Whoosh!!!
I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, absently raking my fingers through my curls. They'd started to puff out again, the tight coils losing their neatness. Maybe I should rebraid them? I walked over to my drawer, rummaging through various hair products until I found one I'd brought a few weeks ago.
"Huh… I didn't even notice this one before. Not sure it'll work for my hair type, though."
I examined myself in the mirror again. My face looked… thinner. Have I always been this skinny? My thoughts drifted to Zoe—eccentric, flirty, and unpredictable. Did she act that way with everyone, or was it just part of how she navigated things? I shook my head. At least the recorder she gave me would come in handy.
Looking around my dorm, I had to admit, the school did well in maintaining the students' welfare. Each room was furnished with the essentials—nothing extravagant, but comfortable enough. At least my hostel was near campus, meaning less effort wasted.
Knock. Knock.
I turned toward the door, mildly irritated at the interruption. Peeking through the peephole, I sighed.
Liesa.
Of all people.
---
Liesa's Perspective
Standing outside the door, I shifted from foot to foot, gripping my student pass tightly. This thing was the only reason I could even be here without raising eyebrows.
I groaned under my breath. Why was I here again? Oh right, to talk to him.
Klein. Gloomy, quiet, weird Klein. How did I end up at his door? Apparently, the guy had some sort of connection to my big sister's friend. I knocked again, waiting.
Seconds later, I heard groaning and some mumbling from the other side. The door creaked open, and I was met with the most ridiculous sight.
Klein stood there, eyes half-lidded in exhaustion, his yellow irises carrying an almost lazy glow, like he was half-dreaming. His black curls had puffed out wildly, frizzing like an unkempt lion's mane. His brown skin looked smooth but carried that unmistakable "I just woke up and I don't care" energy. A white shirt hung loosely on his frame, and his black pants looked like he hadn't bothered adjusting them properly.
I couldn't help myself. I snorted.
"Pfft—What's up with your hair?"
His gaze remained unfazed, unimpressed. "Liesa, right? What do you want?"
"Um… Good morning to you too, grouchy." I grinned, pushing up my glasses. "There's something I need to discuss with you."
Klein's tired expression deepened. "Can't we talk about it here?"
I pouted, placing a hand on my hip. "What? You're just gonna let me stand outside like some solicitor? That's bad hospitality, you know."
Silence.
His stare was blank—so blank that I was starting to think there wasn't a single thought in that head of his.
"Are you even listening?" I waved a hand in front of his face.
"Uhh… no," he admitted, straight-faced.
This guy.
I inhaled sharply, deciding I'd force my way inside. "Alright, let's negotiate then! What if I help you fix that disaster on your head?"
Klein blinked. "I can braid my own hair fine, thanks—"
"Nope! Nope! Nope! I'm stopping you right there. I refuse to let you walk around looking like a neglected poodle. So, here's the deal—I help you, and then we talk."
He opened his mouth, probably to protest, but I pressed a finger to his lips. "Shhh!!! You're welcome." And before he could kick me out, I waltzed right in.
---
Klein's Perspective
What just happened?
I sat on the bed, resigned, as Liesa stationed herself behind me, humming away like some cheerful hairdresser.
How do I feel about this? Well… I don't know what to feel about this. A girl—a loud, talkative, intrusive girl—was in my room, messing with my hair like she owned the place.
Her fingers worked quickly, moving through my curls with too much confidence. I could tell she was skilled, but—
YANK!
I flinched. "Ow. What the hell?"
"Ohhh, my bad." Liesa giggled. "Your hair's kinda stubborn. It's fighting me."
I deadpanned. "Or maybe you just like pulling it on purpose."
"What? Me? Never!" she said with a mischievous grin. But then, as if to prove me right—she tugged again.
I sucked in a sharp breath. "Liesa."
"Yes, Klein?" she sang innocently.
I exhaled slowly. "You do that again, and I will throw you out the window."
She only laughed, clearly having the time of her life. "Jeez, you're no fun."
---
By the time she finished, I was too done to argue anymore. I grabbed a mirror from my desk and inspected her handiwork. My braids were perfectly symmetrical, forming neat zigzagging rows along my scalp. She was annoying, but damn, she was good.
Liesa stood with her arms crossed, radiating maximum smug energy.
"Well?"
"It's… great."
Silence.
She narrowed her eyes. "'It's great'? That's all I get?"
"I said it's great. I'm being grateful. Is that a bad thing?"
She scoffed. "Pfft. You suck at giving compliments."
I ignored her, standing up to grab my hoodie. I had bigger things to deal with today.
"Alright," I said, pulling it over my head. "Now, what exactly do you want from me?"
Liesa blinked, remembering her purpose. "Oh! Right. My sister's worried about her friend, Molly. She's been acting weird lately—keeping to herself, avoiding people. My sister thinks she's being bullied."
I stared at her, unimpressed. "And?"
Liesa frowned. "And? What do you mean 'and'? I thought you were some detective big shot! Find out who's bullying her!"
I sighed. "I'm not a therapist, Liesa. If Molly's not talking about it, it's probably something she doesn't want to talk about."
"But that's why I need your help! My sister's really worried!" Liesa huffed, hands on her hips. "Besides… Keith said you'd be good at this."
Keith. Of course he was behind this.
Rubbing my temples, I groaned. "Fine. I'll look into it."
Liesa beamed, victorious. "Great! Then—"
"But," I cut in, adjusting my hoodie, "bring Molly to a resort in the commercial hub tomorrow."
Liesa tilted her head. "Why a resort?"
"You want her to open up? You need to know her first."
Liesa seemed to consider this, then nodded. "Huh. I guess that makes sense."
I walked to the door and gestured toward it. "Now, you can leave."
Liesa pouted. "Ooo, can I come wi—"
"No."
She scowled but finally stepped out.
As the door shut behind her, I exhaled.
This was gonna be a long week.