Alone

White's POV

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself before approaching Maki. My heart was heavy with guilt. I'd treated her poorly, always keeping her at arm's length, making her feel small when all she ever did was help me.

Maki had been there for me in ways no one else dared to be—helping me in the washroom, picking me up late at night, taking me to the nurse when I fainted. And yet, I always pushed her away. Sometimes it was because of Master Amin or Hugo. Other times, it was because of my own fear. I was afraid. Afraid that if she got too close, she'd eventually leave—just like...

I shook my head, brushing off the thought. Now wasn't the time.

"Maki?" I called softly.

She looked at me, her calm expression catching me off guard. Why was it so hard to approach people? I used to do this so effortlessly as a child. Now, every step felt like wading through quicksand.

"I wanted to talk to you," I said, my voice faltering slightly.

Her gaze didn't waver, so I pressed on, pausing to gather my thoughts. "I... I just wanted to thank you. For everything. You didn't have to help me, but you did. And I appreciate it."

Her surprise was evident. I doubted she expected this from me, and for a moment, I feared she might reject it. But instead, her face softened, and she took my outstretched hand in a firm handshake.

Her warmth caught me off guard.

.

.

.

I turned to leave, feeling like I had finally done one thing right. But before I could take another step, Maki's voice stopped me.

"White..."

I turned back, nervous. Was there something else she needed?

She held out a small locket, its delicate chain glinting in the light. "Is this yours? I found it in the library the day you fainted."

Relief flooded me as I saw it. My locket—my strength. I reached out, clutching it tightly as though it might slip away again.

"Thank you," I murmured.

"If you don't mind me asking," Maki said cautiously, "what kind of locket is this? It doesn't seem like your style."

Her words lingered in the air. My hands trembled as I held the small trinket, the memories rushing back unbidden. Nai's laughter. His promises. His betrayal.

I hesitated. "It's... It's all I have left of someone important to me," I said finally. "Even if it doesn't suit me, it matters."

Maki nodded, sensing my unease. But then she asked, "The person must have been really important to you. You've kept it safe all this time."

I stared at the locket, its smooth surface glinting faintly.

Flashback – Eight Years Ago

We sat beneath the old oak tree near our school, the sun filtering through its branches. I was crying, and Nai sat close, holding my hands tightly.

"I know I have to leave, but I promise, White..." His voice was steady, but his eyes betrayed the sadness he felt. "I'll call you whenever I can. And on your birthday, I'll come see you. I promise."

Tears streamed down my face as I clung to his words. "Promise?"

"Promise," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips.

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The first few days after Nai left were bearable. We talked on the phone, exchanged letters. But as time went on, the calls became fewer, the letters stopped.

Whenever I tried to reach him, his family's maid would answer, telling me Nai was busy and would call back. But he never did.

Still, I clung to hope. He promised he'd come on my birthday. He wouldn't break that promise.

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.

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On White's Birthday

The day passed in silence. I waited by the phone, jumping at every sound, hoping it was him. But no call came. No message.

The hours dragged on, and the excitement I had felt that morning turned into crushing disappointment. By nightfall, I realized the truth: Nai wasn't coming.

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The Next Day

I walked into school, my heart heavy. Luna approached me, her usual smirk plastered across her face.

"Hello, birthday girl. How was your day yesterday? Did someone special surprise you?" Her tone was mocking, her words dripping with insincerity.

"No," I said curtly. "It was quiet."

She raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. "Really? That's odd. Nai seemed like the type to go all out for you. I guess he was busy... with someone else."

Her words sent a jolt through me. "What do you mean?"

Luna pulled out her phone, showing me a photo from Nai's social media. He was with another girl, smiling brightly. The caption read: "Best day ever with my favorite person."

The words blurred before my eyes, my chest tightening painfully.

"Guess you're not his 'favorite' anymore," Luna sneered.

I barely heard her. My mind was spinning. Nai had promised he'd always be there for me. That he'd never leave. And yet, he had abandoned me, just like everyone else.

Flashback end

Maki's voice pulled me back to the present.

"The person must have been important to you," she repeated softly.

I looked at the locket one last time before tucking it away. "This... this reminds me of my biggest mistake. It's a reminder to never trust anyone again."

Maki's expression was unreadable, but she didn't press further.

As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel the weight of my words. Nai had been my world once. But now, he was nothing more than a painful memory, a chapter of my life I wished I could forget but never would.

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The End

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