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When Wren said the stalker might be coming through Luka’s balcony, a sense of stupidity stabbed at her brain. It was so obvious, yet she hadn’t thought of that before.

The gap between balconies was small with no grips on the wall, but it was climbable if you were crazy enough. Whether Luka’s stalker was scaling from balcony to balcony, or they climbed onto her balcony through the drain pipe… she wasn’t sure.

What was important was the fact that her apartment had been compromised. Did this mean she had to move? What would her father say? Would he even let her?

No, it was trivial to ask these questions. Luka already knew the answer from both her father and her mom. Them being in the dark about her issue wasn’t an oversight.

Another week, another day for Luka to daze off in her psychology class. Hyper-aware of being watched, Luka rubbed her eyes and looked at Professor Tera. She swore she just made eye contact with her. Those blueish green eyes were hard to miss, especially when they were directed at you. Professor Tera never really looked toward the back seats, so why now?

Luka turned to Ari on her left, seeing her head resting on the desk with her arms forming a barrier.

Oh. Maybe she was looking at Ari.

She yawned, and tried her best to stay awake. Paying attention, however, was another matter.

Luka stared at Professor Tera, admiring her by-the-book attire. She wore a dark pencil skirt with a cool blue dress shirt tucked inside and the sleeves folded back. Below her skirt was black stockings and black heels. She had her dark hair in a bun, gold-rim glasses resting on the bridge of her small nose. Her phoenix eyes—slightly upturned at the corners—and red lips gave off a rather serious air, but whenever Luka spoke with her, she found she was actually quite easy to talk to.

Professor Tera was one of the youngest professors in the Academy. That along with her natural beauty made her popular among with Luka’s male classmates. Apparently, some people took her course just so they could talk to her. It made sense why Professor Tera had a lot of students around her whenever class ended.

To think she’s from the House of Tera this entire time. And she’s just here teaching students introduction to psychology.

“Mmm!” Ari stretched after her apparent hour nap.

Luka was starting to wonder why Ari took this class in the first place. Though Ari didn’t give her enough time to ponder about this. The time from Ari stretching to her turning sideways on her seat to face Luka was a few seconds at best.

“I don’t know what you did, Luka, but I thought Bellamy would be mad at me for another week. I was ready to play the long game too.”

Luka blinked, processing what Ari had just said. Did that mean Ari had no intention of apologizing to Bellamy?

“I-I heard you got into a fight with Wren.”

Her hand on her chest, Ari feigned being offended. “I didn’t get into a fight with Wren. I just happened to know someone who holds a grudge towards the Vespulas and I wanted to get her favor. It was nothing personal. A Citizen like you wouldn’t understand.”

“W-what do you mean by that?”

Ari’s finger curled around her hair, which was braided into twin tails. In her silence, Luka could only assume she was contemplating whether she should say it or not. Luka wished Ari would be straightforward for once.

So there was a fight… just between someone who Ari brought in and Wren.

Since Ari wasn’t responding, Luka said, “P-please don’t give Wren a hard time.”

“Oh?” Ari raised a smirk. “You said something about knowing her when you were young. What’s your relationship with her now?”

Luka touched her right arm, her eyes downcast. She hadn’t had a moment to think about their relationship, if any. But if there was one, fragile was probably the word.

“Um… we used to be friends, and now we’re… something.”

She looked at Ari, who raised a brow. Whenever Ari just stared at her like this, Luka wished she could read her thoughts.

“And this was ten years ago, correct?” Ari asked. “Then she moved to Pachi City.”

“Yeah.” Where is Ari going with this?

“I grew up in Pachi City, so the noise around the illegitimate heir to the Vespulas returning was all I heard about back then.”

“Illegitimate?”

Ari rubbed a finger on her skin, guiding Luka’s eyes. “Unless you’re color blind, you must’ve realized that Vespula girl isn’t exactly white-passing. Hell, I could slap on yellow contacts, a blonde wig, and look more like a Vespula than her.”

Well, Luka knew that. She just never thought that was a problem. So Wren was an heir? Like the Vespulas were some sort of royalty. Luka vocalized this thought.

“They were just like any regular Invader family, until Lantana Vespula made her move. I still don’t know how she did it, but she stole the wealth of the House of Mantina and muddled the bloodline of the House of Apis.” Ari chuckled, though Luka could hear a bitterness behind it. “Lantana Vespula is one-of-a-kind, too bad her daughter and granddaughter can’t compare.”

Uneasiness lurked in Luka’s stomach. She appreciated the information, but why was Ari telling her about this? Would Ari tell her the truth if she asked? Luka wasn’t sure if what Ari just said was fact or not. Not until she searched it for herself.

Then there was that pang in her chest when Ari called Wren not one-of-a-kind. Though when she let it sit a bit more, she figured it might’ve been better that Wren wasn’t like her grandmother… if the information was true.

“Ahem.”

Deja vu.

All the students were gone, leaving only Luka, Ari, and Professor Tera in the classroom. This time, however, Professor Tera had made her way up to their desk.

“Luka. Ari. I’d prefer it if you keep this kind of discussion outside of my classroom.”

Ari, undeterred, turned to Professor Tera and asked, “Say, what is the House of Tera’s take on the Vespulas? Or is that a non-concern since they aren’t targeting you yet?”

“What did I just say?” Professor Tera sighed. “You need to spend less time gossiping and get ready for your finals. You, especially, Luka. Those bags under your eyes are getting worse. Have you not been sleeping well?”

Luka’s shoulders hunched and tightened, her lips locked. Her professor was watching her during class.

“I remember you asking me a couple weeks ago about your mental stress.”

I did ask her that… but I didn’t expect her to follow up with me on that!

“Um. I’m still working on it, b-but you don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be good to go for finals.”

“I’m not worried about you and finals,” Professor Tera said. “That worry belongs to Ari.”

Ari shrugged, her expression uncaring. “You’re wasting it on me. Despite my upbringing, I’ve never actually failed any classes.”

Another sigh escaped Professor Tera. “Please send me an email if you need the class notes, Luka.”

“O-okay. Thank you.”

With that, Luka began packing up while Ari—who hadn’t taken anything out of her bag this whole time—tried to converse with Professor Tera about the “gossips.”

“How about I ask for the opinion of Anis Tera? What does Anis think of the rise of the Vespulas?”

Professor Tera was already walking down the steps, not looking back. “I think you shouldn’t address me by my first name when we’re in the Academy. This isn’t the Assembly.”

“Boo.” Ari puckered her lips in mock annoyance.

Once Luka finished stuffing everything into her bag, Ari stood up and they both of them walked out of class. They made their way to the cafeteria for lunch. A routine.

Surprisingly, Ari was quiet while they both ate their respective lunch. It gave Luka a moment to ponder.

What is with Ari’s obsession with the Vespulas? Is it because she’s a half-Invader? She hasn’t even asked me about my issue.

Almost like Ari read her mind, she set her empty lunch tray aside and asked, “So, any updates on your stalker?”

Luka struggled to swallow a big portion of her sandwich, apparently having not learned to not take a big bite with Ari around. When she managed to get it all down, she told Ari about the lunch box in her fridge.

“Ugh. I was hoping they haven’t gotten to this phase yet,” Ari groaned. “And if you didn’t see them on your cam then they’re coming in through your balcony.”

Luka nodded. This all coincided with what Wren said. “D-do you think I should leave?”

“What do you mean you should? You’re definitely leaving. You can crash at my place until this all settles down.”

Ari said it like there wasn’t any other choice for Luka, which was true. Luka couldn’t afford to stay in a hotel or a motel for more than a week. She didn’t want to bother Bellamy or Wren, and she would still be in the same area. Asking her parents were out of the question because her mom would beg her to return home.

“Are you sure?” Luka asked.

“What part of ‘you can crash at my place’ and ‘until this all settles down’ did you get confused on? I’ll send you my address, so come by when you’re done with class.”

“T-thank you, Ari. I have work after, so I’ll come by at night.”

“Sure, I’ll be there. Just send me a message.”

———

“…Really?” Luka asked, feeling like she needed to hear what Wren had just said again.

Wren only clicked her tongue, and frowned. She had just offered to drive Luka home. It was a logical decision, since they were both heading to the same place. Luka even had her wind-resistant jacket today. And if she was going to stay at Ari’s place, this might be the last time she could do this with Wren.

Wren’s hand, holding the extra helmet, stretched toward her.

“T-thank you.”

After Luka took it, she sat behind Wren. The second time wasn’t as surprising, but Luka’s breath hitched when Wren scooted and pressed her back against Luka’s stomach. She’d never been on a motorcycle until Wren, and she didn’t want to grab onto Wren... so weirdly enough, she felt more secure pressed against Wren.

The cold air grazed Luka’s exposed skin. She watched the lights pass her by. Her hands propped against her legs kept Luka steady as Wren sped up after she left the Cusps District. From here, it would take them about twenty-five minutes to reach the apartments.

“Hey, Wren?”

Wren didn’t answer, though Luka sensed she was listening.

“Um. I’m gonna stay at a friend’s place tonight.”

“Okay?”

“S-so I’m just coming back to grab some essentials, then I’ll be off. J-just wanted to let you know.”

“Hm.”

Luka thought about when she arrived at The Cusp for work today, she took a peek into the kitchen window and saw Wren washing the dishes. It was the first thing she did, even before looking at the schedule to see who was working.

Wren looked really good with her hair up. The fade cut fit her. Under the bright kitchen light, Luka noticed a small cut between her nose bridge and left eye. It was dry, so it must’ve happened a few days ago. She couldn’t help but think it might’ve been Ari.

“And um… sorry about Ari.”

Wren scoffed. “That woman gets to do whatever she wants and she has you and Bellamy to apologize for her. How fitting of someone from the Aranae family.”

“I thought she’s a Weaver,” Luka said. She hadn’t heard about the Aranae family before.

“Heh. She can say that all she wants, but those eyes of hers tells me everything I need to know.”

Ari did have a distinct color that seemed to follow beyond her eyes. On sunny days, you could even catch a crimson shade on Ari’s brunette head. She had a dangerous allure to her.

But the same could be said about Wren… now that Luka knew a bit more about the Vespulas.

“D-do people say the same thing about you?” Luka asked.

No response, though Luka noticed the throttle give a little. Feeling awkward, Luka stayed quiet for the rest of the ride.

The apartment building felt a lot eerier than before with only the night lights shining against it. Luka was halfway on the stairs when she noticed Wren was still on her bike. Was she waiting for something? Whatever it was, Luka would probably find out after she grabbed her necessities.

“I thought I told you to—”

It was the same voice, though less muffled by the typhoon. Mosca’s husband was shouting again.

“All these years—and you still haven’t even—”

Luka could hear her father in the back of her mind telling her not to get involved. This was a family matter, one that she wasn’t a part of. A private problem that should stay behind closed doors.

She should just walk into her apartment and continue with her current objective… getting the hell out of here.

Crash!

“Aah!”

Mosca’s yelp. Something fragile breaking. Luka froze, her hand hovering over her doorknob. Her heart spiked, ready to leap out of her throat. She glanced over 205, seeing no lights underneath the door. Bellamy wasn’t here. Wren was downstairs.

She should’ve shouted for Wren, but her body was already moving before her mind could process a plan.

It was just like that time at the bridge, and the time on Christmas Eve, and two summers before that… she couldn’t leave someone alone when she knew they were in danger.

She balled her shaky hand, and banged on the door to 206. Then she took a step back, trying to keep her breathing steady—a hard feat since it was keen on following the rhythm of her fast-beating heart. Her legs trembled, forcing her to shift between her left and right foot.

What was Luka going to do anyway? Tell a man that he shouldn’t hurt his wife? Then what?

Creeak…

This man couldn’t have opened the door any more creepily. Luka gulped, her head adjusting just to stare him in the eyes. His face contorted the moment he saw her.

“Oh. I see how it is. You’re here to ‘rescue’ her again, aren’t you?”

Luka, although blank in thoughts, opened her mouth to say something. Until the man grabbed her neck and pushed her against the railings. She wanted to bellow from the pain pulsing through her back.

She couldn’t.

The man’s large hand had an easy grip around her neck, and he squeezed so tight that she could barely eke out a word. Luka clawed at his hand, but she couldn’t make any progress on escaping. She couldn’t even reach for his face. That was just the difference in their height.

He was shouting at her. What, she couldn’t hear. She swore she could see Mosca coming out and grabbing onto her husband, but even she couldn’t stop him.

The world around was starting to distort; her vision blurring. Her limbs were losing strength.

Bang!

A blur of something hard hit the man’s head. He released Luka, who dropped to the floor coughing and wheezing. Luka could see a figure rushing past her, lunging at the man.

It was Wren, whose bloodthirsty eyes locked on the man. She pinned him against the ground, her fists landing against his face.

“Stop it! Please!” Mosca, crumpled by her door, cried out.

Luka took in a deep breath, and held it in as she stood up. She walked to Wren, and grabbed at her wrist before she could deal any more damage. Wren looked back at her, her glare making Luka want to dash like she would near a wasp. Luckily, Wren softened once she realized it was Luka.

Wren’s fists were bloodied. The man’s face was a pool of blood. His nose, the obvious target, was most likely broken.

Luka pulled Wren up and away from the man. She noticed the helmet from across the hallway. “S-sorry you have to get involved, Wren.”

“Tch. What the fuck were you doing?”

The man raised his head, his glare still directed at Luka. “You… you really think you can get away with this?”

Wren rolled her eyes, and pulled out her phone. It didn’t take long for the police to arrive, though it took even less for her neighbor and landlord. They’d all heard the fight, the screams.

Luka had hoped she could get a good night’s rest today…

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Knockknockknockknockknockknock!

Wren growled as she got up from the couch, annoyance plastered all over her face. Who was the fool with the incessant knocking? She didn’t bother to look into the peephole, figuring she could always just punch the weirdo outside the door if they tried anything funny.

Turned out, it was just Luka. She gritted her teeth, her nose scrunched up. Even though she heard from her cousin that Luka might be coming over, she wasn’t really expecting her. Before she could berate Luka for her crazy antic, she saw the desperation in her eyes.

“Are you just gonna stand there?” Wren asked and stepped aside.

“T-thanks.”

Bellamy, who had been watching from her room, came out with a towel and wrapped it around Luka.

“Did something happen?” She asked.

Luka looked at Bellamy, then Wren. She stayed quiet. Until the sneeze came. “Achoo!”

Her cousin led Luka to the dining table, while Wren turned to the kitchen. She brought out a small pot sitting on the drying rack. Then she grabbed the dark chocolate bar and milk she bought a couple days ago. Simple ingredients for hot chocolate.

Melting the chocolate in the milk, she added a few teaspoons of sugar, a pinch of salt, and a drop of vanilla extract. After giving it a couple of taste tests and finding it just right, she poured it into a mug and brought it over to Luka.

“Oh. T-thank you, Wren,” Luka said, her hands wrapping around the mug.

Wren noticed Asher was already under the table, rubbing against Luka’s legs. He was always attuned to people’s emotions, so Wren could only assume that whatever was happening with Luka, it had shaken her up good.

Not that it was Wren’s problem.

She moved away and sat back on the couch, gritting her teeth as the dull pain jabbed her abdomen. Her eyes moved to the two of them. Bellamy was whispering something. Luka only shook her head and gave a strained smile.

Whatever the issue was, if Wren did care, they didn’t seem to want her involved in it. A low grunt escaped her lips. She picked up the remote and continued the cooking show she was watching.

The man on TV was making butter chicken, something Wren intended on making today. She figured it was another easy step for Bellamy, since she liked the tandoori chicken she made yesterday. The ingredients were already in the fridge and shelf, waiting to be made.

Back at home, Wren cooked for herself since her mother and step-father weren’t fond of “food made for rats.” With Bellamy, although her taste buds were very similar to Wren’s parents, she was at least willing to give it a try. That being said… Wren was still disappointed when she saw how gleeful Bellamy was when she made her a full English breakfast the first morning of staying here.

Wren glanced at the clock above the TV, noting that it’d been an hour since she set the chicken aside to marinate. She better get started on dinner.

She grabbed a tomato and onion from the fridge and cashews sitting on the table. The onion and tomato would be cut, sautéed and then placed in the blender with the cashews and a splash of water. It’d be blended until pureed. After, Wren grabbed the chicken out to let it go down to room temperature.

The marketplace close to the apartment sold ingredients more for the taste of Hispanics, so Wren was able to grab cumin there, but for most of her spices—like kashmiri chili, garam masala, cardamoms, kasuri methi—she had to drive to a local Indian market about five kilometers away.

