#ahmor

That damned string, his own curios mind and everything that followed. Even this very act. The fact that he has decided to stand in front of a mirror like this; to look at his own reflection and analyse just who is looking back at him and how they have changed – that is because of you too.   How many times has je found glass fragments in the deep sea? They were just something shiny back then, something to bring to Floyd and to play with. And now, after all of it, those fragments make up this mirror that he cannot bring himself to look away from.  

The surface of the sea serves the same purpose but why does he feel this one so deeply? Why does he keep hoping an answer would come if he just witnesses himself in silence?   On the surface of the sea, he has never though so deeply about it serving as a witness to all of his ponderings.  

He has started to feel more human. And he hates to say it – but even these thoughts come from an inner hurt. And you are to blame.  

Just when he finally felt progress in getting to know you – you changed your seat. He thinks you did it so you wouldn’t have to talk to him. He gets to gaze at you fully now; more longingly than ever and he hates it.  

You’ve created this distance. You were the one who walked into his job a few days ago opening up, and now you walk past him in the hallways without hesitation.  

Jade Leech hates being called foolish. But he supposes no other word describes his current state better. He was foolish and he curses his mind for growing even more curious now searching as to why.  

Perhaps he should ask you. But his pride, and the memory of what he did on the first day prevent him. He thinks it is the best that way.  

But others do not.  

Floyd always hated how Jade would start to walk with a determination unplaced when he was going through something. He hates to admit it – but instinctively both of them knew when a shift had occurred but, in these times, whatever Floyd thought of doing to help would only cause something worse.  

And Azul, he did not have instinct towards Jade’s specific moods but he was rational enough to notice when someone so close started to change.   Jade was becoming even more cold; even more calculating. That juxtaposed with his natural tendency to keep things in and the way his knuckles would grab and press even the mop he used to clean counters with – Azul sensed that nothing good would come out of it. 

That is why, on one early and cold morning, both Azul and Floyd were hesitant.  

“This box is not for us.”  “I know that, Floyd.” Azul said while closing the door and locking it immediately. “I could clearly see Jade’s name as I picked it up at the front door.”  “Then why did you bring it into your office?” 

Azul could only pinch the bridge of his nose. 

“Think about it! Jade has been acting weird for the last 5 days. We both know that. And I am pretty sure this wrapped box has something to do with it.”  “Thats perfect then. Give it to him and his mood will improve.” 

Azul traced the brown wrapper with his fingers before he sat down. 

“I do not plan to open it myself if that is what you are afraid of.”  “Then what do you plan to do?”  “I am still thinking. If anything was able to influence Jade that badly; imagine how much he could continue to be affected by this. We are lucky he left to hike at 4 am this morning. What if this is more bad news?”  “Jade can deal with them.”  “It is not that I don’t know that! But I can’t help to think maybe it would be good if we were to pretend this didn’t exist.”  

Floyd was getting fed up. Azul went about caring for his friends in such odd ways sometimes that Floyd had to grab the box and glare at him. 

“It belongs to Jade. He is the only one that has the right to decide what to do with this. He could burn it for all I care.”  “Floyd, it was left on our door without a knock or a bell, it has no sender or address. All it says is ‘to Jade’ written in sloppy and rushed handwriting with red ink. It is a suspicious item and-”  “Thank you for worrying about my brother. But this is going into his hands as soon as he comes back.” 

Deep down, Azul knew that Floyd was right – but his mind continued to be restless until Jade came back. Floyd placed the box inside of Jade’s hands, told him where they found it and from the way Jade’s shoulders relaxed and his eyes looked at it as if it was something deeply familiar – Azul felt his worry disappear.  

It seemed like Jade had made peace with finally knowing. Knowing what and how, he did not know – but it seemed like what bothered Jade these past few days was the pain of never having an answer at all.  

The box was small – that was the first thing Jade noticed after going into his room.   Since his name was written in red ink, he immediately felt that it was written by you.   And he knew he had to sit in front of his mirror when opening this – to have a witness once more.  

It was only a shame that his name wasn’t written with more care. He swore to himself that if he finds out yours, he would only pin it to paper with careful strokes.  

