23rd Dawn - Friendship Over

I remain in a tight spot for what feels like an eternity.

Felicity's words are piercing and misleading at the same time. She makes it sound like I'm trying to snatch Sol away from her, which I would never do even if it's the end of the world. I'm not that desparate, and it's also obvious that they like each other. However, I know that denying the first half part of what she said means I'm lying, and so I decided to finally confess as well.

"It's true that I've had feelings for Sol, but I've already given up since the two of you are already engaged. I also don't want to ruin our friendship over this so I hid from both of you when my mind was still a mess. I don't intend to stir any misunderstandings or trouble by doing so, however," I started after a short pause.

"You don't want to ruin our friendship, you say?"

My eyes widened in flummox when Felicity suddenly shows a scheming smile. It's as if she's veiling her true colors underneath a grin. At this point, I'm starting to be convinced that she'd been wearing that mask all this time.

"But what if severing your ties with us could also mean you can save it? It's ironic, I know. But the thing is, if you want to stay friends with me, you have to stay away from Sol..."

I freeze at the spot the moment she dropped that bomb.

I can't believe she'd go all that way for something like this. I wasn't even trying to do anything.

"Does Sol know that you're like this?" I asked, voice low and gruffly.

"I wonder... Maybe not?" she replied, feigning innocence.

"You see, Lillian, Sol has been friends with me since we're little. Our engagement was initially planned to be announced after our coming-of-age, but then, some pest suddenly came into picture and made me decide to push my parents to move it earlier than expected... Aren't you glad, Lillian? Out of all the women who've been flocking around Sol for many years, you're the only girl I saw as a competent rival..."

As Felicity's twisted nature continues to seep through her angelic facade at this moment, I finally found the urge to pull myself together and defend myself. I then narrow my eyes at her in return, brows furrowed together.

"How come I was competent? I'm nobody compared to you..." I retorted, mirroring the dark glint glazing her eyes.

"That's why it's infuriating! You're nothing compared to me but Sol paid all that attention-"

Both Felicity and I are caught off guard by what she said. She then starts to fidget around, regretting almost saying what seemed like something she shouldn't have said. I peer at her in puzzlement. That's until two figures approach us all of the sudden.

"Lily, we have to go. Now," Lewis suddenly bolted out before abruptly grabbing my arm and dragging me away.

He seemed to have failed to notice Felicity's presence and didn't even try to understand the truculent atmosphere weighing in the room. Along with his companion, Julius, he just continues tugging on me until we reach the door. I take one last glance at Felicity, who's now mustering a confounded expression.

Then with that, I already have a guess that it'll be the last time we ever see each other as friends.

Since my mind's still muddled by the previous confrontation, I just let Lewis and Julius take me to who knows where. I didn't even notice that we're already outside of the building when Lewis finally stops pulling me.

"Uh... Lily? I'm sorry for that. Did it hurt? Was my grip too tight?" he inquired, snapping me out of my daze.

"O-Oh, no, no! I'm fine..." I stammered out in surprise.

"Really? You look like you're about to cry, though."

True to his words, I can feel tears pooling my eyelids. I immediately rub them off with the hem of my sleeve but Lewis suddenly stops me and hands over his handkerchief. Surprised, I tilt my head upward to meet his concerned expression. I then slowly reach out for it and wipe my tears as he continues peering at me questioningly.

"I'm sorry if I'm disturbing, but we really have to go further than this," Julius chimed in all of the sudden.

"Go further? What do you mean?" I asked, baffled.

"I'll just tell you later this afternoon, Lily. For now, we have to go," Lewis replied before holding my hand and hauling me away with his friend in tow.

The three of us ended up taking a break in a cafe. I didn't find it in myself to complain since Lewis paid for it himself, probably as thanks for letting him submit that painting. I ordered a strawberry shortcake while the two settled for coffee.

"Lady, I forgot to introduce myself earlier. My name's Julius, by the way. I'm his friend and assis-"

"Lily, what about earlier? Are you okay?"

I almost jolt in flummox when Lewis suddenly cuts Julius's introduction off. His friend whimpers and silently broods at this, but he remains indifferent. I'm starting to doubt that they're actually friends.

"Nice to meet you, too, Julius. Also, Lewis, that's rude. What did I say about manners?" I chided, crossing my arms and pouting at him.

The two of them only give me a look until Julius suddenly bursts into laughter. I'm not really sure what's so amusing, but he seems to be enjoying himself very much.

"What's this, Lewis? You're actually being lectured about manners? Really, Lewis? Pfft...!"

"Shut up, Julius."

All the while, I just stare at them with a stupefied face. Lewis's buddy seems to be a peculiar one as well.