[Music Recommendation: "A Sweet Smile" by Yu-Peng Chen (Genshin Impact OST) - available in Youtube or Spotify] ~ Please listen to it in a loop while you read this part to experience the utmost beauty of this chapter ~

Hora's eyes went big in an instant. Ha-ha-ha! What sweet and perfect timing to add fuel to my revenge.

"That's…"

"Uh-oh. She's having trouble thinking of an excuse to me," I said in a sing-sang, deliberately teasing her, while handing over the phone to her. "You can tell me about it later. For now, answer your lover boy."

Hora's cute face grimaced. She wanted to rebut so much to me but unfortunately, she had to take the call.

Toot!

"H-hello," she shyly answered.

I immediately sat beside her and leaned over the other side of her phone, trying to listen to their conversation. Of course, Hora shooed me away and glared at me. I laughed at her cute expression. Her face was still so red. I wasn't sure if it was because I tickled her or because she was talking with Verrill. I vote for the latter.

"Uh-huh."

"Yes."

"That's great!"

"Okay."

Those were the only words she said. Stingy girl. She was probably holding out her words or else I'd find something to tease her about. I'd still tease her though, even without it. The fact that Verrill called her was enough to awaken the fangirl inside me.

'She thinks that she's the only fangirl here, huh? Nuh-uh! First and foremost, I'm the number one fan of the VeRa ship. Yes, Ve-Ra for Verrill and Hora. Sounds cool, right? He-he-he-he.'

Their call took only a few minutes and Hora already said her goodbye.

"Tsk! Tsk! This girl really doesn't know how to flirt. She could have said something nice or try to prolong the conversation," I complained to her the moment she hung up.

"Ooooh. So you're an expert at flirting now?" Hora raised her eyebrow at me. "Say that to me when you have a boyfriend already."

'Urk! Oops.'

"Also," she continued, "just so we're clear—"

I smiled and nodded at her, excited to hear what the call was about.

"The reason why I have his number and he has mine, and we're 'calling buddies' as you called it, is all because of YOU."

"Huh?! Me? What did I do?"

"You fought with Callan remember? And you two kept ignoring each other for days. So I got worried. And one day, I happened to bump into him so I asked for news since you don't want to talk about it saying your blood boils every time you remember him," she said all that in a single breath and shrugged afterwards.

Now, it was my turn to blink my eyes.

"Oh. So it's because of that. He-he…" I laughed awkwardly. "Then what's the call about?"

"He just informed me that you made up with Callan."

"Aaahh, I see. Yes, we just made up today—this morning, actually."

"Uh-huh. And that's that. End of story."

"But he could have just texted you. Why call?"

Hora squinted her eyes towards me.

"Really, Sena? Are you going to put meanings behind anything? Even something as normal as a call?"

"I'm just saying," I shrugged. "I still remember that time where he patted your head and said you're so cute. You can't tell me not to ship," I teased and winked at her. "I am the president of the VeRa ship, you know."

"Aight. I'm outta here."

Hora turned her back at me and walked towards the door.

"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Hey! Don't go! Okay, I'll stop."

I immediately grabbed her arm to stop her. Hora was really fun to tease.

"Oh yeah! This is my room. You get out," she pointed her fingers at the door while glaring at me. "I'm going to watch Playful Kiss now. I have a date with Kim Hyun‑joong so don't bother me."

She then pushed me outside her room. Bad Hora, kicking me out.

"But I haven't gotten my motivation yet!" I tried complaining but before I knew it, I was already outside her room.

Click!

Great! She even locked it.

"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Hora is so funny."

[Music Recommendation: "Interweave" by Chewie Melodies (Genshin Impact OST)]

Shaking my head, I went on my way. To where? I didn't know. I just thought that maybe I needed a little walk or a change of ambiance. The Ma Residence was a really beautiful place. Maybe I'd be able to find some inspiration somewhere.

I went downstairs, then upstairs, visited a couple of rooms, and greeted the servants I passed by.

While walking aimlessly for half an hour… I got lost.

"Oh no. Where am I?"

I spun my head around, and there was no one. I thought that since there were maids and butler all over the place, I shouldn't have trouble going back to my room. But it seemed to be a wrong idea.

Yes… I had no sense of direction. Ever since we arrived at the Ma Residence, we had always been accompanied by a maid or a butler, guiding us to wherever we needed to go. Mr. Wei gave us a tour way, way back but just as I wasn't good with distinguishing between cars, or forgetting names as soon as I heard them… the same rule applied with places for me.

"Hello? Anyone there?" I asked but only silence was returned to me. "Where in the world am I? And why is this mansion so big? Someone help me, please. Hu-hu-hu."

Good thing it was bright or else, the whole surroundings would feel like that of a horror movie. I tried walking again, along the long hallway, trying to check the rooms I passed by but they were all empty.

Alas, I stumbled at a dead end—just a lone room at the end of the corridor. I tried opening the door but it was locked so I turned around again, trying to remember which way I went.

"Sniff… sniff… I'm really lost. And there's no one around. I didn't bring my phone with me, either. How will I go back?" I murmured to myself, almost crying. Feeling hopeless, I joined my hands and started praying, "Dear Gracious Lord, please help meeee. I promise to be good and not wander around alone anymore. I'm scared."

Then, I heard the door behind me unlock.

My eyes shot open in an instant and my heart beat loudly in my fear.

'OMG! W-what is that? The door was locked a few moments ago. Could it be? A g-ghost?'