The taste of the cake, the sensation of her warm hands. Both still lingered.

[BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.]

That wasn’t just a dream, it was a message. Moreover, I don’t recall holding such a conversation with Novelle. At least, from among the fragments of Shin’s memory that I remember.

“What the hell. When did I have such a conversation with Novelle.”

“Who’s Novelle?”

“Lia?”

“Can you let go?”

Hirs voice was abysmal.

“Let go.”

I had been holding hirs hands since when?

“S-Sorry.”

“You siscon, I want to go to bed, shut the alarm.”

[BEEP. BEEP. BE..]

I took my glasses and wore it.

[Good morning master.]

[Morning Randell.]

I turned to look at Lia once more, xe had fast fallen asleep.

[Avner, who is this Novelle? Is it Shin’s girlfriend?]

“Yes. Randell, can you pull up the notebook document?”

[The one pertaining to your past life, on the way.]

I better note down everything Novelle told me before I forget.

===

What exactly is a ? It’s got a ring to it I can’t quite put my finger on.

Novelle said that she removed the curse, which had already happened. I honestly can’t remember when she asked me for my favorite characters. Looks like she tossed me into Avner’s body instead of some mob character.

The dream feels like a lost memory.

If that’s the case then will I receive any more?

Novelle is here in this world. She said it herself. I just have to find her and call her .

Also, I can’t forget that crucial info about Pu’er. The reason why hirs personality will undergo a shift is because hirs memories will return. My only guess is that it’ll happen when xe awakens as an angel fledgling. I can’t think of any other coincidences that would click.

If that’s the case, what should I do?

Cain said that xe was the 233rd Avner’s advisor. Do I take it that xe’s loyal to the 233rd and not the 234th Avner?

Moreover..

“What’s wrong?”

“My teeth hurts.”

My mom, who noticed Lia’s bad appetite, asked.

“This one,” xe wiggled it in front of us.

“Maybe you should just pull it, it’s going to fall off anytime soon,” aether said.

“No! You can’t!”

“Then you’ll not be able to eat.”

“I’m scared..”

Lia shrank.

“Want me to pull it out?”

“No!”

I was joking. You didn’t need to jump away from your seat.

“Avner, the school has reviewed your NtBM test results, they said you’re free to go back to school. Really, do these people think it’s free to do these tests?”

“Got it mom, thanks.”

“Your exam results should be out this week, be sure to tell us when you get them.”

I nodded, returning to eat my meal of meat ball noodles with cricket seasoning.

===

I got to class, a fresh new day right after the exam.

If anything, the tension and mood was stifling. That previous exam was a mock. The real exam to determine whether one enters the art classes or science classes will be held a few weeks from now.

While walking to my seat, I checked my notifications.

I saw Lynda’s message of apology. I hadn’t replied to it yet. Until it’s clear that she’s got bitten, or that she’s aware of herself being a victim of NtBM and calls out for help, I’ll not get involved.

There’s another message from Cain. He’s telling me to join the baking club next year as he’ll remain as the teacher in charge.

Come to think of it, Cain is a pastry maker. I should try some of his creations some time.

Xe’s early.

I noticed Pu’er take a seat from the corner of my eyes.

“Morning Ares,” I waved.

“Oh hey, morning.”

He shook off his other friends in a friendly manner and came over to sit at the chair in front of me.

“Are you nervous?”

“Not really.”

“You’ve grown so much, I’m so proud of you. By the way, I heard a few people had been asked to take an NtBM yesterday. Do you think anyone is infected?”

“I don’t think so?”

Lynda’s name comes to mind. Though, she wouldn’t need to take the test unless she has been suspected, like me.

“Who knows right? Just like Almore school.”

Ares sounded pretty excited for it. The school will go into lockdown and everyone will be forced to stay at home. No need to come to school. A win-win situation for both students and teachers.

After all, the weeks leading up to the exam will be solely focused on revision questions.

“Hey, Avner, did you open the letter?”

And so his true intention bubbled to the surface.

“Yes.”

“What did xe say?”

“Xe told me to meet hir up at the park near our house.”

“What?! Xe lives near your place?”

“I think.”

Ares looked behind me. I turned around. There was Pu’er, xe dropped her head to the table with a thud when xe met my eyes. Ouch, that must have hurt.

“What are you going to say? Have you prepared a script?”

I shook my head and thought maybe tell Ares that I plan to reject hir. Thinking about it some more, it might not be a good idea. He’ll just tell Pu’er about it if I told him.