chapter 21

After finishing the task of unpacking her belongings, Evangeline decided to take a stroll with Seiko. By the time they returned to the dormitory, darkness had enveloped the surroundings. However, a pressing issue presented itself as Evangeline attempted to enter Mana's dormitory— the door was locked. Knocking on the door yielded no response, leaving Evangeline feeling a sense of worry.

"We can't possibly sleep outside, Seiko," she voiced her concern.

Seiko, always resourceful, suggested an alternative. "There's a window next to the room. We can try entering through there or conjure a ladder using your magic."

"We won't resort to destroying the door, but your idea about the window seems plausible," Evangeline agreed.

Circling around the dormitory, they located the window. However, a new predicament arose— it was positioned quite high.

"How are we supposed to reach up there, Seiko?" Evangeline scratched her head, pondering the challenge ahead.

"You can utilize your magic to create a ladder," Seiko proposed.

"Yes, you're right. That's a good idea," Evangeline concurred, preparing to concentrate her magic. But before she could begin, a sudden impact struck her head, startling her. She turned around to discover the Principal wielding her staff, clearly angered by the scene.

"Evangeline! Are you trying to set the dormitory on fire?" The Principal's voice resonated with fury.

"No, that's not it. I'm attempting to create a ladder," Evangeline hurriedly explained, hoping to quell the Principal's anger.

"Yes, it's true. We don't have the keys to Mana's dormitory," Seiko chimed in, adding further context.

Understanding dawned on the Principal's face. "Ah, I see. It's my fault for not providing you with the spare keys."

With a snap of her fingers, the Principal conjured a key and handed it to Evangeline. "Thank you. I won't trouble you any further, Madam Principal," Evangeline expressed her gratitude, flashing a smile.

"It's nothing. Now, return to your dormitory and have a good night," the Principal replied, her demeanor softening.

"Wait a moment," Seiko interjected suspiciously. "What were you doing in the dormitory at this hour?"

"I was simply checking if all the students had safely returned to their dormitories. Additionally, I took the opportunity to see if anyone required assistance," the Principal swiftly concocted an explanation.

Seiko seemed skeptical but refrained from further inquiry. Evangeline decided it was best to return to the dormitory. This time, she managed to open the door and entered the bedroom, only to find Mana peacefully engrossed in a book.

"Are you serious? You could have opened the door," Evangeline snapped, her anger evident.

Mana remained silent, continuing to read her book. Infuriated by the lack of response, Evangeline snapped her fingers, causing the book to burst into flames, reduced to mere ash.

"Why did you do that? It was my favorite book," Mana seethed with anger.

"You can speak now. Consider it a lesson for not listening to me," Evangeline retorted, a smug smile on her face.

Seiko glanced at both of them, deciding it was best to distance himself from their quarrel. He silently made his exit, wanting no part in their conflict.

"I warn you, Evangeline. You better not make a habit of destroying my belongings. You've already ruined my bow," Mana warned with a hint of menace.

"I will continue destroying your things as long as you maintain this attitude towards me. And let's not forget, you were the one who initiated this," Evangeline declared defiantly.

"Don't think for a moment that I'll change my attitude. You can burn all my possessions, but it won't sway me," Mana responded firmly.

"Is that a challenge?" Evangeline's voice dripped with mischief as flames danced in her right hand.

"Go ahead. I'm waiting. But know that I'll destroy your belongings before you can lay a finger on mine," Mana retorted, green lightning crackling in her right hand.

Evangeline launched a fireball while Mana retaliated with her lightning. The two opposing forces collided, resulting in a powerful explosion that ravaged the room.

"Are you satisfied now, Evangeline? You've destroyed the room," Mana accused, her anger palpable.

"You mean we destroyed it. Let's not forget that you also employed your magic," Evangeline rebutted.

Seiko rushed into the room, drawn by the cacophony of the explosion. "You two have lost your minds. The punishment from the Principal wasn't enough, and now she'll be here any minute," he admonished them, his voice filled with frustration.

Just as Seiko finished speaking, the Principal appeared, clearly displeased. Before Evangeline could react, she felt a blow to her head, and darkness enveloped her. When she finally regained consciousness, she found her right hand handcuffed to Mana's left hand. Mana remained unconscious. Surveying her surroundings, Evangeline noticed the room had been restored to its previous state. Both Seiko and the Principal were conspicuously absent, but a letter lay nearby, catching her attention. Curiosity piqued, she picked it up and began to read.

