Chapter 30: Truth: Another Mystery

N A O M I

Opening my eyes, the familiar black walls, covered with black roses, greeted me. As I attempt to get up, a stinging pain followed, and everything was blurry. Flashbacks of the reveal last night, come one after another inside my head.

As the pain eases, I recalled everything. After Ares left, I drank myself to sleep. Everything was confusing, that it made me feel lost. Not knowing what to do, I sat there on my bed, staring cluelessly at the walls.

Suddenly, I felt my phone rang, it was the alarm. I have classes today, huh. Standing up idly, I went straight to the bathroom. Removing all of my garments, I stepped under the warm shower. Its warmth woke my system as it runs down my soft pale white skin. After taking a bath, I dried myself using a cotton black bath towel, then drying my hair using the hairdryer.

When every inch of my body was dry, I went to the other room, and start picking an attire. I chose an exemplary belt dress that splendidly complements every one of my bends and lines. I paired this with black leather boots, a rose choker, and black rose earrings. I let my white hair down, with bangs that cover half of my face.

Walking out the corridors to the living room, I was lost in my thoughts, thinking of what should be my next move. When I arrived, everything was clean, but no clue of the whereabouts of the others. Did they leave me?

Having no choice, I went up using the elevator and went to my class. I have a subject in psychology now, so I won't be meeting the others. In our group, I'm the only one who took psychology, so this can be called one of my alone time.

Every student I pass by greeted me, and I gave them a small nod or just a look. Speaking is not my thing, so is smiling and other facial expressions. Seating at my favorite seat in the back, by the window, I took out my earphones and opened a book I have been reading yesterday.

The professor arrived and gave us a book to self-study since the faculty has a meeting. Opening the said book, I let it take control of my mind, forgetting about my issues, and focus on my studies.

After an hour or two, we were dismissed, the same time I finished the given book. Checking my schedule, I have no classes until tonight, just like the others. I decided to check their whereabouts using the GPS I left in their things, then went to their locations.

I found them, all together, sitting under a tree. They were all smiling, chatting, and bickering. This scene made me smile as I walk in their direction.

Ares was the first one to notice me, he waved his hand then went to greet me. "Alexa is right, you would find us. Oh, sorry for leaving without consent. Here are some roses," Ares said, giving me a bouquet of black roses. Black roses might not be the symbol of love, but the thought that he picked my favorite makes me happy. Smiling, I accepted it and we sat with the group.

"Leaving me behind without any notice, was it fun?" I asked mockingly, and they gave me an apologetic look.

"I went to your room to check on you, but I found you sleeping peacefully, but there were a couple of bottles of alcohol by your bed. Did you drink last night?" Alexa said, her eyes squinted. Uh-oh. I only smiled awkwardly, scratching the back of my head.

"If you want to drink, it is a must to invite me, okay?" Alexa added, making me smile genuinely, and we all burst out laughing. As our laughter died down, their faces turned serious.

"About last night...can I court you?" Ares started, his eyes contain a mixture of emotions.

"Sure, I should give you a chance, right? But I won't give you an answer until this mess is fixed, alright?" After saying those words, I saw a smile crept on Ares' lips for a split second, then his face reverted to his cold state.

"About the fire, the mastermind and intentions were still unknown. It is most likely that the culprit wants you dead," Althea said, reading from a folder, then giving it to me. I accepted it and put it down on my side.

"Regarding the fire, I want you to investigate the activities or any illegal works done, during the time of the fire until the time I was in the hospital. It could be a distraction," I said, and Althea nodded as she took notes on her phone. "Any news about Adonis?"

"Not much. It seems like he is lying low and is trying to strengthen his mafia in secret," Apollo replied, handing me another folder. I did the same to it.

"I'm curious, who is Adonis in my life?"

"We don't know much. All we know is he is your childhood friend and the brother of your late best friend," Kyousuke answered.

"Late best friend? Do you mean she is dead? How? Why? And who is she?" Hundreds of questions exploded in my mind, as it turned to chaos.

"She died in an incident, the cause of her death is excessive beating and loss of blood. If I recall correctly, the three of you were kidnapped, but only you two were out alive. You brought us once to her grave, other than that, you never once spoke about it. I forgot her name though..." Nike replied, trailing off in her last words.

"I guess I'll research about her later. When did I lose my memories?"

"You lost them during the summer, two years ago. It was after our outing then we heard that you were asleep for a few days, then you forgot about the boys or anyone who is not connected to the school," Chase explained. It just added to my confusion. Every answer I got, always produces another question.

"How did that happen?" Was the only question I was able to ask. Hundreds of questions swivel around my head.

"That is the mystery. It couldn't be trauma, since that incident happened years ago. We tried investigating it but always ended up in a dead-end. All we know is that there is something suspicious about it," Julia replied. I can't believe I'm learning things about myself from others, but I guess that just adds to life's thrill and mysteries.

"Send me all the information you got. Another mystery popped up after learning the truth. Three cases that could be connected to each other? This would be a fun thrilling college life then."