Chapter 76 – Later Story – Sera (3)

“Ellie…”
The name slipped off the tip of my tongue. But the back story didn’t follow. When Ellie, who until now had been embarrassingly appearing in my immoral imaginations, appeared in front of her, her mind went numb, as if she had been hit hard on the head. Ellie, too, was a bit surprised when she saw me, so she stopped and stared at me.

“Yes, bye.”

“Why are you here…?”

“I just came. It seems like it’s been a while since we met. But… Well…”

Ellie slurred her words uncharacteristically and bit her lips. Then she turned her gaze to her corner and in a crawling voice she said.

“Looks like she was cutting her hair?”

“Huh? Ah…Yes.”

“So I put on some comfortable clothes.”

“Huh…?”

It was only then that the power of thought began to return little by little. What state am I in now Her hair is obviously disheveled and, as Ellie said, her clothes are a little more comfortable. And…And…

“Uh…”

…

Oh my goodness.

“Ah…No! Don’t look!”

“Huh? Wait a minute!”

Realizing my condition too late, I hurriedly pushed Ellie away and slammed the door shut. But as Ellie tried to get in somehow, she put her foot through the closed door and she let out a painful scream.

“Talk to me…Ugh!”

“What…What are you doing now!”

Ellie, who was shocked enough to think that her feet had been crushed for a moment, sat down on her floor and I opened the door again in a fright. And, restless, he ran hastily.

“What if I put her foot in there!”

“No… Ugh… This is very different from what I imagined… Luka seems to be doing this…”

“Are you and him the same? God, what can I do? Can you walk? Are you okay?”

“It hurts just as much as right before death.

“Me… Sorry! But you have to take her shoes off!”

I accidentally grabbed Ellie’s foot, let go, then approached again and grabbed her again. In the meantime, Ellie let out several screams of pain.

“Aaaaah! Can’t you stop doing that, Sarah?”

“But…! Heck. Ellie. Could this be blood?”

“Yeah. Surprisingly not. So calm down…”

“You don’t know that! My God. Come home. Oh, you said you couldn’t walk. Wait, I’ll help you.”

“I didn’t say a word that I couldn’t walk.”

Without knowing what Ellie was saying, I forcibly grabbed her by the scruff of her neck and led her into the house. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in my head. I shut the door firmly, forgetting that being together like this was the moment I had been looking forward to for a long time.

“Ouch…”

“Why do you do such an ignorant thing? Oh my God, look at your swollen feet.”

When I got home and took off her shoes, I saw that her little, delicate feet were red and swollen. There was even a suspicion that her bones might be broken, but Ellie said with an expression that she was okay.

“It was because I thought I would never be able to meet you if it wasn’t this time.”

“Anyway, that’s the case. And where am I going, Ellie?”

“But it’s not the first time or two that I’ve seen them run away.”

…

You knew.

I lowered her head so she couldn’t see Ellie and bit her lip. But. You must have known. It’s not like I did it once or twice, because my opponent was Ellie. She’s the Ellie who always noticed everything and approached me.

That’s why I thought I’d been trying to hide it until now, but he probably knew my feelings about Luca.

Okay. It must have been.

“Ouch.”

Lost in her thoughts, she inadvertently pressed her foot hard, so Ellie let out a faint scream. At that sound, I finally returned to reality and raised my head.

“Oh, sorry. I was thinking about something else for a while.”

“Ohh. You were careless. If you knew that, you wouldn’t be able to stay still.”

Ellie gave her meaningful smile and she suddenly moved her toe and pinched the back of my hand hard. Since she was Ellie, who had been surprisingly good at moving her feet since childhood, she felt the thrilling pain more than she thought.

“What? Ouch!”

“Huh? It’s against the rules to move your hands. Count. Hands with hands. Feet with feet. Did you forget?”

“Where’s the rule like that! Are you going to keep acting childishly like this?”

“You’ve forgotten everything. Eh, it seems that this old lady is the only one who remembers her old days. I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

“Ahaha! Hold on! It tickles! It tickles! Okay, stop!”

However, once the prank started, there was no easy way to stop it, and Ellie continued to pinch me until the back of my hand turned red. Sometimes it hurts so badly that I even burst into tears, but in the end I burst into laughter. The mood was still in the gutter, the situation was the same, but Ellie somehow made me laugh.

