The girl with silvery-white hair led White slowly through the quiet hallways. Each step echoed softly against the walls, and a curious mixture of confusion and wariness churned inside him. She was special—the only other person who could see Bell. No one else could, and that made everything feel strange, yet somehow important. Perhaps she held answers he desperately needed.
As they stepped into the wide, deserted schoolyard, Bell clung tightly to his pants, her small fingers trembling. Her wide eyes darted nervously at her, the mysterious girl ahead of them.
White swallowed, steadying his racing heart. "Who are you? What do you want from me?" His voice was quiet, but carried a need for truth.
She turned smoothly, a faint smile lighting her face. Her silver hair shimmered softly in the daylight, and her eyes held a softness that made her seem both distant and strangely kind.
"Oh, forgive me for not introducing myself sooner," she said gently. "My name is Luna. And you must be White."
He repeated the name, letting it settle. "Luna… you're the student council president, right? How does someone like you know about someone like me?"
She giggled lightly, the sound delicate but sharp. "So, you've heard of me, then. That saves some time." Her gaze sharpened. "And I know more about you than even your friends Zen and Shu."
White's breath caught. She stepped closer, and he instinctively took a small step back. Luna knelt down, reaching inside her pocket slowly.
"Bell," she said softly, "I have something for you. You like chocolate, don't you? Don't worry—it's perfectly safe."
Bell peeked out from behind him, eyes wide with hesitation. White nodded reassuringly, and she carefully took the chocolate offered.
Luna smiled warmly and softly stroked Bell's hair. "You're such a good girl." The tenderness in her voice surprised him.
She stood, her sharp brown eyes fixed on his. "Now, White, would you be kind enough to tell me all about Bell? I've been curious ever since I saw you ace your exam."
White's heart hammered as memories flooded back. The day after that unexpected success, he had felt, time to time, an unsettling sense of being watched.
'So, it was her all along…'
Luna's voice dropped to an almost whisper. "It was quite the surprise—a boy with average grades suddenly tops the class. But even more than that…" She hesitated, then added, "the aura around you… it's unlike any living persons. Darker than anyone I've ever seen."
"What do you mean?" White asked.
"Never mind," she replied quickly.
He swallowed hard, feeling a chill. If she truly saw all that, maybe she could help him understand. But he had to be careful—so much depended on what she did or didn't know.
"You say you know everything, but how can I trust you?" he challenged quietly. "Seeing Bell is one thing, but the rest… it doesn't add up."
She smiled, amused. "Trying to coax answers out with clever words, aren't you?"
Her confidence unnerved him. If he lingered, she might see that Bell was the key to everything—to his fragile wishes and the heavy price they demanded. For Bell's sake, he had to keep that secret.
"Enough," White said firmly. "Bell, let's head back to school."
As he began walking, Luna's voice drifted behind him. "You returned from the edge of death, White."
He froze and glanced back.
'How does she know about the accident…?'
She walked past, then leaned in slightly, her voice playful and chilling. "You did die, but somehow came back. Fascinating."
White's throat tightened. "How do you know this?"
"I told you—I know everything about you. If you want to learn more, come find me when you can." She gave him a slip of paper, then disappeared softly.
He folded the paper carefully and slipped it into his bag.
Bell looked up, eyes full of unease. "Papa, who was she? She's scary."
White knelt down, brushing her hair gently. "I don't know yet, but don't worry. I'm here with you. Just be careful around her."
Bell nodded solemnly, and they slowly walked toward the classroom.
Luna's words echoed through his mind.
'How could she know so much? Maybe, after school, I'll visit her and find the answers I seek…'
Lost in thought, White opened the classroom door. Bell hopped excitedly onto his desk, eyes wide in wonder at everything around her.
"Good morning, White," came cheerful voices from behind.
Zen and Shu greeted them warmly.
He barely heard them, his mind tangled with Luna's mysteries.
Zen laughed and playfully slapped his head. "Ouch! Hey! What was that for?"
Bell patted his head gently in response.
"We said 'hello' but you didn't respond. Thought you might be asleep," Zen said with a grin.
"Who wakes someone like that?" White muttered.
"White, you look troubled. If something's wrong, we're here for you," Shu said kindly.
White looked at them both and took a deep breath. "Well… do you know anything about Luna, the student council president?"
Zen smirked and nudged him. "So, you're interested in the student council president now? Look at you!"
"What? You like her?" Shu blushed and looked away.
"Papa, what does 'like' mean?" Bell asked, innocent and unknowing.
Annoyed by their teasing, White stood and stretched. "I have to find answers elsewhere."
"Wait! I was only joking!" Zen called after him.
Bell ran around the classroom, pretending to fly like an airplane while White let his mind wander.
"About Luna," Zen said quietly, "there are rumours."
"Rumours?" White asked, interested despite himself.
"You haven't heard?" Zen glanced at Shu, who gave a slight nod.
"No. What kind of rumours?"
"They say she gets whatever she wants, by any means. Even the teachers are wary of her," Shu whispered.
Zen nodded seriously. "She's known for being ruthless. Expels students for minor things. Best to avoid getting on her bad side."
A shiver ran down White's spine. Luna was not just mysterious—she was dangerous. But if she cared about Bell…
Suddenly, a scream broke the classroom's quiet. "What's happening? Why did the chalks suddenly disappear like that?"
"Hey, look! A butterfly drawing came out of nowhere!"
White turned and saw Bell, her small hands guiding the chalk, smiling with delight.
"Bell! Stop causing trouble!" he said as everyone's eyes turned to him.
"White?" Shu asked, confused.
"I—I need to use the restroom," White stammered, scooping Bell into his arms and rushing out of the classroom.
They hurried to the rooftop, their quiet sanctuary.
"Bell, remember, don't cause trouble and don't touch anything without permission."
"Okay, Papa," she said seriously.
White patted her head and started to leave when Aris waved at him with a bright smile.
"White!"
"So, you made it! What did you forget this time?" White asked.
She teased with playful eyes.
"Oho, interested in me?" she said.
Annoyed, White brushed past her.
"Wait, White!" she called again.
"It was just my notebook," she admitted, catching him.
He sighed. "Sometimes I feel like I'm handling two Zens."
She laughed and quickly changed the subject.
"We're still going out after school, right?"
"To where?"
"You forgot! You promised to treat me if I kept your secrets."
"Oh, right. But can we postpone? I have some things to do."
She pouted, then smiled. "Fine, but double the treat."
"Deal."
She beamed triumphantly.
They went back inside as Bell played nearby.
Later, Zen left for practice while Shu asked if they could walk home together.
"I have other commitments and work, so I can't today," White said.
She smiled sadly. "See you tomorrow then."
I felt a sense of relief, seeing how openly she was beginning to speak.
White called out, "Sorry but are you alright now and If you want, I can talk to your parents."
She stopped. "I want to try myself. But if I need help, I'll ask you."
"Always here," he said.
She left, and White walked toward the clubroom Luna mentioned—the
Paranormal Club
He took a deep breath and pushed open the door.
Inside, Luna sat calmly, waiting with that enigmatic smile.
"Welcome, White. I've been waiting for you and Bell."