Green chilis sat inside the fridge, awaiting Wren. Though Wren was having second thoughts. She could deseed it to make it less spicy, but she figured someone like Bellamy probably had no spice tolerance. The best she could do was to cut it up and leave it on the side.

She put the whole spices and butter in a pan and turned up the heat. Once the fragrance became noticeable, she added in the ginger garlic paste and lowered the heat.

Behind Wren, she heard Bellamy say, “Did you know Wren goes to the Culinary Institute of Insecta?”

“Oh, wow. I didn’t know that,” Luka said. “So she’s like a professional.”

Wren turned off the heat and stirred in the rest of the spices, forcing a chuckle all the while. “Yeah, right. If I was a professional, I wouldn’t be working in a tiny cafe as a prep cook.”

“Wren! You shouldn’t talk about The Cusp like that. It’s in the top fifty restaurants in all of Insecta,” Bellamy said.

“Let me guess, it’s number fifty.”

Wren poured the puree into the pan and gave it a mix while she turned the heat back on.

“I remember Ms. Danaus was happy about the fact that we were now the fiftieth.”

“Out of hundreds,” Bellamy added.

Wren scoffed. “Still nowhere near the level of the best chefs who graduated from the Institute.”

Once the sauce began bubbling, she lowered the heat and partially covered it. She set the timer to ten and turned around to see the two women staring at her. Bellamy had moved from the dining table to inches away from Wren. Luka was seated still, but her mug was empty.

Because of her time in the Institute, having a crowd watching her didn’t break her nerve. But, it felt a little awkward knowing Luka was here. Her eyes glanced at the bowl of marinated chicken. After she heard Luka might be coming over for dinner, she ended up cutting enough for three.

She would’ve never done that if it wasn’t for Bellamy. When her cousin had her little chat with Luka this morning, she returned with renewed vigor. Wren remembered her words clearly.

“I’m sorry for trying to push you to get to know my friends,” Bellamy said to Wren. “I know Ari can be… herself, but I don’t like the fact that you lump Luka in with her. I admit that I don’t know what happened between you two, and I won’t push you to talk about it if you don’t want to. But Luka has been kind to me, and she even treated me as an equal. So please don’t be too harsh on her.”

After the shit that half-Invader pulled, Wren was in a bad place—one that even Asher couldn’t pull her out of. She couldn’t help but think about Luka and what she did all those years ago. The Luka now could just be an act, waiting for the moment to strike. Even if she was clueless about the conflict between the Natives and Invaders. She was still the one who had almost killed Wren.

Those who had done it once were always capable of doing it again.

…

Wren couldn’t trust Luka… but she should try to trust her cousin. She was the reason why Wren was able to leave her mother. Not even her mother would outright deny an Apis. At least, for now.

Ringring!

It was the timer. The sauce should be ready now.

———

Wren wasn’t surprised to see Luka being the one who added in the green chilis, but she was a little glad that it got its use in the end.

Bellamy’s eyes beamed at the plating. She snapped her fingers and said, “Oh! I know this. I remember my uncle giving me this once. It’s uh… chicken tikka masala, isn’t it?”

Luka gave her an expression that was a clear “oh no…”. That was how Wren interpreted it anyway, because right now, she resisted the urge to groan. She shouldn’t be too rude to her cousin.

“No, it’s not,” Wren said. “Now eat it.”

Bellamy took a spoonful of rice, curry, and chicken. She squealed at what Wren could only assume was an explosion of taste in her mouth.

“This is really good! I like this a lot better than the tikka masala.” Bellamy turned to Luka, who was already making a dent in her food. “Have you tried this before?”

“Y-yeah, but I don’t really eat Indian food too often.”

If Wren remembered correctly, Luka once said her mom often made mapo tofu at home. Wren never tried making that before, but she‘d consider it.

Finally, she took a bite of her own cooking. It was good, but it could’ve been better if she had fried the green chilis. The same went with the chili powder. She had lessened it for her cousin’s sake. She should’ve marinated the chicken overnight. The flavor was there, just not strong enough. Her professor would’ve given this a seven out of ten, which was a barely passing grade.

Dinner passed by with Bellamy pulling conversations out of thin air. Wren didn’t mind it, since it distracted her from her own silence.

Once everyone was finished, it was Bellamy who offered to wash the dishes. Well, more like she went and did it before Wren could.

“Hey, Wren,” Luka said, sitting across from Wren. “Thanks for the hot chocolate. It was really good.”

“Yeah. Sure.”

Wren sat sideways, her elbow pressed against the table and head resting on her palm. She glanced at Luka, noting her hung head. Luka was staring at the back of her hands. They weren’t making eye contact, and Bellamy was distracted with washing the dishes, so Wren found herself staring more than she usually did.

She hadn’t realized the eye bags underneath Luka until now. Had it always been there? Did Luka just have a terrible sleep schedule, despite having morning classes?

Or…

Wren thought about the time before Luka’s rather desperate knocks on the door, when she asked Wren to walk her to school. Such a mundane task, and yet she showed the same desperate expression as she did at Bellamy’s front door.

She exhaled, letting herself sit in this moment. When she inhaled, the sharp pull in her ribs reminded her she was going to regret this. If her mother was here, she would be disappointed in her.

But she wasn’t here right now.

“What the hell is going on with you?” Wren asked.

“Hm?” Luka finally looked up. “W-what do you mean?”

“Don’t play stupid.”

Wren heard the water to the sink stop. Her cousin had finished washing the dishes. She walked over to Luka and placed her hands on her shoulders.

“I think you should tell her,” Bellamy said.

With a push from Bellamy, Luka finally spoke. She told Wren about her issue with a stalker, who had been leaving lunch boxes in front of her door step. That explained the sudden door camera, though that didn’t deter the stalker as Luka found a lunch box in her fridge today.

“So whoever this person is, they have access to your apartment,” Wren said. “And you didn’t see them entering through your front door.”

She eyed Luka, who pursed her lips. “You know what that means right? They’re going through your porch.”

“Y-you think so?”

“Do you have a third entrance that I don’t know about?”

“Luka can’t stay there anymore,” Bellamy said.

Before Bellamy could continue, Wren raised her hand to stop her. “Do you have any idea who it is?”

“Um… I’m not sure.”

“Seriously? Not even an idea?”

She clicked her tongue, which made Luka flinch. It was a clear sign for Asher, who jumped onto Luka’s lap. Luka ran her fingers through Asher’s short fur. Wren could hear the purring machine across the table.

Bellamy pouted, though it was directed at Asher’s undivided attention on his patients. Then she turned to Wren, and said, “Don’t push her, Wren. She’s been stressing a lot about this.”

Wren sighed, and got off her seat. “Whatever. It’s your mess, not mine.”

She headed to her room, and closed the door. Asher wasn’t immediately at the door yelling, so that was how she knew he was in work mode. She’d come back out once he was done. Until then, she began her workout routine.

The workout was meant to be maintenance for her body, and also a distraction, but she couldn’t help but think about Luka’s issue.

“One… two…”

When Wren moved ten years ago, she understood how gentle Locust Town was compared to the viciousness of Pachi City. The moment she stepped in that city, she became a target for all those the Vespulas had wronged. It was the first time she met her grandmother—Lantana Vespula—who made her mother seem easygoing.

Apparently, after Wren’s hospitalization, it was her grandmother who told her mother to return to Pachi City. According to her, Pachi City was the best place for a Vespula to grow up in. That it weeded out the weaklings from the strong and capable.

In a way, Lantana was right. The old Wren died in that hospital in Locust Town, and the new Wren bloomed in Pachi City.

The kids who followed her around school and destroyed her possessions or attacked her when the teachers weren’t seeing; the adults who made it their mission to harass her around the city; all cowards who would rather pick on the one not holding the power. Just like that half-Invader and the Mantina woman with a sledgehammer for an arm.

She’d dealt with people like that for so long that she hadn’t thought about how she used to be… until Luka.

“Fifteen… sixteen…”

Wren remembered how terrified she was to leave her house and have eyes with malicious intent following her everywhere. She begged her mother for them to leave Pachi City, but her mother wouldn’t budge, not when Lantana’s words were final. She cried, and cried more knowing that no one around her would pity her.

No matter how much her muscles burned through her workout or how the bruises on her abdomen stung, she couldn’t stop these thoughts.

When was Asher going to come begging to be let back in?

Next Chapter

Table of Content

The typhoon hit overnight and hadn’t let up. Rain lashed the windows sideways. The street below was empty, the bikes and bins long moved inside.

Most shops and schools closed during a typhoon, it was the obvious thing to do. Although Luka could hear the complaints of her classmates now about how it just had to happen during the weekend. Unless you were crazy, no one would go out during this. Not even the trains were running.

So, Luka expected to spend her weekend working on a couple side projects she’d been working on with her cousin. What she didn’t expect, was to have a guest over.

Bellamy knocked on her door this morning. Luka didn’t even ask her what she needed. She just saw the look on Bellamy’s face and told her to come in. Now, the young woman was sitting on her tiny dinner table with a towel draped over her.

The walk over didn’t even take thirty seconds and Bellamy was drenched. At least, Luka hoped it took less than thirty seconds and not Bellamy standing in front of her door for a while before knocking.

She wasn’t sure what to say, so she just made Bellamy a hot cup of tea. Then she figured she might as well get one herself.

“Thanks,” Bellamy said.

Luka sat on the other side, watching her stare deeply at the contents of her drink. She’d never seen Bellamy this down before. Would it be okay to ask? Luka wasn’t sure.

They’d been friends for almost half a year now, but Luka had only just found out about Bellamy’s family history. At most, she knew that Bellamy was a cheery, altruistic young woman who was the talk of the Academy. She never bothered to ask about her family, but the same went with Bellamy.

Deep down, Luka figured that the both of them didn’t want to talk about their family. It was a distance they both were comfortable with. A distance that shrank because of Wren.

…

I might have an idea on why she’s like this.

“Bellamy,” Luka began, “um… did something happen with you and Wren?”

Bellamy didn’t take her eyes off of her tea, her fingers laced around the ceramic cup.

“I’m just… a little upset and confused.”

A little is certainly a choice word.

“A-about Wren?”

“Not just Wren. Ari, too. They got into a fight yesterday.” She released a long exhale. “I just wanted Wren to get to know you two so that she doesn’t have to feel so isolated. But now she’s making me think about whether it was right for me to befriend Ari or not.”

Luka thought back on Bellamy’s retelling of how she and Ari met. She never said the specifics on why they became friends.

“W-why did you become friends with Ari?”

Finally, Bellamy looked up at Luka. Her eyes a somber wave, something she seemed desperate to hide with a smile.

“Ari is half-Native. Her other half is… well… do you know what the term Invaders mean?”

“Uh. I know what the definition is.”

“It means families with ties to the original Spanish and British colonizers.”

“Oh.”

Bellamy giggled, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. It appeared she found Luka’s dumbfounded expression amusing. Eventually, she became melancholy. “I saw myself in Ari when I found out about it.”

“What do you mean? Are you also half… uh… Invader?”

“Only a quarter, but even that’s enough to earn ire from the older Natives. It’s probably why my parents made sure to keep that part a secret. I… I haven’t even told them that I’m letting Wren stay with me.”

Luka blinked. This whole Native-Invader thing was starting to go over her head, but at least she understood what Bellamy was implying. Wren was from a family of the island’s “bad guys.” Suddenly, Luka realized why all the other kids would pick on Wren at the playground. Why she kept getting asked if she knew that Wren was a Vespula. She never knew Wren had to deal with this her whole life.

“Anyway,” Bellamy said, “You know how I said Ari stole my wallet during the Assembly and I tracked her down? I found out that she owed some bad people money, so I told her that I’d pay her debt. In exchange, I wanted her to live a normal life and to not lie to me.”

Bad people? Oh… now I get why she was getting beat on last Christmas Eve. But wait, if her debt is already paid then…? Let’s not think about it.

“I thought everything was going fine. Then she went and hurt Wren.” Finally, Bellamy took a sip of her now lukewarm tea. “But maybe it’s my fault for ignoring the signs. I shouldn’t have left Wren alone with Ari.”

She still wasn’t sure what happened yesterday, besides the fight, but Bellamy seemed to take it hard on herself. Luka wasn’t sure how to comfort her friend.

So she thought about Ari. Had she also ignored the signs? She heard the rumors. She witnessed the fight on Christmas Eve, and even got herself involved in it. She always told herself that she only hung out with Ari because of Bellamy, and even Ari said something similar four days ago. It didn’t mean that she thought it was a drag to hang out with Ari. In fact, she was starting to enjoy her company.

Luka was certain that Ari was serious about her stalker problem. Ari even made sure that she wasn’t lazing around and actually installed the door camera before the storm came. Although she did write a rather ominous message…

Ari is a Weaver: Heavy storms are when all living beings rush indoors. Even the lowliest of insects will try everything to slip through the cracks of your wall.

Was that just her intuition? Or something she’d learned? Luka wasn’t sure.

What she was sure, was what she was going to tell Bellamy.

“Ari hasn’t made fun of me for my current… issue. I wouldn’t even have told you about it if she hadn’t pushed me. So I think she has a good side to her. She just doesn’t really care for people outside her circle.”

Bellamy pondered on this in silence. Luka finished up the rest of her tea, and went to wash the cup.

Once she finished, she heard Bellamy say, “Thanks Luka. I’m glad I talked to you. I’ll head back in a bit, but I wanted to ask you one last question.”

Luka dried her hands, and walked back to her seat. She waited for Bellamy’s question, though something in her gut told her that she wasn’t going to like it.

“What happened between you and Wren?”

It seemed her gut was right.

Luka’s eyes downcast, her hand touching her arm. A phantom pain resurfaced as if ten years was just yesterday. She remembered the broken arm, but not from the fall.

“Did Wren say something?” Luka asked, wanting to see how much Bellamy knew.

She shook her head. “No, I just see it from the way you two look at each other. Especially how you both reacted when you saw each other again for the first time. I’m sorry.”

Luka raised her hands in a panic. “I-it’s not your fault. In fact, it’s mine. I’m the reason she’s like that. She… s-she could’ve died that day.”

Bellamy’s eyes wide, she repeated that word. “Died?”

Her throat tensed, like her own body was telling her to shut up. No matter how she tried to clear it, she couldn’t get the words out. So she swallowed it.

“Sorry, but… you’ll have to ask Wren about it.”

Bellamy shouldn’t have to hear the story from the perpetrator’s side first. That was Luka’s conclusion and how she interpreted her body’s unwillingness to speak.

“Okay.” Bellamy nodded slowly. “I hope you two will be able to make up.”

The only way they’d make up was for Luka to apologize and never bother Wren again. Unfortunately, it seemed she couldn’t do either and time was running out. Wren probably wasn’t planning to stay in Locust Town. She was going to take flight to the other side of Insecta and Luka—the girl who was homebound—would never see her again.

Maybe they were doomed to stay like this forever.

Still, Luka was glad to see Wren again. Just knowing that Wren was still alive was good enough for her.

Luka saw Bellamy out, and then she was alone. She pressed her ear against the wall, listening for the door to Bellamy’s opening and closing. There was some muffled talking, but she couldn’t hear with the rain crashing against the roof. Her ear now away from the wall, she turned around to look at her apartment.

Her tiny kitchen to the right, with only four counters—one occupied by the sink—in the shape of an L, a small fridge, and a stove. The two-person table was a few inches away from the kitchen, and her room not far from it. Her living room was in the center with just a TV, coffee table, and couch.

Luka cleaned up Bellamy’s cup of tea, then grabbed the laptop from her room and planted herself on the couch. She usually worked at her desk, but figured she might as well work in the living room instead. Seeing the rain against the window pane was rather comforting.

When she was young, her father’s company tended to work even during a typhoon and even slept in the office if it went for days. It was one of the times when Luka was without him in the house. Even better if it cut into her school days.

Finally, she could get some work done for her cousin, Liang Ling. Liang worked in a digital agency that often took on more client projects than they could handle, so he would ask Luka to “ghost-develop” for him. At first, Luka wasn’t very keen on this idea, but he paid her fifty-fifty, which gave her a decent chunk for her savings.

She only got into computer science because it was what her father wanted. Luka spent day and night learning different types of code for her supposed guaranteed job in cybersecurity with her father’s friend’s company. If that didn’t work out after her graduation, it would certainly feel like a waste of her time. These were skills she wouldn’t use in her day-to-day life.

Web development, on the other hand… Luka never thought she’d actually enjoy coding that. Even if she wasn’t paid fifty-fifty, she would still do Liang’s work just so she could practice.

She was close to zoning into the project, but her hands slowed at the sound of what sounded like an argument muffled by the storm. At first, Luka thought it might’ve been Wren and Bellamy, but the voice was deep and it was coming from the left side of the apartment.

