I carefully separated the white strands of my hair, hiding them beneath the red ones before tying everything into a neat ponytail.
I stared at my reflection for a moment.
Then I walked downstairs.
Breakfast felt heavier than usual. Everyone acted normal, but I could feel their eyes lingering on me.
Before I left for school, Mom removed my old black glasses and replaced them with a fancier pair.
"Be careful," she said softly, pulling me into a hug.
Dad nodded in agreement.
Helen stood beside me, quiet for once.
"Take care of her," Mom added, looking at Helen.
She nodded.
Strangely… I didn't feel resentment toward her anymore.
My guard was still up — but I've started to realize something.
Maybe it wasn't Helen.
Maybe it was my insecurity.
Always thinking people were judging me.
Always assuming hidden motives behind simple questions.
Maybe I was the one building walls.
Helen and I stepped outside together.
It had been a long time since I left the house.
"Does it feel weird going back to school after so long?" Helen asked casually.
"Yeah," I replied.
"But what's even weirder," she continued, "is that we're walking to school together."
I stopped mid-step.
A few seconds passed before she realized I wasn't behind her anymore. She turned slowly.
"You—"
I suddenly lunged forward and wrapped my arm around her neck.
"We're sisters after all," I said.
She froze for half a second.
Then we both burst into laughter.
And just like that, the tension between us felt lighter.
At the school gate, I let Helen go in first — not because I hated her.
But because I still don't understand what's happening to me.
And I don't want her dragged into it.
After a few minutes, I followed.
I sat down for lecture, and almost immediately Jane rushed in with her boyfriend, John.
She practically jumped into the seat beside me.
"I did more research," she whispered dramatically. "You're definitely a goddess from an ancient kingdom."
I rolled my eyes.
Of course she did.
Jane is a certified novel addict.
She pulled out a picture from her bag.
My breath caught.
The woman in the image looked eerily like me.
Long white hair.
Glowing purple eyes.
I quickly shoved the picture back into her bag.
"Stop dreaming. There's no way I'm some ancient goddess."
She didn't argue this time.
She just stared at me quietly.
"What are you two whispering about?" John asked curiously.
"Nothing," we replied in unison.
The lecturer entered, and the class dragged on as usual.
Boring.
But exams were approaching, so I forced myself to pay attention.
When the lecture ended, I left Jane and John behind.
I walked toward the poolside.
Dylan was always there.
But today…
He wasn't.
I scanned the area again.
Nothing.
I approached one of the guys standing nearby.
"Have you seen Dylan? Tall, handsome guy. Usually hangs around here."
"Oh, you mean the Student President?" he asked.
I nodded quickly.
"He hasn't been around lately. Took sick leave."
Sick leave?
Disappointment washed over me.
I thanked him and walked away.
I sat alone at the pavilion.
I don't even have his number.
I don't know where he lives.
I don't know how to reach him.
And with everything happening to me… I don't even know where to start.
For a brief moment, Jane's theory resurfaced in my mind.
Ancient goddess.
Reincarnation.
Hidden kingdom.
I scoffed.
That only happens in movies.
Right?
Just then, my phone rang.
My heart skipped when I saw the name.
Dave.
I can't let him see me like this.
The phone rang once.
Twice.
On the third ring, I answered.
"Hi," he said.
"Hi," I replied softly.
"Are you in school? Can we meet up?"
If this were before, I would have been excited.
But now…
"I'm not in school today," I lied quickly. "I'll call you later."
I ended the call before he could respond.
I exhaled in relief.
Then suddenly, an idea struck me.
I could ask someone for Dylan's contact.
I grabbed my bag and stood up—
And then I saw him.
Dave.
Walking toward me from a distance.