To Be or Not To Be

He Said to Belamour : I don't understand. Why don't you tell that to anyone?

Voice: Why would I do that? No one cares about me; no one ever calls me or shares anything with me. So, I am my own; I always have been. Nobody ask me go out , Nobody ask me chill. Nobody talks to me unless I talk to them fist. Nobody ask me how I'm doing 

- - - Few hours earlier - - - 

"Hey, lazy, wake up," Rose said to Fiora. The two girls, roommates and best friends since childhood.

"Oh no, it's 7:30. I'm running late again. Mr. Black will kill me if I'm late today," Fiora exclaimed as she reluctantly got out of bed, still feeling tired. (It's the fourth time in a row, and I shouldn't be proud of it, but for some reason, I feel proud.)

"Unlike you, Fiora, I don't want to be late on my first day at the office," Rose remarked with a playful smile, testing Fiora.

Fiora made a joke, placing one palm on her forehead and saying, "Look who's talking to me, the one who always loses on the straight way." 

Groggily, Fiora got out of bed and went to brush her teeth at the bathroom basin. She knotted her silky brown hair playfully as she got dressed.

Rose said, "Fiora, you look like an angel—brown eyes, brown silky hair, and fang teeth." But Fiora knew her buddy well and expected a little sarcasm.

Fiora answered with a hushed "hammhum" and a lovely little nod, waiting for the inevitable sarcasm.

Rose said, attempting to lighten the situation, "However, I fail to see why you're single. Oh, wait, I see. It's because you're a female who is obstinate."

After finishing her brushing, Fiora laughed and remarked, "Hahaha, very funny"

After finishing her brushing, Fiora laughed and made a silly face before saying, "Hahaha, very humorous of you."

As she nearly made it to the door, Rose said, "You lazy person, breakfast is ready." Eat it now before it gets cold, then move quickly to avoid missing your school bus."

With a broad smile, Fiora replied that she was relieved she didn't have to prepare breakfast herself. "Thank you, Miss All-Knower," she shot back. To be clear, this is not a school bus; this is a college bus."

With Rose gone, Fiora finished breakfast, headed for a bath, and then checked her timetable before packing her bag. As the evening approached, she left home and now stands at the bus stop, patiently waiting for her ride.

As Fiora waited at the bus stop, she noticed a bicycle pass by – the newspaper boy, an orphan who also happened to be a fellow student at the same college as Fiora.

Her heart raced with just a glimpse of him.

She wondered how he managed to work and never be late for college or any class.

Her chain of thoughts broke as the college bus arrived.

She took her seat on the bus.

"Hey kid, aren't you being late for college?" the old man asked Bellamour while taking his newspaper.

"Nah, don't worry, Gramps. I got a lift. Mr. Potter will drive me in his truck while we head to his shop," Bellamour assured with a nod.

Despite talking about the truck, Bellamour's gaze lingered on the bus, contemplating how Fiora managed to excel in every subject.

In his thoughts, he acknowledged, "She's beautiful too."

"Do you like her?" the old man asked.

"Yeah," Belamour replied without thinking. Then, realizing what he said, he hurriedly added, "No, no, no."

"Kid, don't fool me. What I've learned from experience is never wait for the right time to ask, or the right person will be gone before the right time comes," the old man advised sagely.

Belamour nodded, and thought, maybe the old man is right. But what if she doesn't like me? What if she doesn't even know my name? Why would someone beautiful and gentle like her love an orphan like me?

He delivered a couple more newspapers and then took a ride with Mr. Potter on the way to college.

"As always, you are late, Belamour," his English Professor, Alice, gently scolded him for being late.

"I'm fine with you being late because somehow you manage to top every time, but I don't like when my newspaper is late," Professor Alice remarked as the classes burst into laughter. Belamour apologized, handing her the newspaper. She accepted it, mentioning that she'd read it during her lunch break.

"I'm a very slow eater, you know that, right?" she said with a smile, adding, "Take your seat, young man."

