𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 - 𝐀. 𝐆𝐀𝐊𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐔

𝟯 :𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗥

—monsters in the dark are you there?
why am I surrounded with fear?

AS A CHILD YOU HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVE THAT YOU WERE THE LUCKIEST. Though that child has never tasted sweet affection. That child was quickly taken away from a normal childhood and was forced to control the whole world from her small palm. That child was you.

And here you are in front of your father—the same father who promised you a happy ending and you foolishly trusting him. It must have slipped from your mind that trust is for the naive. You have forgotten that you're not just a soldier; you are a monster. You are a double-edged sword that can be either a product of war or the cause of conflict.

"Gakuho and I finished grading your tests," he said while pouring himself a glass of champagne.

"You got the top spot in Hyakkaou Private Academy, darling."

Your stoic facade remained, albeit the venom spilling from your father's every word. Your eyes full of emotions, but at the same time still so dull.

"But tell me, my dear. How come Gakushuu had a higher score even with similar preparations?"

You get taken aback. Hiding your frustrated eyes from your father's lethal [eye color] orbs.

"Losing is like Death. And have you ever died, my dear?"

"Do you think you are alive because you can fight?" Botan continued.

"You are alive because of what I did to save you."

"Save me?" you retorted. Your voice is shaky and dry.

"How? By stealing my freedom?" You stood up from the couch and challenged your father with your piercing eyes. And with every pitiful cry you gave in front of your father, you pointed your finger at him and took a step closer to him.

Why can't you hear me? I'm right in front of you. You can still fix this.

"My mind?"

"Why did you leave my heart beating if you're not gonna give it the love it yearns for?" you concluded.

But your father remained unaffected. "No, no dear. I saved you by making you my puppet," Botan exclaimed with his mouth displaying a smirk.

That's when you faltered. Your shoulders dropped, and your mouth quivered, trying your best to hold back your tears. "A puppet?" you stuttered out.

"You think that you're a monster? You're nothing like that. You're too weak to be a monster. You're a puppet, a mere rag doll. Gakushuu has been and always will be the best."

"Gakushuu?" you whispered.

"Do you want to know how puppeteers keep puppets from betraying?" your father whispered into your ear from behind and then put his hands on your shoulders.

"Make sure she never knows she's a puppet."

"You do nothing else but risk your life in gambling. While Gakushuu actually leads the school."

I give you the money I get from gambling. And you tell me that Gakushuu will benefit you more? Just how heartless are you?

"Everybody wants to rule the world [first name]. You'll never know who'll betray you until the last minute."

That was the last thing he said before you got dismissed. You went to the door and never once looked behind to say your farewell. You're such a fool. Why are you still waiting for your happy ending anyway? Your hope was long gone the moment they sent you to the battlefield.

You knocked three times on Gakushuu's door before opening it. No words can explain what grief and sorrow you are enduring right now. Even your lover's touch made you anxious. Guess you aren't much of a monster as you thought.

Gakushuu knew better than to ask what caused your gloomy mood or your sudden presence and embrace. It's funny. You were designed as the weapon, and yet he was the one fighting to protect you. He let your head fall down to his shoulder and stroked your [hair color] hair.

"We'll survive again tomorrow," your betrothed reassured.

He pulls you in a warm and blissful kiss. His tongue dangerously touching yours. Then the night went away.

That moment of satisfaction would have been thrilling if it weren't for your suspicious [eye color] eyes that were wide open.