Real Identity [Identity V]

"...ker. Wal... ker... Miss Walker."

Ashley groaned, opening her vibrant green eyes, abruptly trying to stand up upon hearing the loud knocks on her door, albeit failing; falling face-first to the ceramic floor.

"Whoa. You okay there, Miss Walker?"

The baritone voice outside the room asked; they probably heard the loud thud coming from inside.

"Y-Yes...! Hold on."

Sighing, Ashley stands up, rubbing her pained forehead softly as she unlocks the door.

Behind the door, Ashley is greeted by Edward—who looked worried with the furrowed eyebrows and awkward smile displayed on his face.

"You don't look so well." The man commented, eyeing at the shorter girl's red forehead.

"Ah... Don't worry about me. Is there anything you need from me, Mister Rausy?" Ashely shook her head slowly, forcing a smile on her face as she asked.

"Edward is fine," The bartender chuckled, "Fye told me to get you. It's time for breakfast. Everyone else is already in the dining hall." He explained.

"Ah, it's morning already?" Ashley asked, her eyes widened slightly in surprise. I guess time goes by so fast when you're tired.

"Yes," Edward chuckled, again, upon noticing the surprise evident on Ashley's face, "get ready, Miss Walker. We'll be waiting at the dining hall." With that, Edward excused himself, leaving Ashley to get ready.

Closing the door, Ashley took a deep breath, walking to the bathroom to take a shower in silence, thoughts entering her mind.

After meeting the others yesterday, she felt like she doesn't belong here. Everyone—well, almost everyone, seem to put their guard up too high around her; not to mention they act harshly towards her. How do I put this? It was like... they treat her like an outcast.

The black-haired girl sighed in frustration, quickly putting on a fresh new outfit from the wardrobe.

She took a step out of the room, closing the door slowly behind her. Once again, she took a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself down; walking to the dining room.

It wouldn't hurt to try to talk to everyone again. Maybe today won't turn out to be as bad as yesterday.

---[★]---[★]---[★]---

"Oh, there you are,"

Upon entering the dining room, everyone's gaze seem to automatically turned to Ashley, making the girl uncomfortable.

It was like they're staring into her soul.

Some looked bored, some looked annoyed—she felt guilty for making everyone wait.

"Took you long enough. I'm starving. Can't start without you." Tyler commented, boredom evident on his blue eyes. He was playing with his spoon and fork a moment ago, though now that Ashley is finally here, he stopped and prepared himself to digest the food in front of him.

Fye waved, quickly patting the empty seat next to him, signalling Ashley to come sit there.

Ashley smiled awkwardly, walking to him and sitting down quietly.

It was quiet for a good while. The atmosphere was extremely tense; the silence felt very uncomfortable. No one dared to open up a conversation.

"Um... I'm sorry to kept everyone waiting..." Ashley was the first to speak up awkwardly, desperately trying to get rid of the heavy atmosphere.