124 Black Aura 3

(Alexandra's POV)

That self-monologue was the thought which I buried in mind since I came to this world, I knew inside that I should let go of him and move on. Although I knew he became part of my memories now, yet a small part of me trying to tell myself to hold on my feelings. I didn't want to forget everything about him.

That was why I didn't want to fall in love with another man. I still believe someday I'll reunite with him. If I could reincarnate to this world, was it possible if I could meet him in my next life someday?

'I know it sounds stupid and it's not easy as I hope for.'

...

The next day in University C, Japanese studies class.

"Ms. Makoto?" A male voice suddenly interrupted my thoughts. I snapped back my consciousness and looked at the student in front of me. "Yes?" I asked.

"Ms. Makoto, you didn't answer my question yet. I asked you is it true most of the Japanese people treat nature as if they were God? So they are polytheism?"

I answered him, "You talked about Shintoism, correct?" He nodded but he was unsure about the topic. I explained to assure him, "You could say close polytheism and animism. To put it short, Shintoism, '神' or spirits/Gods and '道' or path, it was originally from Taoism which means the path of the earth and sky or path of gods. Another word is Kami-no-Michi, the way of the gods. Shintoism is a traditional religion or belief to worship nature spirits and powers in both animate or inanimate things. Japanese people tend to appreciate nature as they believe everything comes to life or disaster occurs due to the sacred power itself."

"That's why we, Japanese people, worship 'Kami' or holy spirits or Gods with care and respect. Kami is understood by Shintoists as a sacred supernatural power living in or connected with the spirit world, so to connect the purpose, we usually perform Matsuri or sacred worshiping. But nowadays as the changing times, Matsuri deviated far from the original intentions. The implementation of matsuri is often the discourse and without religious meaning."

He noted my words and asked one more time, "So, all of the Japanese worship nature or object?"

"No, there is religious diversity in the country of course. Buddism is one of the major religions alongside Shintoism and then followed by Christianity. There is a lot of history what or why Shintoism exists or the starting point of Shintoism."

"Because we don't have time, If you want, you can find more about Shintoism by yourself, I will recommend a book to you and you can learn it. Ah, yes, today lecture about Japanese culture and next is about Japanese history. For that, I ask you to write an essay report about the upcoming lesson and you will be submitted on Thursday. The topic is the one I mentioned a minute ago. Kami-no-Michi. Find more about the Gods the Japanese people worship and just send your report in my e-mail."

"Ehh?!" The whole class shocked. They looked at angrily to the male student who asked a question about Shintoism to me. He felt wrong and made his lips shut tight.

I blinked my eyes and retorted, "Why are you all so surprise?"

"Do we need to make a report for all of the Gods, Ms. Makoto?" One of the students asked to make sure.

"Of course not, just search for three Gods for writing and description. Remember this is the individual task and I've no tolerance for the late report. So, I will end this class and see you two days from now. " They let out sigh relieved, thanking me for the class today.

The class ended and I strode my legs outside the room. I was heading to the campus cafeteria and planning to grab some lunch with Prof. Matsushima. He was inviting me to eat together with him at noon. I couldn't say no and gladly accepted his request.

As I walked through the old looking hallway a sudden message came to my chat. It was Prof. Matsushima.

Matsumatsukun: Cancel the lunch in the cafeteria. Come and let's eat at the Orchard Tea Gardens. You don't have class after this, right? Bring me apple pie from the school cafeteria.

Laura16: Yes, I don't have. Why the sudden changing place?

Matsumatsukun: Feels like it. Don't forget my apple pie.

Laura16: Your meeting is finished?

Matsumatsukun: Un, finished. But, after this lunch, I will go to Eidenburg right away, to meet my colleagues there. I will be away for about two days. Now, hurry~

Laura16: Eh? Why didn't you tell me this news earlier?

Matsumatsukun: Don't ask unnecessary questions. It's confidential. Just come and don't forget my apple pie.

Laura16: ...

Ended chat.

"..."

Your face is apple pie! Your family is apple pie!! Your confidential is apple pie!!!

Sighing, I obeyed his command with reluctant steps. Inside the cafeteria, I asked the old lady and ordered his requested 'apple pie'. Alongside the lunch that I bought.

As I out from the campus, I saw Prof. Matsushima with his ir*nmask, waiting in front of a small red car. Flabbergasted while walking to his side and asked wonderingly, "Since when do you have a car?"

"I bought it a while ago. Now come, I don't have time."

I scoffed, 'Bought? Not rent?! Wait, he is rich?!'

I rolled my eyes when I looked at the car beside me. It was Bugatti! It was Bugatti! Did he just say 'bought' easily as if that car was just small candy he ate now? Ignoring my irritated mind, I pressed my temple with my finger as I shoved his apple pie onto his chest.

We went inside the car and fastening each of our own seatbelts, he started the car engine and drove away from the campus.

In the journey, I slightly opened the car's window due to the good weather which was bright and cool, it wasn't like yesterday heavy pour. I placed my hand on a door handle and viewed the River Cam on my right side. It was calm and beautiful. I could feel the cold breeze hit on my face.

Glancing at him slightly, I asked questioningly, "Why are we having lunch there? It's quite cold now. Should we have lunch indoor?"

