Chapter 2

ICE FORESTER 

Nothing new for the Supreme Student President. Every day is busy for the faculty. These lazy teachers dumped their work on me. Fortunately enough, I have my sexy and beautiful Vice President with me, Jewel Park. I was checking the student's profile at my desk when someone entered: slammed the door shut and threw herself on the sofa. It was Raiden. She is not in a mood again. 

"You nearly give me a heart attack! It is really your thing to scare people." Jewel complained: hands above her chest. She shook her head upon receiving no answer. 

"Aren't you used to it?" I said. "Just understand her, Jewel. Our baby is not in a mood." I look at the furious lady. "Was it the baby beast who caused that frown on your face?" 

She remained silent. 

I knew it. She's not in a mood because of her new slave. If she won't talk to me properly, then I will trigger anger. 

"What are you up to, Raiden? It's your thing to punish people: disciplining them for their small mistakes. But you are not the type who makes someone suffer without a reason." 

She sat up: glaring at me. 

I grin. I hit the spot, huh? 

"Everything exists with a reason. I have my reason and rights. Not at all times, I should voice out the reasons. And not at all times, I'm punishing them for their mistakes." 

"What are you trying to imply now? Are you helping that girl?" 

She leans her back against the sofa: not responding. She looked so exhausted. Nothing new. Ever since she carried her father's reputation, she travels here and there to attend business meetings. It is a tiring duty. I've been there early and it is not easy. I will not worry about her though, she is a fighter, and I'm here to guide her when she's struggling. I have known Raiden since I was a kid. Our families are partners in the industry. She told me all her secrets, yet I'm not her best friend. I'm like a diary in which she can write all her stories. I don't really meddle in her decisions. I'm concerned this time, however. 

"I don't know what you are up to, but there is one thing that I want to remind you... When the storm that once destroyed your field returns, please protect the flower you are growing right now. Don't let the storm harm the flower." 

Her glare sharpened. "What are you talking about? Who are you to ask me what to do?" 

"I know you're scared." 

"Shut up." Her eyes flamed in anger. 

She will not like how I say these words. She doesn't like being ordered what to do. She doesn't like to hear about the past. However, she needs to hear her reality before it affects other people. "I know you're still stuck in the same maze. I know the memories from the past are still haunting your heart. I knowㅡ" I was shut by her action. 

Out of blue, Raiden punched the glass center table: her raging eyes set at me. I look at her hand. She received cuts from the cracks of the glasses. This lunatic. I truly hate this side of her. She doesn't think before she acts. She likes to harm herself: refusing to talk about her feelings and choosing violence. I feel bad for pressuring her with my words, but her suicidal reactions are normal in my eyes. 

Tears of anger are present in her eyes, but her gaze is blank. I hit the spot again. Yet she will thank me later for reminding her. 

"Stop acting like you know everything. You know my story. Not my feelings." She said in a cold tone and left the office. 

"Ice!" Jewel faced me. "You don't really know how to stop your mouth." 

"You know very well that she needs to hear the truth." 

"At least tell her when she has calmed. Look what she did ㅡ she's harming her body again." 

"Don't worry, she will be alright. At least now, I know the answer from her anger." 

"What do you mean?" 

"The more the anger, the more the care." 

"Is that about the new slave? What is her name again?" 

I grabbed the print paper with a student profile and hand it over. 

"Are you serious?" Her eyes widened. "No way. Isn't this the daughter of that painter?" 

"Yes. That is right." 

Jewel breathes in relief. "I'm glad the new slave will not be tortured as the last time. What do you think will happen between them? 

"That girl will save her." 

LUMINE MOON 

My first class is about to end and my stomach did not stop embarrassing me during class. My tummy keeps growling in hunger. The moment the bell rings, I rise from my seat, pick up my sketch pad and art lecturing book, and storm out of the room. I can't bear to be in that room any longer ㅡ I'm too embarrassed! 

I couldn't eat anything since morning. It was just tea and I couldn't finish it when Raiden walked out for an unknown reason. She is difficult to understand. Speaking of her, I haven't seen her in the class at all. As far as I know, we have the same art class. 

I'm in my first year second semester yet I can attend the higher years Art class. That is because I won the contest back in the first semester against all year levels. I couldn't believe it myself. Of all the representatives, I was chosen as the winner. I feel like dreaming. I admit that I'm good, but I wasn't confident enough with my work. It is an honor to own the medal. It only gives me more strength to go forward toward my goals and dreams. 

I took the path toward the musical building. I'm hungry but I need to drag mine with me. It is awkward to eat alone. Danielle Forester is the only student I have a close relationship with on campus. We have known each other since middle school. She was caring to me and always lifted my mood. Her easy-going personality and high energy got us closer in a short period. 