“—told you to stop—”

The wind picked up, swallowing the rest. Luka’s fingers hovered over the keyboard.

“—don’t care what you—it’s not—Luka—”

Her name. She was almost certain that was her name.

“—sick, Mosca, you’re—I don’t want to hear—again—”

Mosca’s voice rose, then broke. Luka wasn’t sure if she heard crying or just the rain hitting the pipes.

“—the bridge—you think I don’t know—”

Crash!

Something hollow hit something solid. Then nothing.

Luka sat still, her laptop screen the only light in the room. She gulped. This was the first time she’d ever heard the man yell like that. She didn’t even know that he knew her name.

She figured their marriage wasn’t exactly… perfect. But this? Luka wasn’t sure what she should do with this information. So she just shook her head in an attempt to forget. For now, at least.

With the voices now quiet, the rain and wind drowned everything else out. Two hours was all Luka needed to complete the project. Only then did she notice the messages that Bellamy sent.

Bell.A: Have you eaten yet? Last time I remember, you told me you usually eat outside and those pre-made meals.

Luka thought back on the spoiled lunches she threw out a couple days ago. She’d been too busy to restock, and with the typhoon… ordering delivery would be cruel to the drivers.

Bell.A: Do you want to come over for dinner?

Bell.A: Wren’s cooking is really good!

Bell.A: I think Asher would be happy to see you too.

Bell.A: Because he definitely doesn’t care about me :(

From the way Bellamy wrote this, Luka presumed she settled with Wren. Whether Luka wanted to go or not…

Luluka: I’ll think about it.

Bell.A: Okay. I’ll let Wren know.

That pretty much means I’ll be coming if you tell her!

Not that Luka had much of a choice if she wanted to eat today. Her fridge was pretty much empty, and the idea of fasting for two days wasn’t exactly what she had in mind for the weekend.

Absentmindedly, she closed her laptop and sauntered to her fridge. Even though she knew, she still wanted to check. Maybe, she would find an unexpired pre-made meal in the corner. Then she wouldn’t have to come over.

Her fingers wrapped around the handle, she opened the fridge and peered inside.

BAM!

She slammed the door so fast that she even scared herself. But that wasn’t what got her riled up. She squeezed her eyes shut, took a deep breath, and pulled the door open again.

A wrapped lunch box sat in the center of the almost empty fridge.

Luka closed the door, then reopened it.

The lunch box hadn’t moved or disappeared.

W-what?! How did this get here? Who?!

She took out her phone and opened the app for the door camera. There were no signs of activity through yesterday night, and a few of her neighbors walking past on their way to work. The only one who stared at the camera was that man… Mosca’s husband.

Her heart was one beat closer to breaking through her chest. Her body trembled, even when she formed fists to try to keep it at a minimum. She exhaled, her breath shaky.

This place was now a trap. Luka couldn’t stay here any longer. She rushed into her room, grabbed her backpack and laptop, shoved a few pairs of clothes, and ran out the door.

Next Chapter

Wren didn't plan on getting involved. She keeps getting involved anyway.

The Many Problems of Luka Erebi, Including One Wren Vespula.

Twenty-year-old Luka Erebi has two problems: a fear of bugs she’s desperately trying to photograph her way out of, and the sneaking suspicion that someone’s watching her.

The last thing she needs is for her neighbor’s prickly, yellow-eyed cousin to waltz back into her life. Wren Vespula has always been a lot, but they used to be good friends a long time ago.

Luka just never expected her to be this close again.

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The Many Problems of Luka Erebi is a sapphic friends-to-enemies-to-lover story set on the Nation Islands of Insecta, where your status as a Native or an Invader matters more than who you love.

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Table of Content

The forecast said a storm was coming tonight with a forty percent chance of light rain before. It seemed Wren hit the unfortunate lottery with the rain, and she had to walk downstairs to cover her motorcycle earlier than she should. The parking lot was in front of the apartment, allowing only eight vehicles to park. Though only three of the spots were filled. Most people living here were more prone to taking the metro.

The only luck she found was that she wasn’t going back to work until Monday. The Cusp wasn’t planning on opening with the storm looking like it was turning into a typhoon. Though that didn’t mean Wren hadn’t driven during a typhoon before… much to the detriment of her mother.

Still, she’d rather not get soaked. In her rush to get away from Pachi City, she forgot to pack her poncho.

The rain, in combination with the wind, rushed a chill that penetrated her thick jacket. Now that she had her motorcycle covered, she hurried back to the apartment.

Inside, she saw Asher staring out into the balcony. The food she left him in the kitchen was licked clean.

Bellamy left an hour ago—around seven—with an umbrella and a classic yellow rain coat. She mentioned she had a friend who wanted to meet Wren before stepping out. Consider that the last time Bellamy introduced Wren to her friend and it turned out to be Luka… Wren felt like she should stay on her toes for this encounter.

After she finished washing Asher’s bowl, she noticed him tapping on the glass door. He wanted to go out. The rain was still light, but the wind was pushing it into the balcony. Wren figured she could open it to let him out, he’d feel the rain and immediately run back in.

So she slid the door open and watched him saunter out. He flinched when the rain hit his fur, but he didn’t flee. Instead, he looked toward the left, where Luka’s apartment was. Then he shoved his face in between a gap.

Wren’s body moved before she thought, but she was too late. He was already through the gap and now found himself on Luka’s balcony. His tail was standing up, the tip twitching, like he was proud of what he had just done.

“Asher, get back here.”

Of course, he wasn’t going to listen to her. She just had to wait for him to get bored. It wasn’t like Luka had anything interesting on her balcony… in fact, there wasn’t anything at all. Bellamy, at least, had a few potted plants.

“Oh my, a cat.”

Wren had been so focused on Asher, that she hadn’t realized the woman two balcony over. She’d seen this woman a couple days ago at the market, though she didn’t know she lived in the same apartment. The woman had on a white apron with a coffee stain on the chest area. She was in the middle of grabbing her hanged clothes.

Asher, now bored of Luka’s balcony, turned to the woman’s balcony. He was going to go through the gap again, but something stopped him. Wren couldn’t see what, exactly. He crouched, preparing for his launch. If he couldn’t go through, then he was going to jump over.

This wasn’t something Wren would let him do. The balconies were segmented by half-walls, with only a small enough gap between the wall and the balcony rails. If Asher jumped and slipped, he could fall.

“Asher, if you don’t come back here, I’m going to leave you outside,” Wren said and stepped backward. She didn’t enter, but she slammed the door closed.

It didn’t even take a minute for Asher to poke his head through the gap, enough for Wren to grab him by his nape and pull him out. He struggled in her grasp, meowing his complaints.

Wren heard laughing coming from the woman. She shrugged it off and brought Asher back indoor. There was no need for her to interact with her neighbors, not when she wasn’t planning on staying here long.

Bzz…

Her phone was vibrating, moving around on the glass coffee table. She let Asher down and went to pick up her phone. It was a message from Bellamy.

Bell.A: I forgot my ID. Can you bring it for me? It should be on my desk. Thank you!

“Ugh…”

It seemed like she was going to get soaked after all. And just when she had covered her motorbike.

She entered Bellamy’s room, and so did Asher. Wren grabbed him, making sure he wasn’t going to jump and knock down all of Bellamy’s makeup. After she found the ID, she put on her best rain-resistant jacket and black pants so it wouldn’t be too obvious when wet. She shoved the ID into her jacket chest pocket and zipped it shut.

Asher was already at the front door. He looked like he wasn’t going let her leave without a struggle. Too bad for him, Wren was used to picking him up and tossing him far enough for her to leave before he could.

“Meeeow!”

“Stop complaining,” Wren said.

As she made her way to her ride, she sent Bellamy a message.

Wren: I got it. Where do you want to meet?

Bell.A: I’m at the Volunteer Club.

Bellamy wrote it like Wren went to Lotus Academy. She sighed, pulling up the campus online map. The first thing she noted was how the Academy layout looked like a flower, with each buildings called Petals. Wren rolled her eyes. She wondered if the architecture who designed was chortling over how on-the-nose this was.

After figuring out where the Volunteer Club was, she began her short drive over. When she parked her bike, she made sure to keep her helmet on until she was told otherwise. The less people saw her eyes, the better.

Fortunately, nobody called her out and she found the room for the Volunteer Club without a problem. Now, all she needed was to drop off Bellamy’s ID and get back.

The door to the club was opened, so she stepped in front to check if Bellamy was there. She wasn’t. Instead, Wren saw a stranger resting against the table in the center looking at her phone. Besides the table and chairs surrounding it, there were a couple of bookshelves filled with books on the left side. A large window sat opposite of the door.

The woman’s hair was wrapped in a crown braid. She wore a black shirt with a bright red puffer jacket, and ripped jean shorts with tights underneath.

She noticed Wren standing in the hallway, and turned her head. Her red eyes made Wren wary.

“Are you Wren?”

Wren pursed her lips, not liking that this woman knew her name. “Where’s Bellamy?”

“She said she needed to do something and rushed out. You can wait here or give me the ID if you want.”

Neither situation Wren liked. She took out her phone.

Wren: I’m at the club. Where are you?

Bell.A: Sorry! I forgot something in class. I’ll be back in a few

It seemed the woman wasn’t lying.

Suddenly, she saw the woman’s finger prying under her sun visor and pulling it up. Wren flinched and jumped back.

“Oh ho… so you are a Vespula.”

Wren’s jaw clenched as did her hands. But now that she’d seen the woman without her visor on, she realized just how blood red those eyes were.

The woman extended her hand, and a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m Ari. A friend of Bellamy’s.”

So this was Bellamy’s other friend… Wren sighed. She didn’t take Ari’s offer to shake hands.

“You know, it’s courtesy to greet one another, but whatever.” She shrugged, then walked back into the room. “Are you coming in or not?”

“It won’t take too long. I’d rather wait out here,” Wren said.

“Are you sure? I mean, there’s nobody in the hallway right now, but you never know. Sound travels far. You probably wouldn’t want anyone to hear this, would you?”

What was this woman going on about? A bad feeling had been stirring since Wren saw her, but now it was starting to simmer. Against her better judgment, she stepped inside and sat on the right side of the table.

“Is it true that Bellamy’s your cousin? Like, actually by blood?”

This was an obvious question, something that most would ask if they found out. Wren crossed her arms and leaned against the wall near the door.

“Yes.”

Ari looked out the window, Wren followed and saw the rain picking up. It was strong enough that they could hear it hitting the glass.

“Hm… How did that happen, I wonder.”

Wren kept her lips sealed. There was no need in explaining the details to a stranger. If Ari really wanted to know, then she could’ve asked Bellamy about it.

“Actually, there’s no need to ponder,” Ari said in a rather jovial tone. “Your granduncle had an affair with Bellamy’s grandma. Or should I say he had his way with her?”

Wren’s breath hitched. That information wasn’t public. How did she know?

“Personally, I would’ve gotten an abortion.” Then she sighed rather dramatically. “But I hear the Apis family aren’t very fond of that idea, so they decided to keep it.”

“Get to the point,” Wren said.

“It’s not new for Invaders to try to infiltrate a Native, but the Vespulas sure set a new high when they managed to sow their seed in the House of Apis. In hindsight, it sure took them long enough to finally exploit the Apis’s generosity.” Ari chuckled, like she had just told a joke.

“I thought you were supposed to be Bellamy’s friend.”

She raised a brow, but her smile still held strong. “Oh, no. I am. But you should know… as an Invader… that your quality of life depends on who owes you favors and who you owe favors to. I’m just trying to curry favors.”

Wren scoffed. “So you’re just using Bellamy’s status?”

“No.” Ari pointed at Wren. “You.”

Before Wren could say anything, she felt someone grab at her jacket and pulled her away from the wall. Her helmet cut her peripheral vision, and she only saw the perpetrator when it was too late. Shimmering emerald eyes.

They moved with lightning speed, hitting Wren’s gut with such impact that her knees wanted to buckle. She held steady, only to face another punch, this time aimed at her head. It knocked her helmet clean off, and she fell down to the ground. Her face felt wet.

In all her times fighting, she’d never met someone who moved this fast.

The person stopped, towering over her. Wren thought of herself as taller than average, but this person beat her by at least ten centimeters. Their glare told Wren a story she’d heard before. Her family had done something to this person or their family, and now they were taking it out on her.

They wore a black mask and a hat, so Wren couldn’t see their face, but she recognized those eyes. Just like a Vespula’s yellow eyes, there were many families with distinguishable colored eyes.

Whoever this person was, they were from the House of Mantina… the fallen House that—although was never known publicly, it was heavily speculated—was caused by Wren’s grandmother.

Ari stepped into Wren’s view, and for the first time, sprouted a genuine smile. If she wasn’t already throbbing from the sledgehammer-equivalent of a punch, she could’ve felt a chill in her bones. Finally, Wren understood why Ari’s eyes made her leery.

“You… you’re an Aranae.”

Wren should’ve known. Only Invaders would do such underhanded method. And with a fallen Native, no less.

Upon hearing that name, Ari’s smile strained. “No, I’m a Weaver. Anyway, I hope you know that it’s nothing personal. I just needed a favor from Rose.”

She then placed a hand on the tall figure. “I know it’s not who you wanted, but at least you got a couple licks in.”

The dark-skinned woman let out a long exhale, her eyes softening in the process. She shook her head, mumbling something Wren couldn’t hear, and walked out.

“Well, that’s that.” Ari walked back and leaned against the table. She held up a hand, ticking each finger down as the seconds passed.

Wren could hear loud taps coming from the hallway, it must’ve been Bellamy rushing back. She tried to pick herself back up, grunting and groaning from the pain. Her head was aching, but she probably would’ve been worse if she wasn’t wearing her helmet.

Right when all five of Ari’s fingers were down, Wren heard Bellamy.

“Hah… Wren! Hah… Sorry for the wait. Hah… I got stopped on the way here.”

She was barely catching her breath.

By the time she poked her head in, Wren was on her feet, pacing over to grab her helmet on the ground. The sun visor was broken.

Bellamy gasped, closing the distance between her and Wren. She pulled out a packet of tissues from her bag and dabbed it on Wren’s face. Only then did she feel a sharp sting. Her face was bleeding.

“What happened?” Bellamy asked.

Wren didn’t say anything. She stared at Ari.

“Ari? What did you do?”

Ari gave her a stare, her expression unreadable. Then she said, “Not that.”

Bellamy furrowed her brows, her lips pursed. “Don’t lie. You promised me.”

“And I’m telling you the truth: I’m not the one who hurt her.”

It was obvious. Ari wasn’t going to tell her cousin the truth. And at this point, Wren couldn’t care less. She just wanted to leave. She unzipped her chest pocket, took out the ID, and handed it over to her.

“You sure know how to pick your friends,” Wren said. “First Luka, and now this woman? Fuck, Bellamy.”

She could see the confusion on her cousin’s face, but she didn’t care. She put on her helmet and left.

Next Chapter

Luka has been carrying something for a week. Today, she finally tells Bellamy.

The Many Problems of Luka Erebi, Including One Wren Vespula.

Twenty-year-old Luka Erebi has two problems: a fear of bugs she’s desperately trying to photograph her way out of, and the sneaking suspicion that someone’s watching her.

The last thing she needs is for her neighbor’s prickly, yellow-eyed cousin to waltz back into her life. Wren Vespula has always been a lot, but they used to be good friends a long time ago.

Luka just never expected her to be this close again.

Read the webnovel

The Many Problems of Luka Erebi is a sapphic friends-to-enemies-to-lover story set on the Nation Islands of Insecta, where your status as a Native or an Invader matters more than who you love.

Table of Content

Luka’s jaw dropped when she read Bellamy’s text.

Bell.A: Luka! Mr. Holt said he’ll allow you to temporarily have a camera installed. Meet me at the bookstore.

She only saw it after morning class, so she made her trek over to the bookstore. The wind was picking up, clouds were rolling in, blocking out the sun. A big storm was coming tomorrow night. She zipped up her windbreaker.

Luka thanked Wren (in her head) for insulting her jacket’s ineffectiveness against the wind. She was practically a popsicle after riding on Wren’s motorbike. If Wren hadn’t done that, Luka would’ve just worn the same jacket from yesterday and regretted her decision.

Entering through the west side of the bookstore, Luka glanced at the workers by the counter. Bellamy wasn’t there. Then she turned her gaze to her left, seeing two familiar women sitting at a table by the window—one blonde and the other a brunette. It was Bellamy and Ari. Books and notebooks were spread on the table, like they were in the middle of a study session.

Bellamy wore a yellow dress over her pastel pink jacket, while Ari had on a sleeveless shirt with a fur jacket that was lowered to reveal her shoulders.

