Chapter 5: Sweetness and Crisis

The next morning, Giovanni stepped into the classroom and immediately felt all eyes on him. He kept his head down, organizing his backpack to avoid the curious stares, but whispers drifted from behind him. A group of girls huddled together, murmuring softly. One said, "Have you heard about Sophia's family? They're supposedly tied to some mysterious organization, always so secretive." Another lowered her voice, adding, "And Isabella—her family's company isn't simple either. It's like they're hiding some big secret." Giovanni lifted his head, pretending not to hear, but a ripple of doubt stirred within him: *"Are they really just ordinary classmates?"*

At that moment, Sophia and Isabella—the two school beauties—sat down beside him simultaneously. Sophia handed him a cup of hot coffee, while Isabella offered a homemade chocolate cake.

"Giovanni, I heard you've been through a lot lately. I made this coffee just for you," Sophia said in a sweet voice, her eyes carrying a gentle warmth tinged with something deeper.

"Hey, coffee alone isn't enough! Have some sweets to boost your energy!" Isabella chimed in, eagerly shoving the cake into his hands and leaning closer. "So, how's it taste? Pretty good, right?"

Giovanni felt overwhelmed, waving his hands hastily. "Thanks for the kindness, but I really don't need all this…" He stole a glance at them, his mind flashing to the whispers he'd just overheard: *"Mysterious organization? Big secrets? Who are they really?"* The entire classroom's attention fixed on the trio, the buzz of gossip rising and falling like an invisible net closing around him.

Sophia launched into a story about a charity event she'd attended over the weekend, aiming to showcase her elegance and compassion. Isabella countered with chatter about her favorite band, fishing for common ground. Their relentless onslaught left Giovanni breathless.

"It seems our master's quite the star now," Arethia's voice suddenly echoed in his mind, dripping with jealousy. "Should I chase off these annoying flies for you?"

Giovanni nearly burst out laughing, stifling it to whisper back, "Don't cause trouble—they're just classmates." But his heart tightened; the shadow of those rumors made him wary of their sudden "enthusiasm."

During the break, Giovanni seized the chance to slip out of the classroom and head to the rooftop for some air. Pushing open the door, he found Arethia already leaning against the railing, a sly smile playing on her lips.

"Master, need help ditching those 'suitors'?" she teased, winking with a mischievous glint in her eye.

Giovanni sighed helplessly. "Please, no chaos. They're just classmates—probably curious, that's all." He paused, then added quietly, "But I overheard some odd rumors about Sophia and Isabella's families being unusual. What do you think?"

Arethia pursed her lips, her emerald eyes flashing with caution. "Master, mortals are masters of disguise, especially girls like them. I've warned you—they might have ulterior motives for getting close."

Giovanni chuckled. "Didn't expect you to get jealous." He shook his head with a smile, but his thoughts darkened: *"If the rumors are true, what are they after?"*

Footsteps echoed from the stairwell, and Sophia and Isabella appeared on the rooftop.

"Giovanni, why'd you sneak up here alone?" Isabella asked first, her tone carrying a playful pout.

Sophia smiled softly, stepping beside him. "The view's nice up here, but next time, invite us along, okay?"

Arethia rolled her eyes at the sight. With a subtle flick of her hand, a faint ripple of magic pulsed through the air, lifting Sophia's skirt in a sudden gust. Sophia yelped, frantically pressing it down as her face flushed crimson.

"What's going on?!" Sophia exclaimed, wide-eyed, scanning around but finding nothing amiss.

Isabella burst into laughter. "Sophia, you're so dramatic!"

Arethia shot Giovanni a triumphant wink. "Master, just a little punishment."

Giovanni stifled a laugh, pretending he hadn't noticed, and quickly changed the subject. "Uh, it's getting late. We should head back to class."

After school, Giovanni walked home with Arethia. The setting sun bathed the streets in gold, gilding their silhouettes with a warm hue.

"Master, what do you think of those two girls?" Arethia asked abruptly, her tone probing.

Giovanni paused, then gave a wry smile. "What's to think? Just classmates… though I heard rumors today about their families being unusual. I'm not sure what to make of it." He stopped walking, his gaze drifting to the distant street, his father's scorched letter flickering in his mind.

Arethia huffed. "See? I told you—mortals always have their schemes. You'd better watch out, or their sweet talk might fool you."

Giovanni looked at her earnestly. "Arethia, I know you're protecting me. Honestly, my life only started to mean something after meeting you. Without you, I'd have crumbled under those guys by now." He paused, adding softly, "But Sophia and Isabella… are they really just trying to help?"

Arethia froze, a mix of emotions flickering in her eyes. She lowered her head, whispering, "Master, you're a strange one—so timid, yet you always step up when it counts." She looked up, her gaze softening. "As for those girls, I can't read their intentions. But if they dare harm you, I won't let them off."

They shared a smile, the air filling with a warm, tender ambiguity. But the cozy moment didn't last. When they reached the apartment, they found an anonymous note taped to the door, bearing a single line:

**"The secrets of Pompeii are far more dangerous than you imagine. Beware the eyes behind you."**

Arethia frowned. "Master, it seems our enemies have set their sights on Pompeii. We need to act fast, or we might stumble into bigger trouble."

Giovanni clenched his fists, his eyes resolute. "Whatever lies ahead, we'll face it together."

Outside, night deepened, clouds once again cloaking the sky. A greater storm was brewing…