I let out a tiny groan as I bumped someone. My surroundings spin as I fall. Oh, no, this is going to be painful. I was ready to hit the ground but a pair of strong arms caught me. I opened my eyes slowly. A beautiful face welcomed my eyes. The concern in her eyes was replaced with a smile. 

Who is this person? She doesn't look familiar to me. Well, I don't really know all the students on the campus, however, I haven't heard anything of such a person having a beauty like a barbie. 

"Are you alright?" She asked and helped me get to my feet. Her raspy yet feminine voice suits her face and physique. She has long black hair and bangs. Her appeal is eye-catching, I bet many hearts have been struck by her. She is sexy, chic, and cool at the same time. 

"Um, yeah..." I can't help staring at her face. She has similar beauty to my master. Is she half-Japanese also? I have a strong feeling she is. Maybe an exchange student. 

"That's a relief." She smiled right into my eyes. 

I'm stunned. Her smile is so pretty. She has fair white teeth that looked so sweet. I could tell she was a nice person just by seeing a few aspects of her character. 

"YㅡYes, thank you for catching me. And I'm sorry for bumping into you." 

"No, no, I was at fault for not watching my way." She picked up my stuff on the ground. "Here you go." 

"Thank you..." I bow at her as she hands me my stuff. Now I'm super embarrassed for bumping into this beautiful lady. She is not injured, right? Why am I so careless and stupid today? Ugh, I'm so embarrassed ㅡ my face is hot. 

"Why are you red?" She smiles again like bumping her was nothing. That smile could kill hundreds of hearts. This girl is dangerous with that smile, it makes my heart stop beating for a second. 

I bow in apology and embarrassment. 

She giggled. "It's fine, miss. Don't feel at fault. I was at fault also. I wasn't focused on my way since I was talking with someone on the phone." She points to the Bluetooth headset on her right ear. She was indeed talking with someone on the phone. 

"Oh..." 

"I should say my apologies instead. What's your name again?" 

"It's Lumine." 

"I apologize, Lumine. I wasn't focused on my surroundings." She bows a little and smiles. Is she always this kind? She's an angel. "By the way, I'm Mackenzie. Just call me Max." She held her hand out for a handshake.

I gladly accepted her hand. "Nice to meet you, Max," I said. 

"Likewise. Why are you in a rush anyway?" 

I scratched my head, feeling embarrassed again. Should I tell her the embarrassing truth ㅡ or should I tell her a white lie? Why should I lie to her anyway? But I still don't know her. What if she's a killer that uses beauty to make people trust them ㅡ later abducts me and then sells my organs. I gulped and shook my head from thinking nonsense. 

I heard a faint chuckle coming from her. "Don't worry I'm not a bad person if that's what you are thinking. I'm just curious why were you in a rush to crash into me? If you don't want to tell me, it's completely fine. It's up to you. Just wanna make friends." She gave me a friendly smile. 

I frowned in confusion. Why do people read my mind so easily? Am I that really obvious? Gosh, I'm so embarrassed to think of her that way! 

"I'm sorry for being suspicious. I'm just being extra careful," I rub the back of my neck ㅡ eyes on my feet. "Actually, I was escaping away from embarrassment. I haven't eaten anything since this morning and my stomach keeps making a sound. I was so embarrassed that I immediately stormed out of the class after the class ended." 

"So that was it." I heard a pale chuckle again. 

After the whole class laughed at me ㅡ now a stranger. I can never rest from the embarrassment today, can I? 

"I'm sorry for laughing, I just find it cute. You're cute, Lumine." She flashed a captivating smile. 

I could only sigh. 

"How about this? I will treat you to lunch. I haven't eaten anything too since this morning." 

"You will treat me? But I'm a stranger." 

"We already exchanged names ㅡ we're no longer strangers. Take this as an apology for crashing into each other. I will treat you to lunch as an apology. As for your apology, I will only accept it if you will accept my invitation." 

It is a wise deal. She's kind of dangerous, but generous. I shouldn't be rude to her. There's nothing to lose if I go eat lunch with her right? Besides, she looked trusted. 

"Alright, alright, I get it. I'll come with you." I politely smile. She returned the same smile. 

She snatched the stuff in my arms without consent. "I will keep this with me so you won't run away." She let out a sly smile. "Let's go." 

I couldn't protest anymore as she began walking ahead of me: leading the way. I didn't follow her right away ㅡ remaining in my stance, watching her back. 

She turned around and smiled at me. The kind of smile where I can find security. 

