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That Unbirthday Party. Ace practically slammed Riddle's face into the dirt, the students rioted, and, unable to face the clashing ideologies of the one who forged him and those who opposed him, Riddle overblotted. It truly was a miracle that everyone is alive. And now they have another pristine tea party.
Yuu's fork sinks into their cake slice, eyes focused on the bright red cherry nestled within the whipped cream. Next to them, they could hear Ace and Grim bickering, with Deuce telling them off. On the other side, Cater is simultaneously taking pictures while chatting up a nervous first-year sitting beside him. Across from the Prefect, if they were to lift their eyes, they would be greeted with the sight of Riddle and Trey in a light conversation, judging by the smiles on their faces.
This was to be a happy occasion.
Despite the noise around them, Yuu was too focused on not letting a frown making its way to their brows nor lips. It’s deplorable to be constantly plagued by such thoughts, but certain words still ring in their head.
("All you have to do is follow me without protest!" The anger in Riddle's face cracks a little as his eyes lower, appearing to look at something the others couldn't see. "It's not like I want to send all your heads rolling. You rule-breakers are the ones in the wrong. Deliberately disobey me—" The Rose-Red Tyrant raises his scepter, his gaze burning up all confidence of anyone that dared to look into his eyes, "—and it's off with all your heads!")
It certainly must've been a while ago, yet it still felt as if it was just yesterday. Although Yuu could hear the others' laughter, smell the roses, see the pastries decorating the tables, feel the fork in their hands, and taste the delicate cream of the cake, it all felt surreal. Even when the tartness of a cherry bursts onto their tongue, Yuu couldn't help but still wonder if the present situation is real. Or worse, that similar incidents would repeat in the future.
("It's not like I want to send all your heads rolling."
When Riddle uttered those words, it felt so chillingly familiar that, for a moment, their blood ran cold. Their stomach felt like it wanted to eject itself out of their body. When they blinked, they saw a house rather than a garden, with wooden floorboards underneath their feet instead of grass—and the worst part, is that Mother had uttered those words.
"It's not like I want to hit you. You're the one in the wrong here. You did this to yourself."
Frozen in place by Mother's eyes, the magicless student nearly didn't realize Trey was pulling them back by their arm. Right. Ace brought a chestnut tart, and it earned Riddle's ire rather than praise. Cater and Trey are currently escorting Ace, Deuce, Grim and Yuu out of the tea party. Then, there was no time for what tainted moments remained of Yuu's original world. They shook away that vivid memory (along with the faint burning sensation on their skin) as Ace yelled about Riddle's peculiarities.)
Sometimes, Yuu takes the time to study Heartslabyul's housewarden. Much like Mother, their appearances didn't give away what short tempers they held. Unlike Mother, however, Riddle—well, he overblotted, for one, something that is unheard of in the Prefect's original world. And two, he's around Yuu's age, not a parent, sibling, or anyone who has known Yuu since childhood. And third, the most important, is that he's doing his best to change such habits, and it shows. While he didn't completely disregard those rules he upheld, he became softer and kinder with these rules.
Mother... was certainly diligent in her ways. So, despite the moments Riddle had unnerved Yuu by nearly mirroring Mother, they won't shrink away from the second-year if he ever happens to be present. They won't skirt around buildings to purposely avoid him, and they'll cheerfully greet and bid farewell to him.
That's right. Because Mother is not in this world.
There are times Yuu forgets that. After all, Mother had been so omnipresent in their life. Even with Grim's denial, he still resembles a cat, and it surprises Yuu occasionally whenever they see Grim around their shared room: Mother abhored cats, or any animals in general because they're too "dirty". When Ace and Deuce came for a sleepover at Ramshackle, Yuu caught themself looking to the bedroom door, nearly expecting Mother to burst in because of the racket everyone were making. Even at this Unbirthday Party—the very one where Yuu is slowly picking at their cake slice—they almost anticipated a phone call from Mother, who would ask what they’re doing. Then, after Yuu would tell her, the moment they arrive home, she would angrily demand a list of all the foods they dared to put into their mouth before deciding that Yuu had ate more than they should have, thus all they are allowed to consume for the rest of the day is water.
Yuu pauses, staring at the last bite of their cake that's impaled on their fork. It sits patiently, the white frosting inviting. The voices of the Heartslabyul students reminds the Prefect that they are in a separate world after all—that no consequences will befall them, because no Mother will be hearing of this.
The last mouthful bloomed sweetly on the Prefect’s tongue.