The Hollow Moth: Reincarnated as a Caterpillar

Darkness fades into something familiar.

A warm afternoon, golden light spilling over the pavement. The scent of brewed coffee and the faint traces of cigarette smoke.

Tiara Arissa, otherwise known as "Tessa" in front of me.

She's bouncing on her feet, hands clasped together in front of her chest, eyes practically sparkling as she looks at me.

"Nur! The café has a new frappe! Let's goooo!"

I sigh, but there's no real annoyance behind it. "Didn't you just have one yesterday?"

"Yes! But this is new! And it's limited-time! And—"

Before she can launch into a full-scale speech about the importance of trying every seasonal drink, we hear voices up ahead.

Three figures, dressed in school uniforms—despite not having stepped foot in class all day.

Zafi, the calm and reasonable one, walking with hands in his pockets, cigarette lazily balanced between his lips. He exhales a cloud of smoke, watching us approach with his usual unreadable expression. I always cover my nose when I am near him. Rude you say? In my defense, the cigarette stinks you know? And I can't stand stinky smells, ugh.

Kai, the crafty one, grinning like he just pulled off something ridiculous — creepy, always. Which, knowing him, he probably did. He likes to prank people—harmless ones, in my opinion. He also scams people. Scamming is bad? That's reserved for the bad guys. Which is what he does, scamming bad people. The kind who deserve to be made fools of. He also has this annoying habit of flipping his coin. Once again, ugh

Then there's Reza. Short-tempered, always on the verge of picking a fight. If he had his way, every minor inconvenience would be solved with fists— violent guy, icky. Despite the constant trouble, he gets little to no consequences. Why you ask? Because Zafi is always there, hand on his shoulder, holding him back. It's not that Zafi won't fight—he just chooses his battles. When he does get violent, it's against other delinquents or people who actually deserve it. Even then, he never lets Reza go too far. Youth, friendship—very touching.

The three of them glance our way as we cross paths.

Kai smirks. "Well, If it isn't the Ice Queen."

I roll my eyes. "Don't call me that."

He only grins wider—he never fails to make himself look like a creep.

Zafi smiles. "Oh hi Tessa, trying out the new frappe?"

"YES! wanna come along Zafi?" Tessa replied.

Ever since that one day, when Tessa and I ran into them after school, we've been crossing paths more and more. Hanging out, sometimes.

It still doesn't make sense to me.

Me, Nur Azriana, the so-called "Ice Queen," somehow ended up spending time with delinquents.

Other students had their own theories.

Maybe my cold personality fit in with them. Maybe I was secretly dangerous. Maybe they liked me because I didn't get scared of them.

They were all wrong.

It wasn't me.

It was Tessa.

Her weird quirks, her endless energy, her way of making friends in the most unexpected places.

I glance at her, still rambling about the new frappe, completely oblivious to how much she changes people just by existing.

Yeah.

That's what happened.

"Hey, you guys should try the new frappe too!" Tessa beams, practically bouncing in place.

Zafi's eyes widen slightly. "Sure!" Then, as if catching himself getting too excited, he quickly smooths his expression back to his usual cool demeanor. "I mean… yeah, that could be nice."

Kai chuckles while flipping his coin. "Well, I don't mind. Freezing my brain with sugar sounds like a good time."

Reza groans. "Ugh, seriously again? That's lame."

Tessa clasps her hands together, giving him the biggest, most hopeful puppy-dog eyes I've ever seen.

Reza clicks his tongue, looking away. "Tch. Fine. But if it sucks, I'm blaming all of you."

Zafi claps a hand. "That's the spirit. C'mon, let's go before Tessa explodes."

Tessa lets out a victorious cheer, already grabbing my arm to drag me forward.

I sigh. "I knew this would happen."

Kai smirks. "Oh, come on, Nur. Loosen up. It's just a drink."

"That's exactly why this is ridiculous."

Zafi exhales a laugh. "And yet, here you are."

…Yeah. Here I am— a victim of a social interaction.

Following Tessa and the three delinquents to go drink sugar together.

I don't even like frappes.

The café is buzzing with soft chatter and the hum of an espresso machine. The scent of roasted coffee and sweet syrup lingers in the air.

Zafi sets the tray down, distributing the frappes. He takes one, swirling it in his hand. "So this is the allegedly legendary new frappe, huh?"

Tessa nods eagerly, already sipping hers. "Mmh! It's so good!"

Kai lifts a brow. "Tastes like diabetes."

"That's the point," Tessa says matter-of-factly.

Reza takes a tentative sip, then immediately scowls. "Ugh. It's too sweet."

Zafi chuckles. "You say that, but you're still drinking it."

"Tch. I paid for it, didn't I?"

Kai leans back in his seat, stirring his drink lazily. "So, Ice Queen, what do you think?"

I glance down at my frappe. I didn't even want one, but Tessa had been so insistent. I take a small sip.

Cold. Sweet. Overly sugary.

I set it back down. "It's… fine."

Tessa gasps. "Fine?! Just fine? Nur, how could you?!"

Zafi laughs. "Guess not everyone has a sweet tooth like you, Tessa."

Tessa pouts, slumping against the table dramatically. "No one understands my love for frappes…"

Kai grins. "Nah, we get it. We just don't care."

Reza snorts. "For once, I agree with him."

Tessa huffs, taking an exaggerated sip of her drink. "Y'all just uncultured."

I shake my head. "This is ridiculous."

Zafi smirks. "And yet, here you are."

