"Luna, y-you're joking, right? That's not true." I let out a deep sigh. This is going to be hard.
"I'm serious, Sol. I'm sorry… but this is for the best."
Before she could say another word, I turned and walked away. As I walked down the corridor, my chest tightened. Something felt wrong—like someone was watching me. Suddenly, I bumped into someone. When I looked up, I froze. In front of me stood a handsome boy with soft pink hair and violet eyes. He was a bit taller than me, slim, and fair-skinned. His lips curved into a flirtatious smile, and I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes at his arrogance.
"Hey, Luna. Long time no see~" he said teasingly. I stared at him coldly.
He was Cl Khaxier Villacorta Millan—the so-called "cute playboy." Girls flocked to him easily; he was good-looking, popular, and one of the eight most admired boys on campus.
"I'm sorry, Sir Millan. I didn't mean to bump into you," I said seriously. "If you'll excuse me, I'll take my leave." Just as I was about to walk away, his hand caught my arm. I looked back at him sharply.
"Woah~ you're acting so cold toward me. Why don't we hang out for a bit?" I frowned.
"Why are you inviting me?" Shouldn't you be inviting Sol, not me?"
"Hmm, let's just say… I have something to tell you," he said with a playful grin.
•••
I looked around the café. So this is what it feels like to step inside a scene from a novel.
"Tell me, who are you?" he suddenly asked. I froze.
"Pardon?"
"I've been watching you lately," he said, eyes narrowing.
"And I noticed—you've changed."
"I didn't change," I answered coldly. He mustn't find out that I'm not the real Luna in this novel.
"Really? Where's the energetic Luna I used to know?" he teased. "I still remember how you used to chase after me like a crazy fan."
"Is that so?" I muttered, avoiding his gaze as I sipped my coffee.
"And I remember when you cried in front of me after I rejected you," he continued. "Or how you got mad at Sol because I chose her instead." I sighed inwardly. What did Luna even see in this guy? He's a walking turn-off. Setting down my cup, I met his gaze squarely. I didn't have time to waste on someone like him.
"You do know I was only pretending to be nice to Sol, right?" I said bluntly. He stared at me in silence. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't bother you two anymore. I'll stay out of your way." His eyes widened slightly in surprise. I stood up, slinging my bag over my shoulder. "Well then, if you'll excuse me."
"Hmm… interesting~" he murmured, his lips curling into a mischievous smile. I gave him a cold glare.
"Oh, and one more thing," I added. "Please act like I don't exist."
He fell silent. I left without looking back.
•••
When I got home, I froze at the sight before me—my soon-to-be mother was hitting my soon-to-be brother.
"I told you to stop taking drugs! What if the police caught you?!" she yelled, furious. My throat tightened as my eyes met his. His gaze was empty, lifeless. He had violet hair and eyes, pale skin, and a tall frame. He was Enzo Achlys Solis Valencia—my supposed twin brother. But the truth was… he wasn't really my twin. He was adopted. That secret would only be revealed at the very end. I stepped closer.
"Mom, calm down. Let me talk to him," I said seriously.
"Then tell your brother to get his act together!" she snapped before storming off. I sighed and sat down across from him. "I won't interfere in your life anymore," I began softly, "but as your twin sister, I'll say this once—stop this, Enzo. You're destroying yourself." He said nothing, eyes still void of emotion. I reached out and gently held his hand. "I'm here for you, Enzo. You have me." He looked up, startled, as I gave him a faint smile—one that felt forced after so long. "Until the day you find someone you'll love for the rest of your life, I won't leave your side," I whispered, pressing my forehead against his. "You have only me, and I have only you. We're twins, after all."
"Why are you saying this?" he asked quietly, his voice still cold.
"I just want you to know… you're not alone." With that, I stood and walked upstairs.
•••
"Mom, I'll go out for a bit," I said later that night.
"Where are you going? It's late already," she asked, frowning. Enzo glanced at me from the couch.
"I just need to buy something from the store," I replied.
"Don't take too long, it's dangerous at night." I nodded, catching Enzo's averted gaze.
A silent sigh escaped me. He hated me—because our mother always gave me more attention. I was her real daughter, after all. I was about to step out when his voice stopped me.
"Do you want me to come with you?" he asked. I smiled faintly.
"No, it's fine. I can take care of myself." Besides, I thought grimly, he might try to kill me someday.
I stepped outside and started walking. The store wasn't close, and it would take several minutes to reach it. Good thing I'd already read this entire story before ending up here—otherwise, I'd have no idea what to do. I stopped when a small cat brushed against my leg. A smile crept onto my face as I crouched down and petted its head.
"You're so cute," I whispered. I'd always loved cats, though I never had time to care for one back when I was working.
"Clover! So you were here!" a male voice called out. I looked up—and froze. A boy with blue-green hair and striking red-orange eyes stood before me. His skin wasn't too fair, and he was about the same height as I was. He smiled. "Who are you?" he asked.