Both Ace and Luna sat down in their usual study room within the library, as Ace continued to study papers given by Luna. They were discussing various topics and the common trends of the topics given by Luna's academy in preparation for Ace's high school entrance exam, which will take place in Ace's final year of middle school. Luna took a break going through the messages she has missed from her friends while Ace continued to study.
"Another class disappearance..." Luna said as she browsed the internet through her phone.
"It happened again?"
Drawn by the news Ace stopped his studying as he also went on his phone to check the headline.
"Mhm, 17 students vanished out of thin air. It was a school in another province, the very thought is scary but at the same time, it's quite curious... " Luna says propping her chin with her hand.
"What? How so?" Ace tilted his head.
"Well, how is our mystery kidnapper snatching all these students? Why are they doing it? Why specifically people aged 16-20 plus years? Before this class, it was a military squad that disappeared. So many questions raised from these disappearances. Usually, it would happen every few years at least that's the trend and if I'm right the next disappearance might happen in at least 3-4 years, that's the average timeframe I'm guessing.." Luna took notes in her book as she made a mind map showcasing it to Ace as he watched Luna closely.
"Well, with this new case now the total count for the disappeared is 432. There might be more untold disappearances but nevertheless, the methods are unknown. The most surprising part is that the students would vanish when they're inside their classes. Making it impossible for a kidnapper to simply break in without making a noise." Ace replied with his theory.
"Exactly! With this disappearance now, We certainly know that it won't happen again in a few years, and we know the military should be safe due to their rare cases of disappearances."
"From memory, there were only 10 military personals that had disappeared." Ace scratched his head.
"Even so it's almost guaranteed that the next target is a high school class. But... that means, you'll be at risk. When you think about it you have at least one out of how many high schools in the entire world plus how many classes."
"Huh... you're right... But if this is some ingenious kidnapper I'll be able to fight them off." Ace clenched his fist in front of Luna showing off his physical ability.
"Hm, maybe you're right you look pretty strong. I do prefer if these disappearances stop. I'm starting to think some outside phenomenon is at play here." She placed her hand on her chin forming a thinking gesture.
"Haha... That stuff is only in fantasy novels."
"It's the only speculation I have for it." Luna shrugged her shoulders.
"Well let's change this topic, I have some news. I ended up starting the disciplinary committee at the academy."
Ace looked surprised, he knew Luna's school had its share of bullying cases as stated previously, but the moment he heard that she had started the committee his eyes widened.
"Huh...? I thought you were just joking..."
"Do I look like the type to be joking?" Luna glared.
"Right..."
"Well, the situation is starting to get much more annoying and I don't want to spend my years of high school with all these dumb issues going on. Plus if my junior is planning to go to the same school I have to make sure he enjoys the environment." Luna says with a confident pose.
Ace held his forehead, he was shocked that Luna had done something that was quite unlike her. He started undergoing every consequence that came to Luna through his head, then slammed the table, not in anger, but fear showing great concern as he clenched his teeth.
"I told you. You'll be the main target by opening this up." Ace raised his voice in concern.
"But you were the one that sounded all for it previously. Why the sudden change of attitude? I get my own classroom so I can write in peace when nothing happens."
"Surely you're not the only current member, right? Knowing you, you probably have thought this through."
Ace sighed, he knew Luna wasn't someone to go down without a fight and was willing to stand her ground. After remembering the situation with her and the other girls he imagined that nothing wrong would happen to her.
"Of course, who do you think you're talking to? I have Elias and a few others. I'm currently the committee captain for founding this group."
"Do you have a teacher backing you guys up as well?"
"Obviously. I got one of the teachers that hold me in high regard. If things get nasty well the target student may be suspended or expelled. It was something this school needs. Such a simple idea having a group enforcing discipline around the school."
Despite Ace's concerns, he didn't bother at all to talk back as he fondly enjoyed Luna boasting about her achievement holding a smile.
"Well as long as you don't get hurt or anything. The idea sounds great, but you'll just look like pretentious students who think they're better than the bullies."
"Hmm, yeah when you put it that way, it does make me seem that way. Don't worry I'll make it work and nothing will happen to me. I promise you that. Just focus on your studying and eventually, we'll go to school together even if it's just for one year by the time you enrol."
Hearing those words seemed to hurt Ace as he hid a saddened expression. He knows that Luna will be much busier once she attends university and is unsure whether he will get to enjoy time with her after school.
"If only I was born a bit earlier..." Ace said in a saddened tone.
"Why does that matter? You and I are talking right now, right? You're a treasured friend to have at times Ace so don't sell your self short. After University I will still talk to you no matter what."