"Don't worry, it'll be alright." He replied without looking at me.

I answered with an indifferent expression, "Hmm...whatever you say, Professor." Followed by an awkward-silence after that.

As we arrived at the place, we finished our lunch without much talking. We drove back to the house while sightseeing in the city along the way.

...

...

In front of the homestay, he stood, facing me down and he advised, "Tell Nancy I'll be back soon. Don't forget to report me if there's news from the university... or yourself."

I tilted my head up and frowned from his statement, "What do you mean?"

He fell silent and glanced around him. He frowned from the black aura which feeling stronger and stronger surrounding them. He felt familiar yet different. He forgot where did he feel it. Although there were many black aurae he felt in the city, this one was much stronger than usual. He felt bad omen.

He asked me, "Are you sure you don't want to come with me?"

I shook my head, "Why are you so worried?" I asked him with gleaming eyes. Did he care about her? How rare.

Turn out from my expectation of his usual tsundere words. He answered seriously with a sad and slow tone, "My hunchs. But I may be wrong too. I saw a lot of people with black aura but I never know who will be their target victim. It was the thing I felt frustrated for. I couldn't do anything to help them. I wanted to help, but I was always one step too late. If only I have the power to predict a future." He looked down at my shoes.

While feeling astonished, I stared meaningfully to Prof. Matsushima. I never knew he had this side as well. It felt humane. It pricked my delicate heart. I reached my hand and patted his head while tiptoed slightly. He looked at me with surprised. I told him he did a great job to hold on with his power until now.

Sadly for myself, it was still unbelievable. Although he explained to me before about the black aura, I still couldn't bring to fully believe it. When he first revealed he had that power, I was bewilderment.

I knew people who could see ghosts were many, there must be other people besides him with different power too. So I thought why not with people who could see an aura? Prof. Matsushima was a living example.

Not only that, It was just spurred of the moment when he said about Stevan was one of the people who got black aura as well. At that time I believe it because of my glimpse fear from Stevan actions before.

When I thought about it again, I was too overreacting. Perhaps I was wrong.

I should have focused on my rational mind but I gave in to my fear, I need to grip myself right! This positive thought made me to reassured myself everything will be okay. I should not drown to anxiety!

That was why I didn't know if I should believe in Prof. Matsushima words. Was it possible he was just joking with his usual sarcasm and bad jokes? Or maybe because he was an eccentric person so he acted like that to me?

I diverted my thoughts and rigidly drew my hand from his head. Coughing, I retorted him, "Look here, Professor. You are not a superhero, so it's not your fault. I can't give you encouraging words but I know your pain. When you know something but you can't do anything to help it. It's alright, don't blame yourself. I believe the people that you helped before feel grateful for you. Even how small it was."

Just like my powerlessness to help Tereza-sama back then. I failed to protect her innocent life. Thank goodness in this life she was happy.

I smiled slightly and continued, "You've done a good job. Also, I'll be with Nancy and the place will be lock safety. Her husband will be coming home as well. Don't worry. Besides this confidential meeting of yours perhaps an important matter you need to attend. If I went with you, would it be a hindrance to you?"

"At least you are safe with me." He looked at me seriously with his profound gaze. Sadly his ir*nman mask destroyed my focus and couldn't help to giggle inwardly.

I widened my eyes and curved my lips, "What's wrong with you Professor? What's with the sudden sweet tone?" I teased him slightly.

He narrowed his eyes, "Ms. Makoto, I hope you reconsider this." He said with a deep voice. He wasn't joking at all.

I shook my head once again and telling him I was alright. "I have another class tomorrow. I don't want to be blacklist as a negligent lecture with no cover excuse. I have a little reputation, you know Nancy is already kindheartedly giving me a chance to teach here. So, I don't want to waste it just because of your presupposition."

"Ms. Makoto, do you not believe my words? About the black aura, I told you?" He creased his brows when he suddenly heard my statements.

Fidgeting while biting my red lips, "N-No, I believe, I believe. But... I'm still not one hundred percent sure." I answered him feeling guilty.

He looked at me with his stunned eyes and slowly the light in his eyes dimmed. He was... disappointed and didn't say anything for a moment. I lifted my brows and fixedly stare at him. He replied sternly, "It is the same you don't believe it, I thought you'll be different from everyone else, Ms. Makoto."

"Wait, Professor, that's not my-" intention at all!

Before I finished speaking, he went inside the car and closed the door! He started the engine, glancing at me slightly and said with warned tone, "Be careful." He drove away his car and disappear to the next alleyway.

After he was gone from my sight. A remorse feeling surface in my heart, Sighing, I took out my key and unlocked the door. Click! I went inside the house while locking the door back. I noticed the house was dark and a little humid. I tried to grab something to drink when suddenly I saw a yellow sticky note.

Nancy was gone for a while. I looked at the note she left me in the kitchen, it said she would be back in the evening after picking up her husband. Currently, It was 16:05 PM, so she will be coming back in four hours. I sipped my milk and placed the note back on the refrigerator.

When I had the intention to go upstairs, suddenly I heard a sound behind me.

Click!

The main door was opened once again. I turned my head and looked at the door.

"Nancy?"