*Pant... pant... pant*
...
I arrived at the floor where I thought I saw her, but she wasn't there.
"Where is she?"
Ugh, okay, this is getting annoying. Where should I look now?
"Sahabi," someone called from behind.
"Uwah?!" I shouted in surprise.
I turned around and saw Natalia standing in front of me with her usual cold expression.
"Are you okay? You seem... pale," she asked, sounding concerned.
"Oh, it's you, Natalia. Phew, please don't sneak up on me like that," I said, relieved.
"I just called your name," she replied, a bit disappointed.
Well sure, she just called my name, but still, it's surprising if someone suddenly appears behind you.
"Um, sorry. I guess I overreacted," I said apologetically.
"It's okay. By the way, do you need some help?" she asked, kindly.
"Well, yeah, but how did you know?" I asked, puzzled.
"Um..."
"Natalia?"
"I saw you running around the school. It looked like you needed help, so... I figured I could lend a hand," she said, turning away slightly.
"Wow, what luck! I'd love your help," I said with a smile.
She turned away again, and her hair blocked her expression, so I couldn't tell what she was thinking. A few seconds later, she looked at me again with her usual serious expression.
"It's fine. So, you're looking for Betania, right?" she asked.
"Yeah, um—wait. How did you know that?" I asked again.
"Betania told me," she said flatly.
"She told you?"
"She mentioned you were going to spend time together after school. So I figured you were searching for her," she explained.
"Oh, well... yeah. Do you know where she is now?"
"I saw her before I came down here," she said, pointing toward the nearby stairs.
"So she's upstairs?"
"Yes."
"Thanks, Natalia. You really helped me out," I said cheerfully.
"Ngh... It's nothing," she replied, looking away again.
Um, did I do something wrong? She's acting like she doesn't want to look at me.
...
Natalia Rahayu. She is...
...
I looked at her. She was different from the Natalia I knew. Compared to when she became Cornelia, she seemed more reserved, normal, and even a little shy. So this was her true self.
Not long in the future, precisely during the tourney. She disguised herself as her sister, Cornelia. At that time we all didn't realize it because our memories had been lost so we didn't know Natalia's true identity. We only found out about her identity and profession at the end of the tourney phase through the photos and documents we found. If you look at her in the photo, people will think she is a quiet, cold-eyed, and shy girl. However, the actual fact is that she is a great hitman with a series of experiences completing flashy assassination missions. When I first met her in class, I still thought she was an ordinary quiet girl but meeting her face to face like this without any disguise, like the one in the future, I understand that she is very different from us. Yes, people who have experience taking other people's lives do have different gazes.
According to Ardianto, the fact that Natalia is a hitman is already known to the school and it is very likely that we, her classmates, already know by now. Judging from the interactions in class, it seems that we all accept this information quite well. I need to confirm this information later.
"Sahabi," she called.
"Yeah, what is it?"
"Can you stop staring at me?" she asked, sounding annoyed.
"Oh, sorry. I didn't realize I was staring," I said, panicking a little.
"Um, actually..." she started nervously.
"Actually?"
"Never mind. By the way, don't you think you should be heading out now?" she asked, turning her face away again.
"Right, you're totally right. Thanks again, Natalia," I said, waving.
I started running but stopped and turned back to her.
"Natalia!" I called.
"Ngh?" She turned to look at me.
"Sorry if this sounds strange, but... do you really love your sister that much?" I asked seriously.
She looked puzzled, then thoughtful.
"Yes," she replied, her tone flat.
"So would you do anything for her?"
"Of course."
"Can you tell me why?"
She went quiet, thinking again. After a while, she answered.
"Sorry, Sahabi. I can't tell you," she said sadly.
"That's okay," I said warmly.
"Why do you ask?" she asked curiously.
"I'm just curious. You two seem to have a really strong and unique bond," I said, admiringly.
She stared at me with a somewhat concerned expression.
"I have a sister too, but... I think she hates me," I said with a small laugh.
"That's not true," she said, shaking her head.
"Ngh?"
"She doesn't hate you. You just don't see how she really feels. That goes for everyone close to you," she said, confidently.
"Sorry, I don't quite get what you mean."
"Neither do I," she admitted, sounding a little lost.
"Pfft."
