Episode 12

“It was fall at that time of the year. At that time, I was preparing for high school entrance exams.” Lily showed a blissful smile as the ghost told her story to the AWU Alliance members as if time had reversed back to the ghost’s story.

-Flashback-

It happened years ago, but I feel like it just happened yesterday. I was down in the dumps because the teacher told me my grades are slipping to the point that I need to study hard for high school entrance exams. Heck! I’m even on the verge of not graduating middle school.

So, I regularly visited the city library to study and work hard for the exam every Saturday. When I was about to reach for a book, another hand got the book instead.

“Oops! Sorry, you can go ahead and read it first. I’m not really in a rush.” A boy insisted, and I was about to deny his offer, but figured it would be rude, so I let it go.

I reached for his hand and handed him one of my lollipops. “Oh! Thank you! I finally got to taste your candies. I’ve been wondering where the hell you even keep them.”

I was taken aback by that comment. It feels like “Were you watching me?” I asked him point blank

He quickly waves his hands, trying to defend himself. “I’m sorry! That sounded creepy, didn’t it? I just noticed you’ve been sitting on the same seat at the same time, munching on the same candies, reading the same books. I couldn’t help but get intrigued by this Saturday Candy Girl.” The boy was so embarrassed by his confession, red is reaching to his ears all the way to his neck. He tried to cover his neck, but it was too obvious to notice.

“Hey, wanna be friends? I’m Lily Mizuhara.” I was so intrigued by this boy, and I feel like I’ll regret it if I don’t extend my hand

Now, it’s his turn to get taken aback. I’m pretty sure he’s thinking along the lines, ‘No way! She wants to be my friend? I thought she’d say I’m a creep’

“Just so you know, what you said earlier made me think you’re cute, totally not a creep,” I reassured him

Then he finally held my hand and we did a handshake. “Aaydan Astaroth, pleased to be your friend. Awesome! Do you mind telling me why you kept visiting the library every Saturday?”

That fateful encounter was very dear to me. I told him my reason for my library visits, and luckily, he offered to tutor me. Surprisingly enough, we’re in the same grade and he’s a top student from his school.

“I don't have a sweet tooth, but I accept your candies as payment for tutoring. Besides, we’re friends now.” Aaydan said with his dashing smile, and I somehow covered my face with a book since I feel like I’m all red with all the blushing.

Days, weeks, and months have already gone by, and our Saturdays have become even more precious to us with each passing day. Before we knew it, entrance exams were done and over with, and we got accepted and promised to meet each other again in the same high school. And that was

“AWU Academy.”

_____________________

The ghost’s story was over, and classes started without wasting any more time. Each of the members of the club has gone back to their respective classrooms except for one student.

“Aren’t you going to get scolded for skipping class?” the kind school nurse asked Veena, who deliberately visited the school infirmary with the excuse of a checkup for her bump on her head.

“I won’t get scolded as long as you’re on board with me, Sir!” Veena said as she saluted while lying on one of the empty school beds.

“I just want to get familiar with our lovely and kind school nurse.” Veena said with an innocent smile

“Okay, I’ll give you a pass for now, and I’ll answer three questions from you, but nothing more than that.” Sir Aaydan replied as he shook his head sideways in surrender and proceeded to write on his report for the student’s record.

“What do Saturdays mean to you, Sir?”

That completely changed the whole vibe that’s going on. Veena suddenly got serious, which caught Sir Aaydan off guard.

“Saturdays have always been special to me. It will always be a very precious day of the week for me.”

“Heh, now to the second question! How do you feel about candies? It seems like you have an infinite supply of them.” Veena, as she sat up and rested her chin on her knees, made a fetal-like position

“I don't have a sweet tooth. I just keep these candies as a reminder, and it made me remember some things I would never want to forget.”

‘More like remembering someone,’ Veena thought to herself, and Lily was right when she told them that Aaydan doesn’t really like sweets as much as she does.

“Last question! What does the tattoo on your left ring finger mean?” Aaydan was surprised by Veena’s keen observation on his tattoo

“Oh? You mean this water lily? I didn’t know you would notice such a tiny detail. Water lilies symbolize pleasure and peace. I put it on my left ring finger because I feel like I devote myself to this certain person who has the same name and is my very first love.”

“Is it… Lily Mizuhara?” When Veena blurted out the ghost’s name, Aaydan didn’t realize he dropped his pen. He was completely frozen in his seat.

“H-how did you know that name? I’ve been suspicious, but all the questions do connect to Lily.”

By the time Veena started explaining Lily’s situation to Aaydan. Lunch Break has started, and Aaydan dashed out of the school infirmary and headed straight to the AWU Alliance clubroom.

When Aaydan opened the door to the clubroom. The window was opened, and the breeze was entering and blowing out the curtains. Behind the curtains, there stood a girl ghost, and her hair flowed as the breeze filled the room.

Aaydan was enamored by her presence. Tears started flowing down his cheeks. He spread out his arms as if asking for a hug, and Lily ran into his arms. As if pieces fit into a puzzle, they were perfect for each other.

“Of all the habits to pick up from me, you chose my candy obsession?” Lily smiled, and her face was still buried in Aaydan’s chest, but Aaydan held her face and leaned closer to her.

“So what? You will always be my Saturday Candy Girl.” Aaydan leaned in closer to taste her lips. It was sweet and delicious. Lily’s body lit up, and the Grim Reaper finally appeared, making a portal to Nirvana

The two broke off from the warm embrace, and Lily followed the Grim Reaper to the portal

“I love you first and I will always love you last.” Aaydan said his years due confession, and Lily turned around to face him once more. She noticed he’s red again on his ears and neck.

“Do you think I don’t know that, dummy? I will be waiting for you on this side, but don’t come yet, okay? Also, say thank you to the AWU Alliance for me.” Lily winked and entered the portal and disappeared into thin air.

That concludes Lily Mizuhara’s case for the AWU Alliance.

***

Ayumi is in a bind. It’s almost her best friend’s birthday. Heck! It’s this week. She didn’t know what to pick for her birthday gift. So that’s why

“Again, you two are really best friends. Why in the holy f*ck am I wasting my precious weekend on this?” Ze grumbles as Ayumi scans through the clothes.

“Oh, shush! We’re picking out presents for Veena AND Shion. Their birthdays are this month of May, so it’s better if we pick now before it’s too late

They are in the shopping mall right now together with Bleex and Angi. Shin, Eru, and Luke didn’t come along due to personal reasons.

“Hey, Angi! Don’t you think this lingerie would look good on you?” Bleex shamelessly showed black and sexy lingerie

“One more out of you and I’m calling the cops. We’re picking out presents for Shion and Veena, remember?” Angi crossed her arms and sassed out on Bleex as she walked away, not giving another glance at the lingerie Bleex specifically picked out for her.

Ayumi gave out a long sigh. ‘This will be another long day.’ That’s what she thought