Before she started the lecture, Fiora entered the class.

Professor Alice asked her, "Now, for what reason did you miss the bus and arrive late?"

Fiora, with a hesitant expression, replied, "Ma'am, today I caught the bus on time, but it had a tire puncture, so that's why I'm late."

Professor Alice reassured her, saying it's fine and pointed out that even Belamour was late, gesturing towards him.

Fiora blushed and looked shy, prompting Professor Alice to ask why she was turning red.

Fiora responded, "It's nothing," and took her seat.

Professor Alice suggested, "Why don't you both buy a car and come together?"

Awkwardly, Belamour replied, "Because I can't afford it, ma'am."

Fiora chimed in, "Me neither," looking down with a red face.

"Well, what can I say," Professor Alice continued, "we are going to study how to write effectively, even about something as common as dark circles."

Class, write a few lines on dark circles that carry deep meaning.

Belamour: "Dark circles are the graveyard of unfulfilled dreams; I have buried unfulfilled wishes beneath tired eyes."

Professor Alice remarked, "As always, here's a masterpiece from Belamour." How do you write like that

Belamour modestly replied, "It just comes from the heart, I guess."

Professor asked, "How many times has your heart been broken, Belamour?"

"Speak the truth, Belamour. We want a real answer," Professor urged. Fiora was looking at him with such curiosity, resembling a curious child.

Belamour hesitated for a moment, then opened up, "Well, it's been broken more times than I'd like to admit. Life's a tough journey, and my heart has faced its share of challenges." Fiora looked at him with curiosity, eager to hear more.

Is there anyone in the class who can explain what Belamour is trying to convey?

Laughter filled the room as everyone started to laugh.

Professor commented, "You are truly mysterious, Belamour."

"So, where is our second star of the class? Fiora, don't you want to give it a try?"

Fiora was unaware of what the ma'am had said; she was busy looking at Belamour.

"Don't just look at him; he's more mysterious than you, star," Professor Alice friendly teased her.

Fiora: "Who, me? Him? No, looking, yes, but not that—what you... No, no."

The class was genuinely confused about what she was trying to say, but Professor Alice was well aware of Fiora's feelings for her favorite student, Belamour.

All the faculty were well aware of Belamour's past and background, always extending their support. However, for Prof. Alice, Belamour was like a younger brother. Her assistance stemmed from the fact that she, too, was an orphan with no family. She is also genuine and generous to all students.

Prof. Alice said, "Relax, Fiora. Relax," with a reassuring smile. 

Fiora mused, "Dark circles reflect the depth of my contemplation on unfulfilled wishes, feelings, and emotions. They mirror the late-night conversations I have with myself."

The bell rang, and Professor Alice announced, "Today's lecture is over. I know it's a bit unusual, but your homework is to write a line on dark circles, much like Belamour and Fiora."

The class buzzed with chatter about yesterday's activities, movies, cooking, and parties. Belamour, naturally quiet, was engrossed in reading "The Prophet" book, while Fiora enjoyed her meal with her friends.

After a 30-minute break, it was time for the art and performance lecture. Mr. White, an elderly man affectionately referred to as Gramps by both staff and students, was known for his kindness. Dressed in red, he resembled Santa Claus, and it's no surprise that he often played the role of Santa Claus in college performances and Halloween parties.

He entered the class with his chocolate cookies and a glass of milk, his heart full of warmth. Truly a man of joy, he saw life in a unique way. Regardless of life's challenges, he always found something positive.

Every day, he entered the class with boundless spirit, as if there was nothing better. You could see it on his face.

He looked exceptionally happy today, and the reason was quite clear – it was performance day. Today was the day for the play.

It had been a week, and everyone had been practicing diligently.

"So, is everyone ready?" Mr. white ask 

"You bet we are!" the students called out to Mr. White.

In 10 minutes, everyone was ready. They adorned their costumes, eagerly waiting to commence the drama.

