Echoes Of The Unseen

EOTU -UNO

*flashback*

The emcee's voice echoed through the field, "Reverie Bellarose, please prepare for your next event, the obstacle race."

The morning sun blazed down, and the air buzzed with the sounds of students cheering wildly for their house teams. Reverie, though, was standing off to the side now, her eyes scanning the finish line as the runners sped toward it. Her event had finished, and she couldn't help but cheer along with the rest of them, excitement still in the air.

But soon, the heat began to catch up with her. Sweat trickled down her neck, and she decided it was time for a quick break. She made her way into the cafeteria, hoping for a moment of rest.

Inside, the atmosphere was quieter. Non-athletes were scattered around, lost in their own worlds, oblivious to anyone walking in and out.

Reverie found an empty table and collapsed into the chair, her body craving the rest. She let her head fall onto the cool surface of the table, holding her small hand fan up to her face, the little breeze a small comfort.

Then, she heard a familiar voice, warm and casual.

"Hey."

Reverie raised her head slightly, already knowing who it was.

"Ari? What's up?" she asked, wiping the sweat from her forehead, her voice soft but tired.

Aries stood a few steps away, hands in his pockets, watching her with a thoughtful look in his eyes. "Nothing much. I just wanted to ask... What number were you in the race this morning?"

"Number 3," Reverie said with a sigh, leaning back in the chair. "I'm pretty wiped out."

Aries tilted his head slightly, his gaze lingering on her with concern. "I noticed you looked pretty exhausted. You sure you're okay?"

Reverie's offered a small smile. "I'll survive."

Without saying another word, Aries pulled out a packet of Pepero and a chilled bottle of iced tea from his bag, offering them to her with a soft, almost shy smile.

"Here," he said, "I thought you might need something to cool off."

Reverie blinked at him for a moment, slightly confused. "Why are you giving me this?"

He shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. "For you, obviously. Eat, drink. Why are you even asking?" Aries replied with a light laugh, pushing the snacks toward her.

Reverie hesitated for a moment, then accepted the offering, still unsure but touched by the gesture.

"Thanks," she said quietly, her voice trailing off as she stared at the items in her hands.

"Anytime," Aries said with a smile that always seemed to make her heart skip a beat. "Don't mention it."

He turned to leave, but Reverie couldn't help but watch him go. As he disappeared through the door, she looked down at the bottle of iced tea and the Pepero. Slowly, a smile crept onto her face, a quiet laugh escaping her lips.

"How sweet," she murmured to herself, feeling a warmth in her chest she hadn't expected.

She broke the Pepero in half and took a small bite, her eyes still lingering on the spot where Aries had been.

It was such a simple, unspoken moment, but it felt like so much more.

-23DEC2002