroundings made me feel uneasy, but the lingering warmth from the tea and sweatshirt provided a strange comfort.

I stretched and slowly sat up, taking in my surroundings. The house was quiet, the early morning light filtering through the curtains. I noticed a note on the coffee table next to me.

Willow, we went out for a bit. There's food in the kitchen if you're hungry. Make yourself at home. We'll be back soon – Raiden

I felt a mix of relief and uncertainty. Being alone in their house gave me a chance to process everything, but I also felt a nagging anxiety about the unanswered questions that had been building up inside me.

There were no pictures in the house. Nothing that could lead anyone to tell who lived here. This place felt comfortable but that was it. It was as if they had just put their belongings in yesterday and were leaving tomorrow. But I hadn't visited every room of this house, so maybe I was exaggerating.

I decided to freshen up and found my way to the bathroom. The mirror reflected my pale, tired face, and I splashed some cold water on my skin to wake myself up. After changing into some spare clothes I found piled for me in a guest room, I headed to the kitchen.

True to his word, there was a spread of breakfast items laid out: toast, eggs, and fresh fruit. I made myself a plate and sat at the kitchen table, eating slowly and trying to piece together the puzzle of my life.

Just as I finished eating, I heard the front door open. Luke, Ramiel, and Adrian walked in, looking relieved to see me up and about.

"Good morning," Ramiel said, his smile warm. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," I replied. "Just a bit sore and confused."

"You looked better. You found something to eat?" He asked, stretching up, while I take in account they were all in sport clothes.

They all looked good, that's for sure. But seeing them now, in these clothes that are close to their bodies. I can clearly say they are. They seemed much more muscular than anyone their age. I wonder how much they trained to get there.

"Yes, thanks. I really appreciate all you've done for me." They smiled kindly at me, all taking some fruits and energy drinks.

Adrian took my plate and put it in the sink, then sat down across from me. "It was nothing... Yesterday was intense. We should probably bring you back to your place."

I agreed, feeling a knot of weirdness tighten in my stomach. "Yeah, I think it's time."

I didn't see the rest of the group. Luke drove me back. The ride was silent, yet it was peaceful and not disturbing. I got that he's not someone who opened up to anyone and seemed the quiet type. Which was completely fine with me, even more so at that moment.

When I got back to my place, I didn't know what to do with myself. I was still tired and looked a mess. I had a hot shower and then read in my bed before falling asleep for a bit.

When I woke up, I finally looked at my phone. I had tons of messages from my friends asking how I felt. I didn't want to answer. So I just opted for a single 'I'm fine' text in a group chat and then shut my phone.

An hour later, Alicia came to my house. My mom, oblivious to everything, let her in without telling me. It's not like I wouldn't have, but I was a bit angry with her, just like I was with myself.