I think I met a person that will be a great friend. I ran to her and asked: "Where are we eating?" 

"There is this restaurant nearby that I really like. Their food is the best. I like everything on their menu." There was excitement in her voice. I can tell she is into food. She suddenly turned cute with those sparkling eyes talking about food. 

"Are you a food person, Max?" 

She nodded. "Who doesn't love food?" She giggled and smiled a little. 

"That's true. By the way, can I ask something? If you don't mind." 

She glanced at me. "Of course. Anything you wanna know." 

"I know Morningstar is huge that I barely know people, but I'm pretty sure you don't study here. Perhaps, you are an exchange student?" 

She looked at me, raising a brow then suddenly she smiled. She sure smiles a lot. She appears so warm when she smiles. There is something inside me to know her better. She seems nice. Well, she is, unlike the other Japanese that I know. 

"That is clever of you, Lumine. Yes, I'm an exchange student. Though, I began my freshmen year here and returned to Japan. And now, I can see myself back here again." 

"Ohh... So what year are you now?" 

"I'm a junior now. I'm majoring in dance." She smiled politely. 

"Whoa! That's cool!" I cover my mouth with my palm. I heard a faint chuckle from her. "Why did you return to Japan?" 

"My heart was broken. The pain made me move back to Japan and continue my study." She wears a smile on her face as she says that. 

I was completely dumbfounded by what I heard. How can she say that straightforwardly? She is brave enough to share this with me. I couldn't respond to a word. I'm not in the right place to ask for more. She was smiling, yet I can see the sadness behind those eyes. What should I do? Did I just make her remember the past? She said she was heartbroken, it must have hurt her so much that she decided to return to her homeland. Stupid Lumine! I should apologize. 

"My bad for asking..." 

She halted her steps and faced me. "For what?" 

I blushed at my mistake. "IㅡI think I asked the wrong question." Ugh, I'm so stupid! 

I feel a hand on top of my head. She pats my head with a smile on her face. This time, the smile is a smile of happiness, not sadness. 

"Goodness, it's okay, baby tiger." She detached her hand. 

"Baby tiger?" I tilted my head in confusion. 

"You looked like one, aren't you aware of it?" 

"Eh? Am I? I looked like an animal??" 

She giggled and started walking ahead. 

I ran to catch up with her. "Are you making fun of me?" 

She tilted her head: looking so innocent. "It's a compliment, not a tease." 

"Since when did a human compared to an animal become a compliment? 

"You looked cute just like a baby tiger ㅡ that's what I meant." 

I immediately shut my mouth and avoided her eyes when she said that. Me? Cute? I drop my gaze to the ground. I can tell my face turned red. Why am I so flustered today? Is it because I haven't eaten yet? 

Ahㅡaw, aw! I just shoved my forehead at Max's shoulder. I saw another pair of feet standing before us. I raise my head to check who it was. I gulped. It's... it's... It's my monster master. I have been wondering where she disappeared. 

Raiden was wearing her usual cold face. Her gaze locked on Max. They were staring at each other. Do they know each other? Are they good friends? Wait. If they are ㅡ then why are they giving sharp stares? What's going on between these two? 

It's strange how they look at each other. Raiden's gaze is filled with dislike like she has a bulldozer and a tank like she's a soldier. While Max's gaze tells her she's unarmed and doesn't want any trouble. 

I shifted my eyes from one to another repeatedly. 

They weren't speaking but I could feel the breeze of the wind change from the look they are giving. The intense aura between them is giving me goosebumps. It's as if there was electricity coming from their eyes. As if, a storm will appear because of their intense stairs. 

Are they not on good terms? Then what should I do now? Ugh! What trouble did my ancestors commit in the past for me to be stuck between two people who are seemingly wanting to conduct a war? 

Wait. If my brain serves me, I think I now understood Max's words earlier. Does Raiden have to do about Max's broken heart? Did Raiden steal her boyfriend or something ㅡ or not, she ruined their relationship cause she envies Max being happy. It's something she can do just with one flick of her finger though. 

If that's the case. I should do something before blood floods on the campus ground. I cleared my throat and was about to say something but my mouth hung open as the rude monster interrupted my speech. 

"I don't think I have to remind you of this, Minamoto. It is already written in my eyes." 

Well, it's a good thing that one of them finally opened a word. Hold up ㅡ say what?! Don't have to remind you?! Already written in my eyes?! What does she mean about that?! Is she picking a fight?! Oh, God, it's happening, I should do something! 

I cleared my throat again and was about to say something but the monster interrupted me again. 

"Stay away from this girl..." 

This girl? Who was she referring to? 