Luka took the empty chair and sat down.

“Did you really report Mr. Holt?” She asked.

Bellamy nodded. “I didn’t expect the Housing Office to respond so quickly.”

Ari blew out a huff, seemingly amused. “How could they delay an Apis?”

When she heard that, Bellamy pouted, but she didn’t respond to Ari. “Luka, you got time before your next class, right?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Let’s go to the mall.”

As if Ari already figured out Luka’s answer, she was starting to clean up her notes and stash them in her bag. She wasn’t wrong… Luka didn’t really have any room to say no to Bellamy.

Luka nodded, and Bellamy beamed like a ray of sunshine in the upcoming storm. She squinted against Bellamy’s brightness.

Bellamy hurriedly packed up her notes and books, humming some sort of tune. Meanwhile, Ari patted Luka’s back and said, “See? This is why you needed to tell her. An Apis gets things done.”

Upon hearing her last name, Bellamy once again scowled. “Are you the one who told her about my family?”

“Did I really need to? I figured everyone on this island already knew.” Ari wondered, placing a finger to her chin in a mock thoughtful expression.

Shoving her last book into her bag, Bellamy shook her head. “That’s a lie.”

Ari only shrugged without elaborating.

Luka gaped at the situation. Every time she saw Bellamy and Ari together, the same question always popped up in her head. Why did Bellamy befriend Ari?

When it came to Ari, Luka knew she enjoyed pushing the buttons of anyone and everyone. Whether it was good or bad. Luka didn’t mind it too much, since most of what Ari knew about her was superficial.

But for Bellamy, Luka had only learned that her family recognition was a sore spot for her. Yet Ari kept poking at it.

Weirdly enough… maybe that was exactly why. Ari didn’t put Bellamy on a pedestal. She treated her like she would anyone else. Kind of like what Luka did, without even realizing it.

This didn’t mean Luka liked that this was how Ari was going to end this conversation.

“A-actually!” Luka said, almost shouting. “I learned about it myself.”

“Really? Why?”

“Um… because Wren berated me for not knowing about the history of Insecta…”

Sorry, Wren! Luka prayed this didn’t come back to bite her for throwing Wren under the bus.

“Oh. Ooooh!” It was like a light bulb flickered on in her head. Then she giggled. “I totally forgot that you were working for the House of Danaus.”

This got Ari to raise a brow. “I thought you worked at a cafe.”

“I mean, I am. I just didn’t realize the owner was… you know.”

“Pfft!” Ari stifled a chuckle. “You sure are collecting the House like it’s nothing. Maybe you should try to get on Professor Tera’s good side too while you’re at it.”

…

Professor Tera? How did I not realize until now?!

Before Luka could spiral on how ignorant she’d been, Bellamy pulled her along and they made their way to the train station.

There were only two malls in Locust Town, the Northern Locust Mall and the Southern Locust Mall. Since Lotus Academy was in the center of the Town, the distance between both malls was similar.

However… going up north just meant she was in close proximity to her father. Unlike the southern side of Locust Town, where there were more people and individual cliques, the northern side functioned more like a village. That meant if she went up north without visiting her father, word would get back to him.

She’d rather not have a call from her father today. So she suggested they head to the Southern Locust Mall.

“Good idea,” Bellamy said. “I want to see how Wren’s doing.”

That wasn’t her intention, but she nodded in agreement. They took the southbound train.

“Let’s sit over there,” Ari said.

They all occupied the women-only seating, with Bellamy sitting in between Luka and Ari. This was the second time Luka had sat here in all her life going through public transit. She usually just stood and dazed away until the train stopped at her station. When she told Ari that, she just grimaced.

“This is how you get your things stolen or worse, groped.”

“D-does that really happen?”

Ari blinked. Then a mock smile appeared on her lips. “You know, I’m suddenly very curious about your upbringing.”

“Oooh! Me too!” Bellamy chimed in.

Luka wasn’t sure why they were so interested in her childhood.

“Um…” Luka crossed her fingers, resting them on her lap. “I grew up well-loved by my mom.”

Her mother used to bring her to Asacia Park and other playgrounds when she was a kid, whether it was a reward for her hard work or if her father was too frustrated with her. It was one of the times when Luka could feel free to be herself.

“But maybe a little too much.”

Unfortunately, after that incident when she was ten, her mother was too wary to let her go outside ever again. So besides school and the occasional grocery grab with her mother, Luka stayed home.

“I didn’t get to go out because of that.”

When she got accepted into Lotus Academy, she pleaded with her parents the entire summer to let her live nearby so that she wouldn’t have to take the train home everyday. Eventually, her father allowed, but only if she maintained straight As and a perfect attendance.

“My father can be a little pushy, but I think that’s just because he wants me to be the best I can be.”

Luka watched the expression, or rather, the lack of expression from the two women. Was her retelling that boring and uninteresting?

Ari and Bellamy looked at each other, like they were communicating through their eyes alone.

Then Ari spoke up. “So you didn’t go on any school trips? Even I went on them and I caused tons of trouble for the teachers.”

“N-no. My mom worried that something bad could’ve happened to me.”

“Let me guess, she calls you every day now that you’re not in her nest anymore?”

How does Ari know that? “She used to...”

“I see you talking to someone on the balcony every Fridays, is that your mom?” Bellamy asked.

“Y-yeah.”

“Wow. And here I thought Bellamy would be the sheltered child,” Ari said with a hint of razz.

Just as Bellamy turned to visibly sulk at Ari, Luka took that as an opportunity.

“S-say… I’ve been curious for a while now, but how did you and Ari meet?”

That pulled Bellamy from her sulk. She turned to face Luka and said, “Believe it or not, I met Ari during the bi-annual Assembly a year ago.” Luka’s vacant expression must’ve given her away because Bellamy added, “It’s like a gathering of Natives.”

I didn’t realize Natives had a gathering… Wait…

“Does that mean Ari is a Native?”

“On my mother side,” Ari answered, though she seemed uninterested in the topic. “And no. I’m not part of the House of Natives.”

“I have to go to every single event, so I basically know everyone there. That’s why Ari caught my attention because I’ve never seen her before. People seemed wary about her so I decided to talk to her. I thought we were getting along well…” she giggled. “Only to find out she stole my wallet afterward.”

From the way Bellamy laughed, Luka wasn’t sure if she should as well. Ari looked at her nails. She made it look like she wasn’t listening, but her other arm rested on the top of the seat like she was putting her arm over Bellamy.

“It was easy to find her since I had a tracker on my wallet. And… that’s how we met.”

Luka had way more questions than she had answers, but before she could ask for more, they were already at their designated station.

“Let’s get going,” Ari said, and got off her seat.

———

They spent about half an hour in the mall, having walked around until they found a store that sold doorbell cameras. Bellamy kept saying she would pay for it during the walk, and Luka knew how determined Bellamy could be. So she deployed backup in the form of Ari.

“Ari, could you distract Bellamy so I can pay for this?”

Ari grinned, and without replying, she sauntered over to Bellamy and began to direct her away from the cashier. It was enough to let Luka pay for the camera. Ninety-nine Insecta dollars lost. Her wallet cried.

I may have lost the battle, but I’ve won the war.

Luka might’ve gotten that mixed up.

When Bellamy saw Luka walking out with a bag in hand, she pouted at Luka and Ari. “No fair. You two planned this.”

“Y-you’ve already done so much for me,” Luka said.

Besides, if we can fix this within thirty days, I can still return this.

Maybe if everything went in Luka’s favor, she might also win the battle in the end.

“A-anyways! Didn’t you want to see Wren?”

Her workplace wasn’t far from the mall. Just one train station away.

The Cusp was aptly named after the Cusps District, the southern area of Locust Town. Coincidentally, the train station was on the south of the district.

Since it bordered Asacia Park, the district had a strict no-cars policy. The only way to travel around this area was through the underground metro, the bus, bikes or any other small travel devices like skateboards.

“You know… I just realized, how does Wren get her motorcycle through?” Luka wondered aloud.

“She probably says it’s an e-bike,” Bellamy said. “It technically is all electric.”

Luka did notice Wren driving slow when they were in the Cusps District and then speeding up considerably once they were out.

Bricks layered the road with visible lines drawn for designated bike, bus, and walk lanes. The district had four major roads connected by a roundabout. This was where The Cusp resided, on the northwest side of the roundabout.

Luka recognized Wren’s motorbike parked with the various bikes. Even with a couple e-bikes… it was very obvious that hers wasn’t one of them. One of these days, she was going to get a ticket. If she hadn’t already.

Inside, Luka saw a handful of customers. Not enough to require three servers. Reggie was working today along with Caspi. The duo that Luka wouldn’t want to work with. But, separately, they were fine.

It appeared Ms. Danaus wasn’t here today.

“Yo, Luka!” Caspi waved and walked over. “I swear, I’ve been seeing you everyday. You must really love this place, huh?”

He was wearing a cute mask with a rainbow rhino today. Luka felt like she’d never actually seen his face since she started working. Still, she could see his smile through his brown eyes.

“I mean… it’s a good place to study,” Luka said.

“Can we get a table for three?” Bellamy cut in.

“Sure, just sit anywh—wait woah!” Caspi gawked at Bellamy, eyes wide. Then he grabbed Luka by the shoulders and whispered, “You never told me you were friends with Bellamy.”

She felt like he was squeezing the life out of her with his vice grip. Caspi also attended Lotus Academy, and was one of Luka’s sources on the men’s opinions on Bellamy.

“Um…”

With some of the comments she’d heard about Bellamy from him… it was fair that she didn’t want to tell him.

“You never asked.”

Before he could reply, Ari slipped her finger under his pinky and pulled it up, forcing him to release his clutch on Luka.

“Ow!” He shouted, giving Ari an indicator to stop.

“Let’s keep our hands to ourselves, hm?” Ari said, giving him a smile that was anything but.

Caspi leered, his expression caught in between a glare and astonishment. Luka might not be super informed about the people in the Academy, but she at least knew about Ari’s reputation. Even if it was through passing gossips.

Reggie walked over, his hand placed on Caspi’s shoulder, and said, “Alright, enough bothering the customers. The boss might not be here, but Imon definitely is.”

With the mention of Imon, the head cook, Caspi went right back into work mode and ushered them to a table toward the right side. What luck, because this just so happened to give them a better look into the side of the kitchen Wren was working at. Well, Luka wouldn’t see since she sat facing the patio while Bellamy and Ari sat together.

He handed the three ladies each a menu and headed back behind the counter.

“Hm… what do you recommend, Luka?” Bellamy asked, giving the menu a serious look-through.

“Are you planning on eating?”

“Of course. What about you two?”

“S-sure. I mean, I haven’t really eaten anything but a granola bar today,” Luka replied.

Luka and Bellamy then looked to Ari for her answer, only to see her loosely holding the menu and not staring at it. She was looking toward the kitchen, directly at Wren. Focused.

“Ari?” Bellamy called out to her. Then she also followed her gaze. “Do you also know Wren?”

“Also?” Ari finally snapped back. She looked at Luka, having gotten her answer. “Ah. Well, I certainly wasn’t expecting a Vespula to be your cousin. What sort of fuckery went down for that to happen?”

Something in Bellamy’s expression flickered. “Ari! Don’t talk about Wren like that. You don’t even know her.”

Ari had on a slight smile, like she wanted to say something, but chose to let it go. “You sure got me there. Maybe you should introduce her to me, then. I’d love to meet her.”

A meeting between Ari and Wren… Luka couldn’t imagine how that would turn out. Something in the pit of her stomach told her it wasn’t going to end well. But she hoped it wouldn’t get out of hand.

“So…” Ari propped her chin on her hand, elbow on the table. “Tell me about her.”

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When she got the job at The Cusp, Wren conceded to seeing Luka again. Initially, she had no intention of finding her. Now, she didn’t even need to. Luka had just marched back into her life like it was nothing.

She even asked her to walk her to Lotus Academy. It was such a ridiculously mundane task that she wanted to say no. Yet there was something in Luka’s eyes that stopped her. She didn’t know why, but something in her guts told her she would regret it if she rejected her now.

“Fine. Let’s get this over with.”

Just as she spun on her heels and was ready to walk downstairs, Wren heard Asher clawing at the door. He had gone from vocally complaining to scratching Bellamy’s door.

“Asher, stop.”

“Meeeoow!!”

When he wasn’t being the helpful cat that he was supposed to be, he was just annoyingly clingy.

“Ugh… hold on.”

Wren unlocked the door and stepped inside to find Asher’s harness and leash. Asher practically squeezed himself into the harness when she held it out. Then she stepped out with a black cat whipping his tail back and forth.

“Hi, Asher,” Luka said.

He meowed back at her. He then pulled on the leash, telling Wren he wanted to go. So they began walking.

She’d expected Luka to say something during, but she was silent. This was the second time Luka had made her slow down and walk. Wren could’ve easily made three loops around this town on her motorcycle. Since Wren didn’t want to be caught looking at her, she chose to take in the scenery.

Locust Town changed a lot in the past ten years. The stores that she remembered were no longer here. Her old primary school was gone. More trees were planted around the town, acting almost like an extension of Asacia Park.

She and Luka used to live in the north side of town. Now they were at the center, or at least… as centered as they could be, given how much of the western land Asacia Park consumed. If it wasn’t for the Park, Locust Town could’ve been big enough to be considered a city.

There weren’t a lot of people on the street at first, but the density began to show once they neared the Academy. Wren grabbed the sunglasses hanging on the collar of her shirt and put them on. She wasn’t sure who attended this school, but she wasn’t planning on being careless in case there were Natives here.

Luka stared, but Wren ignored her.

“Um. Thanks for walking with me,” Luka said as they got to the entrance. “A-anyway, I gotta go. I’m late for class.”

She turned, and began running like her life depended on it. Wren raised a brow, wondering why she didn’t mention that she was late. Asher cried out, tugging on his leash. She picked him up, wrestling with him as he tried to squirm out of her grip.

“Asher. Stop it.”

Ding!

Her phone vibrated. She pulled down the zipper in her jacket pocket, and took it out. While she did this, Asher escaped her clutch, though he was still tied to her via the leash.

Bell.A: What did Luka ask you?

Wren: She wanted me to walk with her to school…

Bell.A: Oh.

Asher had stopped pulling on the leash and instead used Wren as a climbing pole. He stared at the phone like he knew how to read. Wren readjusted him on her shoulder, so that he wouldn’t slip and shred her jacket in a panic.

Bell.A: Can you walk Luka home too? I’d appreciate it!

Wren: …

Wren: No.

Bell.A: :((((((

Bell.A: [sticker of a puppy with teary eyes begging with a text that says PLEASE]

Wren groaned, her throat rumbling.

Wren: What am I? Her babysitter? No.

Wren: Besides, I have work in an hour. I’m not gonna be home until eight.

She turned off her screen and shoved it back into her jacket. It was time for her to walk back home and get ready for work.

———

Beau Danaus sat on the patio seating, the same one as Luka from yesterday. The Cusp wasn’t busy, so Wren presumed she was just taking advantage of being the boss and having herself a cup of tea. Beau sat with an elegance that could only stem from a wealthy upbringing. It was the one moment so far that Wren could see her coming from the House of Danaus.

“Ah, Wren, you’re here,” Beau said, her eyes locking with hers.

Apparently, she wasn’t just having tea. She’d been waiting for her.

“Seems like someone owes me money,” she mused.

Wren frowned. Who owed her money?

The woman seemed to read her, and explained, “I made a bet with Imon that you’d show up today. Even after that rather grueling session he made you do.”

Ah, yes. Yesterday’s “grueling work.” The head cook gave her the task of two people and criticized her throughout. Then the cooks who were supposed to do the task took a break in the corner of the kitchen.

From the way Imon’s eyes blazed through her, she thought he would’ve brought her to the back and beat her, but if this was supposed to be grueling and disparaging, then Wren must’ve had it easy. Her professors at the Culinary Institute of Insecta, and even her grandmother, were more unreasonable and demanding than Imon could ever be.

These Natives were soft. Though she wasn’t going to tell them. No need to rile them up.

“It’s just the first day,” Wren said.

“That’s what I like to hear,” Beau replied. “Anyway, you better hurry inside. We’ve got a big party coming in two hours. They reserved the whole place.”

Wren would’ve asked, but she learned that asking her superiors only got her reprimanded. She would find out in two hours anyway. So she gave Beau a nod and head inside.

A small walk-in closet sat beside the kitchen door, a time-tracking tablet mounted on the wall beside it. Inside, hooks held jackets under a single hanging bulb. There was a free hook for Wren. She had worn her chef coat underneath, and since Beau said the piercings were fine, she left them in.

