MISS NO ONE
"I..." Yeah, tell me, who are you?
"Am..." Pretending to know me.
The words raced in my mind again, as I said them earlier.
— [No one in this world understands me. No one in this world will not judge me. No one in this world will love me. No one in this world will hear me until the end] —
"Who are you?" My voice echoed in the place. Spiders crawled around on their webs, some birds were singing an unknown melody outside.
A melody no one had ever heard.
The scene felt different, the ambient glow of dawn hitting the wooden board and painting through the cracks — something I think no one would have seen.
I looked back at her again. My tears? Dried. I felt better than ever. My nose was burning, but I kept my complexion stable.
"Who are you?"
She looked up, her eyelashes shining in the reflected rays of the dawn.
"I am 'No one'."
N-n-n-n?
I clenched my fist, looking down. Finally, I couldn't hold back — but for some reason, I felt ease in that moment.
Tears trickled down my face.
I held my face with both hands and started crying. It's so disgusting, Caroline, you're not that weak!
"—Shut up, I'm also human. Let me..."
But you're letting your guard down. I am you. I understand you better than anyone. You're always used to trying to be the friend of everyone!
"—Just this time, please."
Do you really want to be used again?
"—Please."
Everyone uses us and throws us away like trash! No one can underst—
"—You're right. No one can understand me. So let me be free for this one moment. Because... she is Miss 'No one'."
"I am No one."
"No one?" I was crying. I didn't remember the last time I cried genuinely. Not for anyone else. Not because someone was hurt, or because someone made me.
But for myself. To let this load decrease even a little bit.
That moment, I felt warm and squishy. That funny feeling while I was crying. Like a lost girl.
Two arms were wrapped around me. And I was just... crying.
They were gentle and felt so real, because she was none other than Miss No one.
I felt she understood me, she saw me, she heard me.
I blabbered things, like how tough it was until now, to carry a fake smile. To hide things even from friends I thought were close. Because that's how I am.
If I am seen vulnerable, I feel like I'll be left and abandoned.
But she wasn't my friend, my sister, or my co-worker.
Neither my boss, nor my enemy.
She was no one, just herself.
I didn't want anyone—anyone—to see me like that. But I was comfortable this time.
This wasn't romantic, platonic, or any other kind of affection.
It was pure humanity of a human. Acting out of kindness. I don't know if my words make sense, but that's what I felt at that time.
Thoughts were racing, but I blocked the track,
I felt way better.
I held her tighter and let the moment pass in seconds.
Then arranging my thoughts, I was a little shy. But I smiled, so she did. We both talked about the art piece of her and how to re-levitate the mood of Gehrmensch.
I wanted to stay a little more with her, but I had three missions to accomplish:-
1. Get Cupra back on his feet.
I mean, I want him back as normal. To not let this relation down.
2. Retrieve Momo's diary from Cupra.
She still hasn't gotten it, and I want to get it back. She said she has something really important in it.
3. Get Gehrmensch's good relation. I broke his promise, and I gotta repay.
Things are getting too messy, and I have to accelerate the pace.
The more time I waste, the more it's gonna be a problem.
.....
I called a cab. It was 4 AM. I grabbed the slightly wet and slippery door handle and opened it.
Looked back... our gazes met once more. Sun-and-moon-kissed eyes met halo-eclipsed eyes.
I stepped out on the road, the small steps splashing nearly no water, and rested into the back seat of the car. The cab driver was again that same girl. I didn't know why, but I felt a sting to ask her name.
I looked in the rear-view mirror and took a breath. The fresh air after the rain was hydrating my skin.
"What's your name?"
She gazed once to look at my face and then focused again on the way. Her lips curled up and with a childish smile she spoke.
"I'm Daizy. I'm working here as a part-time driver." Part-time driver? Uncommon. And Daizy? Such a sweet name but kind of commonly unique. Like it's a name I should've heard by now many times, but ironically it's the first time hearing someone say this name.
"Part-time? What's your age?" She must be a young girl. Around 21 I guess? Her lashes are fine and lipstick is also on spot.
"I'm 20. Actually, I study in a nearby college and do part-time to earn some money." Is she one of those youngsters who work to pay their fees?