"To Be or Not To Be" was the name of the play, a homage to William Shakespeare.Belamour took on the lead role in the play.

In the play, Belamour's character, named Tom, had been ignored throughout his entire life. One day, everyone learned that he was in the last stage of cancer and had very little time left to live. Everything around him started to change dramatically.

With a decisive action, Mr. White directed everyone who was part of the play to take their places on the stage.

Act One:

"Hey Tom, I need to talk to you," Sam told Tom. "Are you free?"

"Yes, I'm free. What do you want to say?" responded Tom.

Sam asked a bit awkwardly, "Well, why have you been quiet these days?"

"I don't understand," Tom replied, his face reflecting sadness and confusion.

"Well, you don't speak much in the group these days," Tina pointed out to him.

"I've always been like this, but if you feel that way... Well, I don't know what to say. Sorry for that," Tom said.

Tom continued to speak, "But why are you bringing it up suddenly? That's unusual."

Lily quietly listened to everything. Max suggested to Tom, "Well, why don't you join us for a movie tonight?"

"Not possible," Tom replied. "I have other plans."

Jack commented, "That's unusual. We all know you've always been free."

"So, what's suddenly gotten into you? Why don't you want to come with us?" Tina asked in a reheating voice.

(At that moment, Belamour was lost in his thoughts, contemplating that the character he was playing wasn't much different from his real life.Though everyone knew him and talked to him, no one was truly close. 

I'm not anyone's fist choice, I'm not anyone's favourite person. People might tell me I mean a lot them but there's always somebody they'll choose to me. He pondered silently in his mind.)

Tom replied, "There's nothing to tell."

A voice emerged from the background, and it was Fiora, the voice echoing Tom's unspoken thoughts, reaching the ears of the attentive audience. 

The voice, presumably Tom's inner musings, questioned, "Why suddenly do they care about me? They never invited me, and all this time, they knew I was free. So, what's got into them?"

Aware of the strong bond between Tom and Lily, Tina urged Lily to convince him.

Lily responded, "It would be good if you came, just stop overthinking and join us."

Tom replied, "Just smile, maybe sadly, or maybe not." Nobody is sure about that.

Max : Tell us Yes or No. Sam start to speak 

He Said to Belamour as Tom : I don't understand. Why don't you tell us what you feel ?

The voice representing Tom's thoughts echoed, "Why would I do that? No one cares about me; no one ever calls me or shares anything with me. So, I am on my own; I always have been. Nobody asks me to go out, nobody asks me to chill. Nobody talks to me unless I talk to them first. Nobody asks me how I'm doing."

Tom hesitated, "Well, I have medi..." and stopped, unaware that his friends knew about his last stage cancer.

Tina asked, "Medi... What?" expecting Tom to reveal the truth.

Tom replied, "Media... Social media or TV media. I prefer to watch that in my room." 

(Belamour smiled inwardly, noting the parallel between Tom's character and his own orphaned background.)

Sam suggested, "Hey, why don't we do that!"

"Can we come?" Tina asked Tom, looking at Lily.

Tom hesitated, "Ahh... Well..."

The voice echoed from the stage, "A while ago, when I tried to join them in college parties or celebrations, I wasn't directly forced to leave, but their behavior clearly indicated, 'Just leave.' Now, they want to spend time with me. Why?"

Tina nudged Lily slightly, and Lily quickly spoke to avoid giving Tom a chance to delay or cancel it.

Lily said, "Okay, so it's final. We are going to have a media party at Tom's room." 

Everyone froze, acting like statues as the curtain fell in the drama play. A man entered from the left side of the stage.

He said, "For Tom's situation, I remember a few lines of Franz Kafka. It's like that: 'I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself.'"

The first act of the play concluded, and Mr. White exclaimed, "Well done!" with tears of joy in his eyes. "You kids are so good."