He did not hesitate in opening the box – it held all of the answers to his endless array of questions. When he removed the four corners, he saw a regular notebook inside. It had no special colors or prints; nothing that would give away the intent behind it but once he lifted it up his hand touched something on the back.  

It was a sticky note – written by a calmer hand this time – and it said: “I trust you enough with this that I believe you will read it on your own.” 

Your trust wasn’t misplaced. He hoped you knew that somehow. Especially when he opened up the notebook and saw that it wasn’t completely filled up; it stopped around the middle but it consisted only of diary entries.  

In his hurry to find answers, he skipped the calendar and immediately started reading.  

Diary entry number 1.  

I cannot believe I am doing this right now. I can’t believe I got up from my bed, turned on the lamp on the table and dug around in my desk for a dumb unused notebook and that I am writing in it right now with the first pen I grabbed. These things were always so dumb I said. I would never do a dream diary I said. And after another dream and that podcast with a really annoying male voice who recommended it as a ‘dream expert’ I threw all of that out.  

I haven’t been sleeping well. For a month or now I would say. These dreams come and go and turn into something new so randomly that I cannot pinpoint when one will occur or how I will react to them. That is why I won’t do these by date. The date is not important; they will only be numbered.  

Sometimes the dreams scare me, other times they make me comfortable. Just where do they come from? Which part of my brain? Our subconscious must be our worst enemy in this case.  

I didn’t know what else to do so I will write them down from now on.  

Why would you give him your dream diary? Jade was growing more and more curious.  

Diary entry number 2.  

I will immediately write down the dream that made me pick this up.   I was sleeping peacefully in my dream, somewhere outside in field filled with countless flowers of various colors. My bed looked like the ones that most expensive actors use. Why am I mentioning that? Well, the vails from the top started moving and someone kept tugging on my hair. When I opened my eyes, gold dust was all over my cheeks and my hair was being tugged by a small fairy. She rolled her eyes at me and told me ‘Finally!’ and she continued talking but all I heard after that was ‘Don’t you dare be late!’ 

So I asked her for what I will be late and she looked at me with disgust. She made me float and placed my feet on the flower field and she kept repeating him! Him! Him! Who did she mean? Why did she do that? It was all getting too much and I decided to run away.  

I don’t remember if she chased me – all I know is that I ran and ran until my feet were too tired. Finally, I decided to look back and I didn’t see her.  

But, as soon as I fell down on my knees, a red flower grew 20 times in size. Its petals wrapped around me and it closed up. A dark voice spoke and said I was late. I was late to him. And those petals became my prison. Who is he? Why am I suffering because of him?! 

Jade started to wonder if with this – it meant that you subconsciously saw him or love as prison itself. 

Diary entry number 3. 

It has been a few days without any dreams at all. I was able to rest so I suppose this dumb diary worked in my favour so that is good...if I had to admit to it. I am still unsure about it all but I have to say this dream did not wake me up – I just remember it because it wasn’t either scary or nice. Dreams can have middles too I suppose. 

Could I call this one an answer? I don’t know. But I felt safe.  

I was simply walking in the park, I felt anxious and scared at first. Everything around me was grey, every other human besides me. And then in a distance, I saw my neighbour and friend. His red hair was the only thing with color in my dream. This time I ran and ran to catch him, he was still. I threw myself on him to hug him. And immediately I felt safe. Like I had found an answer. It doesn’t matter that I do not even know the question. 

Perhaps this was the same friend he saw you with during his first day on land? 

Diary entry number 4. 

Today was... uncomfortable for me. The last dream made me think that I had to chase my friend and be with him just to feel safe so that more of them would not come and wake me up. Ridiculous, I know but I truly thought I had found an answer!  

We started going to the same prestigious school and when I saw him in that hallway, I thought to myself ‘This is like that dream.’ so I searched for the perfect way to approach him. And I realized we are more acquaintances than close friends – both of us felt uncomfortable with that interaction. I thought about hugging him because that happened in the dream but I did not because I know enough of reality to know how worse that would make all of it.   

And then I also felt such a sudden sharp pain in my finger that I almost started crying from it. It felt like something inside of me broke down and refused to be well? Was I well myself? Seems like the answer to that is an obvious no. 

With all of that combined I knew my dreams would not be a peaceful place tonight so I tried to prolong them so much that I ended up exhausting myself and falling asleep while sitting on my chair. It was so uncomfortable but my dream was even worse! 

