The One Who Sees Within -1-
Inside a dark room. In the pitch-black darkness where not even a sliver of light could seep in, Yuria sat with her head bowed, sobbing.
"No..."
"This isn't me..."
"I didn't look like this...!"
The floor was littered with shards of shattered mirrors. The bathroom mirror. The vanity mirror on the desk. Even the hand mirror she carried in her bag—all reduced to razor-sharp fragments scattered everywhere. Amid those deadly edges that could slice deep with a single misstep, Yuria huddled in the corner of the bed, sniffling repeatedly.
"Why me..."
Yuria felt utterly wronged. Her face changing overnight was bad enough. But to be betrayed again by the one she'd opened her heart to—it ached, a deep, throbbing pain. Had it been a mistake to follow that friend who suddenly apologized? Had she been a fool for believing things might be different this time?
"I just wanted to get along with everyone."
She should have sensed something off from the start, when they suddenly started talking to her. People who never spoke to her before, now chatting her up—it had been strange. They cursed her behind her back, ignored her to her face, only ever hurt her. She shouldn't have tried to see the good in them, Yuria thought. If she hadn't, none of this would have happened.
In the darkness, Yuria hung her head and poured out her sorrow. Unfortunately, time marched on relentlessly, and atop the bed lay two dresses. The white one from Ricardo. The pale green one from Ruin.
Now utterly useless.
*
Beneath bright chandeliers, a crowd bustled about.
"We need to check your ticket or invitation before you can enter."
The guards' voices blocking unfamiliar guests mingled with the laughter and chatter of students he hadn't seen over break, filling the vast ballroom. The stars of tonight's ball were the academy students. This academy dance was exclusive—no outsiders without a special invitation. Held to kindle enthusiasm for studies at the start of the new term and strengthen bonds of friendship, the event drew a huge turnout from the cadets.
Student council president Shartia.
"Discipline committee! Get this line straightened out. It's a total mess!"
Academy swordsmanship department's number two, Mikhail.
"I have no idea why we're bothering with this crap. I'd rather swing my sword right now."
Tower Lord's disciple, Ruin.
"Shut up, you bug. Who swings a sword on a night like this? Ugh."
The future leaders of the empire shone brightly, making the ball vibrant and lively. And half the female cadets' chatter revolved around the boys. After catching up on break news, their talk inevitably turned to the guys.
A girl in a dress overloaded with frills glanced slyly at Mikhail talking with Shartia in the center of the hall and said,
"Wow... Mikhail's gotten even hotter."
"Right? He's got this... what, seductive vibe as time goes on. You know that thing..."
"Pretty boy...!"
"Yeah! He's insanely strong but looks so delicate, like a girl... that pretty boy feel!"
"Exactly!"
The girls flushed as they gossiped. Laughing and joking about how missing Mikhail over break had ruined their eyesight, they fawned over the sword department's top heartthrob. Mikhail, with his sharp hearing, clicked his tongue and forced an awkward smile.
"Why's everyone acting like this?"
"Why? 'Cause you're hot shit, Mikhail. Getting all that praise. Not my type, though."
"Don't tease me, President."
"Heh. You're loving it, Mikhail."
Mikhail sighed at Shartia, who sipped her wine with a mischievous grin.
"But has Yuria not shown up yet? She's always early, but I don't see her today."
Mikhail scanned the ballroom for his friend. She always arrived an hour early for these dances.
Shartia turned her head too.
"Yeah, she's not here."
"Weird. She's never late."
"Hmm. She'll come soon enough."
Mikhail tilted his wineglass with a worried sigh. In another corner, girls whispered about the sharp-featured guy.
Peeking at the green-robed mage who glared coldly at approaching girls and brushed them off gruffly, they giggled in delight.
"Wow... Ruin's even hotter now."
"Insane. Look at that decadent charm. Even the dark circles under his eyes are sexy."
"Right? I'm dying...!"
"Sigh... Think I can talk to Ruin this year?"
"You dream big. Ruin's just an idol to crush on."
"Sigh..."
Ignoring the chatter, Ruin checked his pocket watch and tapped his foot impatiently.
"Why hasn't she come yet?"
Ruin wanted to see Yuria soon. What dress would she wear...? No, he wanted to see her beauty in the pale green one he'd gifted her. He craned his neck searching for her.
Forty minutes until the ball started. Plenty of time left, yet their lively banter and heated atmosphere made it feel like the party had already begun. People hunting for someone. Youth spilling pent-up stories. Whispers of crushes spreading. The academy ballroom raced toward a dazzling start.
About thirty minutes passed. Just as Yuria faded from everyone's memory.
Clack. Clack.
A feeble click of heels echoed from the entrance. A sorrowful sound. It drew every eye, heavy and melancholic. The footsteps reverberating from the door hushed the ballroom to silence. Chatterers fell quiet. Wine drinkers set down glasses and turned toward the entrance. No one else was expected.
That drew even more attention.
Clack...
Clack...
Cl...ack.
The weak heel clicks drew nearer, focusing all gazes. Then, a slender woman's silhouette slowly emerged.
Who is that?
The boys held their breath, staring at the distant figure. Even the black outline told them this newcomer was beautiful. The girl's timid steps bathed in the chandelier's glow, drawing every eye. Boys swallowed hard. And then the final guest appeared.
Silence blanketed the hall.
"..."
"What the..."
"Pfft."
The boys who saw the girl sighed in disappointment, shaking their heads. The tense girls smirked with mocking "pfft"s, covering their mouths. She was hideous. The heel clicks had piqued interest briefly, but as her face came into view, unanimous sneers erupted.