I couldn't tell who Raiden was referring to. Her eyes were still buried in Max. The way she said it includes fear. The coldness in her eyes almost covered the fear, but I can see through her eyes the truth. Why is she like this? 

This Raiden at this moment in front of me is a stranger. I have known her as arrogant and cold. Yet right now, why do I feel like she's in deep pain and deep loneliness? 

Ordinary people would only see the bitterness in her eyes but an artist like me conceals what hides behind. I really can't read this monster. Her character is so mysterious. She looks so fierce outside, but her eyes show loneliness sometimes. She's completely hiding that side. I wonder what she truly feels inside. 

Is she really alright? 

I feel a warm touch on my hand. I looked down to see Raiden's hand holding mine tightly as if afraid for me to go. 

"This girl, Lumine Moon..." I feel eyes staring at me so I raise my head to face her. She was indeed looking at me. "...is mine," she continued and shifted her eyes at Max. "Back off."

. . .

After the heated eye battle on the campus ground, I found myself dragged by my difficult-to-understand master. Everything went so unclear and sudden that I did not notice where I was taken to. She brought me to her mansion ㅡ which I less imagined be here. 

In the living room, Raiden sat on the sofa with her legs and arms crossed. I stood in front of her. Her fuming gaze could eat a person alive. 

"What do you think you are doing?" She said in a strong tone. "I have been calling you multiple times, yet all of my calls have gone unanswered. Did you forget my rules already?" 

"I was in the class so I turned my phone on silent mode," I responded truthfully. I know we have a master and slave contract and I did not forget the rules. I'm aware of my fault this time. 

"Oh, really?" She said sarcastically. "Then why are you with someone acting shy, blushing, and smiling? Did you really expect me to accept that excuse?" 

As her slave, I respect her choice of approach to me, but I can't take this anymore. I can't take her rudeness. Does she even know how to listen ㅡ or she just doesn't listen at all? I'm not the type to show my anger but if she refuses to understand the situation, then I don't have a choice but to break rule number 1. I took a deep breath. I'm so done with her personality, she pushed me to my limit. 

"What's the matter with you?!" I raised my voice. I said it. 

She frowned. Probably seeing my outrage as insolent. I don't care anymore. I won't let her step on me like this when I did nothing wrong to her. Just what is wrong with her to be so mad like this? What did I ever do wrong to her? 

"Now you dared to tell that to me?" She scoffed. "The problem here are you, Lumine! How can you trust someone so easily? You don't know that girl and you're coming with her?!" 

I cracked upon hearing the word: trust. "Oh, yeah? And how about you? You were a stranger to my life, and yet here I am now, obeying each of your orders!" 

"You are working under me." 

"Yeah, sure, work. As a slave." I sarcastically said and rolled my eyes. "I didn't even wish for this kind of work. I have a stable job and you ruined everything, you monster!" 

Monster. Yes, I said it and I'm sane. I'm not afraid of her anymore. I'm ready to cut ties with her today. 

She smirks bitterly. "Monster? Yeah, sure. I'm a monster. I'll show you how bad I am. I'll show you what you thought about me." 

"There's no need to show me. We will never see each other again. I have made up my mind. My contract with you will end once I leave this place." 

"Yeah, sure. Go ahead and leave. Your scholarship will end at the very moment your feet crossed the door without my consent. I will drop you from the university and will set a bad remark on your profile so no university will accept you. And I will assure you to get you kicked out wherever you work. Wherever you go, nobody will accept you." 

I glared upon hearing the threat. She is unbelievable! 

She flashed her evil smirk and rose from her seat: heading towards the staircase. 

"You're such a monster," I mumbled. 

She turned around and glared at me. "You sure are brave enough to talk back. Are you aware that you're breaking the first rule?" 

"I'm aware. And what's the point of me being here? Of all places, why did you drag me in here?" 

"It's because of you, for breaking rule number 2: Not answering my calls. And now rule number 1: For talking back to me. Bringing here is your first punishment. You're lucky I dragged you here rather to an abandoned building." 

"Staying under one roof with a monster isn't counted as lucky," I mumbled again. I feel so hopeless under her control. I can never escape someone as powerful as her. Life is so unfair. 

"Stop mumbling, Lumine. I'll be resting in my room. Feel yourself at home." She turns her back and starts pacing upstairs. 

"If it's because of the two rules why you brought me here and you who will just gonna take a rest, what really is the point of me being here?" 

She halted and said "Rule number 3," without turning around and continued upstairs until I couldn't see her silhouette. 

I frowned, "What?..." I clearly heard her but I can't help to question it. I'm not sure what she really wants to convey.

Rule number 3?... Did she mean... Staying beside her?... What does she really mean by that?