Sentience

30

The next day on the campus, Changmin was distraught. His mood was upside down and had alarmed his friends not to make a slight mistake if they did not wish to get bitten.

Changmin was truly upset, though he didn't know to whom he wished to lash out the anger. Was it Belle because she was still ghosting him even after numerous spam messages and calls? But he was at fault, too. If Changmin were her, he would be so heartbroken knowing that his best friend threw him away without having an ounce of consideration to hear the whole story out. So, partly from it, Ji Changmin understood why Belle was ignoring him now.

But, above all, the boy won't deny the fact that he was mad at himself.

Ever since their friendship started, Changmin had seen a lot of emotions on Belle's face, he witnessed her behaviour and gestures towards him or anyone else. Which, being rude, was never on the list. So, when she became one with Mother yesterday, Changmin should've known that she was overwhelmed with an untold feeling; she wasn't herself in the first place.

Nonetheless, what was done was done. He created the mess himself by spitting it aloud in her face.

Brianna, I made Belle sad, I'm sorry, he spoke in his head, hoping that his apology reached heaven as he looked over the portrait hung on the club's wall; Brianna was there in the photo.

Just then, a few soft pats landed on his back before the owner stood next to him, watching over the same photo. Chanhee pursed his lips into a sad thin line before he glanced over his best friend.

"What are you going to do now? Belle is completely avoiding you," Chanhee pondered, recalling this morning's event.

Changmin had done the routine, waiting for her to arrive in front of the gate. Notably, Arabelle was never late for her class; she was one of the students who would always be punctual, just like her older sister. So, when she didn't show up when her class was supposed to start in 5 minutes, Ji Changmin was super worried.

He was about to call her phone when he remembered that she would never answer. Then, he changed his plan; he reached for Soobin instead. For, they were taking the same class.

She's already in the class, was what Soobin replied and Changmin had mixed feelings about it. He was debating whether he should be angry or relieved.

"She purposely came earlier than usual just not to run into you. That's insane, Changmin," Chanhee remarked and his friend was shooting daggers at him. "I'm not talking ill about Belle but I just want to say that this problem you two are in is massive."

"I know..." Changmin sighed, supporting his weight against the table near the wall. "I made mistakes as well."

"Whoever's fault is not important, bro!" Chanhee said, pausing for a second to sigh before he continued in a lower voice. "You've promised Brianna, didn't you? A man should keep his promise, you know that too."

Yes, he did. The untold and unspoken promise had been sealed a few days before Brianna passed away. Looking back, Changmin felt too devastated. Now only he could tell why the older was so eager to make him agree to the promise. It was already a sign.

A sign that she would soon leave the world forever.

"Oh..." It was then, that Chanhee spoke up from the windowsill, glancing outside. "How come it's suddenly raining? It's sunny earlier."

The boy glanced over at his friend who looked bemused as well. Nature surely was unpredictable and it was quite impressive.

Changmin moved closer to the window, to witness the incredible view with his own two eyes. It was drizzling, but anyone could easily tell that sooner, the rain would be pouring harder. And somehow, it sparked an idea inside Changmin's brain, no matter if he looked deluded.