The kitchen was narrow enough that passing someone would require you to turn sideways. It was probably the smallest kitchen she’d worked in yet. A long prep counter ran along the left wall. Opposite it was a flat-top griddle, two burners, and a single oven. The extractor fan ran loud enough that everyone always sounded a little angrier than they were. Bright strips overhead, leaving no shadows hidden.

Imon didn’t look too pleased seeing her in the kitchen, but he greeted her all the same. She returned the gesture and looked at the schedule pinned on the cork board. They had her on prep duty, so it was just going to be a lot of cutting and making stock and sauces.

Although Wren learned a lot at the Culinary Institute, what she specialized in was Indian-Asian cuisine. An entirely different spectrum from The Cusp, which was French-Italian. She got a lot of advice in the form of criticism from Imon yesterday about her cutting technique and how she made the stock and sauces too bold.

The recipes for the stock and sauces were taped onto the wall. She noticed new pieces of laminated paper were attached. It was the different cutting techniques shown in step-by-step pictures.

“Heh…” She let out a small chuckle.

These Natives really were soft.

“Alright, let’s get it moving! We’ve gotta get ready for the party at one!” Imon shouted, jolting the other cook into a hurried frenzy.

He kept a close eye on Wren. She followed the instructions of the cutting technique and sped up once she began getting used to it. He didn’t say anything then, not even when she was making the chicken stock. But once it came to the sauces like Béchamel and Velouté, he was hovering over her like a hawk. She made sure to follow the recipe to the T instead of feeling it by taste, because apparently… her taste was too bold for these people.

The hours passed by, and soon the party arrived.

Wren glanced out the kitchen window, seeing all the customers in business or business casual suits, and assumed this was a company party. They didn’t look like anyone too special to her, so she paid them no mind.

She wasn’t on serving duty. The only thing she needed to do was to support the head cook.

Although, from the way she saw Beau talking to one of the men, she assumed she knew who he was or maybe she was trying to curry favors. The House of Danaus was known to have a vast number of connections.

After the busy party, the rest of the evening was quiet. Enough for the other cook, whose name Wren hadn’t gotten yet, to start a conversation.

“Say, señorita, you got some huevos to be working here. I mean, at least that’s what I hear.”

He leaned against the reach-in refrigerator that was near the kitchen door, while Wren studied the recipes. She wasn’t sure of the exact translation, but she understood his meaning.

“I wasn’t planning on coming here.”

“Well, either way, I’m glad to get another morena. Too many gringos around here.”

Imon cleared his throat, a notification that he was still here. He was in the back washing the dishes, something Wren wasn’t expecting the head cook to do.

“Hey! Luka works here too, you know,” Beau said, poking her head in the kitchen window.

“You know what I mean, jefa. I was so sad when that kid quit.”

“Don’t remind me about that,” Beau groaned. “He has the gall to quit because that witch whispered sweet nothings, then he comes back a month later begging for his job. Like I would let someone who’s so easily poached to come back.”

The cook snorted. “Oh, man! I remember that. Pobre cabrón.”

Even during a quiet period for the cafe, the kitchen was still lively. It made it hard for Wren to study the recipes. It wasn’t like she wanted to listen in. Though her ears perked at what was said next.

“Lu! Back again, are you?”

“Hi, Ms. Danaus.”

Finally, she peeled her eyes off of the recipes and saw Luka’s head poking through the kitchen window. She seemed to notice Wren’s stare, and waved at her. Wren didn’t wave back.

Was Luka here to check up on her? She didn’t like that one bit.

She watched Luka grab a drink before heading over to the patio, and from now to closing time, Luka had her table littered with school work. Wren was lucky there wasn’t another big party coming, because no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stop herself from observing Luka.

Couldn’t she have done that at home? Why was she doing it here?

Only after Wren clocked out did she have an idea on what Luka was doing.

“Hey, Wren,” Luka said, hurriedly packing away her things. “Do you want to walk home together?”

“No. I drove here.”

“Oh. Uh.” She slipped on her backpack and stepped off the patio. “Can you drive me home?”

Wren frowned. “You could’ve gone home already. Why are you waiting for me?”

Luka’s grip tightened around her backpack. “I… I just wanted to be outside. Y-you know, get a different scenery. Since I’m always inside my apartment.”

That didn’t answer Wren’s question, but she thought back on this morning. How she could detect a tinge of concern in Bellamy’s voice, even though she played it up as a casual request. How her gut told her not to reject Luka’s mundane task. Even the fact that Bellamy had also asked her to walk Luka home.

She scratched her head, easing the simmering frustration, and grumbled. Then she made her decision. She just hoped she still had a spare helmet.

“You’re annoying, you know that? Come on.”

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Luka didn’t get a response back from Bellamy. She didn’t have a reassurance that Bellamy would show. Yet here she was, standing in the train station closest to their apartment, waiting near the platform gates.

If Bellamy saw her text, she could easily walk over from school. If she went somewhere far, then she would end up at this station on her way home.

Bellamy still hadn’t sent a message back. So whatever she was doing, it must’ve been important.

Luka had been pacing back and forth the station for over an hour. The pacing only stopped when she got questioned by some of the police on patrol.

It wasn’t uncommon for the police to approach people. Luka wasn’t special. Usually, when she explained her situation, they would leave her alone. However, after what Wren told her, and after her searches on Insecta, she was now hyper-aware to the things she always thought was normal.

“Hello miss. Mind letting us know which station you’re heading to?”

The two policemen had on a pacifying tone, but it didn’t make Luka any less nervous at the sight of the rifles slung over their shoulders. Her heart skipped a beat when she noticed one of the men place their hand on the holster.

Last summer, she remembered her cousins from China talking about how crazy it was for the Insecta police to be so militarized. They even joked that Insecta managed to one-up the United States. Luka wasn’t sure what that meant.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m just waiting for someone,” Luka said to the two policemen. “I-I swear!'“

They looked at each other, then at her. Sweat trickled down her neck, a rather incredible feat considering the temperature had gone below ten degrees. Maybe because she was so nervous, they found her suspicious.

The man on the right said, “A person reported that you’ve been here for an hour. Are you sure they’re coming?”

Who’s been watching me for an hour?

Her heart was thumping so hard she could hear it in her ears. She gulped, hoping to swallow the shallow breaths that were desperate to break through. It was no use. Luka faltered, taking a step back. It must’ve given the policemen the wrong signal, because their gentle expression hardened.

“Luka!”

The voice came from behind, one that actually managed to pacify her tense chest. Bellamy ran over, her cheeks pink from the cold, breath coming out in small clouds.

She grabbed her hand. “I’m sorry, have you been waiting long?”

“O-oh. Um. Not really.”

She glanced at the men, who seemed surprised that she actually was waiting for someone. Or, at least, that was what she assumed. They gave her a quick apology and continued on with their patrol.

Bellamy’s grip tightened, almost like she knew how much Luka had been shaking.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine now,” Luka replied.

She gave Bellamy a small smile, hoping that would convince her.

It didn’t.

“This thing that you wanted to talk to me about… is it the same one from this morning?”

Luka should’ve known she was still thinking about it. She took in a deep breath. Since she was here, she might as well say it… well… maybe not here.

“Let’s get out of here first,” Luka said. “There’s a cafe nearby.”

“Sure.”

They made their way to a small coffee shop that was right outside the train station. Once they walked up the stairs and onto the ground floor, it was the first thing they saw.

Despite the shop being in their final hour, there were still plenty of people sitting inside. The dim light and dark wood setting gave this place an almost library atmosphere. Bellamy went to order while Luka took a seat at a two-person table.

Only when they separated did Luka notice Bellamy had held her hand the whole way here.

Maybe this was her way of comforting Luka. It certainly worked. Although now all Luka could think was how soft Bellamy’s hand was and what lotion she used. She’d be lying if she didn’t think Bellamy was a pretty woman, whether it was just genetics or her lavish upbringing. Or maybe both.

Once everything was in order—Bellamy sitting opposite Luka, and the both of them with a drink in hand—Luka finally… asked Bellamy what lotion she used.

Bellamy tilted her head. “Hm? I use Jezebelle.”

That’s like the most expensive brand here. Wait! This isn’t what I was supposed to ask her. Aaahh… I’m just delaying the inevitable.

Another deep breath in, Luka steeled herself. “I need you to promise me that you won’t tell Wren about this.”

Bellamy stayed quiet, her blue eyes dropping to her drink. But Luka needed to hear it from her, so she repeated.

“Okay… I promise,” Bellamy said.

Finally. For real, this time. Luka told Bellamy about what she’d been going through for the past week.

“What?” Bellamy was aghast. “Have you told Mr. Holt about this?”

“Yeah. He said I should be happy I’m getting free lunch.”

Bellamy frowned, her cheeks puffed. “The nerve of that man! I’m going to file a complaint to the Housing Office.”

Luka was close to saying something like, “Wait, no! Don’t do it! That’s too much trouble.” But considering what she heard from Mr. Holt… she wasn’t going to worry too much if Bellamy did it.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to tell Wren about it? She wakes up really early, so she can keep an eye out.”

“She just moved back and is starting her new job. I’d rather not give her more things to juggle.”

How could Luka, the girl who caused so much trouble for Wren back then, be daring enough to ask her for help? She even yelped and called her a wasp when she saw her yesterday.

I must’ve hurt her when I said that… and I haven’t even made a proper apology.

“B-besides, I feel much better now that I’ve told you about it.”

Her psychology professor was right. Just talking to Bellamy helped ease her mental stress. Though the opposite could be said for Bellamy herself.

“I’d feel better when you don’t have to deal with this anymore,” Bellamy sulked.

Luka didn’t know what to say to that. So she stayed quiet and finished the rest of her tea.

They left the shop just a couple minutes before closing and began walking home. Luka noticed Bellamy was holding her hand again. The warmth gave her enough courage to brave through this cold with only a button-up. It did make her wonder.

Would anyone mistake them for being girlfriends? Especially those who attended Lotus Academy?

Bellamy was a hot topic for her male classmates in the computer science branch. According to them, she was the woman of their dreams. Blonde hair. Blue eyes. An enticing smile. Kind to almost everyone. Incredibly out of their realm.

Luka wasn’t much for gossip, but she had to agree with them. Now that she knew how influential the House of Apis was, she wasn’t sure if she had the right to be Bellamy’s friend. Yet here she was, walking home and holding hands with her.

“S-say… Bellamy…”

“Hm?” She turned, giving her full attention to Luka.

“This might sound dumb, but I finally realized you’re from the House of Apis.”

“Really?” Her voice was low, and eyes now gazing ahead.

“Yeah. I don’t fully understand what that all means. I was quite surprised when I saw your family name on the list.”

“And?”

Luka gawked. It seemed like Bellamy wanted her to get to the point. The point being… maybe Luka wasn’t worthy. She was just a lowly Citizen.

“You… oh. Hehe. I guess that’s why we get along so well.”

Bellamy’s voice rang in her head. Suddenly, Luka grasped what she meant. The reason why they became friends in the first place was because Luka had no idea. People admired Bellamy, yet kept their distance.

Luka shook her head, and smiled. “Nothing, really. I just thought it was pretty cool.”

Bellamy giggled, delivering a smile that could make anyone fall for her. “My family is pretty cool. I love them.”

Luka swore her heart skipped a beat. She readjusted her grip, her thumb tracing over Bellamy’s delicate skin.

While inside her mind, she thought: Her smile always reminded me of someone, and I never knew who until now… it was Wren.

———

The third time… was not the charm, apparently.

Luka didn’t find a lunch box outside her home. And here she was, braced for another one that never came.

Could this mean her stalker had gotten bored of her? Or maybe they saw her throw away yesterday’s lunch and figured Luka wasn’t interested? Maybe it wasn’t a stalker and just a socially awkward person who might’ve had a crush on her.

While Luka deluded herself, she heard the door to 206 open. She poked her head out, assuming it was Mosca who was coming out. She was wrong.

A man in a dark suit appeared, his cutting gaze locked onto her almost instantly.

“Eep!”

Luka couldn’t hold in her squeal. How could she? A man thirty centimeters taller than her was glaring at her like she was an unwanted moth. She hadn’t expected this from a man she assumed was mild and inattentive.

Bam!

Luka slammed the door shut. It probably wasn’t the best idea. Still, she had no plan to speak with the man. He didn’t even thank her for saving his wife’s life that night, not that she was looking for appreciation since she would’ve just brushed it aside. However, because he didn’t, that was all she could think about.

A shadow covered the light coming from the slit of her door. Luka pressed her palm against her mouth, knowing that she would’ve yelped if she didn’t.

Who was it? Was it that man? Why wasn’t he knocking?

A bitter dread seeped through the gaps of her door. It froze her in place. She stared at the peephole, a small wave of relief washing over her when she saw it was covered. Although it was immediately overwhelmed by another thought. If she didn’t have her blocker… would they be staring at her?

…

The shadow eventually moved on, taking the taut atmosphere with it.

Luka put down her hand, and let out a breath so long it almost left her empty. She looked at her fingers, still trembling. She shoved them in her navy blue jacket.

Class was starting in twenty minutes. Luka couldn’t miss it. Lotus Academy kept attendance records, something her father looked over every week. She still remembered last year when she missed one class and got an earful from him.

“The next time this happens,” he said, “Don’t rely on me to pay for your apartment.”

She needed to move. Her rooted legs refused. So, she did the next best thing. She called Bellamy.

The call rang once. Then twice.

Come on, Bellamy…

It seemed the third time was the charm, after all.

“Hey!” Bellamy’s voice rang through the phone. “What’s up?”

“Um… Bellamy, are you already at school?”

“Mhm.”

“Oh… do you know if Wren is still at home?”

I know I shouldn’t bother Wren… but I really need to get to class.

“She might be.”

“C-can you call her and ask her to come to my place?”

“Huh? You can just knock…” Bellamy paused, then asked, “Is everything okay?”

Luka’s lips pursed. “Can you please do it for me?”

“Alright. I’ll let her know.”

“Thank you.”

Just the confirmation helped Luka’s rooted legs unravel themselves from the wooden floor. She could pace around now, at least. Heading to the door wasn’t an option, still.

It only took a painstaking five minutes before she heard a knock at the door. She walked over and peered through the peephole to see that it was Wren. She opened the door, so relieved that she didn’t fret over Wren’s annoyed look.

Wren had her hair up again. Luka craned her neck and stared at Wren’s many silver piercings on her left ear, noting the two connected with chains. She couldn’t fathom the fact that the woman in front of her had grown so much taller. Then again, she couldn’t expect her to stay little, not after ten years.

“What do you want?” Wren asked.

“Uh. Can you walk with me to Lotus Academy? I-if you’re not busy.”

Wren clicked her tongue. She was no stranger to expressing her irritation. But she didn’t say no.

“Fine. Let’s get this over with.”

Next Chapter

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Table of Content

When I started “The Many Problems of Luka Erebi, Including One Wren Vespula,” I only had in mind what the trait of the main characters are. One was scared of bugs and took photos of them. The other cooked.

I didn’t expect to create a whole island that’s deep in historical beef.

Not gonna lie, I did think about the questline “The House Always Win” from Fallout: New Vegas when I made the House of Natives.

A quick history lesson. Insecta was form 200 years ago and stayed uninhabited for 100 years. The SV Monarch got stranded on the island due to a storm with no way to contact the outside world so they settled on the island. These people are the Natives.

There are around 20 known Natives, but five families rose in fame and influence. These are the House of Natives.

Danaus - The Butterfly House
Apis - The Bee House
Mantina - The Mantis House
Tera - The Dragon(fly) House
Heropetra - The True House

As of chapter 6, you’ve already met at least three people from the House of Natives. These people will continue to play an important role in “The Many Problems of Luka Erebi” as they have lots of influence over Insecta.

There are still certain Houses that I haven’t fleshed out, but I know what their roles are.

If you know of insect scientific names (or you put two and two together haha), you’ll see that each of the Houses are named after bugs. Each have their own bug traits that will get explored as the story continues.

I’ll be honest, I think I kinda lost the theme a bit during my writing of the first arc. I can’t change much with it right now, so I’ll just have to steer it back after the first arc.

Luka has been avoiding the problem. Ari has decided that’s no longer an option.

The Many Problems of Luka Erebi, Including One Wren Vespula.

Twenty-year-old Luka Erebi has two problems: a fear of bugs she’s desperately trying to photograph her way out of, and the sneaking suspicion that someone’s watching her.

The last thing she needs is for her neighbor’s prickly, yellow-eyed cousin to waltz back into her life. Wren Vespula has always been a lot, but they used to be good friends a long time ago.

Luka just never expected her to be this close again.

