The Black Swan Behind (Beauty of Fire)

Emma let out a long sigh as she leaned her back deeply against the back of the chair. “That makes my head hurt,” she said while lightly massaging her forehead.

“It looks like a love triangle,” Rachel guessed.

“M’m...” Emma nodded with a pitiful face.

Seeing that, Rachel chuckled. “I think I know your weakness now,”

Rachel’s statement made Emma laugh. “I guess they give me more headaches than gangster stuff.”

“By the way, who’s that tattooed guy, Emma?” Rachel asked.

“His name is Levi Wargos. We met by chance due to a small accident. Actually, at first, we were just like normal friends. In fact... I could say that we fought a lot.” Emma chuckled.

Rachel glanced at her best friend who was sitting in the passenger seat beside her. “I can see that...” she smiled in amusement.

.....

Emma understood what Rachel meant, “Do I really look like I like him?”

“Pretty much,” Rachel replied. “If you like him and he seems to like you too, why should you bother?”

“That... actually...” Emma just muttered, didn’t continue the sentence.

Rachel hummed softly. “Is it... because of Calvin Lee?”

“Well, Calvin Lee is only part of the reason I’m worried. That guy named Levi; he had confessed his feelings to me. But I rejected him,” Emma said.

“You did? May I know why?”

“That’s because we are very close but don’t know each other.”

“I’m... confused,” Rachel frowned.

“Our meeting was unexpected. At first, Levi and I often fought because we both have the same tough nature. But there was a period when we became compatible when we talked. At that time, we shared the big lines of the problems we were experiencing. Even though it just happened like that, it turned out that we could fill each other. At that time, we agreed to become friends to talk, but with a condition that we don’t need to know each other’s personal lives. That’s because Levi and I didn’t want to be in a special relationship.” Emma explained.

“Then, in the end, you guys were trapped?” Rachel guessed.

“Indeed. At first, I thought it was just me liking Levi one-sidedly. But it turned out that he also has the same feelings. However, even though we like each other, Levi said that he didn’t want any relationship between us. He wanted to continue being friends. He begged me to accept it and asked me to stay. It was my stupidity that allowed it all to happen. To be honest, I’m weak against Levi.”

“In other words, you were... rejected by him?” Rachel asked.

Emma sighed softly. “I guess so, Rachel. At that time, I felt hurt. But I didn’t let that mess me up. But an incident made Levi say something I never expected. He openly confessed his feelings for me and asked me to become his girlfriend. But, when that happened, my view of Levi changed. I didn’t think he was a good man to be my partner. Therefore, I rejected him and requested that we remain friends as usual.”

“Today, I accidentally met Calvin when I was with Levi. At that moment, the two of them stared at each other like rivals. Levi also deliberately cornered Calvin. This made me realize that Levi was trying to keep Calvin away from me. It seems he won’t accept if we’re just friends. He won’t allow another man to be by my side” Emma continued.

“Well... It sounds like Levi is a selfish man, doesn’t it?” Rachel said.

Emma nodded. “He’s selfish and stubborn and annoying.”

“Still, those are the reason you like him, right, Emma?” Rachel smiled. “I can guess that he is the only man who treats you like that when you are always treated like a princess by all men.”

“Damn... You’re so right, Rachel. Why should I fall in love with someone who hurt me?” Emma said in frustration.

Rachel chuckled. “Calm yourself, Emma. From what I’ve seen, quite a few people end up liking the wrong person. Sometimes, humans like to take risks because it gets their adrenaline pumping. I guess that’s what happens to you now.”

“It’s not just your feelings, Rachel. That is what happens to me. I’m faced with two choices; Levi or Calvin. Even though Calvin always treated me kindly and sweetly, I don’t understand why my heart falls on Levi.” Emma explained.

“I understand. Hearts and feelings cannot be forced. It often makes you confused.” Rachel said. “So, you’re thinking about choosing Calvin? I think I know your character.”

Emma nodded. “I’m sure that feelings can grow like a tree. So, I chose Calvin over Levi. But the thing is that now, Calvin knows that I’m close to other men. Doesn’t that mean I have to let go of one of them? I’m so selfish, aren’t I?”

“It’s the rules, Emma. If you choose one, then you have to let go of the other. Selfish or not, in the end, it’s what you have to do so you don’t lose both.” Rachel replied.

“If I chose Calvin, I don’t think I could bear to stay away from Levi. But, of course, I have to respect Calvin’s feelings by not being too close to other men, who obviously like me. On the one hand, I recognize Levi’s character. I think he won’t let me go just like that.” Emma said weakly.

“You should be tough enough to stop him, Emma. If he stays around you, the feelings of the both of you will only grow bigger. And that will make you end up with Levi, not Calvin.” Rachel replied.

“Gosh... This is something...” Emma held her head with both hands.

Rachel chuckled. “Cheer up, Emma. I’m sure you can choose the best. I’m sorry, but I can’t be of much help in this matter.”

“I know, Rachel. At least you’ve been willing to listen to me and give your opinion. I really appreciate it. Thank you.” Emma said.

Imperceptibly, their car finally arrived in front of a house that looked shabby. The two girls got out of the car and walked towards the door of the house.

Rachel pressed the bell several times before the door opened and showed a girl with sky-blue hair.

“Hello...” Elisa Lanken greeted them.

“Wow! You changed your hair colour?” Emma asked directly with her eyes wide in admiration. Previously, Elisa’s hair was white like Elf’s.

Elisa nodded. “What do you think?” she gave cute gestures.

“It’s amazing. It matches your eye colour.” Emma answered.

Elisa chuckled. “Come on in. Ostsuka is waiting for you.”

Then the three girls went to the basement which was the location of the Work Shop owned by a guy with long bangs that covered half of his face, which made him look very gloomy.

“Hi..,” Emma greeted the man who was standing behind his desk.

Ostuka only raised his face and glanced at her two guests before walking towards the corner of the room where two rather large bags were stored. Naturally, the three girls followed him.

“Two hundred masks and jackets. You can check them first.” Otuska said.

“No need. We’ve ordered from you many times and never had any complaints. I trust it will be as good as ever,” Emma answered.

Otsuka nodded briefly. “I’ll put them in your car.”

“Let us help,” Rachel said.

Then the girls helped Ostsuka put the two big bags onto the trolley.

“I’ll put it in the car myself. No need to help me.” Ostuka said.

“Sure. Here’s the key,” Rachel replied, handing the man the car key.

“Anyway, why do you come here yourself, Emma?” Elisha asked.