I was hanging in the middle of some space. Everything around me was dark but under me I saw the night sky. Black with white stars. But what stood out the most is that I was dangling with a singular red string holding up my body. It was wrapped all over me. My hands and legs and my torso, I think only my head was uncovered. I wasn’t facing the sky like I was hmmm how do I describe this on paper .. I was straight so I had to look down to see the sky! And if there was a ceiling in that black space- that is what the red string holding me up was attached to.  

And I found looking at that sky peaceful weirdly enough. I wasn’t worried at all. But in a split second the string somehow got cut. I think it was by some scissors? In my dream it seemed that way and I started falling. I was falling for a long time, trying to free my arms and legs from the string. I was falling straight into the sky! Everything I did was useless. I ended up falling there.  

Except at the end, I realized – it wasn’t a sky, it was the ocean! I started to sink like that, red string growing more vibrant.   But somehow, I ended up on the shore.  

I am starting to see a pattern of red finally. And I think I hate it. 

Jade knew that this dream was probably fate’s reaction to what he did back then.  

Diary entry number 5. 

I hate the color red I hate it I hate it I UTTERLY HATE IT! It just won’t leave me alone. I walk and see a red flower and remember my dream. I go to the store and avoid the red pens. I change my course because of it. And the color itself is not ugly but I am afraid of that it represents. Or, of what it should represent that I am not aware of.  

Would it be love or anger? Would it be fate or something that damages me? I do not know so I continue to worry.  

I had a dream that I was trapped in a cube of jello. It was red obviously. It was red and I could only move by such small steps no matter how much I kept trying.  

I am going to avoid jello for a while. I say jello but really it was just some thick red liquid that reminded me of it. 

I am constantly covered in red. Somehow. Even when I tried to moisturise my hands in that cube, the moisturiser was red not white. 

I really hate it 

Diary entry number 6. 

I keep saying I hate the color yet I also feel peaceful from it sometimes. Maybe it is trying to direct me or keep me safe. 

Diary entry number 7. 

Today my new professor seemed really interesting. The headmage we met often seems like he has no idea what he is doing or trying to do with this school. At least knowing the professors are capable and passionate enough despite their flaws reassures me.  

She was interesting while asking about the myths. But I felt my stomach drop when she asked about the red string of love. Because how could I be so affected by it and so dumb not to call it love sooner? If my dreams are indicative of what it is supposed to feel like I hate it.  

And to make it worse I was the only one that didn’t raise my hand. A non-believer. If only the rest of them knew how scary it was to constantly have red in your dreams but to also feel safe from it.  

I don’t hate the professor – I just hate this constant unease. 

Jade did wonder what went through your head and why you answered the way you did now. He cannot say he ever imagined you would feel like this during that class. 

Diary entry number 8.  

I am unsure of how to view love. That, at least, I know. 

Diary entry number 9. 

I had a dream of that fairy again. She wasn’t tugging my hair or leaving pixie dust all over my face this time.  

I remember I was walking through some fields and found a cobblestone path. She was waiting for me there and she was crying for me. She said I had another chance. And she was happy about that. She also kept talking about love and how mine was stronger than she imagined it would be.  

I asked who he was but she wouldn’t tell me. Instead, she said I should find out on my own and a red translucent line appeared on the ground. She told me to follow it and that with time I would have my answer. So, I followed it.  

It took me to some old abandoned building with odd architecture. It was gray and when I looked back to ask her why I ended up here she just told me ‘Paths are unpredictable’ and that another one would show up for me soon. And then she flew off and I looked at the red line and my footsteps over it made flowers bloom. 

What a dumb dream. It felt nice still. I think I will buy that red sweater I saw in the store two days ago and wear it to his birthday. 

Jade already felt that he knew you enough to guess what happened next. 

Diary entry number 10. 

Would I be called a fool because I ignored the initial discomfort and kept trying to appear attractive and lovable to my friend? I just thought it meant we had to take time and get to know each other and that eventually I would get to that point of my dream but in real life where I got to hug him and feel all my worries melt away.  