Mr. White announced, "Give big claps to our stars of today's play:

- Belamour as Tom

- Fiora as The Voice of Tom's thoughts

- Emma as Tina

- Sophia as Lily

- Jems as Max

- Tyler as Sam

- And our 'efficient' name picker, Jack, as Jack or Lazy Jack"

Laughter filled the room as Jack, who was munching on Mr. White's cookies, retorted, "I'm not lazy, Gramps. I'm just saving your time."

"So, today's class is over, and the principal informed me that due to a staff meeting, the rest of the classes are canceled. You're free now," Mr. White informed everyone.

Everyone packed their belongings and discussed what to do next. Some suggested going to sleep for the rest of the day, while others left the class, dreaming of their beds. Some headed to the ground to play different games.

Sophia suggested, "Why don't we go to the museum?" Fiora replied, "That's the lamest idea from you."

Emma suggested, "Why don't we go for a movie?"

Jack chimed in, "No, I say we go to the newly opened restaurant."

Jems objected, "Nahh, it's too far. I don't wanna come." Emma, who is Jems' best friend, said, "Yes, he is right!"

Tyler asked, "So what are we going to do?"

Everyone turned to Belamour, who was almost done packing his bag.

Fiora asked, "Where are you going?"

Belamour replied, "Well, I'm going to the library to read new comics."

Jems and Tyler asked in surprise, "When did that happen? Comics in our library?"

Jack replied, "Yesterday! While you were busy gossiping, me and Belamour were working with the librarian to arrange new comics."

Emma, Sophia, and Fiora looked puzzled and somewhat alienated, having no clue about what was going on.

Jems asked, "What comics do we have?"

Tyler inquired, "Do we have Modern Era comics?"

Jack said, "You bet! We have all modern comics."

Belamour added, "Not only comics but also manga."

Now Fiora exclaimed, "Manga! You mean manga manga... Japanese's own type of comic!"

"Yes, pal," Jack replied to her.

"So why are we waiting? Let's go to the library," Tyler said joyfully to everyone.

"Don't worry, Sophia and Emma. There are some good-looking boys in the library too," Jack said with a smile.

Everyone left the classroom, heading to the library either for reading comics or manga or perhaps catching a glimpse of the good-looking boys.

The library was vast, filled with various types of books, and long two-sided tables for sitting. However, the group wasn't interested in that.

Quickly, everyone crossed through different sections of the library and headed straight to the comics and manga section.

Emma commented, "This is not bad; actually, it's good."

Tyler responded, "Good? No, it's the best... Wait, you aren't talking about comics, right? You're talking about boys."

Sophia told Tyler, "Obviously, you dummy head."

Jems said in an excited manner, "I don't understand where to start!"

Tyler and Jack joined Jems in searching for a compelling series to start in the library's comics and manga section. Meanwhile, Sophia and Emma took turns keeping an eye out for any interesting boys in the vicinity.

Now, only Belamour and Fiora remained in the library.

Fiora asked Belamour if he likes manga without looking into his eyes. 

Her voice was soft and sweet, like a bird's singing in the morning.Fiora elegantly tied her hair with a bow, and as the gentle breeze swept through the library, her silky hair gracefully swayed in various directions, adding a touch of natural beauty to the scene.

Belamour looked at her, amazed by Fiora's beauty, his mind captivated by the grace she carried.

Belamour, equally good-looking and a genius in his own right, possessed a unique charm that complemented Fiora's beauty.

He replied, "Yes, I like manga. I've read many of them," as he looked into her eyes.

He remembered a poetic line:

"Those eyes of yours

Could swallow stars,

Galaxies, and Universes.

What hope did I

Ever have?"

Fiora's gaze fixated on Belamour's face, genuine curiosity sparkling in her eyes as she asked, "Really? Which one?" The tone she used resembled that of children eagerly sharing their favorite things, creating an atmosphere of playful excitement between them.

"Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto," and many more, he tried to recall.

Fiora, feeling a bit deflated because all of them were very famous manga, nodded as she realized she had also read them.

"I've read them too," Fiora told him with a smile, a shared connection over their love for those popular manga titles.

