the fall of red

alone again

Chloe hadn't let go of Red's hand since they stepped out of the dormitory, her grip both possessive and tender. As her friends chatted animatedly nearby, their voices faded into the background, mere white noise against the symphony of rush and warmth she felt in that moment. All of her attention was captivated by the way Red's thumb moved gently over her palm, tracing delicate patterns that sent shivers up her arm. Each occasional squeeze from Red served as a sweet reminder that this was not just a fleeting daydream but a reality she had longed for with every fibre of her being. The warmth of Red's skin against hers was electrifying, grounding her in a moment that felt simultaneously ordinary and extraordinary. Chloe couldn't help but steal glances at Red, her heart fluttering with a blend of excitement and disbelief that they were really together like this in a world that suddenly seemed more colourful with just a touch.

After their joyful encounter with Eliza and Ari, the four girls made their way toward the enchanting lake nestled within the lush greenery of the forest. As they walked, the sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting playful shadows on the path. Their laughter mingled with the gentle rustling of the trees, creating a melody that echoed the excitement of their meeting. Finally, they reached the shore of the lake, where the water shimmered like a thousand tiny stars. They settled down on the soft grass, taking in the breathtaking view around them—a perfect spot to share stories and dreams under the open sky.

Chloe sat in the same spot where she had been just a few nights ago, a place that now felt heavy with grief. The memory of losing Red was still raw, echoing painfully in her mind. She could almost replay the moment—she had been so close, every detail sharp in her memory. The sound of the gun had pierced the night air, a sharp crack that sent a chill down her spine. Yet, in that instant, her mind had somehow managed to dismiss it, as if it was just a figment of her imagination. The disbelief still lingered within her, mixing with the guilt. How could she have ignored something so crucial? As she sat there, wrapped in the shadows of her memories, the weight of her sorrow pressed down on her, making it hard to breathe. Every sound around her seemed amplified, each heartbeat a reminder of the loss she couldn't comprehend.

In several moments of anxious anticipation, she found herself holding her breath, her chest tightening as she strained to hear that distant bang once more. The sound had become a haunting echo in her mind, and each time she thought of it, a wave of dread washed over her. She would glance over, heart racing, half-expecting to find Red no longer beside her, vanishing into thin air. The possibility left her feeling hollow, as if the very air around her had thickened, making it harder to draw in the oxygen she desperately needed.

"What do you think, Chloe?" Eliza inquired, her fingers delicately weaving through her long, flowing white hair. She glanced over at Chloe, who seemed utterly captivated, her gaze fixed on Red as if she were the sole girl in existence. The sunlight streamed through the nearby window, casting a warm glow around them, but all that mattered to Chloe was the magnetic presence of Red. Eliza could see the sparkle in Chloe's eyes, a mix of admiration and longing, as if time had stopped and the world outside had faded away, leaving only the intense moment shared between them.

"Um... I have to admit, I wasn't paying attention to what you were saying," Chloe said, a hint of sheepishness in her voice as she let out a light, nervous laugh. Her cheeks flushed a bit as she realised she had missed the conversation entirely, and she looked at her friend with an apologetic smile, trying to mask her embarrassment.

"You never lie. It's one of the countless things I adore about you," Ari said, her eyes sparkling with warmth and sincerity. She leaned back against one of the tall, white pillars that framed the sunlit lake, the coolness of the stone contrasting with the warmth of the midday sun on her skin. A gentle breeze ruffled her hair as she smiled, knowing that honesty was a rare and precious trait. "It really makes you a remarkable friend," she added, her voice soft yet full of admiration, as she took in the moment and the bond they shared.