So, I kept being friendly. Helping him with his minor issues because no matter what he refused my attempts at growing closer but he invited me to his birthday party! I thought that meant something big! So I went to the store, got that sweater to wear it specifically for that occasion, bought him a present and even wrapped it in the bag of flowers that resembled the one from my dream. That was all so expensive.  

I was hoping so much I would get to that point. To call him my boyfriend I mean, to hug him and just feel....normal again. And filled with love I guess...  

I got so ahead of myself that on the way to the party I bumped into someone, my red sweater got ruined (not really but it felt like it) and a red string got somehow mixed up with him.  

The cursed red string.  

So, I ran and decided to cut it myself. I told him I was in a hurry to see my boyfriend. With that ruined red I wanted to run away. Now I wish I hadn’t.  

I lied. To myself and to that stranger. I ran there with my lies because I was hoping and when I got there – he introduced us to his girlfriend. Told us the story about their meeting and love and I was so envious. 

They had peace. I was still with my dreams and nightmares and restless. I lied. I was foolish. And yet, all I could do was leave the present and take the bag with me.  

I don’t know what I was thinking but somehow, I know it was a piece of me and my love that I have nowhere to fucking place now. 

Pitiful. 

And I still feel so bad about lying and being such a big fool. 

Hurting your diary entries made Jade’s heart beat faster. With love or fear or simply worry for you. Maybe if he hadn’t cut it in the first place, you would have had an easier time. You wouldn’t have suffered so much. But he had to live with it. He had to keep on reading. 

Diary entry number 11. 

This happened afterwards but I had to take a break and come back to write this so I am separating them. 

After that humiliation I grabbed the bag and I couldn’t wait to be outside. I wanted to go somewhere...but everything felt too familiar so I decided to find a place I’ve never been to before. Only strangers would get to witness my humiliation I guessed and I wouldn’t feel bad for it. Then I remembered this one café that my classmates have talked about and I thought that was a good enough place to hide at. 

But I was the only person there as a guest I realized late. And I also wasn’t amongst strangers. There was only one man there – the same one I lied to earlier that day. And just like that all of my shame and pitiful nature came back to me and I wanted to leave. 

He said he was a stranger and oddly enough that was it and I decided to stay. I think I was just too exhausted from today. I even threw the bag at one point and I embarrassed myself further by being emotional about it all. He must think I am so weird! The way I just walked in there and acted is so....ugly to me.  

He said interesting things to me and was kind. He told me what the flowers on the bag meant and I remember thinking how glad I was they were only similar and not completely identical to the ones from my dream.  

He was almost too kind to a stranger like me. But I am glad someone was. I learnt his name – Jade. It is rather nice but just imagine how badly he thinks of me now! 

Now Jade understands your reasons for acting the way you did. He just wished he had asked for you name then but he is almost too glad to hear you think of him this way. 

The next diary entry looks so hurried and similar to the way his name was written on the box. 

Diary entry number 12. 

I just keep on embarrassing myself don’t I? Even in my fucking dreams I do. Well, they just make things worse. Was this really the meaning behind it all? Was he the him that fairy kept pulling my hair for and then crying for me?  

I had a dream that I was walking up invisible stairs that would flash red as soon as I stepped on them. I was in an empty space otherwise with a door high up in the sky that was my only exit or my only way forward.  

It looked...the architecture of the door reminded me of the flowers from the field and the ruins from the other dream I had. And when I finally got to them all I had to do was hold the handle and they opened to reveal the space inside.  

I remember it was simple and it seemed to ordinary when I stepped in. I looked around and it just looked like a cosy home that a couple shared. Why did I think that? I do not know but it felt that way.   I thought that there was nobody around but then someone called my name from behind. I don’t think I ever heard my name uttered with such fondness and familiarity before. And when I looked back, to see who was calling me so, Jade was standing there behind a kitchen counter. He was offering me a drink. The straw inside the drink was red.  

And in that instant the door behind me closed, my finger felt the same jab it did that day and I saw a red string unfold and make its way to his ring finger. He was wearing a ring. We both were.  

I am pathetic not to see something simple. I am pathetic to fall in love with a man after a day of meeting him.  

I just do not know what to do. These emotions are not rational. And I am a coward. I am a coward that is going to ignore him from now on. He will think even worse of me. 