"You're an interesting person, Belamour, in every manner!" Fiora couldn't control her feelings and blurted it out too quickly.

Belamour looked surprised because it was the first time someone had complimented him. While everyone acknowledged his talents, they never did so in front of him or complimented him. It was as if he was deemed overqualified. Regardless of the problem or trouble at hand, no one paid much attention to Belamour because they believed he was smart and strong enough to work things out.

His achievements often went unacknowledged because, as the mindset went, "It's Belamour; he can handle it!" In fact, many times people criticized him, pushing him to perform even better, even though they themselves couldn't imagine starting such tasks on their own.

People used to think that Belamour was born talented or lucky, but according to him, he achieved his skills and talents due to a simple fact – no one ever helped him, supported him, or encouraged him. The only way left for him was to work hard and sharpen his skills and talents.

Sometimes, Belamour wonders if he overdid it. The situation around him never changed; at first, it was due to less skill and talent being overlooked, and now, it seems to be because of his overly developed skills and talents.

Belamour said, "Thank you, Fiora, but you're also interesting and talented in every manner. We both have many things in common."

Fiora replied, "Who, me? Nah, no way! No matter what, you'll always be the first."

Belamour said, "Numbers don't matter. It's all about the subject and study-related. What about your hobbies, skills, and talents you've developed?"

Fiora sighed, "Well, most of the time, I was overlooked by people because of that. Sometimes, I think I wish I didn't have so much passion for things. Maybe then, I could be closer to people than I am right now."

Belamour empathized, "I understand what you're saying."

Fiora looked at Belamour and asked, "How do you deal with it? From childhood, I've known you. At first, you were never acknowledged by people because you didn't have any skills and talents, and now because you have more than anyone. Don't you feel sad or demotivated?"

Belamour admitted, "Well, I do. That's simple human nature; no one can escape it. But then I think, I could help many people, put a smile on many faces. Like yesterday, we had a holiday, so I went to the park. Kids were playing with big woods in the park, so I took that wood and crafted puppets and small toys for them. Now, they want more, asking me to make more. You see, sometimes your talents and skills are not just for your use. Maybe they're for those who need it but sadly don't have it. Well, that's my way of thinking. I mean, I have to do something positive about it because I couldn't escape from the negative thoughts of overly skills, talent, and never being acknowledged."

It was evident from her face that Fiora was astonished by Belamour's thinking and had found a new perspective.

(Belamour thought, "What a perfectly good-stupid time we have, like kindergarten kids," acknowledging the fact that he always wanted to be close to her.)

Fiora said, "You're a good motivational speaker. Is this one of your many expertise?" 

Both started to laugh.

Jack, Jems, Tyler, Sophia, Emma, everyone gathered at the spot.

Jack remarked, "It's surprising that Belamour and Fiora haven't moved an inch. Don't you think? Both are wild butterflies, never staying in the same place for more than a minute."

Sophia added, "More surprising is what they are laughing about. What do you think, Emma?"

Emma Nodded yes !

They approached Belamour and Fiora, and Jems asked, "Guys, what are you laughing about? What did we miss?"

Tyler chimed in, "Fiora looks at Belamour like kindergarten kids look at their friends."

Belamour explained, "Well, it's just a simple quote turned into a good understanding joke."

Sophia, now more curious, asked, "What? What? Tell me."

Fiora had no idea what Belamour was about to say, but she knew him well, so she just watched him with a smile.

Belamour revealed, "You have to die a few times before you can really live -Bukowski."

Now Fiora understood that this quote had turned into a joke for Belamour and herself based on their previous conversation about struggles and finding meaning in their journey. They were now laughing about it.

Sophia and Jack, though unaware of the previous conversation, know and understood the struggles Belamour and Fiora had been through and their feelings for each other. They also started laughing along, caught up in the shared moment of understanding.

Emma, Tyler, and Jems looked at Belamour, Fiora, Jack, and Sophia with puzzled expressions, resembling students staring at a math board full of numbers without a clue.