The hunched girl offered a crumpled ticket, head bowed.
"Here... my ticket."
"Ah... confirmed."
"Yes... thank you."
The students didn't recognize this ball guest. Freckle-covered skin. Dull eyes. Chapped lips. They'd never seen this academy student before. Her looks screamed ugly. Even the dress seemed wasted on her—like she'd borrowed it from her mom. Everyone snickered.
"Wow, so tacky."
"Nah, she's just weird."
"Kekeke. I know, right."
The girl's dress was pale green. Elegant, subtle with embedded gems, simple yet flattering. But it also triggered someone.
Ruin ground his teeth at the familiar dress on the girl.
'Bought it 'cause it's one-of-a-kind. Fucking hell.'
The freckled girl headed to a corner, head down. Her hunched, scurrying shoulders felt oddly familiar, but Ruin fixated on her wearing the same dress as Yuria.
'Yuria's coming soon.''Ugh, bullshit.'
"Oh god, fucking hilarious."
Laughter burst from a corner. The culprits, spotting her instantly, relished the sight.
"That mage's potion really vented my stress. Feels like ten years of indigestion gone."
"Serves her right."
"Smart listening to that mage. Said it lasts three hours, right?"
"Yeah. Ends with the ball. Good experience for her. Pfft."
"Should've known better than to strut around."
The young ladies smiled at the huddled girl in the corner. Cruel smiles. They locked eyes with the green-dressed girl but dismissed her with sneers. Eyeing the guys they fancied, they steeled themselves to approach. New year, new resolve—no regretting wasting time on trash; time to shoot their shot.
Ruin strode toward the green-dressed girl.
Thud. Thud.
His determined steps were rough. Once he set a goal, he acted. He headed straight for the freckled girl. Seeing him approach, her eyes reddened with emotion. Overjoyed surprise. She wiped teary eyes, waiting.
Thud. Thud.
His steps halted before her. She slowly lifted her bowed head, rubbed her eyes, and forced an awkward smile.
"Ruin..."
Her tender call met his cold reply.
"Hey."
Not her name—"hey." Her body stiffened. Freckled cheeks trembled. Her eyes quaked like an earthquake as she stared at him. Ruin clenched his fist, glancing around.
"Sigh. No one's nearby, so I'll say it."
"..."
"Don't take it personal."
He stared at her blank gaze and whispered low.
"Can't you change your dress?"
"What?"
"I mean..."
Ruin raked his hair roughly, sighing deeply again.
"It fucking doesn't suit you."
"What do you mean...?"
"You and this dress. Doesn't fucking match. I've worn pricey stuff, so I know fashion. But not you..."
She asked in a trembling voice. Ruin grew annoyed at her chest-thumping coughs.
'Yuria's coming soon...'
Ruin was certain Yuria would wear the dress he'd prepared. That's why he stepped in—to spare her feelings. Being rude to a stranger. He wanted his gift special. Not seeing Yuria in the same dress as this ragamuffin.
So he growled at the freckled girl.
"I'll pay you. Change into something else."
His forceful tone. Not a request—a blatant threat echoing in her ears.
"..."
Tears welled in her eyes, ready to spill.
Ruin tsked at her pitiful gaze.
"I know it's rude, but I've got reasons. Understand. Double the cost—just change."
"...Ruin."
"Don't call my name. Annoys me."
"..."
She spoke in a quavering voice. Bandage-covered hands clenched into fists as she forced out the words.
"I'm... Yuria."
"What?"
Ruin stared in shock. Dynamic emotions swirled in his trembling eyes—panic? Rage? Fury at whoever did this? Unclear. But his reflection in her eyes showed clear bewilderment.
"Hey..."
He raked his hair again.
And.
"Say it again."
"Huh?"
"Say it again."
"What happened is..."
"No... what's with you since yesterday..."
Ruin glared fiercely.
"Yuria's not ugly like you."
"Guh... sniff..."
"Don't you dare open your lying mouth."
He reached for her.
"Fine. I'll just singe the hem."
"..."
"Pathetic, trying to look pretty."
Emptiness filled her eyes.
Plip.
Tears hit the floor, but Ruin ignored them, extending an irritated hand. Forming a blazing orb to scorch her dress hem.
Bang!
The ballroom doors shattered, heels clicking amid the dust cloud. A man's figure emerged; all cadets held their breath, staring. He waved casually.
"Uh. Hi."
Red-haired man, always casual in greeting. Tall, sturdy build. Handsome features. Overwhelmed by attention, he bowed sheepishly.
"I'm Ricardo, attendant to Lady Olivia Desmont of the Desmont family."
He smiled brightly, entering.
"Here on leave, but I have an invite. Complaints? Duel me."
His eyes fixed on the freckled girl as he approached steadily. Seeing him gaze solely at her, her eyes quivered violently.
She'd tried hiding. Hands over tear-streaked face. But amid the crowd's stares, his steps led to the ugly crying girl.
Ruin scowled at the sudden intruder, grabbing his shoulder roughly.
Grip.
Like seizing a boulder—Ruin couldn't budge Ricardo's iron strength. Instead, Ruin was yanked forward. He spat irritably.
"Fuck, who the hell are you to barge in here?"
"Uh... could you shut your trap?"
Ricardo brushed off Ruin, standing before the freckled girl with a small smile. He gently reached out, stroking her hair softly.
"You're beautiful today, too."