Jade wishes he had that dream. Instead, he now knows why you started to ignore him and he has to say it feels like a punishment for testing fate. And it is true – he would call your name so. But you really did not know he spent all that time sitting behind you in class and knowing you before you had run into him on that street. And that too, feels like a punishment. 

Diary entry number 13. 

Jade Leech I declare my battle with this.  

I hope you made it until the end. I hope it means something to you. I was so confused and still am and this proclamation feels just as foolish as me but I couldn’t think of any other way. I did decide to ignore you and that felt so bad to me I decided to leave this diary at your door instead.  

I am writing this even when I might chicken out at the last second. But it felt like you should know.  

Either give me an answer or keep ignoring me like I am doing to you now.  

It feels like I was destined to love you and as much of a coward as I am – the annoying fairy in my dream came again and yelled at me and I woke up and wrote this before I even knew what I was doing.  

You wrote out ‘love you’. You wrote out that you love him. That was all Jade ever needed to push away his curiosity and find you the next day. Without knowing your name that was all he could do. Well, that, and rereading this diary. 

Next day, he found you in an empty classroom. You looked to be on edge but also extremely tired from it all. Perhaps you couldn’t sleep without waiting for an answer from him.  

He thought long last night how he should approach you. But after everything you both went through – simplicity seemed to be the best answer.  

He approached the door, leaned against it and just looked at you lovingly for a few seconds. He couldn’t hold it in anymore.  

He said it. He called out your name and it rolled off his tongue with budding love. He wonders if he sounded like this in your dream – based on your reaction he thinks the answer is yes.  

You tensed up and wanted to look away, but your eyes were locked on him as he approached you. Your dream diary was in his hands and he placed it on your desk.  

Unable to speak, you lowered down your gaze. This might still be a rejection. You could have made a dumb decision.  

Jade chuckled softly. He sat down next to you.  

“You know...” he began, and you were afraid. “I am glad to finally know your name.” 

He found it written above the calendar on his reread.  

“It means I get to confess my love for you in the right way.” 

And all of your worries did melt away. All of your dreams and nightmares finally made sense. That myth of red happened to be real and you just happened to be part of fate. You hugged him and from relief, the instant knowledge of both love and peace, your eyes started to sting.  

This was love. In all its glory. In all its messy nature. Both trapping you and setting you free.  

Jade said your name again. He said the words I love you and you jumped up from your seat.  

“Jade I can see it! Jade!”  “See what?”  “The string! The red sting is here and it appeared as soon as you said you love me!” 

And he looked down and saw that you were telling the truth. He tugged the string gently to distract you and then he held your wrist to tug you as well to make it seem like the string was to blame for you falling into his lap.  

He just happened to be too absorbed in you right now that he had failed to notice it before.  

“I know you said you would cosplay my guild member with me if I hacked and sent out cancellation emails about the myths class to everyone besides two people but can I ask why?” 

Azul kept squeezing the white gloves in his hands. 

“Enough with the questions while you are doing my eyeliner Idia. It was a favour for a friend...or a payback he is subjecting me to. I can’t tell anymore.” 

a/n: I present to you the final chapter of a human myth of red. I truly hope that you liked it and that all the love you've given me for it hasn't gone to waste. It has been 6 months since chapter 4 so I want to thank you for your patience. You can always talk to me about the fic and about twst!

In other news; Jade never came home so I have decided to gaslight myself into being a Rook girl.

I hope your holiday go well and heres to me writing more for twisted wonderland in 2023 Inshallah!!

Taglist:

Instead, he decided to take a short walk in the park as a nice change of pace. It seemed like a good idea at first but then he noticed that his eyes noticed everything that was red. The balloon a child was carrying, the flowers planted alongside the paths – even the colors of other people’s shirts. That realization just left him with a bitter view so, even if he wanted a change of pace, he ended up back at the Mostro Lounge just a bit late – but early enough to give Floyd his oranges so that his bad mood goes away.

While he was serving the guests; your words kept echoing in his head. He kept clinging onto everything red. For a second, he thought about allowing Floyd to squeeze the Scarabia students when they started complaining about their order.  

It was almost like he was purposefully searching for traces of you. Was this just another way this whole game of fate manifested itself?  