Read the webnovel

The Many Problems of Luka Erebi is a sapphic friends-to-enemies-to-lover story set on the Nation Islands of Insecta, where your status as a Native or an Invader matters more than who you love.

Table of Content

Luka figured Wren pretty much got the job when she saw Ms. Danaus leading her into the kitchen. What she didn't realize was that Wren would be put to work immediately.

Well, there goes my plan of grabbing lunch with her.

She finished her coffee, and then said goodbye to Wren, who just grunted in response.

“Wow, not even a thank you or anything.”

Luka heard one of her coworkers whisper as she walked out of the cafe. She wasn’t expecting Wren to thank her, so she shrugged it off.

The train ride back home was a little less awkward and intense now that she was alone, but it didn’t make the walk back to her apartment any easier. All she needed was to go back to her room and switch her sling bag with her backpack.

I really should’ve just brought both…

When she got to the stairs, she noticed someone standing at the top. The woman held a laundry basket, probably heading to the laundromat across the street. She still had her plaid apron on, her long brown hair tied and resting on her right shoulder. She saw Luka and gave her a smile.

“Good afternoon, Luka.”

“Hi, Mosca.” She glanced at the laundry basket that seemed over capacity. “How are you?”

“I’m… doing better. Thanks for asking.”

Mosca lived in 206, making her Luka’s next-door neighbor. Although Luka had lived here for almost a year, she never really interacted with Mosca until late of last month. And that was only because chance brought Luka to the bridge towards the eastern side of Locust Town.

The water was really cold back then…

Luka watched Mosca walk down the stairs, observing her fair skin and noting a bit of plumpness compared to last month. The woman, having noticed Luka’s gaze, made eye contact and asked, “Is something wrong?”

“O-oh! Um…”

There wasn’t much Luka knew about this woman, but they exchanged small talk every now and then after the incident. Considering they were next-door neighbors, Luka might as well ask her this, “Have you seen anyone suspicious around the apartment lately? Particularly in the early morning?”

“No, I… haven’t been waking up that early, but I can ask my husband.”

“Thank you. Anyway, I’ll let you go. Bye, Mosca.”

“Bye, Luka.”

Luka ambled up the stairs, thinking about Mosca’s husband. Her only impression of him was how long it took for him to visit Mosca at the hospital. Luka remembered awkwardly sitting in the hospital room, stuck between wanting to go home and not wanting her neighbor to be alone.

I doubt he’s seen anyone, but you never know.

———

Luka saw Ari at the school cafeteria, sitting beside the girl from yesterday… the one she gave the lunch box to. Apparently they were hitting it off.

Ari had her hair in a fishtail braid today, the ends reaching her lower back. She wore her usual grey oversized jacket over a white polo neck and white skinny jeans.

With two wrapped club sandwiches in hand, Luka decided to take a seat far away from Ari and the girl. She didn’t want to bother them. But it seemed Ari wanted to bother her. It only took Luka two bites before Ari sat down in front of her.

Ari pouted, though it was more playful than upset. “You come to get lunch unannounced and now you’re just gonna ignore me?”

Luka glanced back at the girl, who seemed disappointed Ari left. “I didn’t want to disturb you and that girl.”

“Oh, her?” She chuckled. “She really liked that lunch from you. Hasn’t complained about being sick yet.”

“Don’t say it like I made it, and I still can’t believe you gave it to her—”

“So, did you get another one today?” Ari asked abruptly, her expression devoid of the joy she was conveying earlier.

“Uh…”

“You did, didn’t you?” She sighed. “Have you told Bellamy about this?”

Luka avoided her gaze, which was all the answer she needed.

“Why haven’t you told her?”

I really need her to stop reading my mind. And why is she taking this so seriously anyway?

“I was going to tell her yesterday… but things happened and I haven’t gotten a chance.”

Luka took a big bite of her sandwich.

“Bellamy told me you walked with her this morning.”

“Mm!”

It seemed the sandwich went down the wrong hole, and now Luka was choking. A chair scraped against the ground, then footsteps wandered away from Luka before making its way back to her.

Ari placed down a paper cup filled with water, her hand resting against Luka’s back. Luka took the water and drank it down in one gulp. Then she resumed eating, taking smaller bites this time.

“So what was your reason again? You haven’t gotten a chance to talk to her?”

She’s not going to let it go, is she? I should’ve never told her about this…

“Her cousin recently moved in and… I found out she’s someone I used to know when I was a kid.”

“Uh huh. And what’s this got to do with your current situation?” Ari asked, now sitting next to Luka.

“W-well… if I tell Bellamy now, she’s going to tell her cousin… and I don’t want to bother her with my problems. Not when she just moved back.”

Ari groaned, looking like she was over this. “Seriously? Who cares. Your problem isn’t going to magically disappear if you ignore it, especially if you’ve got a stalker who already knows where you live.”

Luka couldn’t argue with Ari. In fact, she wished Ari wasn’t making so much sense right now. More importantly, she really wished Ari didn’t just say that word aloud…

Stalker.

Maybe Ari should’ve just gone back to saying secret weirdo. That sounded less harmful.

Luka ate the last of her first sandwich, and unwrapped the second. She was trying to do anything that wasn’t responding to Ari, but the woman’s red eyes marked her. This entire time, Luka was already caught on her web. No matter how much she wriggled, she wasn’t going anywhere.

So, she chose to go on the offensive.

“W-why do you care so much anyway? You never took me seriously.”

Ari arched a brow. Her index finger traced a circle on the table. Then she made a thin smile.

“You’re right. I never took you seriously. The only reason why I hung out with you in the beginning was because Bellamy kept insisting.”

Luka gulped. She had similar thoughts to Ari, but she would never voice them.

“I thought you were a wimp with the way you duck and scurry from the tiniest of bugs. You weren’t going to be someone I could rely on.”

Okay, now she’s just roasting me…

Luka was close to finishing her second sandwich. Once she was done, she would take it as an opportunity to leave.

“But you know what? When you stood up for me on Christmas Eve… I thought you might not be all that bad.” She now gave what Luka could only read as a genuine smile. “So yeah, I take your stalker problem very seriously.”

Oh. She was going somewhere with this, but…

“You… you say Christmas Eve like it was any regular day.”

Ari’s hands cupped her cheeks, her elbows resting on the table. Her tone turned back to the mischievous Ari Luka came to know. “You’re telling me you don’t like getting your ass beat on Christmas Eve?”

“I prefer not to…”

Luka would’ve never been in that alleyway if Ari hadn’t accidently messaged her. She was never Ari’s first dial. Still, no matter how much Luka’s heart wanted to leap out of her chest that day, she couldn’t leave Ari alone.

“So, here’s the plan,” Ari said, “You need to tell Bellamy. I don’t care if her cousin knows or not. Then you need to set up a camera in case your stalker comes back to give you another lunch box.”

“Oh, um… actually, my landlord doesn’t allow cameras.”

…

Ari gawked.

“What?”

“I-I mean… I can ask…”

———

The sun was on its descent when Luka stood in front of room 101. A breeze blew past, and normally she would’ve found it pleasant. If only she wore her undershirt. There was no use standing here and shivering, so she knocked.

It took at least five minutes for the door to open, revealing a plump middle-aged man behind. He was the landlord, and one who wasn’t very tech heavy. If he was, Luka would’ve just texted him.

He wore a blue polo shirt that was doing its best to accommodate his size. His greying hair sat flat against his head, like it too had given up.

“Yes? What do you need?”

From his tone, Luka figured he was in the middle of something.

“Um… Mr. Holt, is there any chance I could install a camera on my front door?”

His bushy brows frowned, and his dark eyes narrowed. “Cameras are not allowed. We respect other people’s privacy around here.”

Who’s we? Luka kept that to herself.

Instead, she clasped her hands and tried to reason with him.

“W-well, you see, Mr. Holt, I’ve been having a problem lately… I think someone’s been watching me and… leaving me lunch boxes in the morning.”

Upon hearing that, her landlord chortled. “Really? That’s all?”

Luka’s mouth agape, she wasn’t sure how to respond to that.

“Back in my days, I would’ve killed for such a secret admirer.”

“B-but, Mr. Holt—”

“Look, Luka… if you really think it’s that serious, take this to the police and come back with something official. Then I’ll consider it. But from where I stand, you should just accept the gifts given to you and stop complaining.”

Luka’s hands fell to her side. She remained silent, which was enough for her landlord. He closed the door and left her standing outside in the cold.

She sighed, taking out her phone and sending Ari a message as she walked back to her room.

Luluka: My landlord won’t let me do it without a police report.

Ari is a Weaver: …

Ari is a Weaver: Oh yeah. The police will totally take you seriously when you tell them someone’s been leaving you lunch every day.

Luluka: I mean… it’s not every day yet.

Ari is a Weaver: So you’re planning on letting them do it until the end of the week?

Ari is a Weaver: Fuck your landlord. Install a camera anyway.

Luluka: Do you want me to get kicked out?

“Oh, hey, Luka.”

Luka had been so absorbed in her messaging with Ari that she almost bumped into her neighbor. “Ah! Sorry, Mosca. I didn’t see you.”

Mosca wasn’t wearing her apron, letting her plain beige dress flutter alone in the wind. She shook her head and said, “It’s alright.”

When Luka noticed her hazel eyes panning down to her phone, she turned off the screen. She gave Mosca a smile, and was about to head to her door.

“I asked my husband. He said he hasn’t seen anyone suspicious lately.”

Figures…

“Ah. Well, thanks for asking him.”

“Has there been someone weird skulking around?”

She looked around the premises.

“I’m not sure, actually. That’s why I wanted to see if someone else has seen them.”

Her brows furrowed. “Have you reported this to the police?”

“Not yet. I don’t even know if it’s that serious or not.” Luka shrugged. Her eyes dropped to Mosca’s arms, noting an empty tote bag hanging. “A-anyway, are you heading somewhere?”

She followed Luka’s sight, and gasped. “Ah! Yeah, I was going to buy some groceries. I’ll see you later, Luka.”

With that, Mosca headed out. Luka watched her go, her phone buzzing in her hand. When she finally turned her screen back on, the first thing she saw was—

Ari is a Weaver: You want me to call Rose? She’ll stake out your place and kick your stalker’s ass.

Luluka: No!!

Luka had no idea who this Rose was, but the fact that Ari had a go-to person for ass-kicking was a little worrying. She couldn’t help but think back on what happened to Ari on Christmas Eve. What was she doing that got her jumped by those women?

No, I shouldn’t think about that. The less I know, the better.

Ari is a Weaver: By the way, I’m going to ask Bellamy tomorrow if you’ve told her yet. And if she says she hasn’t, I’m going to tell her.

Luluka: Hey! Not cool, Ari!

Luka held in a frustrated squeal, and finally entered her apartment. Talking about this to Ari was her worst mistake, because she was now backing her into a corner. What was so wrong with not thinking about it?

It was just like her landlord said, it was just a lunch box.

Just as she was trying to take the side of her landlord, a deep and guttural yawn crept up. The energy that came from the pure adrenaline of seeing Wren again had worn off. In its place, something heavier settled. A doubt she couldn’t swallow down no matter how hard she tried.

She looked around her living room, seeing nothing out of the ordinary. Yet the place was starting to feel like when she first moved in. Alien.

The pre-made lunches she bought were probably expired by now, since she’d been refusing to eat in her apartment since last week. She was already halfway to not being able to fully sleep in her own home.

Was this really something she could afford not to think about?

Tomorrow… I should… no.

Luka took out her phone.

Luluka: Bellamy, I need to talk to you. Meet me at the train station?

Next Chapter

Luka has a theory about Wren. It is not scientifically sound. She is going with it anyway.

The Many Problems of Luka Erebi, Including One Wren Vespula.

Twenty-year-old Luka Erebi has two problems: a fear of bugs she’s desperately trying to photograph her way out of, and the sneaking suspicion that someone’s watching her.

The last thing she needs is for her neighbor’s prickly, yellow-eyed cousin to waltz back into her life. Wren Vespula has always been a lot, but they used to be good friends a long time ago.

Luka just never expected her to be this close again.

Read the webnovel

The Many Problems of Luka Erebi is a sapphic friends-to-enemies-to-lover story set on the Nation Islands of Insecta, where your status as a Native or an Invader matters more than who you love.

Table of Content

Bellamy almost saw the lunch box today.

While Luka was stuck in a replay of yesterday, staring at the lunch box on the ground, she heard the door to Bellamy’s open before she saw her. Her body reacted before she could even think, kicking the lunch box into her apartment. When she looked up, she saw Bellamy in a cute overall dress over a long sleeve shirt, a pink pastel jacket completing the look.

“H-hey, Bellamy! Didn’t expect to see you this early.”

“Hi, Luka. I’m actually helping out the Lotus Bookstore today.” Bellamy beamed, her crystal blue eyes glancing at Luka’s backpack. “Let’s walk together.”

“Sure!” Luka nodded, happy that Bellamy missed out on that lunch box… even if it was now inside her home.

They walked out of the apartment building with a relative quiet, but it didn’t take long for Bellamy to begin asking questions about Luka and Wren.

“How did you two meet?”

“Um… we met when we were eight at the playground. I saw her all alone, almost like nobody wanted to play with her. So I did.”

“Wow. Did you know she was a Vespula at the time?”

Luka’s brow raised. “Huh? What do you mean?”

Bellamy returned her reaction with a surprise of her own. “You… oh. Hehe. I guess that’s why we get along so well.”

That certainly didn’t make Luka any less confused, but if Bellamy somehow found her response reassuring, then she wouldn’t question it.

“By the way, what was that thing you wanted to tell me?” Bellamy asked.

This was the perfect moment. They were away from the apartment and halfway to Lotus Academy. Luka should tell her.

“Oh. It’s nothing. I already got it solved.”

Luka chose not to tell her. Why?

I just know if I tell Bellamy about it, she’ll tell Wren. And I don’t want to bother her with my issues.

She silently thanked Bellamy for not pushing further, and their walk to school concluded without any incident.

During class, she was pretty much on autopilot. Her hands were taking notes and participating, but her mind was back on yesterday’s meeting.

Luka had to admit, when she first saw Wren again, her body froze. She could hear everything going on around her, but she couldn’t move. An out-of-body experience, almost.

The Wren she knew was a softie, a crybaby even. So imagine the shock Luka felt when the woman nearly scared the soul out of her. Every part of her body wanted to run, but she was locked in.

Then her savior arrived in the form of a beautiful black cat.

That was when Luka came up with a theory. One that worked well enough for her body to calm down.

If she’s got a cat, then that means she can’t be a bad person!

Was her theory backed up by science? Of course not. It wasn’t even a theory, more so a hypothesis, but let’s ignore that.

Once class was over, she made the walk back to her apartment. There, she set down her backpack in exchange for her sling bag, picked up the lunch box, and marched toward the apartment’s bin room. A sharp sting pricked her nape when she dropped the box into the garbage.

She hurried out of the room and looked around only to see no one. Goosebumps bloomed on her arms, suddenly making her realize how cold it was.

It wasn’t ten just yet, but she didn’t want to wait.

I might as well go up to see Wren and get out of here.

———

“You really need to learn the history of Insecta. Even if you’re just a Citizen.”

Luka didn’t really understand what Wren meant even when they finally arrived at The Cusp.

The cafe was spacious enough that even when half-full, it didn’t feel crowded. The purple walls and red wood tables gave it quite a regal atmosphere.

She saw Ms. Danaus joking and laughing with the servers behind the counter, but her mood changed the moment Luka and Wren entered. Luka wasn’t sure what got Ms. Danaus so surprised.

“My, my.” She smiled, yet it was devoid of any humor. “If it weren’t for your eyes, I wouldn’t have even recognized you. What brings a Vespula to my humble abode?”

Almost like Ms. Danaus said a code, the head cook walked out from the kitchen. Luka usually never saw the man smile, but she never thought he was intimidating. At least, until now. The malice leaking from his eyes made her want to take a step back. Good thing it wasn’t aimed at her.

But… she didn’t like that it was aimed at Wren, who maintained her frown.

“Uh… Ms. Danaus… you know how I mentioned yesterday that someone I know is looking for work?” Luka said, hoping to ease this rather tense situation.

“Yes, you did, Lu. Oh! This is who you were talking about?”

Ms. Danaus studied Wren, her eyes glancing up and down.

“Have you already found someone?” Luka asked.

“Not yet, but…” Ms. Danaus looked over at the head cook. “What do you think Imon?”

“Do I really need to spell it out?” He replied, unamused.

Wren clicked her tongue, whispering something under her breath about this being a lost cause. Then she said aloud, “Look, I know when I’m not wanted. I’ll be heading out.”

“Ah, Wren—” Luka turned to see Wren already marching out.