Emma remarked, "Guys, did we become dumb, or did they become smart?"

Laughter ensued among everyone.

Now, everyone headed towards the librarian. Emma and Sophia, not being big fans of comics or manga, decided to give it a try. Following Jack's suggestion, Emma picked up "Tada Never Falls In Love," a manga known for its short love story. Sophia also followed suit.

On the other hand, the boys chose "Batman: Court of Owls." They reached the librarian and checked out their selected issues.

Jack, with a somewhat tired expression, proposed, "Why don't we go and grab something to eat?"

Tyler asked, "What about tomorrow? Does anyone have any plans?"

Jems added, "What plans? Aren't we going to read the comics we issued today?"

Jack, who was busy eating, nodded in agreement. "Yes!"

Emma and Sophia echoed the sentiment.

Tyler clarified, "You idiots, I'm not talking about us."

Everyone understood that Tyler was referring to Belamour and Fiora, as they were the ones most excited to go to the library for comics and manga, Surprisingly, not a single comic or manga was taken by Belamour and Fiora, despite their excitement about going to the library.

Both Belamour and Fiora wanted to spend more time together after the enjoyable day they had. However, finding the right moment to express their feelings became challenging as they were surrounded by friends, and any messages sent by phone right now could easily be discovered.

But Fiora knows that no matter how smart Belamour is, his social skills are worse, and in a situation like this, he probably zones out from the idea. So, she has to do something to find out if Belamour wants to spend time with her and, if yes, how to do that. This way, both of them can spend time together, and no one finds out about it.

Belamour, who wants to spend time with her but doesn't know how to ask, gazes at the sky. Jems notices and asks, "What are you looking at? Do you wanna come or not?"

Fiora gets an idea. Knowing that Belamour likes poetry, she smartly clears her throat loudly to get his attention. As expected, Belamour looks at her. 

She says, 

"The moon in me finds the sky in you!"

In response, 

Belamour smiles and says,

"Oh dear, you are my moon; without you, I'm a deserted sky!"

Jems asks, "Did you guys drink something in the library while we were not with you?"

Sophia comments, "Both of you are acting weird, like really... I can't find words to express my thoughts," but Emma adds, "Weird, more than usual."

Jack agrees, "You're right, Emma," and goes back to eating.

Fiora, understanding Belamour's reply, says, "I'm not joining you because I'm reading a poem which I need to return tomorrow morning at 9:30!" She says it out loud.

Jems teases, "You don't need to say it out loud; we all can hear you."

Belamour looks at Fiora and says out loud, "I'm going out with you," then turns to the boys and adds, "But I have some work, so sorry!"

Before anyone could say something, Belamour felt an "ouch."

Someone hit his head with a fist, and Belamour knew who it was. The person greeted him, "Hello, little brother. That was for the newspaper." It was Professor Alice, accompanied by two others.

She introduced them, "Guys, these are my and Rose's friends, Scout and Helen, from Whitewell town." Alice explained that both Scout and Helen had helped her complete her PhD and secure a job. Scout added, "Well, in your PhD case, yes, we helped, but..." Helen continued, "For the job, it's thanks to our old friend. While we were talking about your PhD case, our old friend asked more, and we told them about you. How you completed your PhD in only two years as an orphan with your little brother, Belamour. She needs a job, so he immediately helped us."

Alice smiled and continued, "These are my part-time students and friends: Emma, Sophia, Tyler, Jams, Jack, and orphan little brother Belamour! As I mentioned while we were in Whitewell town."

She introduced Fiora to Scout and Helen as Rose's friend and roommate and her distant cousin sister. Everyone greeted each other.

Professor Alice told Fiora that Rose gave her a message for her. She continued, "I'm going on a trip tonight with Rose, Scout, and Helen. So don't wait for her. She's in a meeting. Tell me, I'll pick up some of her belongings from home, and she forgot her phone at home."

