The room carried an eerie stillness, yet Luna's voice flowed like a calming melody.
"Welcome to the Paranormal Club," she said softly, her serene tone standing in gentle contrast to the shadows lurking in every corner.
"I've been waiting for you. I knew you would come, so I prepared some tea for us. Please, come and sit."
A shiver ran down White's spine at her quiet certainty.
'How could she have known I would come?'
The rumours he had heard about her danced in his mind like warnings, urging caution as he stepped inside.
With Bell close beside him, the tension in the room was thick, palpable. The space hardly resembled a clubroom. It was cloaked in gloom, filled with strange objects and artifacts that seemed to watch silently, casting long shadows that flickered with the candlelight.
Luna moved with grace as she poured tea for Bell and White, her movements deliberate and almost hypnotic. "You seem troubled," she said gently. "But rest assured, the tea is pure. And do try the cookies." Her warm smile invited calm amidst the heavy atmosphere.
She settled into her seat, closing her eyes briefly to savor a sip of tea. Silence wrapped around them, thick and expectant, filled with unspoken words. White fought to find his own voice beneath the weight of her presence.
"Hmmm… Papa, these cookies are delicious!" Bell's innocent voice broke through. "Look, they're even different colours!" Her small hands eagerly explored the assortment laid before her.
Luna's eyes fluttered open, a hint of amusement shining through her gaze. "Bell, help yourself to as many as you like. And Papa?" she said, turning her focus to White, "it seems Bell has taken to calling you 'Dad.' That's quite interesting."
While Bell delighted in her treats and tea, White gathered the courage to ask the question gnawing at him. "I… I never knew we had a paranormal club here at school," he said cautiously.
"It's unofficial," Luna explained softly, her voice as delicate as the flickering candlelight.
"It was founded by me. I am the sole member, so it's natural that most students remain unaware."
"Why did you start this club?" White pressed.
Her eyes seemed to pierce beyond him, seeing through the veils of reality. "Because, as you might know, I possess a gift—my eyes perceive what others cannot."
White leaned in, curiosity burning. "Apart from Bell, is there anything else invisible to us that you can, see?"
She smiled enigmatically, placing her teacup down with a soft clink. "Many things," she whispered. "But that is a story for another time."
Luna fixed her gaze on him. "I find you personally fascinating. The aura around you is dark and vast. It's as if you haven't truly perished, yet you have…" Her words lingered, heavy with meaning.
White held his tongue, wary that any misstep could jeopardize Bell's safety.
"I suspect you are not inclined to reveal much," she mused, glancing at Bell. "Yet, there is an undeniable connection between your predicament and Bell's existence."
Her quick deduction unsettled him. In the brief time they'd known each other, her insight was sharp and unnerving.
"Do you know why Bell is with me? Why is she invisible to others?" White asked.
"Truthfully, I am as much in the dark as you are," Luna admitted. "Bell's almost human presence is unique among the phenomena I have encountered. This is why I started this club—to unravel such mysteries. And you, White, seem to hold the key."
"But I know so little," he protested.
'Not entirely true. Bell was born from his wish, but her deeper nature remained a puzzle, one Aisha skirted around with evasive answers.'
"You are holding back," Luna said, her gaze sharp. "You fear the consequences for Bell."
A small voice interrupted them. "Hey… don't say my daddy tells fibs! He always tells the truth. I thought you were a nice big sister, but you're not being very nice," Bell said firmly yet quietly.
Luna's expression softened as she offered Bell a gentle pat on the head. "My apologies, Bell. But it's clear your papa cherishes you deeply." Then turning back to White, she said, "I long to uncover Bell's story, but patience is required… until you are ready to share it, or until I discover it on my own."
She rose, her bag slung over one shoulder, and walked toward the door. Pausing, she cast him a cryptic smile. "From what I've gathered, there's a profound connection between your miraculous survival and Bell's existence."
Her smile deepened into one both knowing and enigmatic. "And, as you might have heard, when I desire something, I stop at nothing to obtain it."
She held the door open, waiting for Bell and White to pass through. Then she closed and secured the club behind them. "White, I must attend to my student council duties, but our paths will cross again. Take good care of Bell; after all, you are her father."
White stood motionless, thoughts swirling. He had come seeking answers about his own mystery, yet in questioning her about Bell, it became clear Luna, too, was searching for clarity.
He led Bell back to the apartment, weary and overcome with sleepiness from the day's excitement. "Wait here, Bell," he instructed softly, preparing to step out. She wanted to come, but he gently refused. Leaving her safely behind, he ventured to the pizza shop where he once worked part-time.
Since his accident, he hadn't returned. But with Miss Elsa's recovery ongoing and his savings nearly empty, he hoped there might be an opening.
"Hey, White, long time no see," greeted Chris warmly, his eyes full of concern. "Where have you been? You disappeared without a word, and it's been hectic here."
White swallowed hard, fabricating a gentle lie. "Sorry, Brother Chris. I had some things to handle, and my phone was stolen, so I couldn't call."
He nodded knowingly. "Well, you're just in time. We've just hired a new part-time employee. Maybe you could show her the ropes."
"Thank you, Brother Chris. I won't let you down," White promised sincerely.
After changing into his uniform in the staff room, he returned to the counter, where a shy voice broke his thoughts.
"Um… hello, I'm new here. Mr. Chris said you'd show me around," said Aris nervously, cheeks flushed.
White recognized her instantly. "Aris? What brings you here to work part-time?" he asked, surprised.
"Wh…White" She tried to hide her face but too late.
She looked away, voice quiet. "My allowance ran out. I need to earn money."
"Zen will be furious if he finds out," White warned.
She nodded. "I know, but I don't want to depend on him all the time. He overreacts—like my mom. Please don't tell him."
Concern laced his voice. "Alright, but night shifts can be dangerous. Customers aren't always kind."
"It's only 8 p.m., not too late. Plus, with club activities after school and homework, it's the only time I can work."
"And your parents and Zen?" White asked.
"I told them I'd be studying at a friend's house. They agreed. Zen might pick me up later, too."
White hesitated, unsure if he should tell Zen.
"Please, White, please! Wait! Oh, I have an idea!" she suddenly exclaimed.
"What's that?" he asked.
She smiled mischievously. "I'll give you my personal photos—never uploaded. Some are really cute. You'll like them."
White paused, then dialed Zen's number.
"Stop!" she cried, snatching his phone and ending the call.
"Sorry, I was kidding. I'll do anything if you don't tell Zen."
He sighed. "Okay, but promise me you'll wait for your brother to pick you up. I'll drop you off each night, and you mustn't go alone. Agreed?"
"Yay! I knew you'd understand! I love you, White!" she exclaimed happily.
"Sure, but remember at the counter I'm your senior. Follow my instructions and work hard."
Her confident smile was infectious. The night stretched ahead—full of uncertain promise.