“Woah there. I never said I’m not interested,” Ms. Danaus said. “Let’s discuss this in my office, so we don’t cause too much of a scene out here. Imon, get back to work.”

Wren eased her frown, though she still kept her hands in her pocket. Luka followed behind Wren as they walked into the office in the corner of The Cusp. This was actually Luka’s first time in the office, considering Ms. Danaus was often found outside of it.

Inside, she saw the Star given to The Cusp last year being hung behind the desk. Ms. Danaus sat on her designated seat, her arms resting on the desk and her fingers woven together. After Luka and Wren took a seat, Ms. Danaus flashed them a rather disarming smile.

“Wren, was it?” When Wren gave a slight nod, she continued, “I’d like to know how you know our Lu.”

Well, that’s a weird question to start an interview with, Luka thought.

“We’re… we knew each other when we were young.”

“Is that true, Lu?”

“Yeah,” Luka said, “We’re friends.”

Ms. Danaus’s lips parted at that statement, like she wasn’t sure she heard that right. “Even though she’s a Vespula?”

There it was again. Luka had heard this question earlier this morning.

“Did you know she was a Vespula at the time?”

And just like this morning, she continued to not understand. “I… I’m not sure what you mean.”

Wren sighed. “If you think I’m blackmailing or coercing her into this, then just say it. I’m tired of beating around the bush.”

Luka thought that was a rather sudden jump to conclusion. She wasn’t sure how Ms. Danaus was going to respond to that, but she sure knew she didn’t want it to be about what Wren just said. So she began to explain to Ms. Danaus.

“Actually, my friend asked me if we were hiring because her cousin was looking to work. That’s when I found out Wren had just moved back .”

“Her cousin?” Ms. Danaus seemed more and more surprised. “What’s her name?”

“Uh… Bellamy Apis.”

“An Apis, you say?” Ms. Danaus’s eyes moved to Wren, who looked away.

“Y-yeah,” Luka said, not sure where she was going with this. She wasn’t even sure why Bellamy’s name needed to be uttered.

Ms. Danaus’s fingers unwoven, she now tapped her nails in a slow rhythm before making a decision.

“You must be a rather lucky woman, Wren Vespula. To have the approval of my favorite employee and an Apis at that.”

Wren only responded with a reluctant, “Yeah.”

“Alright, let me give you a proper interview then. Lu, you’re free to go. Thanks for bringing her in.”

“Oh, okay.” Luka got up from her seat, and began walking toward the door. “I’ll see you outside, Wren.”

Luka let out a long sigh of relief once she left. It seemed she managed to steer the boat out of the storm. Now, it was up to Wren.

She walked toward the patio, feeling the sun heating her cold skin. Milkweeds lined the patio, attracting butterflies to the premises. The best time to see them were when The Cusp wasn’t busy.

Three months ago, she would’ve had to run into the cafe if she saw butterflies swarming the outside. Nowadays, she was able to take her time walking in, and even sitting around them.

Oh, yeah. I almost forgot.

Luka took out her camera from her sling bag, hoping to take some pictures of the butterflies.

Snap!

[A picture taken of a monarch butterfly with its wing span spread, the pattern resembling stained glass.]

Snap!

[A photo of a butterfly resting on a milkweed flower.]

“Yo, Luka. You want anything to drink?”

Luka jumped, causing the butterflies to depart from their nectar tasting. She turned to see her coworker, Reggie, standing behind her. He had his hair tied up today, probably because he got scolded the other day for keeping it unkempt and letting a hair fall into a customer’s food.

“You scared me, Reggie,” Luka said and then sighed. “And the butterflies.”

He looked at the winged insects scattering, then laid his eyes on her camera. “Oh, you’re still taking pictures?”

Luka showed him the two shots she took, and he whistled a positive tune.

“Nice. They’re not extremely blurry anymore.”

“Thanks…” Luka wished he would stop commenting on how blurry her beginning photos were. “Anyways, can you get me some coffee?”

“Sure, sure,” Reggie said and walked away.

As she watched him move to behind the counter to fill her a cup of coffee, she noticed Ms. Danaus and Wren leaving the office. Her boss led Wren over to the kitchen to show her inside and possibly introduce her to the other cooks. Luka could see her coworkers, Reggie included, trying to eavesdrop while acting busy.

She’d never seen them so interested in a new coworker like this. Was it because of what had happened?

Vespula. Apis. Danaus. Are these all names I should know about? Wren said that I should learn about our history...

School only taught Luka the basic history of Insecta, but Luka wasn’t the best at paying attention in history class. In her hazy memory, she could only remember Insecta being formed some four-hundred years ago by multiple erupting underwater volcanoes. Then something about the British-Spain occupation. Nothing else came to mind.

Reggie came over with her coffee, along with sugar and cream. She thanked him and fixed it how she liked it. While she mixed, she took out her phone. She wasn’t going to look up the entire history of Insecta, but she might as well search up the names, starting with Vespula.

The first thing that came up was: [Wisteria Vespula refuses to sell the northern part of Asacia Park to the House of Danaus.]

Wisteria? I think that’s Wren’s mom… I didn’t know she owned a portion of the Park.

She stared at the headline for a moment longer, her finger wrapped around the cup handle and brought the coffee to her lips.

So Wren’s family was already tangled up with Ms. Danaus’s before today. And what exactly is the House of Danaus?

Just as the question formed in her thoughts, she typed it down in search. This was the first result: [The House of Natives: Who they are and their influence over Insecta.]

The House of Natives?

She clicked on this one, leading her to an article from Koncha News. According to the writer, there were at least twenty families that arrived on Insecta during the crash landing of the SV Monarch two hundred years ago. However, there were five families that rose above because of their leadership, strength, resources, cunningness, and benevolence.

Luka read through these five names, her jaw dropping when she saw Apis as one of them. Good thing she had set down her coffee, else she would’ve dropped that too.

Naturally, she had to search up Apis. A headline from last year caught her eye: [Cortesan Callum Apis appointed as the Minister of Health by President Yang.]

What?! Bellamy’s relative is in the Cortes AND is a Minister? I’ve always thought she gave off the rich girl vibe with the way she never worries about money, but you’re telling me I’ve been friends with someone who has this much influence this entire time?!

Luka placed her phone down, the screen now hugging the table. Her shaky hands grabbed her cup, feeling the heat dissipating into her fingers. Then she took a sip and tried to wipe away everything she had just learned.

Let’s be honest… does this really matter much in my life? I’m just a regular college kid with nothing much going on.

That nothing much being a potential stalker, but that was just another stressor Luka would sweep under the rug for now.

Next Chapter

Table of Content

Chapter 3 of The Many Problems of Luka Erebi, Including One Wren Vespula introduces Wren and is the first chapter in her perspective.

Originally, I thought I was going to write this story in first person. It’s been a while since I’ve written in first person and I thought it might fit for the contemporary setting. Then I read it aloud and realized how cringe it was…

So I scratched all of that and chose to go with third-person limited. It’s basically like first-person, but not haha.

I believe it was a good decision because I’m also doing my own narration of the story and I’m not feeling like I want to die while recording.

One problem I had as a kid was being able to differentiate character voices, whether it was in dialogue or perspective. Sometimes, it just feels like it’s the same thought but with different people.

Even though it’s not a true solution… I ended up resolving it by making my characters on opposite spectrums lol.

Luka is a timid person compared to Wren who’s more prone to aggression and sharp thoughts.

Another difference I wanted to give them is how Luka does a lot of internal monologues while Wren doesn’t.

That’s the clear indicator between them.

I also think I should start setting up words that each one of them would use to describe others. I sorta do it in the moment, but having a reference would be good in case I get lost in the sauce.

Note that I say I think. Will I actually do it?

Tune in next time (so that you can see that I totally didn’t do it).

By the way, do you prefer a single perspective or are you the type who enjoys multiple perspectives?

Wren Vespula didn’t plan on coming back. But here she is. And Locust Town is already full of complications.

The Many Problems of Luka Erebi, Including One Wren Vespula.

Twenty-year-old Luka Erebi has two problems: a fear of bugs she’s desperately trying to photograph her way out of, and the sneaking suspicion that someone’s watching her.

The last thing she needs is for her neighbor’s prickly, yellow-eyed cousin to waltz back into her life. Wren Vespula has always been a lot, but they used to be good friends a long time ago.

Luka just never expected her to be this close again.

Read the webnovel

The Many Problems of Luka Erebi is a sapphic friends-to-enemies-to-lover story set on the Nation Islands of Insecta, where your status as a Native or an Invader matters more than who you love.

Table of Content

Wren never thought she’d be back in Locust Town. Not after what had happened ten years ago. She was supposed to have severed all ties. Yet, even when she lived in the bustling Pachi City, her mind couldn’t help but to wander back to that town. To Luka Erebi, the girl she thought was her best friend.

“A-a wasp!” Luka’s shout jabbed at Wren.

“Tch.” Wren wrapped her arms around her tight chest, trying to offer her body a bit of comfort from the panging.

This was the first time they’d seen each other in a decade… and this was the first thing Luka said to Wren? What an insensitive girl.

Bellamy clapped her hands and gestured between them. Wren stood a full head taller than her cousin, which made Bellamy’s enthusiasm look even more excessive.

“Luka, this is my cousin Wren. Wren, this is my friend and neighbor Luka. Say hi!”

Luka’s dark eyes were glued to the floor, apparently finding that more interesting than Wren. Her lips pressed so hard that blood was being pushed out, leaving a white spot in a midst of red. Those small shoulders of hers trembled slightly.

How pathetic.

If she wasn’t going to say anything, then neither was Wren.

Her cousin looked at the both of them, before nudging at her to speak. Wren grumbled, not wanting to be disrespectful to her cousin’s pleas. She was kind enough to let Wren stay here.

“Hi.” Wren’s voice was low, almost inaudible.

Luka remained silent.

“Luka? Is something wrong?” Bellamy asked.

Wren sighed. “What else is wrong? She obviously doesn’t want to see me. This won't pan out if I work in the same place as her, so forget it.”

“Mreew~”

Before Bellamy could respond, Asher finally made his appearance after hiding out in his crate all day. His four tiny paws padded over to Luka, rubbing his body against her legs.

Finally, Luka found something worth looking at that wasn’t the cement. She crouched down, and showed her hand to Asher, letting him take in her scent. Then he nudged his head against her palm, giving her his explicit permission to pet him.

Bellamy’s eyes beamed. “Oh, wow. Asher must really like you, Luka. He wouldn’t come out to play with me, even when I had treats.”

“I already told you, Bellamy,” Wren said. “Asher’s a therapy cat. You’re a constant ball of energy, so he doesn’t need to help you.”

She pouted, her bob cut bouncing as she lightly stamped her foot. “Yeah, well, he’s gonna make me sad if he keeps ignoring me.”

“S-so does that mean he goes to hospitals and stuff,” Luka said for the first time since that outburst. She picked up Asher, letting his purr resonate against her chest.

“No, he doesn’t. His handler isn’t around anymore, so he’s stuck with me.”

“Oh.”

“Are you feeling better, Luka?” Bellamy got close, her hand placed against Luka’s cheek.

“She doesn’t have a fever,” Wren said.

“How do you know that?” She replied. “Wait. Actually, why are you talking like you know her? Do you two know each other?”

When Wren didn’t answer, Luka spoke up.

“We used to play with each other when we were kids. B-by the way, Wren…” Her eyes made contact with Wren’s, a small smile sprouting. “I was just a bit shocked when I saw you. Sorry for shouting. Let me know if you’re free tomorrow at ten, and we can head over to my workplace.”

Wren couldn’t tell if her smile was genuine or forced. How could it be genuine? If it wasn’t for Asher, she wouldn’t have even spoken.

“How long are you going to hold on to Asher?”

“Oh, sorry.”

Luka reluctantly let go of the cat. Black fur now covered her white shirt. Asher trotted back into Bellamy’s apartment, having figured his job was done.

After a sharp exhale, Wren was ready to turn back too, but before she did, she thought back at what Bellamy said when she was messaging Luka a few hours back.

“You said I could head over whenever. Why tomorrow specifically?”

“W-well, I don’t have class until three after my morning class. So I figured I might as well introduce you.”

Wren narrowed her eyes. She wasn’t sure what to make of this girl. Or what she was after. Still, she accepted her invitation and slipped back into the apartment for the night.

While she brushed her teeth, she could hear Bellamy talking with Luka for few more minutes. Then the door closed, and her cousin made her way over to the bathroom door.

“Wren! You should’ve told me that you and Luka were childhood friends!”

“How the hell was I supposed to know? You kept referring to her as your friend.”

After washing her face, she traveled from the bathroom to her room. Her cousin still followed.

“Are you two on bad terms?”

Although Bellamy was born blonde, Wren could see her roots turning brown. If Wren was anything like her mother, she’d tell her to dye it.

Instead, Wren shrugged, not exactly interested in discussing it. Just as she sat on the bed, Bellamy walked over and wrapped her arms around her.

“I hope you two will be able to make up. I don’t want you to have another strained relationship being here.”

Wren touched Bellamy’s arm, seeing how much of a contrast her light brown skin was compared to Bellamy’s pale skin. They were cousins, not sisters, so Wren figured that was why their complexion was different. Yet she couldn’t help but think Bellamy was probably the more perfect daughter for her mother.

A sigh escaped her.

She wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her mother. If her mother hadn’t tried to push for an arranged marriage, and to a man who was of British descent. Like she didn’t know the reason why.

Wren leaned into Bellamy’s warmth, letting it envelop her for a while more. But she couldn’t stay like this forever.

“Alright, I’m gonna go to sleep now.”

“Okay.” Bellamy released Wren from her grasp. As she was about to close the door, she said, “Goodnight, Wren.”

“Yeah.”

Her head hit the pillow, her vision lay on the ceiling before it was covered by Asher’s purring neck. She slipped her fingers under his belly and pulled him into her blanket.

Eyes closed, she tried to drift off to sleep. Yet her mind wandered to Luka Erebi. They’d both grown up a lot these past ten years. Alone with only her thoughts, she could finally admit it.

She’s gotten a lot prettier…

———

“H-hey! Wren, don’t cry. It’s just a little scrape. A little bandaid and you’ll be fine,” little Luka said, sounding close to tears herself. Yet she continued to reassure her regardless.

It didn’t help little Wren one bit, she kept crying. How could it? The girl in front of her was in an even worse condition. Her cheek was swollen, her lips cut, and her canine teeth missing.

The scrape on Wren’s knees was nothing compared to hers. So she wept. Wept for the day they’d been having before it fell apart, all because of the color of her eyes. Wept for being so powerless in the moment, and for forcing Luka to protect her.

She never wanted to feel that way ever again.

The scenery began to fade as she felt something heavy lying on her chest. It rumbled, like a quiet and steady engine. Then a cold and wet sensation nipped at her chin. Wren opened her eyes to black fur, her hand reaching for his back as she drew in a long breath. She paused for two seconds, then exhaled.

“I’m fine, Asher,” she said as she brushed him off.

Not to be deterred, he moved onto her lap. She sighed, reaching for her phone on the end table. It was six in the morning, time for her to get ready for school. That was, if she was still attending. With the decision to move out of Pachi City, she had also taken time off.

Not that her body knew. She still woke up all the same, and she knew she wouldn’t fall back asleep any time soon. So up she went, putting Asher on the ground, and walked into the bathroom to wash herself.

All the while, she thought about the dream she just had. A dream she hadn’t had in a long time, no doubt due to her meeting with Luka. But why that one specifically?

She remembered how heroic Luka looked to her at the time, yet thinking about it now… all she really did was take a beating from those kids. There wasn’t much she could do against three of them. They only stopped because her mother came back and saw.

So it wasn’t like Luka did anything.

After Wren left the bathroom, she began making breakfast for the household—her black cat included. She packed up Bellamy’s in case she had class in the morning, and ate hers with Asher.

Her assumption was right when she saw Bellamy just past half seven. She thanked Wren for the lunch box, gave her a hug, and zoomed out of the apartment. No time wasted at all.

For the rest of the morning, she lounged on the couch and searched up The Cusp. Even though she was only looking for temporary work, she didn’t want to come to an interview empty-minded.

From the look of it, The Cusp opened four years ago, having earned a Star last year. The ratings were at a solid four point five, coming from over a thousand people. Most of the reviews raved about their coffee and breakfast menu, while those who complained often mentioned the rude staff.

Wren couldn’t imagine a timid Luka cussing out a customer. She’d more likely cower and hide behind someone more reliable.

Before Wren could further play with that thought, she heard a knock at the door. Fifteen minutes until ten. That girl was early.