In the letter, the words of the principal echoed in Evangeline's mind. She couldn't believe what she was reading. It seemed like an impossible situation—a punishment that felt far too extreme. Yet, as she attempted to conjure flames to burn the handcuffs, her magic failed to respond. Mana stirred awake, her eyes widening in surprise as she too noticed the restraints binding their hands together.

"What is this, Evangeline? Did you do this?" Mana's voice resonated with anger.

"No, it wasn't me. Do you honestly think I would agree to be handcuffed to you willingly?" Evangeline replied, frustration lacing her words.

Evangeline handed Mana the letter, her eyes darting across the page. In a matter of seconds, the anger within her intensified.

"This is all your fault, Evangeline. If you hadn't provoked me, none of this would have happened," Mana accused, her voice trembling with anger.

"It's not my fault. You were the one being cruel to me when I hadn't done anything to you," Evangeline retorted, her frustration evident.

Silence hung in the air as the two girls blushed, the uncomfortable atmosphere surrounding them. After a few seconds, Evangeline proposed a temporary truce until they could remove the handcuffs.

"I agree, but let's be clear—I don't want to be your friend. I don't like you," Mana stated firmly.

"I don't like you either. But for now, we need to figure out how to sleep. These handcuffs aren't long enough for us to sleep in separate beds," Evangeline explained, contemplating the predicament.

"I certainly don't want to sleep in the same bed as you," Mana grimaced in disgust.

"I'm sorry for you, but we have no choice. It doesn't have to be so terrible to sleep next to me," Evangeline responded with a hint of sarcasm.

Reluctantly, they made their way to the bed and laid down.

"Evangeline, why don't you take off your mask?" Mana asked curiously.

"No, I can't. You might be overwhelmed by my beauty," Evangeline teased.

"Don't flatter yourself. I highly doubt I'd be dazzled by you. I wonder if you're hiding your face because you're actually hideous," Mana retorted sharply.

"No, I thought you saw my face that night," Evangeline replied, a tinge of sadness in her voice.

"It was too dark for me to see anything. So you really intend to keep your mask on?" Mana inquired.

"Of course I'm going to keep it on. I usually take it off, but I don't trust you," Evangeline stated firmly.

Offended, Mana fell silent. They both remained motionless, and after a few minutes, sleep enveloped them.

Unbeknownst to them, an intruder entered the room. It was the man with whom the principal communicated through his staff. In his hands, he held a camera.

"I despise doing this, but it's necessary, or Rosaline will kill me," he muttered under his breath.

The camera snapped countless pictures before he quietly departed. Time flew by, and soon morning arrived. Evangeline was awakened by Mana's startled screams. Opening her eyes, she realized their compromising position—Mana was atop her, and their arms were entangled.

"Let go, you pervert!" Mana exclaimed, her cheeks aflame with embarrassment.

Before releasing herself from Evangeline's grasp, she slapped her cheek, adding to the crimson hue on both their faces.

"Why did you slap me? Who's to say you didn't come into my arms during the night?" Evangeline retaliated, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes.

"Shut up! Right now, we need to get ready for class," Mana insisted.

They rose from the bed and made their way to the bathroom, struggling to brush their teeth. Soon, it was time to shower.

"Mana, should we take a shower together?" Evangeline suggested, raising an eyebrow.

"No, we'll find another solution," Mana replied, blushing furiously.

"I don't see why you're so embarrassed. After all, I've seen you naked before. Besides, it's normal for girls to shower together," Evangeline stated matter-of-factly.

Mana blushed even deeper but reluctantly agreed to shower together. They undressed, and for a moment, Mana's eyes roamed Evangeline's body—first lingering on her chest, then tracing her abs, and finally fixating on the scar adorning her lower abdomen.

"Do you like what you see, Mana?" Evangeline teased.

Mana blushed, quickly averting her gaze. Without further delay, they stepped into the shower.

"Evangeline, you still won't take off your mask?" Mana questioned, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"Oh, you're right. I almost forgot," Evangeline replied, her hand hovering near her mask.

Mana trembled with anticipation, awaiting the reveal.