"Ngh?"
"Hahaha," I laughed.
"..." She looked confused.
"You're really strange, Natalia. I didn't expect talking with you to be this interesting," I said, grinning.
"Interesting?" she asked, surprised.
"Yeah, I mean, you seem scary at first, but you're actually pretty kind."
"No..."
"Huh?"
"I'm not kind. You don't know what I've done," she said, bothered.
"You mean... killing people?" I asked calmly.
"..." She looked stunned.
"Well, I know. And I get it. You're a hitman, right? I'm sure it was part of your orders," I said.
"That's..."
"So, are you saying you actually enjoy killing people?"
"..."
"Natalia?"
"No..." she whispered, looking unsure and scared.
"Exactly. That's your past. It doesn't mean you can't change. Now you're here—you can start something new," I said, seriously.
"That's easy for you to say."
"Maybe. But that's why I'm here."
"..."
"I'm here to help my friends live life to the fullest—not in a bad way, of course," I added.
"But that's..."
"Impossible?"
"Yeah. Some people are born to do bad things—and enjoy them," she said resolutely.
"You may be right. But I believe even those people can change for the better."
"How?" she asked curiously.
"I don't know. But I believe there's always a way."
"You're so optimistic."
"Well, optimism's the only thing I'm really good at," I said with a smile.
She chuckled quietly. Then she gasped and covered her mouth.
"What's wrong?" I asked, concerned.
"No... I'm sorry," she said, embarrassed.
"You don't have to hide your laugh. There's nothing wrong with smiling. In fact, I like seeing my friends smile—uh, in a good way," I said, grinning.
...
She slowly lowered her hands.
"Well, Natalia, can I ask you something?"
... She nodded.
"Is there anything you really want to do?"
...
"Nothing. There's nothing special I want. I've just been living like this all along," she said flatly.
"How about you try looking for it?" I asked enthusiastically.
"Look for it?" she echoed, puzzled.
"Yeah. I believe that if you look hard enough, you'll find something you truly want."
...
"And when you do, make sure to tell me and the others. We'll support you."
She went quiet and turned away, seemingly lost in thought. Occasionally, she glanced back at me. Finally, she turned to face me again.
"The truth is..."
"Ngh?"
"Never mind. I'll let you know when I find it," she said flatly.
"Good. I'll be waiting. Well, I should go now. And by the way—I think smiling suits you. So smile more, okay?" I said cheerfully.
"Just go, Sahabi," she said and turned away.
"See you later."
Hmm, I wonder if I made her mad. Well, at least I learned something about her.
Seems like she has a bit of a sister complex. I don't know the exact reason, but from the information we found, she only had Cornelia as a family since their parents died. So it is only natural if Cornelia is the only one she trusts. Ironically, that's what led to her death—she followed Cornelia's plan without knowing Cornelia intended to get rid of her in the future.
...
Back then, I knew something was off. I had spent time with her and sensed it, but I ignored it.
If only I had realized sooner, maybe we could've all been saved. The same goes for Betania. If only I had been more aware...
I bit my lip.
There's no time to regret. I'm here now, and I have to make that dream come true.
Yes—the dream where all my friends are safe.
"Ngh."
When I reached the upper floor, I saw two familiar faces near the stairs: Almira and Gilda.
"Oh, hi Sahabi," Almira greeted.
"Hi, Almira. Hi, Gilda."
"Sahabi, Betania's been looking for you everywhere. Where have you been?" Almira scolded.
"Actually, I've been looking for her too. Do you know where she is now?" I asked in a rush.
"She's in the upper lobby. You should go to her now," Gilda said.
"Thanks," I replied gratefully.
"Make sure you apologize, too," Almira added.
"Of course," I said with a small smile.
I ran upstairs and found her sitting alone in the lobby. I rushed over to her.
"Betania."
...
She looked at me, seeming unimpressed. Was she really mad?
"Betania?"
"Oh, Sahabi. Finally, you're here. Come sit," she said with a smile, patting the seat next to her.
Once I sat down, she pulled something from her bag and showed it to me.
"Look! Before coming here, I ran into Asahina and Ogami, and they gave me the book I asked for," she said, handing me the book.