It wasn’t until long after that that we pulled away from each other gasping for breath. I was sweating all over my body from wrestling for a long time, so I didn’t even care what was clinging to my body anymore. I sighed as I brushed back my slightly shortened hair.

“Ha ha… Ha… Really you…”

“Why. Pinch me again?”

“Okay. Got it.”

We looked into each other’s eyes again and laughed. But it wasn’t a very cool laugh. It must be because the purpose of finding each other came to mind when the afterglow of the prank disappeared.

“So.”

Soon, a slightly serious voice was heard. Ellie calmed her rough breathing and looked at me.

“So what were you doing?”

“…”

“Is it okay if I ask?”

“…”

No. I wanted to answer. However, he did not even have the courage to bring out such words, so he responded with silence. As always, I hope the quick-witted Ellie will figure it out on her own.

Then the now accustomed feeling of helplessness returned. Maybe I treated Luca the same way. It may have been that I wanted you to notice my heart by harassing me every day, arguing for no reason, and clinging to me persistently. Even though there is a way to confess more honestly, I didn’t have the courage to do so, so I went back a long way on purpose.

Then, in the end, it was stolen by Ellie.

“…”

Also. I think about it again She’s thinking these disgusting thoughts even though Ellie is right in front of her eyes. Ellie didn’t do anything wrong. Why do I keep blaming others for being ugly?

No matter how much I blamed myself, those thoughts continued to squeeze through my closed mind. Anyway, it’s true that Ellie intercepted it. Whatever the process, it is true that she was taken away by Ellie. My selfish mind somehow embeds hateful words into my thoughts and I try to get them off somehow. But nothing goes the way you want. Ultimately, there is only one conclusion.

That I’m a bad bitch

That he’s a mean person who can’t be satisfied with taking everything, even from his best friend.

I kept thinking that maybe that wasn’t my essence.

“Yes, Sarah.”

Then I heard Ellie’s voice and I raised my head through the oppressive depression. Ellie looked at me like that and suddenly made a strange proposal.

“Shall I cut your hair?”

“Huh?”

“It’s because you want to cut it yourself. Come here. I’ll cut it for you.”

“No I…”

“Are you okay.”

Before I knew it, Ellie was holding my shoulder. Warm energy radiated from her palms.

“It’s okay. I’ll do it for you.”

“I’m really fine, Ellie.”

“So you’re going to do something like this and go outside?”

I tried to dissuade her, but Ellie forced me to sit on her chair and put her scissors in her hand. As if there was no way I could refuse, I finally resigned myself and let my shoulders hang down a little.

“I get it. I get it.”

“Good idea.”

Ellie smiled softly at me, as she always does, then wet her hand and stroked my hair slowly. As the cold water seeped through her warm fingers, it felt like it was cooling her head. It was only after her hair was wet enough that Ellie started moving her scissors.

Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.

The pleasant noise of scissors devouring hair rang out. As Ellie’s gentle touch touched her head, her hair fell down little by little, and every now and then, when she concentrated, a very serious breath came out and gently hit the nape of her neck. For some reason, she missed the sound of Ellie’s breathing, which she had forgotten for a while, to the point of shedding tears.

But now things were different. I was just before No, right now, she was ridiculously jealous of Ellie, had bad imaginations, and sometimes had hopes that would not come true, hoping that they would become reality. I still dreamed about it even though I knew it would hurt all of us.

A sense of guilt crept in. I deliberately made a fuss to get rid of that feeling.

“Hey, are you intentionally not looking in the mirror?”

“Yeah. That’s right, you look so messed up right now.”

“Isn’t that what you’re making? They say it’s better to get hit first. I’d rather just show it.”

I made a joke that I couldn’t even laugh at myself. If it’s Ellie, she’ll accept it somehow. But Ellie didn’t answer and she chewed on my words. And she said in a slightly subdued voice.

“I’m making it that way.”

It was an unexpected reaction. The emotions contained in it were too heavy for me to bear now, so I tried to turn my head without knowing.

“What’s wrong, Ellie, I’m just kidding…”

“Maybe I made it that way, I don’t know.”

