SEINA'S POINT OF VIEW
 
My life was quiet until someone from Universe 97, Kion, showed up and brought me to a different universe.
 
And now, all I want is peace, but...
 
"Seina!" Ashly's high-pitched voice nearly shattered my eardrums. Even Sei, who was with her, had to cover her ears.
 
I wondered why they suddenly appeared at my door, but what was even more surprising was the pillows they brought with them.
 
"Woah, what are those for?" I asked, pointing at the pillows.
 
"We’re going to sleep here. Isn’t it exciting?" Ashly’s statement left me momentarily speechless.
 
I glanced at the large bed in my room. It wouldn’t be too bad if they slept here; it felt lonely if it was just me.
 
"Fine," I conceded, and they dashed towards the bed, jumping on it.
 
I yawned, feeling the sleepiness kick in. We had just finished eating, and my body was exhausted.
 
I guessed it was around eight o'clock, but it was still too early to go to bed. "Let’s chat," Ashly suggested.
 
We three lay on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Sei was in the middle, with me to her left and Ashly to her right.
 
"What kind of universe is Universe 13?" Ashly asked.
 
"If you ask me, it’s more advanced here compared to my original world. Plus, we don’t have powers or abilities," I replied. "Also, in our world, alternate universes aren’t real."
 
Both Ashly and Sei gasped at my explanation.
 
But now, I know the truth... alternate universes are real. I wondered if I should tell them when I get back, but they might just think I’m crazy, so maybe I’ll keep it to myself.
 
I’ll leave it to scientists and professionals to uncover the truth.
 
"And Xylus?" Ashly asked again.
 
I chuckled to myself, "I haven’t met Xylus yet." Ashly glanced at me in surprise.
 
"Huh? What about Ashly?"
 
"I don’t know, but I have a feeling we’ll meet him soon, both Ashly and I." I returned my gaze to the ceiling.
 
In what scenario would Xylus appear? As a transfer student?
 
Maybe.
 
"What about Kion? What’s going on between you two?" This time, Sei asked me.
 
"Kion... we’re okay. Although sometimes I doubt if what I feel for him is really love."
 
"What do you mean?" Ashly inquired.
 
"I don’t think Kion and I are meant to be together. I always think that our relationship isn’t permanent."
 
"But what if you are meant to be together? If he’s making an effort, then you should put in some effort too. Don’t make him feel like he’s the only one invested," Sei advised. "Do what he does."
 
"But he doesn’t want me to do things I like; he says my presence is enough," I responded.
 
"Kion is the same way, but I’ve learned that preparing something can also give him butterflies," Sei said, winking at me.
 
Is she saying I shouldn’t listen to Kion and should prepare something for him?
 
"Are we going to sleep now? I’m getting sleepy," Ashly complained, adjusting her position on the bed.
 
"You’re right; it’s still early for us to sleep," Sei agreed.
 
"What’s happening tomorrow?" I asked.
 
Are we going somewhere?
 
"We’re going to experiment with the seal on your body. Fun, right?" Sei said, smiling and raising her eyebrows.
 
Fun? It looks like I’m going to get burned by their activities. My ability is fire-related; tomorrow is bound to be hot for me.
 
     *
 
The next morning...
 
It feels like I just said last night that today would be hot, and it turned out to be true.
 
I woke up early, around seven in the morning, and guess who I saw outside? Kion and Xylus were taking a bath under the waterfall! Who in their right mind would bathe in the cold lake at dawn?
 
"Hey, Seina."
 
I had no idea how they managed to stay submerged in the water; I was sure the water was as cold as ice.
 
But instead of feeling cold, I felt even hotter when they emerged from the water, topless!
 
Seriously, am I committing a sin this early in the morning?
 
"Could you please put on some clothes?" I crossed my arms.
 
"It’s so cold!" Kion complained.
 
I rolled my eyes at his statement. There was a shower inside; why didn’t he use that instead? Does the waterfall look like a beach to him that he felt the need to strip off and bathe here?
 
"Can I have a hug, Seinaaaa...." Kion suddenly approached me, but it was too late as I found myself trapped in his embrace.
 
"A-what, Kion?! I’m going to get wet!" I tried to break free, but I couldn’t.
 
I noticed Xylus standing behind him, smiling.
 
"Xylus! Help me!"
 
"Why? I’m enjoying the view; it’s like I’m in a Korean drama." His response only annoyed me further.
 
I thought of a way to handle the situation, and it was a perfect opportunity. Since I woke up early to practice, I might as well do it now.
 
While Kion was still hugging me, I controlled the Fire Seal. Maybe Kion was feeling the heat from me, which is why he wanted to hug me, but let’s see how long he can handle it.
 
"Seina, your body temperature feels different—ow!" he suddenly released me from the hug as I smiled at my successful tactic.
 
"That’s what you get!"
 
"Hey, man, you’re not here, huh?" Xylus said, patting his friend on the back. "Let’s go inside; I’m getting cold."
 
"Xylus, do you want a hug?" I asked, but he moved away slightly.
 
I laughed at his reaction.
 
The two of them didn’t cause any more trouble and quickly ran back to the house to change.
 
I calmed myself and adjusted my body temperature back to normal, which I managed to do easily.
 
I created a fireball in my palm again, but this time it was larger.
 
"You’re great at controlling the fire element, especially what you did to Kion. Nice job," Sei complimented as she approached me.
 
I closed my hand, and the fireball gradually disappeared.
 
"A-ah, you saw that..."
 
"Hey! Don’t worry, silly. I’m not jealous. How many times do I have to remind you?" Sei said.
 
"Sei, I just don’t want you and Kion to fight because of me," I explained.
 
Sigh, Kion, why are you doing this to me?