Fiora replied, "Here's our key. Take what you need, ma'am."

Alice corrected her, "Don't call me that. I'm not that old. And now that class is over, just call me Alice or Big Sis."

"Okay, Big Sis," Fiora said.

Belamour, whispering to Tyler, Jams, and Jack, said, "If you want to be Big Sis, then, in the first place, you should learn not to order others on what to call and what to do!"

But he forgot that Alice's ears were as sharp as a cat's. Alice hit him on the head again, saying, "You were saying something, little brother?"

"No, ma'am, I mean sis," Belamour said, holding his head with both hands.

Fiora asked Alice about their destination, and she casually replied, "Oh, just another ghost-hunting mission." Belamour added, "Best of luck if you find something bigger than..."

Alice interrupted, "Bigger than who?" Belamour quickly said, "Last one... last one... last one."

Scout teased, "Oh, poor Belamour. Don't try to fight something bigger than yourself." Laughter filled the air.

Now, Alice, Scout, and Helen were left.

Sophia expressed, "It's strange. Big Sis Alice likes to hunt ghosts or something like that."

Belamour added, "She was in a coma for some time while she was doing her PhD. After recovering from that, I don't know what got into her, but she likes to go for ghost searches."

Fiora shared, "Yes, I know about the coma. We both went to the hospital to meet Sis Alice with Rose. While Big Sis Alice was doing her PhD in Whitewell, my sis Rose chose to do it here. When she found out about Alice, she got worried and even had a fever."

Alice, looking back at those days, said sadly, "Those were horrible days."

Jems told everyone, "Yeah, I've heard many rumors about the three west seaside towns. All three towns and beaches are cursed. First comes 'Westtown,' then 'Darkwelltown,' and lastly 'Horizontown.'

Don't you wonder they are our neighboring towns? Our town, 'Davin,' shares its boundaries with 'Westtown' on one side and a bit of 'Darkwelltown' on the other, while 'Whitewell' shares its boundaries with 'Darkwelltown' and a bit of 'Horizontown.'

It's like a big square or rectangle where, if we consider the east as the right side, then on the right side are our town Davin and Whitewell, and on the left side are the three towns Westtown, Darkwelltown, and Horizontown, sharing boundaries with each other."

"Well, enough with the spooky talk," Sophia said.

"So, Fiora, are you sure you want to read poems?" Fiora looked at Belamour for a moment and replied, "More than anything because I need to return it tomorrow morning at 9:30." She said it out loud.

"Yes, yes, we get it. Tomorrow at 9:30," Emma told Fiora. "But what after that?"

"Well, I think I'll spend all my day at the bookstore, I guess, enjoying the company," Fiora said with a red face.

"Enjoying book company? Really? Do you like that much?" Jack asked. Fiora didn't say anything, just nodded.

"What about you? Aren't you free all day? Do you have that much work?" Jems asked Belamour.

"Well, yes. I think I'll be busy all day," Belamour said softly.

Sophia suggested, "It's like time flies; it's evening. Now, we all should leave for home, don't you think?"

Everyone said yes and took their usual bus. Belamour also took a bus for the return journey.

As they disembarked from the bus and walked together, Tyler shared his observation, "Isn't it amusing that all the houses look identical on both sides of the street? It's like each house's backyard is seamlessly connected to the other, just like in an old cartoon show."

Sophia remarked, "Yeah, it's convenient for me. I don't have to walk alone to my house. I can go through Emma's house backyard."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Fiora and Rose are her neighbors, and on the other side of the street, it's Belamour and Prof. Alice's house, with their backyards touching Jack's house.

Tyler and Jems moved to Jack's house so he doesn't feel alone since Jack's family moved abroad. All three of them go through Belamour's house backyard to reach Jack's house.

Everyone went home to rest and do some work.

At 9:30 p.m.

Sophia's message in the group:

"📸 FRIENDS 🐣"

Sophia: Hi 

Tyler: What's up! 

Sophia: Want pizza? 