“No. What do you mean?”

“Sera.”

Suddenly, Ellie’s hand holding my hair trembled slightly. And a single word came out slowly.

“Sorry.”

It felt like something heavy was stuck in her throat. Because of that, I couldn’t open my mouth right away, and eventually I heard her words from Ellie again.

“Sorry.”

“That…What…”

“Sorry.”

“Ellie…!”

I hurriedly called his name. No. Don’t even take that away. I’m the one who has to apologize from the start. Don’t even take the first thing I have to say to you.

“Sorry.”

“Stop…Stop it, Ellie. Don’t do that.”

“Sorry.”

“Ellie! Please…!”

Just before I turned around to cover my mouth, a warm embrace swept over me. Ellie’s presence rested heavily on my back, on the nape of my neck, and on my back, unable to open my mouth.

No, don’t do this Please don’t stand behind me again You always had to hide behind my lies because of me.

Even in my childhood when I was in a frenzy because I wanted to be loved.

Even during the academy entrance exam when I had a dream overflowing.

Even when I was in school, it didn’t matter if I revealed everything.

Even about Luca, who should have already made up his mind.

You had to hide everything because of me being selfish.

And you gave me everything

So please…

“I’m sorry, Sera.”

“Please don’t do that, Ellie…”

Eventually, the word came out again. Maybe Ellie really thinks everything is her fault. But that’s not it, Ellie. In the end, everything happened because I couldn’t tell the truth.

It’s enough if I pass the academy with my own strength. Actually, the genius wizard is you, not me. As long as you’re my friend, I don’t mind being hated by others. Actually, I’ve liked Luca for a long time.

I should have confided in her before Ellie spoke. If that was the case, I wouldn’t have been hurt like this and I wouldn’t have regretted everything.

That’s why I have to say it now. It’s too late, but I should have said that one day.

…

Momentary stillness set in. In an instant, everything went quiet, as if there was no other chance than now. Even so, the ugly me still hesitated. I was afraid to say it, so I stopped involuntarily.

But I had to, so I opened my mouth. And he brought out a word he had been holding back.

“…I’m sorry Ellie.”

“Sera…”

“Sorry…”

Be selfish. To get hurt because of me He made me hide his feelings for Luca because of me, and made me feel sorry for me even after everything was done.

A lot of adjectives had to be added, but I forcibly endured it because I was afraid that my sincerity would not be conveyed if I did so. And I captured that heart in a single word and delivered a word very clearly with all my strength.

“I’m sorry, Ellie.”

“…”

As she lowered her head, her bright red hair tumbled down and landed on the back of her hand. Ellie couldn’t help but open her mouth as her hair poured down like a red rain. She hugged me with all her might instead.

“Sorry.”

Even though my arms were clasping my neck and I was out of breath, I finally spoke again. And this time, I held Ellie’s arm with my hand and said.

“And congratulations on your marriage.”

“…Huh.”

“That’s what I wanted to say.”

When we meet again after sharing our sincerity, there is always an awkward feeling. I remember the embarrassing moment when our eyes met. However, Ellie had a talent for smoothing out such situations.

“Your hair cut is so pretty.”

“Is that praising me or your skills?”

“Because the model is pretty, the hairdresser shines too. Of course, if it wasn’t for me, I wouldn’t be this pretty.”

“I know.”

I smiled heartily and ran my hand through the freshly cut hair. It was true that I felt a little empty when my long-growth hair disappeared, but I was also very relieved. No, it was really cool.

“But I’m serious, Sera. She’s really pretty.”

“Thank you. Of course not as much as you.”

“Ah, what do you mean?”

“I’m serious. Nothing could be prettier than the soon-to-be-married bride.”

It was a word spoken without any thought. However, Ellie said with a slightly darkened expression.

“…Is it really okay not to meet you?”

“Huh.”

“Really?”

“It’s really fine.”

Because the lingering feelings haven’t all gone yet.

Because I cut my hair. Just because I finally said what was inside of me, how could the feelings I had harbored for years disappear in an instant? Honestly, I’m afraid that if we meet again, my ugly feelings will be revealed again. So, I’m not going to see you at all.

