“I haven’t been in the company of anyone since that night for the academy’s students. How lovely it is to see you here well enough.”

“Ivy, do you remember anything from another life?” I asked straightforwardly. 

“Ooh. I do. I do. It is why I didn’t get surprised when you approached me back then. Say, you know Annikka wouldn’t make it to the end of the world. Why did you still pick her over me?”

“Do you really want an explanation from me?” I returned her stare, signaling that I wasn’t afraid to answer.

“I know you hold her dearly but she’s gone. Not even if we get reborn another time will make you save her.”

“It’s one of the truths that are hard to accept. But I am trying my best to.”

“That’s good,” she says with an accomplishment nod of her head.

“Think of the bright side won’t you? I’m still here. And unlike the last time I wouldn’t leave this world earlier than you,” she says sincere in the purest way.

“After you were gone, I sort of hitched it with Fey you know.”

“You mean that girl!” Shocked is not enough to describe her.

“So you’re telling me you’re rejecting me for another time!?”

“I can understand your fixation to Annikka because I saw how we were when you lost her. I thought I was the one for you because I helped you to be better. But it turns out after me, you’ve moved on and found another. Do you think I can tolerate you doing that to me?!”

“I know you think I’m a scum. But can you blame me? She’s been my only companion then. And feelings, we can’t control when they form you know.”

“I’m sorry for being kind of hysterical and yes I’m sorry if I assumed you can live forever only recalling memories of us. I just… didn’t expect that from you. I’m so disappointed. I thought this time around if you haven’t got to save Annikka, you’ll be free from her baggage and learn to love me wholeheartedly.”

“You mean you intentionally didn’t tell me about the portal so I couldn’t save her?!”

“What if I say yes?” She’s so hysterical her voice sounded more like a whimper than a scream.

“I couldn’t believe you.” I thought she knows how much Nikay means to me. “I thought we were friends.”

“Friends? Is that all you think of me?” She said teary-eyed.

“Not really. I admit it, I used to have feelings for you but…”

“Used to?! You mean you don’t have any now?”

“I’m sorry. I really wasn’t looking forward to your company.

“Oh really. Then I a guess there wouldn’t be a time when you’ll beg me to accept you eh? I could’ve given you all my love, at this time, at this moment, but knowing that you despise seeing me just because of how I didn’t help you to save Annikka then I will prolong your suffering.” And with that, like a madman, she ate the red rose in her hands and with that she trapped me in this puzzle to be with her forever…