5. Best Friend

The weather was bright and sunny, accompanied by a gentle breeze that made it perfect for spending time outdoors. It was the kind of day that invited people to enjoy the fresh air, and Serena was no exception.

After her meeting with David, Serena decided not to go home just yet. Instead, she chose to return to her campus dormitory to pick up a few things she wanted to bring back home.

She had made the decision to move back in with her mother. However, if her college schedule became too hectic, she would occasionally stay in the dorm.

As Serena made her way to her dorm room, she unexpectedly crossed paths with someone from her past—her former best friend.

Her eyes met Iril's.

Iril looked like she wanted to say something but hesitated. The memory of their argument—the one that had driven them apart—flashed through her mind. Without a word, she turned around and walked away from Serena.

"Ril..."

Serena called out.

Iril's steps faltered. She slowly turned back to face Serena, but she said nothing.

"Can we talk?" Serena asked.

Iril remained silent for a moment before nodding in agreement.

Together, they walked to a secluded garden on campus, a place rarely visited by other students.

As they sat on a bench, an awkward silence lingered between them.

"I'm sorry," Serena suddenly spoke.

Iril's eyes widened in surprise as she turned to face Serena.

"I know it wasn't your fault that Professor Darian is close to my mom. Maybe I took out my frustration on you just because he's your advisor. So... I'm really sorry."

Iril stared at Serena intently.

"Are you really my best friend, Serena?" Iril asked, puzzled.

"Wha—" Serena was caught off guard by the question.

"I mean, you seem... different. More mature. It's like you're not the same Serena I used to know."

Serena rolled her eyes.

"Of course, I'm mature now. My soul is already 35 years old, even though my body is only in its twenties," Serena thought to herself.

"You're missing the point, Ril. It's not about how much I've changed—I just want to apologize," Serena replied.

Iril blinked as if processing her words.

"Oh..."

Serena looked at Iril.

Iril looked at Serena.

Then, suddenly, both of them burst into laughter.

Once their laughter died down, a sense of relief settled between them.

"So, do you forgive me?" Serena asked, wanting confirmation.

"Let's put the past behind us," Iril said. "But tell me honestly... What made you suddenly decide to apologize? Does this mean you're okay with your mom being with Professor Darian now?"

Serena fell silent.

In truth, she didn't know how to feel about Elena and Darian's relationship. While she wanted her mother to be happy, there was an unsettling feeling about Darian—perhaps because, in a past life, she had wronged him. She had separated him from the woman he loved, and he had been so devoted to Elena that after her passing, he had never remarried and chose to live alone.

"I just want my mom to be happy," Serena finally said with a soft smile. "If Darian can make her happy, then I support them."

Iril said nothing.

Even though they had been out of touch for a while, she could feel that Serena had truly changed. Something had happened to her—something Iril didn't understand yet.

"What really happened to you, S? What made you change like this?" Iril wondered silently.

"I see..." Iril finally responded.

As if remembering something, Serena suddenly fixed her gaze on Iril.

"Wha... What? Look, even if you stare at me with that much emotion, I need to tell you that I'm still into guys," Iril said teasingly, though there was a hint of nervousness in her voice.

"Oh, shut up. I'm into guys too, okay?" Serena shot back, already knowing how Iril's mind worked.

"Listen, do you know someone who can find information on people?"

"Like... a detective agency?"

"Yes."

"Hmm..." Iril thought for a moment. "Who do you need information on?"

Serena hesitated.

It wasn't a big secret, and in truth, the thought of looking for information had only come to her after her recent encounter with David. However, for now, she didn't want anyone else to know about it.

"I can't tell you," Serena admitted, feeling a little guilty.

But instead of being offended, Iril just smiled.

"It's okay. I was just curious. If it's something private, I won't push."

"So... do you know anyone?"

"Hmm... I only know someone vaguely. He's a friend of my cousin. I'll text my cousin and ask."

Iril pulled out her phone and immediately sent a message.

"How do you even know that your cousin's friend does this kind of work?" Serena asked, intrigued.

"Because my cousin hires him often to gather information." Iril replied casually.

"Ohh... What's his name?"

"His name is Frau Knight."

The moment the name left Iril's lips, Serena's eyes widened.

She knew that name.

Because in the future, Frau Knight was destined to be Iril's husband.