"What about your parents? Don't they send you some?" Did she cut ties with them or does she want to be fully independent?
"Actually, I want to enjoy my youth, and my parents only send me money enough to pay fees and meals. So, I earn to enjoy."
Oh, that's kind of a dedication, I think. It's like a mix of cliché and commonness.
The car took twists and turns and finally stopped in front of the hotel.
I got off and entered the hotel, followed by reaching my room.
My steps were making faint but audible sounds. I was still thinking about what happened at Momo's home. It was quite unexpected, but it was for the best.
"...n...c.."?
I heard some noises from Cupra's room. I shouldn't be doing this, but I pressed my ear on the cold wooden frame of the door and...
"But—but you know right! I can't always take it on myself. I mean, it's not who I am. I'm sensitive, so what can I do for it? I know Caroline's a girl, she has far more problems than I can imagine. That's why I never tried to make friends with a girl. You were my only anchor. And now you're siding with someone, so it will obviously hurt, right?" ~Cupra
Is Cupra still mad about that? It was just a small thing. I guess he's just too sensitive...
[These small things pile up to something big that 'matters', do you understand? It's not like it'll do any big impact, but slowly and slowly it will!]
I remembered what Momo said. Maybe I'm just not giving small things the importance they deserve. He's perfectly fine, I'm the one who needs to apologize.
Then I heard Nickel start speaking.
"I know, but just a little longer. Then I promise I'll take you on a holiday trip. You know she's not bad, and it was just a small thing." ~Nickel
"I don't care about that thing. I know it was just a small thing. What I'm sad about is you. Who took a stand against me—we were always together, and now you suddenly were against me. I was so scared what to do. You and big brother are the only ones I know and have trust in. Sure, Caroline is with us and I even enjoy her company. But it's not like she can be compared to you just in some days. That's what I thought. But you..." ~Cupra
"Ok, I'm sorry. I'll talk to her, okay? Now stop crying. If she hears us, she'll come in banging the door. Do you want to be seen like a crybaby? Huh? Tell me!" ~Nickel
Tickle... tickle...
"Ah-ha ha... don't do it. Please stop. Ok, I'll stop crying... oh god, you're so bad. Don't do it on the stomach, I'm ticklish, you know." ~Cupra
I guess I should leave them for now. I'll see them later.
I walked in, removed my coat, and caught a long breath.
Ahhhhhh~
I sat on the wooden chair and took out a cigarette. LIT The fire blob burned over the frame of the lighter. I sucked the cigarette and heated its end until it was red.
"Fu...~." I exhaled the smoke from my mouth, which slowly obscured my vision for a second and then gave me relief.
I just stared outside my window for some time and smoked until that one cigarette burned out.
I wonder...
What does Cupra think about me right now? What are his exact thoughts? I did try to change today!
But what if I just went back to who I was back then?
It scares me a little. But it has a thrill to it too.
Now I think.
I'm not like the cigarette—
But the fire lighting it up.
I can be used for anything, I can be useful, be loved, can harm, be harmed.
The thing that matters is where I am...
What I work for?
And do I like it?
<...>
<7AM>
I walked in the corridor, juggling my steps in a half-slept mind towards the basin. I gotta brush my teeth, I can't break my daily streak.
Another door opened with a cracky noise. Cupra in pajamas with cyan fabric and stars printed on it. He's still a kid, and I like that.
He looked at me, rusted copper eyes met halo-eclipse eyes.
His eyes were a little red, he really cried it all out last night, right? His gaze was breaking the eye contact slowly. I know it will be awkward, tense, emotional or ruthless but...
I can't let this moment go down.
"Hey Cupra..." I moved my hand and faced my palm towards him with slightly curled fingers.
"Yes, master!" Suddenly a smile bloomed on his face and he was back in energy. But something was off...
I know he's like that every day. He's the same Cupra who rejected Momo, who hired me.
But he isn't the real deal.
"Call me Caroline." I smiled, my nose was burning from inside. Some unexplainable emotions were there. But my smile had to show as much emotion as I could.
I wanted to project a smile, but my lips were bobbed up and shaking.
"C-c..." He looked at me, again.
Bright copper eyes met halo-moon eyes.