“Later. Later, when I’m really successful, we’ll meet again then.”

“To be successful. Are you thinking of leaving this town?”

“Of course. You guys are leaving here too. What’s the point of remaining in a town without you guys?”

“Where? Has it been decided?”

“Um…Well. First of all, I want to get out of Heim. And I want to study magic more seriously. I wonder how far I can go without you.”

Ellie looked at me blankly and then nodded her head. Maybe she wanted to hold on to her. ‘Cause I might go too far But she didn’t. As she always was, Ellie is smarter than anyone else.

“You’ll be fine.”

“I really hope so.”

I told the truth without lies. The countless lies I had told all along that day were all scattered along with my hair. And the lies they were about to tell disappeared with them.

“Okay.”

Ellie inhaled deeply, then she exhaled again, she said. Then she couldn’t stand it and hugged me tightly. Her arms, which always seemed much bigger than mine, somehow felt very small today.

“Do I still have to come see you once a year?”

“Of course.”

“Even if I can’t see you, do you still write letters?”

“I’m rather afraid that you won’t reply.”

“You know that can’t be.”

Her small hands gripped my back. She had been forgotten, but Ellie was a child who was loved and needed as much as I was. She just knew all too well how much love she could handle.

I hugged Ellie with all her might. And she opened her mouth once more and uttered that word. She didn’t even have to think about whether it was a lie or not. ‘Cause now I can only speak the truth

“Congratulations on your marriage, Ellie.”

“…Huh.”

“And thank you.”

“What?”

“Everything.”

So much thank you.

We shared our hearts and hugged each other for a long time. Then, the scent of peppermint came naturally. A refreshing smell spreads over the flowing red hair in front of your eyes, and a cool autumn breeze blows little by little…

…

…

…

“Sera.”

“Ah yes!”

Locked in memories of the past, I raised my head in amazement. Then Professor Noh, who had a gentle impression, said with a warm smile.

“Are you nervous?”

If it was in the past, I might have bluffed that it wasn’t. But not anymore. I know now that there is no benefit to lying.

“Yes. I’m very nervous.”

To be honest, he burst out laughing. Then he shook his hand and said.

“I’m nervous. You know that this is just a formality right now.”

“Still, I’m still facing the president.”

“I’m just a professor. Just like Sarah. No, I should call her Professor Sarah now.”

Professor Sarah. At that one word, my breath stopped involuntarily. Now, the tension spread through my whole body, and I felt stiff to my fingertips.

“You are the youngest professor in our academy. Congratulations. Professor Sera.”

“Ah…Ah, yes. Thank you!”

I was so nervous that my voice cracked. Then the president continued his words, trying to hold back the laughter that leaked out.

“Of course, I won’t be teaching students right now. After a little training period and getting used to the academy life, you’ll be able to join the church from then on. It won’t take long though, so don’t worry.”

“Yes. I know.”

“Actually, the students have high expectations. I don’t know where the hell they heard the rumors, but they’re already making up nicknames like this or that. Can I tell you one?”

“No, President. I’ll decline that. It would be really embarrassing.”

“I guess so, right?”

He smiled mischievously and nodded his head. His benevolent smile seemed to show his personality.

“Okay. Then let’s stop the interview. It’s more helpful to look around the academy facilities one more time than to talk to me.”

“Ah, yes. I understand. It was a pleasure talking to you, President.”

“I enjoyed it more, Professor Sarah.”

I bowed my head stiffly and turned toward the door with nervous steps. While I was about to leave the room, the president suddenly stopped me.

“Oh, and Professor Sarah.”

“Yes?”

“From now on, please call me Professor Heide, rather than the president. It’s still awkward for me since I’ve been in the president’s position for a while like the professor.”

“Yes. Professor Hayd.”

Only then did a sincere smile appear on my face. It felt as if the tension in my body had disappeared in an instant.

I turned around with lighter steps. Her short hair swayed a little and tickled her cheek. The nostalgic feeling reminded me of the old days once again.

I guess I should send a letter today. Actually, it hasn’t even been a week since I sent the last letter, but the overflowing affection between us won’t be a problem. The first sentence will start like this, as always.

Hello Ellie. And. Luca.