The Obsession of ARES

Amara's eyes widened in shock before she turned to Selene, her lips trembling with a smile that looked like it might break into tears.

"Who would've thought something we did just for fun would turn into such a big help later on?" she whispered, almost laughing through her emotions. "This... this could be a new start for all of us, not just me!" Her voice grew bright with excitement, her hands clenching in hope.

But before she could say more, Sora called softly, "Amara..."

"What? Why do you look like that? Don't tell me you're not going-" Amara's words rushed out nervously, but before she could finish, Selene's cold voice cut through.

"I'm not going."

Amara's smile instantly faltered. She stared at Selene in disbelief before her shoulders slumped and she sat down heavily, her mood souring. "If you're not going, then forget it. I'm not going either."

Selene closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath, steadying herself. When she opened them, her gaze was firm as it met Amara's.

"Listen. You need this more than anyone. I don't. I can survive here on my own, and you know I've already set my sights on finishing my medical degree in Liora. I'm not ready to abandon that. But you-" her voice softened, though her words stayed sharp, "you need to get out of this place. Away from your uncle and his family. You deserve a clean slate, Amara. You deserve to breathe again."

Amara's face twisted with frustration. "Are you kidding me right now? This is Grandcrest University in Veyra we're talking about-the biggest, most prestigious school in the country! They're offering us a special scholarship to study in a city full of opportunities, and you're throwing it away just to stay in this godforsaken Liora?" Her voice cracked as anger and desperation clashed. "You think I can really escape my uncle forever? He's already making plans to send Melissa there. Now that they've partnered with a Blackwood subsidiary, she'll have even more backing. So what are you saying, Selene? That I should just let them ruin me?"

"Amara, calm down," Sora pleaded, stepping between them.

But Selene's tone was unwavering. "I know it sounds harsh, but listen. I'm one step away from my goal, and I can't risk going to Veyra now. There are too many big shots there. If I step into that city, sooner or later I'll be found. You know I've already gone too deep into the dark web-there's no way I'd go unnoticed there. And besides... that organization is rumored to be based in Veyra. If you go, you might be able to seek their help. But me? I'd only drag you down. That's why you need to go, Amara. Start fresh. I'll stay here, keep an eye on your uncle, and send you information when I can."

Silence stretched between them until Sora raised her hand. "I'm going with you, Amara," she said firmly.

Amara turned to her in surprise, but Sora just grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "It's not like my parents care about me anyway. I'm the black sheep in my family, remember? Going back to Korea would only make things worse. So I might as well follow my lovely Amaaaara~" she sang playfully, throwing her arms around Amara's shoulders. "Besides, Veyra has better food. I'm just going for the meals!"

Her teasing broke through the heavy tension, pulling a small laugh from Amara despite her frustration. Selene's lips even curved faintly, though her eyes still glistened with the weight of her choice.

"Selene... why are you doing this?" Amara's voice cracked, her eyes glistening. "You've been trapped in this for so long. Don't you think you deserve a fresh start too?"

Selene's lips trembled, her composure breaking as silent tears gathered in her eyes. She lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I can't, Amara. I'm afraid I'll never be able to step out of this. The moment I stepped in, I knew there was no way back. This... is the price I have to pay."

Her words hung heavy in the air, leaving Amara speechless. The pain was raw, unspoken yet shared. Slowly, almost desperately, they all reached out and wrapped their arms around each other again.

Sora sniffled, her cheeks wet, then forced a weak laugh. "We really do hold a lot of water in us today, don't you think?" she joked, wiping her tears with her sleeve.

Her playful comment broke the heaviness, pulling a small laugh from the other two. The tension eased, just a little, like a fragile thread of light cutting through the storm.

Selene turned to Mia with a faint, tired smile. "Besides... I'm in charge of this studio. I can't just abandon it, you know."

"Okay, okay." Amara nodded, finally letting out a long breath.

"That's enough tears for one day," Sora said brightly, clapping her hands together. "Let's have some fun, shall we?"

Their laughter followed, soft but genuine, a fragile promise that even in their pain, they could still hold onto each other.

After a while, the three of them sat back down, letting the earlier heaviness fade as their conversation drifted toward the future.

Selene turned her gaze toward Amara, her expression thoughtful. "You know... I had a thought while we were eating earlier. My aunt is opening a new restaurant in Veyra soon. It's not for business, really-more because of her love for cooking. I can talk to her, and you could start there as a chef. You won't have to worry about finding work."

Amara blinked in surprise, her lips parting.

Selene leaned forward slightly, her voice firm but gentle. "Don't refuse the offer, Amara. You're starting fresh. You need to focus on your books, not on gathering intel at bars or living as 'Nocturne.' Leave that behind. Just... accept it, okay?"

Amara's throat tightened. She gave a small nod, her eyes softening with gratitude.

Before the moment could grow too heavy again, Sora suddenly squealed, "More food for me then!"

Both Selene and Amara shot her the same look-half exasperated, half amused.

"And," Sora continued, puffing her chest proudly, "I'll get more chances to pursue my music career there. Isn't that exciting?"

"Yeah," the two replied, a small smile tugging at their lips despite themselves.

Amara turned to Selene, her voice low. "I just hope... you won't regret this decision."

Selene gave her a small smile in return.

Amara rose from her seat. "I need to study more recipes, to sharpen my skills."

"Oh, ho, ho-" Sora raised her hands with a grin. "I can help you taste them! Quality control!"

"You're so silly," Selene muttered with a helpless smile.

Amara adjusted her cap and let out a sigh. "I need to go. In a few days, my uncle and his wife are preparing a 'surprise' for me at their dinner celebration. They even agreed to stay out of my business just to get me to attend. I'm afraid they must be plotting something big."

Sora scoffed, crossing her arms. "Hah, plotting big my ass. With their pea-sized brains?"

Amara's lips curved faintly, but she didn't reply. "I'll come back tomorrow. We don't have much time left, and there's still a lot to do. Okay-I'm off."