He bit his lip as his chin was moving in a funny way. He was slowly crying, he was also being genuine here, not faking.
He came near me and hid his face with his wrist, cleaning his tears.
"Don't do this to me now, please." My nose was red, my chin was also wobbling. My cheeks were blobbed and my eyes were a little sore.
Tear dropped again.
Our gazes met again.
Raw copper eyes met melting-halo eyes.
"I'm sorry and don't worry, it's fine now!" I cleaned my tears as he tightly hugged me.
He was snorting sharply and just couldn't say a word. I was also looking like a childish adult or a small girl.
Nickel opened his door and looked at us, he seemed tense and was coming at us thinking to pull away Cupra. But it doesn't hurt now, it hurts in my heart when he was away.
I raised my hand and told Nickel to stop with no words, I just smiled at him. Just smiled.
He then pointed a finger at himself. He also wants to join? Aww, is he about to cry too?
Looks like so... Orange eyes, visible red nerves. Wiggling facial skin.
Diamond-drunk eyes met melting-halo eyes.
"What are you looking at monkey, come here too!"
Cupra burst into laughter as Nickel also hugged us together. I think I'm gonna die from too much love. I don't care, to be honest. It's way better than how people usually suffer.
...
<9AM>
Nickel and Cupra were out to eat food at a restaurant and to pack and bring some for me. I was checking Cupra's bags for Momo's diary.
"Not this... not this, not this! Nah! Nay! Nyeow! N-..oh!" I think I found it.
It was an old type, with a hard-cover book-type diary. Cupra really had it and he didn't even care. God, give him some sharpness!
"Here~ it is~ the boo...k!" No wait, it's a diary.
I tucked it under my arm and left the room. Today we were returning to the mansion after so many days.
Daizy was our driver again. I sat near her in the front seat. Both brothers were in the back chugging on burgers, juices, and fries.
The car started, and went through twists and turns. Finally reached the mansion and dropped us there.
I have been doing anything but do my job as PA for once properly.
Sigh!
We three walked in, the breeze was surfing over the grass and flowers. Leaves were rustling.
DING!
A message came to my phone. I checked and turned it off. Walked in, Nickel and Cupra went into their rooms.
I was hoping not to see Gehrmensch head-on. I need to plan it first.
My pretty bed! I'm have returned!
I, as usual, changed to casual clothes and sat on my bed, sinking in it.
The messages I received were from Natasha!
I opened it and saw loaded big messages, voice recordings, and even a clip.
—Caroline! Did anything happen at the place? Boss's head is really smoking steams.
—Now he's having a shouting competition (meeting) with our mayor!!
—We've sent Julius to record it!
—I've sent you the voice record!
—Things are messy here. Look at the clip!
Oh, that confirms Gehrmensch isn't here. But that also confirms he is coming to the mansion and...
I gotta buckle up. I wonder how bad it can be in the office.
(Mp3 audio recording)
(Gehrmensch) Can't you understand?... or am I the dumb one, you think!?!
(Mayor) No... NO! I didn't mean that. Listen, you've got experience in business, so you know what I'm trying to say better than anyone, right? Just a small project, no one will question. It's my responsibility.
(G) Even if I consider that! How can I approve you to build a giant infrastructure in a crowded place? That's already a park—a BIG theme park for teens to adults! If we demolish it, they will question!
(M) I'm THE mayor of this city! Can't you understand? I can handle that easily.
(G) And what if it draws attention from any media outlet? Since we both are involved, and it's being built over an already successful theme park! If it was in loss, I could've considered it!
(M) Don't worry, in papers we'll show your company is facing a small—Financial problem. And I helped you to get a contract from a small builder and another small company. So that'll shift the attention to your company's status and my relations with your company. And in the shadow, the 'Our' sent other company and builder will do it!
-(G) Okay! I'll consider every aspect and every reasoning you gave. But how can I risk millions of lives?
-(M) Risk?
-(G) It's something you're doing without even telling me the details! That's the most important rule in deals you're breaking. And how can I overlook it? What if it's a drug hub? Terror base? Or even more dangerous thing? What if even you don't know it and are just asking me for a contract for the money that they are offering!