"Oh yeah? Hmm... *Mastering Martial Arts in 3 Steps*," I read the title aloud.
"Yup. It's short and easy to understand—even for someone like me," she said happily.
"Huh... So, why do you need it?" I asked, a bit concerned.
"Well, you said you wanted to be stronger or at least learn self-defense. So I asked them if they had any books you could use," she explained.
"Huh? I said that?" I asked, confused.
"Yeah, you told me. Did you forget?" she asked curiously.
"Um, well... of course I remember. Haha," I answered nervously.
"..." She looked at me suspiciously.
"Hmm... so, have you read it yet?" I asked, trying to change the subject.
"Yes, of course."
"So what's the first step?"
"Training."
"Ngh. Second step?"
"Training."
"Don't tell me the third step is training too," I said, sounding disappointed.
"Wrong," she replied with a smile.
"Huh? Then what is it?"
"Find and protect your precious person," she said confidently.
"Well, that's deep."
"Yeah, and for some reason, it makes total sense," she said happily.
"Ngh sounds like you don't think the first two steps make sense," I said, concerned.
"Hmm, of course. Actually, I think you don't need to train just to protect someone you care about."
"Huh?"
"I mean, there are many ways to protect someone precious to you," she said, gazing into the distance.
"Well, yeah, but... this book *is* about martial arts," I said, tapping the book cover.
"Oh, right. I forgot," she said, laughing.
She looked cheerful and fine, but just like Almira said—I had to apologize. I didn't know what place she meant by 'the usual spot,' and I ended up making her wait. She must've been upset waiting that long. But...
...
There's something more important than that, and I had to say it.
...
Betania. Betania Halimah. She was...
...
In the tourney, she died after a failed attempt to kill Najam. She was desperate and couldn't take the pressure. If only I had noticed, if only I had been more sensitive—if only I had been stronger. I could've stopped her. I could've saved her.
She did something she shouldn't have. But it's because I wasn't paying attention. She wanted to use me, but in the end, she still protected me. She left a message behind to protect me. And even though she died, the fact that she left that behind saved my life. That's real.
She shouldn't have died. But because I was careless, she did. I failed to keep my promise to get her out.
I have to apologize—for letting her go that far, for letting her die.
"Um..." I murmured, trying to begin.
"It's okay, Sahabi," she said with a smile.
"Huh?" I replied, startled.
"You don't need to worry that I'm mad because you made me wait. It can't be helped—you didn't know the place," she said gently.
"What? Uh... well, thanks, but—"
"That's okay too, Sahabi," she said again, smiling.
"Huh?" I was even more confused.
"You don't need to apologize. If I do something, it's my responsibility. If it goes wrong, it's not your fault. I'm already happy just having you here with me now," she said, sincerely.
"H-How did you know?" I asked, surprised.
"Well... it's because I'm a witch," she said seriously.
I froze.
I remembered my memories in the future. The words she just said were the exact same words she said to me when I spent time with her just before she was finally killed.
"Hehe, just kidding! Actually..." she said playfully.
That's...
"Sahabi?" she called.
...not fair.
"Sahabi?" she said again, sounding worried.
Even if it's just intuition. Even if it's a coincidence. Even if, by chance, she really *is* a witch...
"Sahabi?!" she called again, now in a panic.
That's not fair!!!
Suddenly, she pulled me close and hugged me tightly against her chest.
...
"It's okay, Sahabi," she said, holding me tighter.
"But—"
"I'm sorry."
"But—"
"Yes, I forgive you, okay."
"Let me say something—"
"No, you don't need to," she said, gently stroking my head.
"Why..."
"I don't know. But I'm sure you've been through a lot up until now."
...
"Just calm down, okay?" she said, continuing to stroke my hair.
"Well... I'm fine."
"Wrong. You're wrong again, Sahabi," she said kindly.
...
"If you're really fine, then why are you crying again?" she asked, gently.
"Huh?"
"You suddenly started crying while we were talking. That's why I hugged you," she said softly.
...
"So that's it," I said, relieved.
"Yeah. So for now, just calm down, okay?"
...
I didn't know why, but I felt a little sleepy. I must've been more exhausted than I thought. Just like she said—I needed to calm down.
What a crybaby, crying in front of someone important to me *twice*.
I closed my eyes.