Luna held the most beautiful smile, Ace. He paid most of his attention to the way her apple lips lifted, the way her silver eyes sparkled so brightly it reflected Ace's frozen expression. To him, Luna was the most beautiful person in his eyes.
After a few seconds, Ace looked down to hide his embarrassment he couldn't bear to look at Luna right in the eye.
"Right... haha you're right. I'm just fond of our after school hangouts."
"Haha, I am too." Luna looked at her watch and realised the time. "Aah...! I have a group project coming up so I have to leave early. How about I make it up for you tomorrow? There's something I want to do tomorrow."
"Sure thing. I'll take my leave as well."
"Then let's pack up."
-The Next Day-
"Are you going to the library again Ace?"
A girl's voice called out to Ace as he packed his bag. He looked behind him only to find his cousin Freya in her archery club gear.
"Yeah... Did Aunt say something about my behaviour again?"
"No, not really. As long as you're okay then we're satisfied. You always stay there pretty late though."
"I'm just studying and reading."
"It is a library after all. The Martial Art's club is doing pretty bad without you. Are you joining back anytime soon?"
"No. Not right now."
"Figures. Just let me know you're okay alright? These library visits have been constant lately. Then again you look a bit better than before." Freya said as she took a closer look at Ace.
Freya understood this as a way for Ace to cope with his mother's death, continuously studying to take his mind off but in actuality, Ace was simply just seeing Luna almost every day after school.
"I know."
The moment the school bell rang Ace walked out of school in a hurry being the first one out of everyone to leave. He ran with excitement brimming from his small smile as he headed straight towards the library, he did not want Luna to wait for so long that he poured all his energy into his legs.
"I'm glad he's fine now." Freya said to herself.
The first thing Ace saw in front of the entrance was Luna who waited patiently for him to finish school. She gave a smile before entering the building with Ace.
-Library-
"Good job on finishing a day of school. They should really make Middle School hours shorter for you guys." Luna smiled.
"Sorry, I'm late."
Ace had his hands on his knees gasping for air as he tried his best to gasp for air.
"I just got here. Don't worry."
The two went into their usual routine. One would book a study room beforehand so they can talk freely without disturbing anyone in the building. Luna would either recommend a book, study or talk about one of the writers she is currently into and this time she sent a link to a questionnaire.
"What's this...?" Ace went to the website link.
"A questionnaire, by one of the writers I told you about."
Hearing that out of context Ace gave a judgemental expression towards Luna.
"What...? Maybe I should've made you wait outside longer."
"Hear me out. It's an exercise to see how fulfilled we are with our lives as of right now. It's a simple questionnaire that asks about aspects of our lives stuff like the extension of our fulfilments, passions, relationships and essentially our will to look forward to the next day, the next year, and till our death comes."
"..." Ace stared in silence.
"The author created something like a personality quiz, you just tick those options and you'll get a score. The score correlates to what kind of book you should read from the author after the quiz. Doesn't that sound like fun?" She asked in an excited tone. "It's so interactive. Such a great way to incorporate technology, reader interaction and most importantly a targetted book just for you."
"This is tedious... a personality quiz, and then I get to read a chapter based on what I got?" Ace asked in an annoyed tone.
"Not a chapter... a book. Don't worry I'll buy the book for you, it's part of a collection of her Digital Books."
"This is the stupidest thing you have ever suggested I know we've read numerous writers but I bet this one is some idiot risk-taker that-"
"You're wrong about that. The writer right now is really popular. Look here. I hate to say it but it was the girls in my class that recommended it to me, she has at least 20 books ready."
Luna showed the statistics of the writer through her phone. Already the Writer's collection of novels has reached one million views on each book, which caused Ace's eyes to twitch at the sight of the writer's fanbase.
Nevertheless, after looking at Luna so excited, she did not pause the moment she had started her explanation. Ace let out a sigh but held a small smile as he looked at Luna.
"Fine, let's check it out, shall we? Each book there is only well, lower than the average cost of a book so it wouldn't hurt to try..." He scratched his head.
Both of them filled out the questionnaire on their phones. They featured at least 200 questions and in some way, they all related to Ace.
[Do you feel fulfilled with that someone by your side?]
[Do you feel as if you're not the same person once that person is there?]
[Did you ever feel less fulfilled in life previously?]
[Today are you excited for tomorrow's, next week's or even next year's events?]
Ace continued to tick the ones related to him, sections of the questions related to his future dreams and careers but these very questions were left blank leaving him with the score of...
"Huh... 45 out of 200..."
