Chapter 8 - A Bookmark, A Ring And A Key

It was already midnight when Ayami woke up from her nap. Her face was ghastly pale as she had a terrible nightmare. No, it was more like a memory, a memory she wanted to forget.

It was better to dream being chased by ghosts and zombies.

She went to the bathroom to wash her face. As everything was dark, except for her room, she had to find her way to switch the light.

Click!

With the lights on, the whole place was illuminated. Then, she went to the bathroom and washed her face.

After that, she changed to a more comfortable clothes as she was still wearing her uniform.

She wore a cute pink pajamas with strawberry prints on it and tied her hair into a messy bun.

Then, after changing, Ayami went to the kitchen and made a hot chocolate milk with marshmallows on it. She took the pink box from her desk and sat on the bed.

Finally, she could open it without any interruption and won't forget about it.

Opening the lid of the box, what appeared inside was a red ringbox with an exquisite design. Beside it was a bookmark with a design of the flower red lily of the valley. But what caught her eye, was the small black key.

It had a unique design, with a star and moon on the bow, while the bit part had a design of clover. A blue ribbon was neatly tied to the shaft of the key. A bear keychain was attached to it.

That was all the contents of the box. She could remember where she got the bookmark but she can't remember much from the two items.

Ayami took the exquisite ringbox and opened it. Inside, was a rose gold color ring with a red gem designed like a rose with blunt thorns surrounding it, and a leaves.

Ayami could faintly remember who she got it from. She vaguely remember that they promised to return the things they exchange when they meet again.

His face was blurry but she could still remember his distinct feature, the boy was fat.

As for the key, she didn't know where to use it.

Ayami returned the items back into the box. She really liked the ring though, but as it was too precious, she couldn't wear it, in fear that she might accidentally lose it.

She could ask a jeweler to make a replica of it. Right! She was free this coming Saturday, so she can go and look around the mall.

Ayami had never much free time in the past, so she might as well use this chance to relax and have fun.

The next morning, Ayami woke up, feeling refreshed. When she checked her phone, there were many missed calls, mainly from scum, while a few of them were from her father and Marie. Ayami called back to her father first.

"Why couldn't I contact you last night?" Her father spoke worriedly. He was afraid that something must have happened to his daughter. Ayami's heart felt warm.

"I was asleep and muted my phone because I don't want anyone to bother my sleep. Sorry for making you worry, dad. I'm fine here on my own. Allina can come here whenever she wants, after all this is her dorm too."

"Hmph, if you are going to sleep, won't you at least say your goodnights to your family? Making us worry like this." Elsa spoke sharply, as if reprimanding her. It felt like when a parent showed their care through scolding.

"Alright, just call us if you are in trouble or in need of anything." They said their goodbyes and ended their call.

What great parents! How could she shunned them in her past life, when they are this caring and loving!

Next, she called back Marie. She reassured Marie so that she wouldn't worry needlessly.

"Don't worry, Marie I can do things alone."

"Young Miss… If you ever need me… Just call me and I will come running to you!"

After that she ended the call.

She didn't call back to scum because there was no need to. Oh right, she should change his name to scum.

So Ayami tapped the phone and changed his name on the phonebook to Ice Block Scum. After that, she prepared for her classes. In a good mood, she went out of her dorm.

Just as she opened the door, a handsome young man appeared into view, Pweh! Pweh! Scratch that, A cold block of ice was standing right in front of her door while leaning on the wall.

Her lips instantly curved down, before it disappeared. As she didn't want to waste any time, she monotonously asked. "What are you doing here?"

"Why didn't you answer your phone last night?" Cole didn't answer her question, not surprisingly.

"I was sleeping." Ayami calmly answered. "If that is all you need, then I'll be going now."

"Wait, I'm not done yet." Cole grabbed her wrist. It felt like a current flowed through her as she felt his hand on her wrist.

But…

The feeling of his hand touching her instantly disgusted her. Ayami wanted to vomit just from his touch. She forcefully took back her hand while screaming.

"You…!"

"Don't touch me!" She trembled and she felt nausea. It was like she was allergic to his touch.

His gaze darkened as he stared at her trembling figure. He coldly spoke to her. "…I'll let this slide." And then he left.

Her legs wobbled, like the strength have left her. Her face was pale as a sheet, while covered in cold sweat.

Why is she feeling this way? She never felt this helpless.

Get yourself together!

She slapped herself hard to snap out of it. She could only do this.

Ayami firmed her resolve. She must not waver and overcome her enemy.

Ayami decided, that once she was strong enough, only then would she exact her revenge, corner them with no room to escape and fire a barrage of attack, just like the way she died.