Reminiscing at the Sunflower Field

Noah never knew that Allen was capable of such humour.

He's now aimlessly walking down the hallway while looking like a lost puppy who'd been kicked out of the house, unknowingly deceiving everyone who happened to see him. In their eyes, he still appeared endearingly charming even with such a melancholic profile, but in reality, he's cursing a certain traitor in his head.

Spacing out, Noah didn't notice he just reached a vast field immersed in the tender rays of the morning sun which was fortunately lenient today. With such a clear weather, the place gave off a reposeful ambience. A festival of flowers danced along the blowing wind, painting the whole scenery in different hues and emotions. Absorbed in the dazzling picturesque view, Noah found himself rid of his foul mood.

He sauntered to a lone tree on a small hill surrounded by sunflowers before lying on the grassy ground. Resting an arm on his forehead, he decided to relish this moment of comforting silence as he watched the clouds passed by. The pleasant quietude then eventually lulled him to slumber.

---

Piercing cries for mercy.

Crumbles and ruins.

Swamps of the deceased.

Seas of fire and ashes.

Though a spine-chilling sight one couldn't do anything about but behold, he wasn't just a mere witness here. Indeed, such a nightmarish display of ire wasn't plotted by the coldblooded Empress alone.

While she coveted world conquest, a young mind governed the darkness.

"Another job well done, Your Highness..."

"I only did what I was told, Mother."

Then, a light pat on his head – like a pet who just pleased its owner.

All he could do in response was muster an aloof expression. He's neither delighted nor appalled. At that moment, he's but an empty shell whose fate was sealed in the hands of a vicious woman.

"You can still do it..."

"...You can be free..."

"...Let's escape together..."

"...Noah."

---

"Ugh..."

Still on the grass, the blonde moaned in his sleep. Yet, those hollow voices from his faraway past kept stirring him awake, not offering a single moment of peace. In broad daylight, he's having a nightmare for unknown reasons. That's until a sudden gentle caress on his head made him stop shifting around.

"...sident."

His eyes then flew open at the soft voice.

"Vice President?"

Noah looked up to find strands of scintillating golden hair rivalling the radiance of the surrounding sunflowers. Along with it was the lovely frame of a female student with keen, shimmering bluish grey pupils and balmy, pink lips. The sight reminded him of a distant memory that kept flashing through his mind as of late. Her concerned, yet serene expression was reminiscent of the same person in his dream.

"Are you okay, Vice President?" she asked, helping him sit upright again.

"You don't have to do that. I'm alright... Wait, who are you?"

Noah was known for his candour, always getting straight to the point. With his popularity, everyone but the ignorant was aware of his blunt, yet engaging character. That's why the blonde only smiled at him and introduced herself, unoffended.

"I'm Cosette, a third year. I was in the middle of my club activity when I saw you and thought you had collapsed... Turned out you're just fine. Sorry for disturbing your rest."

"It's fine. Thanks for the trouble, anyway."

Actually, Noah was relieved that someone woke him up. He couldn't bear dreaming about those times any longer. Wanting to forget it happened, he just peered at his upperclassman who's now rummaging something beside her. Taking a peek, he then found a set of gardening tools scattered on the ground.

"You're part of the Gardening Club?" he asked.

"Yes. I take care of these sunflowers in particular," she answered, putting a stray lock behind her ear before fondling the yellow petals with her candle-like fingers.

"I see... They're beautiful, and so is this whole field. I can't believe I never took a nap here before."

"Thank you. You seem to be enjoying this view very much."

It sounded like passing comment at first, but after properly registering it in his head, Noah found himself recalling another distant memory again.

Turning to admire the lush greenery, he couldn't help but remember Hal and those carefree days they spent playing around. In the past, he'd often sneak out and join him in the meadow, revelling in the comfort and gaiety of their favourite escape from reality.

"Hey, Noah! Wanna climb trees? I bet they never let you do that back there."

"Is that a challenge, Harrison?"

"Well, yeah. What, chickening out?"

"As if! I'll show you what a tree-climbing champion is capable of!"

"Pffftttt...! So, in other words, a monkey?"

"Hey!"

They're still as fresh as yesterday – the times he cherished the most, just as much as he treasured this friend of his.

Hal and Noah had been friends since they were little. He used to escape his stifling life and hang out with this ordinary villager. He who's not fond of spending his days tediously always took refuge in the company of someone who truly understands him. Since they met, they've been together until they grew up.

As close as brothers - they stick with each other all the time.

Because of Hal, Noah didn't grow naive and clueless of the outside world. He became aware of the empire's true condition and witnessed the villagers' lives with his own eyes. He learned a lot of things just by being with him, and his presence alone had helped him overcome many obstacles.

That's until one dreadful day came - an eye-opening, decisive moment that forced him to choose side from the two most important people in his life.