After they closed, Jade was mopping the floors. Usually that is done by some unfortunate idiot who decided to trust Azul too much but this time Jade wanted to do it. Floyd was too busy eating the last orange to notice anything strange in his brother’s behaviour but...’my boyfriend’s birthday’ and ‘i’m sorry’ still kept being replayed in echoes no matter how hard he was scrubbing the floor or trying not to think about it.  

He had a sneaking suspicion that something was off in your tone when you spoke to him but he had no way of grounding it in reality.

He had already asked Azul about his view on soulmates and considering that Floyd was so close, and for some reason so interested in the fruit – Jade decided this was the perfect time to ask his brother’s opinion.  

“Floyd, what would you do if you found your soulmate?”  

He purposefully posed the question in the same way and he didn’t even look at his brother to avoid suspicion.  

“Huuuh?” Floyd dragged it out in the way only he knows how. “Aren’t soulmates the thing from that book Azul gave us?”  

“Yes. I am surprised you remember it.”  

“I simply wouldn’t do anything.”  

That made Jade pause. He knew his brother acted in unexpected ways but surely even this was too much? If he remembered the concept itself that means he was intrigued by it and Jade thought that Floyd would rush and say something about ‘squeezing them forever’.  

“You would do absolutely nothing?”, Jade had to make sure.   “If we are soulmates, do I really have to do anything? I mean, isn’t that like the whole point of the story in the book? We are soulmates so they should love me and neither of us has to change?’  

Ah, that does truly seem like a typical Floyd response. No need to change. If its meant to happen it simply will. His brother did always see things as either black or white.  

“Ohh, now that I think about it in that story the prince and the princess ate this really nice cake!’

Floyd got up and went into the kitchen. Typical.   He also left the orange peel on the counter and Jade had to pick it up. Typical.   But, after Jade left the supplies in their proper place – he heard the door to the lounge open. Not typical. Sure, he hadn’t locked them up yet but he was just about to and all of their customers knew the rules.  

And when he saw you drag your body to the nearest table – without even noticing the fact that no other guests were present – he knew why.  

This was the first time you had ever visited this place so of course you didn’t know the rules. But even worse was the fact that you seemed so unhappy that you didn’t even notice the closed sign.

You were smiling so wide a few hours ago, telling him about how you would be late to your boyfriend’s birthday party – Jade wouldn’t say he was happy about it but he certainly didn’t wish for anything bad to happen.  

Sending you away now would be counterproductive. He was all alone now, so he wouldn’t need to explain why he was breaking the rules he set for someone. Yes, Jade would serve you and figure out what was wrong.  

“Welcome to Mostro Lounge. What would you like to order?”  

When he spoke, he saw you were taken aback and he felt such a strong sense of pity for you. It crashed down on him. Your eyes were so distant and your shoulders tense.  

“Ah, yes. Could I please get one grape—oh! You're that guy from this afternoon!”  

At least you remembered him.  

“Ahh, this is awkward. I came here since I thought I wouldn’t know anyone. If you will excuse me, I’ll just take my leave.”  

The pity he felt for you was still immense. You were clearly upset and it was already so late at night, Jade wouldn’t let you endanger yourself further. When you picked up the gift bag to leave, Jade decided to speak up.  

“Why do you think we know each other?” Good, that question was effective because you stayed in your seat. “Excuse me?”   “Just because we bumped into each other on the street – I wouldn’t say that we know one another. So there really is no reason for you to leave our establishment. I am just a stranger like any other.”  

You were still taken aback so, “I wouldn’t say that’s completely true.” was the best response you could come up with.  

“Oh?” Jade was intrigued.   “If that really is true and we are not complete strangers...what is my name?”  

You couldn’t answer. Jade knew that much. He was playing dirty perhaps, he didn’t know your name either but he knew that this would be enough to convince you. You had let go of the bag handle.  

“You’re right. But I just wanted some time to sit by myself without reminders...of what I had done.”  

What had you done? Why were you so shaken up?  

“If I may,” Jade started to speak while sitting down across from you. “It seems like you’re so bothered by something that you didn’t even notice we are closed.”  

He continued to speak before you could apologize and leave.

“If you really wanted nobody to ask you about what happened, you wouldn’t have come to one of the most popular establishments. Perhaps you were hoping to find someone willing to hear you out.”  