-(M) Oh! Don't make me laugh! Of course I know.
-(G) Then tell me.
-(M) Don't cross the line.
-(G) Okay!... Ok, ok. Got it, understood. Sigh What is it you're offering? Cuz' I at least believe you didn't take your money here with a wet mouth without any shady offer?
-(M) Oh Gehrmensch! My man! You do understand how our brain works!
-(G) Oh yeah, I absolutely do!
-(M) How? So?
-(G) Oh, I used to work at an ice-cream café.
-(M) Oh ho! Sounds interesting. And?
-(G) And I ate a secret pill which gave me powerss... hwaa...
-(M) Kidding?
-(G) So why did you ask such a silly question and expect me to be in some criminal organization or special task force?
-(M) Ohk, you got me.
-(G) Yeah I did. Seriously. So?
-(M) So? So... oh! Yeah, you were asking... for the offer, right? The offer.
-(G) Yeah, the offer. Tell me.
-(M) Um... listen closely... --
-(G) Now stop staring at my eyeballs and speak.
-(M) Have you seen those shows? Where, like, the hero... like that dark... and—and... women just maids all around. And... kinda luxury wood homes. Like mansions! All that?
-(G) Um... yeah?
-(M) You want that all?
-(G) Of course! Who wouldn't? Except that women part! I'm a one-woman guy.
-(M) Oh no worries! It's not like I'm into that stuff either. I just assumed...
-(G) Yeah, assumed. You're kinda interesting guy!
-(M) Oh really?
-(G) But if you wouldn't have mentioned women, then I might have said yes. Seriously.
-(M) I already said that's optional. It's not like I'm forcefully hiring maids and all for you.
-(G) No–no. I mean like I had kinda a scene with my girl.
-(M) 'My girl', haa...? Who's she?
-(G) Oh knock it off. Where were we?
-(M) No-no. My brother's problem. My problem! Tell me, I'll find the best love guru in this whole city.
-(G) Damn! Oh, anyways, it's not love's problem. Like, kinda is... anyways, let's not go off-topic.
-(M) Oh yeah, totally reasonable. It's just... it's been a while since I had this kind of talk with someone.
-(G) Same here. So, see... I got only two problems. If you can solve them, contract is yours.
-(M) Go ahead!
-(G) First! Without any understanding of this project's info, how can I tell all my workers from this company running that theme park to suddenly be... re-shifted, transferred, or even fired?
Second, if any kind of, like, infra-failure or... any misuse of this property happens. Then? The blame would fly like missiles on my face.
-(M) Ok... hmm.
Hear me out. As for the project's info—can't you just make any good-sounding stuff, or offer females some wealth and males something to feed their lust? So, either most of them believe or take the leverage if they question.
-(G) Seems reasonable. Do you have a fetish for lust or something?
-(M) Oh now I... just... ok, please don't tell anyone. whisper—I've got two or three pharma and cosmetics companies under my wing. And a whole red-light district running by my funds.
-(G) What the... are you really just a mayor?
-(M) Yeah, just some more luck and I'll be a good-tier politician. Good-tier... or even high.
-(G) By the way, what's that project about? At least give me some hints.
-(M) Okay. Don't let anyone know—this is top secret.
-(G) Yeah, top secret.
-(M) We're building a nuke-..-.
What was that? All I'd heard... most of it was either their insider talks. But that nuclear information and all... I don't think he's really serious about it.
Also, this Mayor seems creepy as hell.
Ah ha—Natasha also sent me a clip.
As I clicked the clip, my soul was lifted up. My senses were drugged or what, but I saw—Gehrmensch was standing with blood on his hand and the Mayor had a bleeding nose as he was leaving the building, hiding his nose.
Damn. He looks kinda... no-no-no I'm slipping from the topic.
...
Time passed, nothing happened. Gehrmensch finally returned home, but his attitude wasn't that different. It felt like he really put a lot of emotions in his punch.
We ate dinner at the same table and then night fell. There were some cars around our mansion—I was suspicious of them, and then Gehrmensch called me.
He didn't say much; all he said was to not leave the mansion, and he was kinda harsh though.
And then I got Natasha's message—that the police are investigating the whole building of NYCO BROTHERS.