As she sat up, she looked at what she was wearing, a jacket over a sports bra and shorts. Without answering the door, she sauntered to her room to change.

Donning a loose polo neck and a dark puffy jacket with black trousers, Wren stuffed her phone and essentials into her pockets. Then she tied up her hair into a ponytail, revealing the fade cut underneath. She contemplated on whether she should take out her piercings, but chose to let them stay. It wasn’t a five-star restaurant or anything.

She walked toward the front door. Asher was there, skulking and sticking his paw under the door. Wren could see shadows of Luka poking at him. She picked up Asher and opened the door to see Luka crouched, her brown eyes going wide as she looked up at her.

The girl wore a different white button-up and blue jeans, but it was still quite similar to yesterday’s outfit. A nervous smile sprouted on her face, probably because she hadn’t expected Wren to catch her playing with Asher.

Wren almost wished the girl wasn’t so easy on the eyes. The way her face showed no blemish. How her small lips, when stretched into a smile, made it hard to stay cold toward her.

“It’s ten degrees,” Wren said. Aren’t you cold? She didn’t say the latter.

Luka stood up, readjusting her sling bag and shirt. The goosebumps were visible along her arms, raised against otherwise smooth skin.

“I don’t find it that cold. As long as there’s no wind or rain.”

Wren thought back on the weather forecast for the week. “A storm’s coming this weekend.”

“Oh.” With seemingly no other response, Luka took a step back.

Wren dropped Asher down and closed the door behind him. She could hear him meowing, a complaint of being left behind.

She let Luka lead the way, walking for about five minutes to the train station. Wren would’ve preferred to get on her motorcycle, but considering Luka chose to freeze in a button-up, she begrudgingly chose the public transit.

At the station, it didn’t take long for Wren to notice the stares from people. Some of them were whispering to each other, their eyes not leaving her. Wren frowned, shoving her fists into her jacket.

Luka, meanwhile, seemed oblivious to it.

On the train, Wren decided to sit in the women-only seating, figuring that the women were less likely to pick a physical fight than the men.

“H-hey, Wren,” Luka spoke up, sitting half an arm’s distance from her. “What have you been up to the past ten years?”

She studied her. The girl’s question seemed like it stemmed from a genuine interest, yet she was obviously avoiding asking about a certain incident.

“I learned how to cook. What else?”

Luka blinked. It was another moment where she didn’t know how to reply. Not that Wren was making it easy for her. But eventually, she figured what she wanted to say.

“W-well! The head cook at The Cusp is really good. He and Ms. Danaus bicker all the time, but when they work together, they get a lot done. I think you can learn a lot from them.”

Wren’s brows pressed. “Danaus?”

“Yeah. She’s the owner.”

She exhaled sharply through her nose, enough to make Luka flinch. Her arms resting against her legs, she buried her face into her hands. Her heart was beating so hard she could feel it through her palm.

So this was the girl’s plan. It didn’t take her long to show her true nature.

She was going to lead Wren, a Vespula, straight to a Native, especially one that was a part of the House—the wealthiest and most influential families on Insecta. The kind of introduction where Wren’s family name alone could start something.

And she had the nerve to do it personally.

“A-are you alright, Wren?”

Letting her hands down and leaning against the seat, Wren stared at the girl feigning concern.

“Haah… are you serious right now?” Wren asked.

“Huh? Serious about what?”

Had Luka always been this good at acting? Or perhaps…

An inner voice tried to pull Wren back. Luka didn’t even know it was Wren who needed work until yesterday. How could she have planned this?

If this was true, then this could only mean one thing. Wren sighed, and said, “You really need to learn the history of Insecta. Even if you’re just a Citizen.”

Luka tilted her head, seemingly confused. Her reaction, Wren felt, seemed real enough. At least, it aligned with most Citizens, who were happy enough to become a permanent resident of Insecta that they couldn’t care less about its history.

Wren hoped that was the case for Luka.

Next Chapter

When I was creating characters, I was fleshing out almost everyone except for the main character herself. She was actually the last person to be named.

I came into this project knowing that Wren’s name started with a W because she was going to be a wasp. Vespula was one of the wasp family scientific name. Wren Vespula rolled right off the tongue. She was the one with the stinger.

While the main character would be… not that. I wanted her character to be someone who’s scared, but brave when the situation calls for it. Like Courage, the cowardly dog.

She’d get in many conflicts, but not because she’s a damsel in distress. She just finds herself in it. Whether it’s through her own actions or others.

I knew what her character was… and I had no name or bug type to go with it. I did think nonchalantly of a moth before forgetting about it.

Then, during the first week of worldbuilding, I woke up to a moth flying around in my room. I didn’t know how it got in, but it was in.

I think it was a sign.

Moths are drawn to the light, they literally cannot stop themselves from being drawn in. Because of this, they can orbit of a light until they get tired and die.

Similar to how our main character would find herself taking pictures of insects, even when she’s got insectophobia.

So, a moth it was. It was easy finding the last name and then the first name after that.

I chose the name Luka because it reminded me of Luca, the city in FFX where you play blitzball. You’ll notice I enjoy naming a lot of things after my favorite games.

Even Ari, the character introduced in chapter 2, is from Fields of Mistria. Of course, Ari Weaver just sounds right, but I was thinking about the default name in Fields of Mistria1.

Everything seemed to tie together for Luka Erebi. She, like a moth, was drawn to danger even if she didn’t want to. She even has a terrible sense of danger. And because of that, it’s going to cause her lots of troubles.

Read The Many Troubles of Luka Erebi

Luka wakes up to something unexpected on her doormat. And her day only gets stranger from there.

The Many Problems of Luka Erebi, Including One Wren Vespula.

Twenty-year-old Luka Erebi has two problems: a fear of bugs she’s desperately trying to photograph her way out of, and the sneaking suspicion that someone’s watching her.

The last thing she needs is for her neighbor’s prickly, yellow-eyed cousin to waltz back into her life. Wren Vespula has always been a lot, but they used to be good friends a long time ago.

Luka just never expected her to be this close again.

Read the webnovel

The Many Problems of Luka Erebi is a sapphic friends-to-enemies-to-lover story set on the Nation Islands of Insecta, where your status as a Native or an Invader matters more than who you love.

Table of Content

The sun was a curse on Luka’s tired eyes. Her curtains had betrayed her, fluttering against the wind and letting the sunlight pour directly into the room.

Against the wind, huh?

She tilted her head and stared at the window. Until—

Wait! Did I not close the window yesterday?

Luka emerged from her blanket cocoon and stared. Sure enough, there was a gap in her window. As she left her bed to close the window, she counted her blessing that it was close to summer. Else she would’ve woken up frozen.

She played this up as her not closing the window before leaving for work yesterday. Then she must’ve forgotten about it when she came back. It was the most logical conclusion, even if she didn’t remember. That was why it was called forgetting.

A yawn came from deep within her throat. Then her alarm went off. One hour before class started. Like her old teacher from secondary school once said, leave all of your troubles outside of class.

After slipping on a white button-up with a black undershirt and jeans, the quintessential Luka getup, she was on her way out the door. Then trouble went and made sure she couldn’t ignore it in class.

A lunch box sat on her welcome mat, wrapped in a pretty flower pattern. No note was left behind.

She gulped.

W-what the hell? W-who put this here? Did they drop this? Was it an accident?

To the left and right of her was no one. It was halfway through six, so that meant whoever left this here woke up earlier than Luka.

She was locked into an intense staring conflict with the lunch box. Her already tired mind worked overtime.

Should I just leave it here? Maybe if it was an accident, they’ll come back to pick it up. Oh wait! What if Bellamy sees this? Aahh… shoot…

Stuck in between Bellamy finding out or taking the lunch box with her, Luka chose the unfortunate latter. This was obviously a terrible idea. But she didn’t have the time nor the mental capacity to think it through.

Shoving the lunch box into her backpack, she hurried to Lotus Academy.

———

Luka was one step between the world of consciousness and the world of dreams during her psychology class. It made her glad that she chose to sit with Ari in the back. Then again, she never did notice Ari staring at her until class was over.

“Gosh, I know you took this class because of me, but you don’t have to be so uninterested in it,” Ari said, her chin propped on her palm as she leaned against her desk.

Another yawn leaked from Luka. She rubbed her eyes and stared at her classmate. Ari Weaver wore a crown braid today, revealing a portion of her web tattoo on the back of her neck. Her scarlet eyes complimented her smile, though Luka couldn’t tell if she was being humorous or not.

“I haven’t been sleeping very well.”

“Why’s that?”

“Um…”

Luka wasn’t sure if she should tell Ari about this. Not that she suspected it was Ari who left the lunch box. It didn’t make Luka any less wary of her.

Ever since she began photo-journaling bugs and learning more about them, she’d been categorizing people in that way. Ari’s was rather obvious, considering she once told Luka her favorite bug was the orb weaver.

And for someone like Luka, who considered herself a moth, getting trapped on a spider’s web wasn’t ideal.

Let’s just say… Luka had heard some things about Ari. The people who liked her loved her. Those who didn’t hated her with a passion and called her a habitual liar.

However, Bellamy trusted her, so Luka was trying to. No matter how Ari’s eyes represented a patient predator waiting for her food to fall into her trap.

“Well, hypothetically…”

“Oh!” Her hands clasped, she grinned. “I love hypotheticals!”

“W-what would you do if you saw a lunch box left outside your door?” Any attempts of trying to stay cool were immediately tossed out the window when Luka’s pitch elevated by two octaves.

Ari lost her grin, and replaced it with a raised brow. “So you’ve got a secret weirdo?”

Luka’s mouth agape, hoping Ari would played along. “Hey, I-I said hypothetically.”

She tucked her loose auburn strand behind her ear, and said, “I’d throw it away.”

“Yeah. That’s the right thing to do… right? Hmhm…” She bit her lip, trying to hold back her nervous laughter.

Those red eyes narrowed, dropping from Luka’s face to her backpack. Luka suddenly became aware of how rumpled her button-up had gotten. Even though Ari hadn’t said anything, Luka instinctively blocked her backpack with her leg.

“Luka Erebi. You did not bring it with you.”

Luka’s shoulders tensed under Ari’s gaze. She didn’t expect Ari to take this seriously, considering her usual response to Luka was to joke and tease.

The cat was out of the bag, so Luka might as well bring the lunch box out too. The wrapping was loose, having shifted around during her rush to the Academy. She could see a dark wooden pattern on the box.

“Ahem… Ari, Luka, if you two want to have breakfast, please do it outside,” said Professor Tera from her table.

Luka looked around. Each seat was elevated, with the back behind the highest. All the students who surrounded Professor Tera were gone, leaving Luka and Ari the only ones here.

Ari put on her usual grin, and said, “Of course. We’ll be leaving.”

The cafeteria wasn’t busy in the morning. Ari dragged Luka through the circular tables towards the kitchen at the north end, vending machines lining the walls on either side.

Ari opted for an egg and cheese sandwich while Luka wasn’t feeling hungry. Not when she still held the unwanted lunch box.

“I hope you’re not planning on eating that,” Ari said with contempt.

They sat opposite of each other on a two-person table.

“Of course not.” Luka shook her head.

Ari took a bite of her sandwich, covering her mouth as she spoke, “But you should open it anyway.”

“What?”

“Since it made it this far, might as well see what’s inside.”

Luka should’ve tossed this lunch box the moment she entered the cafeteria, but instead, she unwrapped it to reveal what she already suspected. It was a wooden lunch box, one that she remembered seeing at the mall. This wasn’t cheap.

With the lid now off, Luka grimaced. It was… a perfectly fine looking meal. If you ignore the fact that it had a heart-shaped seaweed on top of the rice.

It was Ari shaking her head this time. “Oh no.”

“I-I think this was definitely given to the wrong person. I mean, I’m not the only person who attends the Academy and lives in that apartment.”

Her hand laid limp, keeping a loose grip on the sandwich. Ari’s expression was humorless.

“Let’s hope so,” she said before propping her grin back up. “Anyway, let’s get it tested shall we?”

She placed the lid on, wrapped it up, and scanned the room. When her eyes paused, Luka turned to check who or what she was looking at. A young woman was deep into her novel two tables to their right. Whether she had breakfast or not, Luka wasn’t sure.

Ari walked over and began talking with her. The young woman seemed flustered that Ari was speaking to her, though it didn’t seem like she minded. If you squinted hard enough, you could see a sliver of a smile on the woman’s face.

Luka’s mouth dropped when she saw Ari handing the lunch box over to her and returned to their table.

“A-Ari!” Luka whispered-shouted. “What if that lunch box was poisoned or something?”

She shrugged, and resumed eating. “I guess we’ll find out when it happens. Now, how ‘bout you go get something to eat? I’m gonna head out once I finish this.”

Luka sighed. She still didn’t want to eat, but she had class in an hour. She should at least pay attention to the rest of her classes for the day. So she said goodbye to Ari, who was one bite away from finishing, and sauntered over to the cafe to grab some coffee.

She couldn’t help but to glance at the young woman with the lunch box. She seemed so happy to have gotten something from Ari, especially when she saw the heart-shaped seaweed. Luka didn’t have the heart to stop her from eating it.

Every week I learn more and more on why people love or hate Ari…

———

Good news! Luka was done with classes and it was only two in the afternoon.

Bad news… Someone took a sick day today, so she had to go to work. Not that she minded much. Her boss, Ms. Danaus, paid her quite decently when she worked off-schedule. She also appreciated having something to do instead of going home directly.

During her six hour shift, she noticed she got a text from Bellamy.

Bell.A: Luka, my cousin is looking for work. Do you know if your place is looking for a cook?

Luluka: Not sure. I’ll let you know.

“Are we looking for a cook?” Ms. Danaus1 asked, tapping her long acrylic nail on her chin, like she didn’t know herself. Her thick, black hair brushed against the kitchen window as she leaned in and asked it again.

“Beau… we’ve been understaffed for the past three weeks,” replied the head cook with a scowl. “Summer is coming, so are the tourists… and you keep rejecting everyone who comes in for an interview!”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. Don’t put all the blame on me. You agreed with most of my rejections.”

“U-um!” Luka spoke up, hoping to redirect them before they got into their usual arguments. “So then you are hiring, right?”

“Yes, Lu.” Her cream orange lips smiled, a complement to her amber eyes. “We are. If you have someone in mind, please send them my way.”

“Okay. Thanks, Ms. Danaus.”

Her boss turned back to the head cook. “Why do all the youngins call me by my last name?”

His back was already facing her, his hands working on plating the food. “Because you’re old. What else?”

Luka slowly walked away as Ms. Danaus hissed at him.

Luluka: We’re hiring. Tell your cousin to come to The Cusp whenever and say that I sent them.

Bell.A: Thank you! I appreciate it! By the way, I think we’re pretty much finished with unpacking. Do you want to meet her? I think you’ll like her!

The last time Bellamy said that… she introduced Luka to Ari.

Not saying Ari is a bad person. I think. I hope. And I’m pretty sure I like her.

Luluka: Sure. I figured I’ll see her eventually, since we’re neighbors and all.

Bell.A: Great! Give me a knock when you get back.

And so, Luka pondered for the rest of the evening about her neighbor’s mysterious cousin. She kept making guesses about what kind of person she was.

I’ve always thought Bellamy was like a bee. Always buzzing, and somehow making everything around her better for it.

Her thoughts persisted all the way through her train ride home.

If it’s her cousin… hm… I guess it’d be too easy to assume she might also be a bee. It’s not like she’s her sister. How alike could they be?

504 was now in front of her. The only light was the thin strip bleeding from under the door. A shiver ran down her neck when she glanced at her welcome mat, the place where the lunch box once resided.

Let’s not think about that.

She tried shaking the shiver away. A futile attempt. Then she knocked on the door and took a step back.

“Oh! Luka’s here!”

She could hear Bellamy from inside, before another voice spoke up and repeated her name in question. Luka gulped, and took another step back. She couldn’t hear the voice clearly, but her body was bracing for… something.

The door swung open. Bellamy was already smiling. Luka almost smiled back. Then her cousin stepped into view.

The woman had sharp yellow eyes that pinned her in place. Brows and nose scrunched, like she was disgusted to see her. She tilted her head, perfectly still.

Luka’s thoughts blazed at breakneck speed, showing her every single memory of her adverse reaction to many types of insects. But one in particular stopped her cold, every single time—

“A-A wasp!”

Her hands clasped her mouth, but it was too late. The words were already out.

“Tch.” The woman clicked her tongue, having gone from disgusted to vexed.

Luka never expected to see her ever again. Yet now that she had… she suddenly remembered.

In front of her stood Wren Vespula. A name she couldn’t forget. The girl from ten years ago. The reason for her insectophobia.

Next Chapter