The questionnaire had a picture of a jar. The jar was barely filled with a book recommendation. Luna's one reached the halfway mark where she at least answered half of the questions positively.
"Wasn't that fun?"
"...Well, at least you had fun. What's the point of this picture of the jar anyway?"
"Your book makes references to that very jar. I guess it will provide imagery on how you can metaphorically fill it up. Here I sent you the digital book already."
"Well, I guess I can give it a read."
Ace went on his phone where Luna had gifted him the digital book. The title read 'An Empty Jar. The Start For One To Be Fulfilled.' Both of them spent time reading the book the entire time in the library. The moment Ace had read the first page he started swiping page after page as it already hooked him.
The book described Ace's character as someone less fulfilled. He already had reached a certain condition to eventually fill up his Jar of fulfilment. Finding someone that represented the light to him, even if he did not find that someone there were plenty of ways for him to fill it up.
The reasoning of your life, how can you impact others with yours? What do you want to do in this very life you live? What will be your purpose? Will you enjoy it once you realise it? Let go of the past and make sure today will grasp every opportunity that comes your way. Cherish the relationships you have, as each person plays a role in shaping your character.
The book asks many questions and provides advice on how Ace can achieve fulfilment so he can be a less empty individual. The moment he swiped to the next page, he had already reached the end of the novel.
"Aah... that was a good book. I told you it would be fun." Freya says closing the last page of the book she was holding.
"...It was interesting."
'I'd rather not do one of those questionnaires again...'
Ace looked at the time and realised how late it was. The time read 8:00 and knew that he had messaged anyone of his late stay. He messaged Freya and looked at Luna wondering if they would be leaving the library.
"Hm... I'm too late for a train. And the Bus I can catch comes in 20 minutes. Sorry, I made you stay a bit late."
"It's fine, I like spending time with you."
"I knew that already. Come on let's pack up." Luna held a small chuckle.
As both of them walked out of the library, it was already dark as the Moon and the stars had covered the sky. The two of them headed straight for Luna's bus stop as they chatted about the recent events that happened at school. However, time flew by so quickly that they had already reached Luna's destination.
"I'll stay with you until your bus arrives."
"That would be for the best."
Ace sat down next to Luna as she looked up in the sky. A usual person would go on their phone to check whatever social media or news but Luna, on the other hand, had her mind elsewhere. Ace paid close attention to her, the way she looked at the moon, the way she fixed her silky hair, the sight of her was simply breathtaking for Ace, he wished that he could always spend time with Luna like this and hoped that his relationship can go even further than it is now. As soon as Luna noticed Ace's eyes he immediately looked back focusing his sight elsewhere.
"Ah sorry, I just like looking at the sky. It helps me forget about life's problems and worries. Kind of forcing your body to be at peace with itself without meditating." Luna explained.
"Sorry... I just thought you looked pretty under the moon." His face went red as he let out his thoughts.
Luna held a smirk.
"Duh, That's why my name is Luna. I'm quite immune to flattery but thanks anyway, however, I don't see myself as beautiful as you have state, the girls you confronted a while back weren't wrong about my appearance, regrettably I lack the feminine charm." Luna propped her chin as she stared into the distance.
"It doesn't matter to me. I think you're pretty."
"Hehe, you need to work on your flattery before you get a girlfriend." Luna smiled.
"Ah, I guess you're right." He said in an empty tone. He felt quite hurt by Luna's sentence he had always thought of her romantically. Hearing her say that meant that she still saw him as a friend rather than a potential partner.
'Did I hurt him...?' Luna wondered.
"You really hold me in high regard Ace. I'm rather plain-looking, unless you like my figure which is thinner than your average girl. You should have higher standards, wait-! I'm telling you to be shallow at this point... someone of my appearance wouldn't match your calibre." Freya went in a thinking motion again.
"Yet you meet them regardless."
"Hehe I see." Luna laughed with a warm smile.
The bus soon arrived as it drifted forward waiting for its passengers to get off until it was Luna's turn to get on. But just before she took a step into the vehicle, she turned back to Ace with a smile.
"Thanks for doing that activity with me. I'll message tonight for a next hangout if you're interested."
"Always, take care." He waved goodbye, receiving a wave back in return.
"Mm. Get home safe."
The moment the bus left the stop Ace looked up to the moon with disappointment.
"How long will it take for you to see me in the same way I see you."
A notification was heard through his phone knowing that it came from Luna. She messaged about the digital book and her thoughts, waiting for Ace to reply on his part.
"I guess if I still get to speak with you still that's all I need..." He held a smile
Interaction with Luna was the only thing that left Ace content with his current life. He ran home excited for the next day.