Maria and Daria

Leina barely noticed when she walked back into the classroom.

Her mind was still trapped in the library, tangled in Susain's words.

"That friend of yours… You know what happened to her, don't you?"

The question rattled inside her skull like a puzzle piece that didn't fit.

She barely heard Madam Beatrice calling for attention at the front of the classroom.

"We have two new students joining us today," the teacher announced, her voice cutting through the fog in Leina's head. "Maria and Daria, come introduce yourselves."

Leina blinked, glancing up as two girls stepped forward.

They were twins.

Both had light brown hair, a shade close to honey, tied into neat ponytails. The only thing that set them apart was the single streak running through their hair—Maria's was a soft golden blond, while Daria's was a deep chestnut.

They looked… normal.

But then they smiled.

"Hi! I'm Maria!" The first twin beamed, rocking back on her heels. "It's so nice to meet everyone!"

"And I'm Daria!" The other one chimed in, waving eagerly. "We just moved here, and we're so excited!"

A few students whispered among themselves, exchanging curious glances.

Leina, still half-dazed from the library, barely reacted.

The twins didn't seem to mind.

"Maria and Daria, you can take the seats behind Leina Reinhardt," Madam Beatrice instructed.

Leina stiffened slightly.

She didn't like people sitting behind her. It made her feel watched.

But she said nothing as the twins practically skipped toward their seats.

As they passed, Maria peeked at Leina's desk. "Ooooh, you like books?"

Daria gasped. "That's so cool! What are you reading?"

Leina hesitated. The enthusiasm in their voices was almost overwhelming. They sounded like normal kids. A little too friendly, maybe, but harmless.

"…It's about ancient civilizations," she finally muttered.

Maria's eyes widened. "Woah! That sounds fancy!"

Daria giggled. "I thought it would be a fairy tale or something! You look like the type who'd read princess stories."

Leina frowned. "I don't."

Maria nudged Daria playfully. "See? She's cooler than we thought!"

Daria giggled again. "Guess so."

Leina blinked. What was with them? Most kids ignored her—or, like Susain, made fun of her. These two? They were acting like they'd known her forever.

She wasn't sure if she liked it.

Class continued, but the twins kept sneaking in little whispers.

"Hey, Leina, do you like sweets?"

"Do you have any pets?"

"Are your brothers really as amazing as everyone says?"

Leina gave short answers when she had to, but mostly, she ignored them.

She just wanted to get through the day.

---

The final bell rang.

Leina exhaled softly, slipping her book into her bag. The school day had passed in a strange blur, and she was ready to leave.

But the twins weren't.

"Leina!"

She turned to see them standing by the door, waiting for her.

She hesitated. "…Yes?"

Maria grinned. "Do you want to walk home together?"

Leina blinked. "No, my brothers are waiting for me."

Daria pouted. "Aww, really? That's sad."

Maria giggled. "She's shy."

Leina frowned. "I'm not shy."

Daria tilted her head. "Then why don't you talk much?"

Leina tightened the strap of her bag. "Because I don't have to."

That should have ended the conversation.

But then, Maria's smile shifted. Just a little.

A little too knowing.

"Aaah," she hummed, rocking on her heels. "That's right. You're really good at keeping quiet, huh?"

Leina froze.

Something in her chest tightened.

Daria's giggle was softer this time. Almost mocking. "Even when you know things?"

Leina's grip on her bag strap tightened.

Maria leaned in slightly, voice a whisper. "Even when bad things happen?"

Leina's heart skipped.

Something was wrong.

The twins still looked the same—still two cheerful, talkative kids with big smiles and wide eyes.

But now… their words felt different.

They knew something.

Daria smiled.

Then, in perfect unison—

"We'll see you tomorrow, Leina."

And they walked away.

Leina stood frozen in place, her stomach twisting.

For the second time that day… someone had hinted at something they *shouldn't* have known.

She didn't like this.

Not one bit.

___

She left the classroom in a hurry, her legs moving faster than usual as she made her way toward the school exit. The large halls felt too big, the students around her too loud.

She needed air.

Needed space.

"Leina!"

She turned, startled.

A tall figure waved at her from the front of the school.

Levy Reinhardt, her second-eldest brother, stood with his arms crossed, waiting impatiently. His golden hair, identical to their father's, was slightly tousled, and he wore his usual confident smirk.

"Come on! We're leaving!" he called. "Stop walking like a ghost!"

Behind him stood her eldest brother, Lester, who simply raised an eyebrow at her.

Leina inhaled, pushing aside the uncomfortable weight in her chest, and walked toward them.

Levy tilted his head as she approached. "You look weird."

Leina sighed. "Thanks."

Lester rolled his eyes. "He means you look tense."

"Yeah, that." Levy shrugged. "Did your teacher give you to much teamwork again?"

Leina hesitated. "…Something like that."

Lester studied her carefully but didn't push.

Levy, on the other hand, grinned. "Well, forget that. You do remember what's happening Saturday, right?"

Leina blinked. "Saturday?"

Levy groaned. "You forgot? We're going to the estate for training! Everyone's going to be there."

Leina suddenly felt very tired.

"Right," she muttered. "Can't wait."

Levy ruffled her hair. "You're such a downer."

Leina didn't answer.

Her thoughts were still tangled.

First Susain. Now the twins.

Her gut told her something wasn't right.

And as she walked with her brothers, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was coming.