Jack: Wow, pizza! 

Fiora: Yes! Jack, they're having a girls' night at Sophia's house. 

Jems: Without you? 

Emma: Usually, we do it at Fiora's house, but Sophia's parents aren't home, that's why at Sophia's house. 

Jack: So why don't you invite Fiora? 

Emma: You dummy, because Rose isn't home either! 

Jack: Oh, I understand now. 

Fiora: Yeah, and they're planning to read manga tonight to finish it quickly. 

Tyler: We are also going to read comics tonight and maybe do some gaming! 

Sophia: Where is Belamour? 

Jack: Dead. 

Fiora: What! 

Jems: Jack voice-typed while eating; he meant "phone dead." 

Jems: We asked him for comic night, and he told us he couldn't make it; he needs to write some paperwork for Sis Alice. 

Emma: Oh dear, Belamour. Well, see you all tomorrow. Can't wait for manga! 

Sophia: Yeah, good night, everyone. 

Fiora: Good night. 

Jack: Good night to everyone from all the boys!

Fiora, who was thinking about Belamour, could decide what to do.She messaged Belamour 20 minutes after that Belamour's turn on his phone battery was fully charged, and he saw all the messages in the group, including Fiora's message.

Fiora: Hey

Belamour: Hi, sorry, my phone battery was dead.

Fiora: Yeah, no need to apologize.

Belamour: Well... You are really smart!

Fiora: Really? You think so?

Belamour: Yes, obviously.

F: Wow, that's a big compliment.

B: All yours.

F: But tell me, Bell, for what do I owe this pleasure?

B: "The moon in me finds the sky in you!"

F: Oh, that, thank you... thank you...

B: If I were you, believe me, I'd never figure it out that way of asking me.

F: Yeah, you are clumsy in social skills, and I knew that you're not going to ask me in front of everyone.

B: But you found a really interesting way to ask out! In poetic lines so no one knows about it.

F: Well, I hope so!

B: Don't worry.

F: Your answer was also good, "Oh dear, you are my moon; without you, I'm a deserted sky!"

B: Thank you, everyone was totally confused at that time about what was going on.

F: Well, as long as they are confused, we are safe.

B: Yeah! So where are we going tomorrow?

F: You tell me!

B: Why don't we go to the book cafe?

F: Oh, that's a really interesting idea.

B: So tomorrow morning at 9:30, okay?

F: Aye, Aye, Captain.

B: After the cafe, I'm thinking, why don't we go to the garden?

F: I would like a long walk.

B: Oh, don't tell me you want me to race with you; I know you're excellent in athletics.

F: Don't worry, I know you're not going for that. Seriously, Bell, you need to work on that!

B: Well, I tried, but I never succeeded in it.

F: Oh dear, Bell, athleticism isn't something like books that you could complete in a couple of tries.

B: By looking at your physique, I can tell you really work hard.

F: Second compliment by you! What a lucky day.

B: I don't know what to say.

F: Then let me tell you something. "You laugh like a metaphor I've been trying to write down for years."

B: You are killing me and keeping me from dying. That is love.

F: Why don't you talk to me soon before?

B: I'm not sure about your feelings for me.

F: Really?

B: Yeah, I know that sounds stupid because since childhood, we know each other; you and the rest of the group come to play at the garden.

F: And you with Sis Alice and other

orphan kids.

B: But I don't know why I never got the courage to ask you.

F: Don't worry, you idiot. Now you never will.

B: Yeah, because you, wild butterfly, asked me first!

F: Hey, I never asked about that. Why did you give me that name?

B: That's I will tell you, but not today.

F: Really, Bell, that's cheating!

B: No, that's not. You also call me Bell; why don't you tell me?

F: Fair point! Hey, I have an idea. Why don't we share this at some special day?

B: That's a good idea. You're a real genius!

F: It's pretty late, so why don't we sleep and meet tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.?

B: Sure!

F: Good night.

B: Good night, see you tomorrow.