Jade knew that he was talking too much. He knew that he was breaking rules; not just of this establishment but perhaps of the very fate itself but..Floyd had said it – why fear if the soulmates are true? He would put that to the test again.  

Do you tell him what is wrong or do you leave thinking that he is too pushy? Fate will tell.  

Jade’s gaze rested entirely on you, and for that quiet minute – it was fully returned. He saw how your tired eyes grew to be glassy and just as he was about to pity you even more and leave, you spoke.

“I lied! I am such a foolish person.”

You were not crying but it seemed like you were definitely close to that. As if refusing to let him see you weak, you grabbed the giftbag and threw it on the table instead. The poor paper thing wasn’t capable of curing much no matter how angry your moves.  

Jade thought about asking you why you were saying that but instead his gloved hands held up the bag and in an unexpectedly soft voice he told you: “I know.”  

Did he really know? Was this the thing he felt was off today about your interaction? How far was he willing to push this?  

You were calmer now, intrigued. Your eyes were not glossy or tired now – instead they were curious. You were begging him to explain.  

“I am unsure if you believe in coincidences or fate itself but – are you aware of what these flowers mean?”   “What the flowers...mean on the gift bag I bought?”   “Yes. Do you know what they mean?” “I... honestly have no idea.”

This was the perfect distraction.  

“Well, depending on the time and color they can mean many things. Some stories say people were forbidden from picking them. They meant delirium or delusional states. In more modern interpretations they mean both anxiety and serenity. Generally, however, they are considered far from lucky. I am sure I also read they mean dishonesty. Perhaps, coincidence or fate, you were admitting to your own dishonesty when you reached for this bag without realizing it?”  

You looked down at the bag and then up at Jade.  

“All of that, from just some silly lowers on a random bag I chose?” “Ah, so you like to call such things silly. I see.”

Jade could tell that you felt better. Your eyes were clearer and shoulders less tense.  

“And, stranger whose name I still have no pleasure of knowing, you like to think of them as fate?”

Always. Always if they are connected to you. Just you. Perhaps he was the silly one.  

But, you smiled. That was enough.  

He could let you go back to your home now.  

“Jade. This stranger’s name is Jade.” “Well Jade, thank you for seeing through my lie then. I am a foolish person who lied to you about having a boyfriend.”  

It seems both ironic and fitting that Jade’s signature spell befell him. He was used to lying, leaving out the truth and doing whatever it takes to reach his goal.  

But you were so shaken up from saying that one lie? Were soulmates always meant to be this different?  

“Is that so?”  

What Jade doesn’t realize is that there is no more question marks on the word soulmate for him. It has to be you.  

“I am sure you had a good reason for lying to me then.” he also doesn’t realize how freeing it is that you’ve just admitted to not having a boyfriend.  

“You think even gift bags are fate and you are fine being lied to? You’re certainly an interesting person, Jade. I mean, who else acts like that?”

And you coming inside his establishment, not seeing its closed, almost crying and throwing a gift bag and then opening up to your lies before you call him interesting and ask for a grape juice to take home with you - that’s how normal humans act?  

He was learning more and more about humans. And he was learning more about you. Perhaps, the next time he sees you, he won’t be so shaken by all of your attention being on him. So much so, that he forgot to ask for your name again.

a/n: hmmm i feel like this chapter is a bit sucky because i have to explain why reader acts in the next one and i didn’t write in a while because of exams but!! i still hope its somewhat enjoyable.

taglist: 

Jade is absolutely my favorite character from the game too and im glad to know you approve of my characterisation and that you actually?? reread it?? like thats so flattering to hear thank you!

since i originally made it as a one shot i was like hmmm 'maybe i should give jade lovers what they want and have it end happily' but like my heart and soul were screaming 'no jade lover would like a happy ending in that scene since it goes against his character!!'

ah yes, azul has been growing on me because i feel like he denies himself so many things that he doesn't even notice the paradox of 'i would leave everything for my soulmate but no books on such a silly topic'. its because he wants love so badly but has so much self-doubt in that department he can't imagine it often. at least thats the way i see it.

thank you for noticing i tried to put a small twist on the concept of the red string! i plan to explain the 'one can see it the other can't' in future updates.