…Yeah.

Here I am.

Kai leans back, propping his feet against the chair next to him while flipping his coin. "Oh yeah, did you guys hear? Azrai's gonna represent the school in that big soccer tournament next month."

Zafi nods. "Yeah, not surprised. That guy's practically built for it."

Tessa claps her hands together. "Ohh, Azrai's playing? That's amazing! He's so cool!"

Reza scoffs. "Tch. Of course, it's him again."

Kai smirks. "Jealous?"

Reza glares. "Hell no. Just sick of hearing his name everywhere."

I take another sip of my drink. "Ughh, that so-called Mr. Perfect again."

Zafi chuckles. "I mean, can you blame them? He's smart, kind, athletic, good-looking—"

"Basically, he's got the main character buff," Kai adds while grinning, looking like a creep yet again.

I sigh. "And yet, somehow, he's stuck with us mortals. What a shame."

Tessa giggles. "Come on, Nur, don't be mean. Azrai's really nice!"

"Sure," I drawl. "In that polished, 'I-was-born-to-be-liked' kind of way."

Zafi raises a brow. "You sound bitter."

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"I just think it's funny how life handed him the protagonist package while the rest of us are stuck grinding for basic stats."

Kai laughs. "Damn, Ice Queen's got a point."

Reza crosses his arms. "Whatever. I don't care about that guy."

Tessa hums. "Still, I kinda wanna watch the tournament now."

Kai waggles his brows. "Because of the game or because of Azrai?"

Tessa puffs her cheeks. "The game, obviously!"

Zafi grins. "Mhm, sure."

I sigh. "I already regret this conversation."

Reza snorts, arms still crossed. "You sure complain a lot for someone who's basically him with skirts."

I blink. "Excuse me?"

Zafi chuckles. "He's got a point. If we're talking about natural talent, you're pretty much at the top when it comes to looks."

Tessa nods enthusiastically. "Yeah! You're easily the most beautiful girl in class! Maybe even the whole school!"

I roll my eyes. "Great. Truly a life-changing achievement."

Reza smirks. "If you dropped the whole Ice Queen act, you'd probably be just like him—worshipped by everyone, showered in praise."

I scoff. "That sounds exhausting."

I'd tell them there's a reason I'm not like him—or why I never ended up as Mr. Perfect himself—if it didn't mean exposing myself to the world. But alas, that's just how things are.

Kai grins. "Yeah? Then why'd you turn him down?"

I frown. "What?"

Kai leans forward, elbow on the table. "Azrai... He totally tried to hit on you once, remember?"

Zafi nods. "Oh yeah. I do remember that."

Tessa gasps. "Wait, wait, when was this?!"

Kai chuckles. "Sometime around a few months ago. He asked her out, and guess what our dear Ice Queen said?"

Tessa stares at me with wide eyes. "What did you say?!"

I take another sip of my drink. "I told him I wasn't interested; shocker, right?"

Reza laughs. "Pfft! Damn."

Tessa pouts. "But why?! He's so nice!"

"Exactly," I deadpan. "He's too nice. Too perfect. Also, I sense something off about him. I don't trust it

Zafi smirks. "So, What if he was a little less perfect?"

I narrow my eyes. "What are you implying?"

Kai wags a finger. "That maybe you do have a type."

"I hate this conversation," I mutter.

Reza chuckles. "Yeah? Well, it's your fault for being so fun to mess with."

Tessa sighs dramatically. "Nur, you're hopeless."

I lean back in my chair. "And yet, somehow, here I am."

Kai stretches lazily, swirling what's left of his drink. "Oh yeah, speaking of people who somehow always land on top… Mei got a new boyfriend the other day."

Tessa gasps. "Wait, really?! Who?!"

Zafi raises a brow. "Another poor soul caught in her web, huh?"

Reza snorts. "That girl's got more exes than I have patience."

"Mei, huh?" I tap my fingers against my cup. "Figures. She always manages to land on her feet, no matter what."

Kai grins. "Mei.. that damn woman, I swear"

Tessa tilts her head. "Why do you say it like that?"

Zafi smirks. "Well, she is kinda like Kai, y'know. Sneaky, always getting out of trouble, never runs out of favors."

Reza leans back. "Yeah, everyone always says they'd make a perfect match."

Tessa nods rapidly. "Ohhh, yeah! People do say that!"

I glance at Kai. "So? When's the wedding?"

Kai groans, rubbing his temples. "God, no. Do I look like I have a death wish?"

Zafi chuckles. "You sure? It's not like you can outmaneuver her. You're evenly matched."

Kai shakes his head. "And that's exactly why I'm staying the hell away. Getting involved with her is like playing a rigged game—you think you're ahead, but she's already ten steps in front, letting you believe you're winning just so she can crush you when it counts. At least, that's how it goes for a regular person, anyway. Me? Just the thought of constantly looking over my shoulder is already exhausting."

Tessa giggles. "Wow, sounds like you really thought this through."

I smirk. "Almost like he's been burned before."

Kai clicks his tongue. "Hell no. I just have the self-preservation instinct some guys lack."

Reza smirks. "So what you're saying is… you are scared of her."

Kai drawls. "Yes, Reza. I fear for my very existence."

I chuckle. "Smart man."

For a moment, there's silence—then I realize.

They're all staring at me.

Zafi blinks. "Wait… did you just chuckle?"

Reza squints. "No way."

Tessa gasps dramatically. "Nur! Did you just laugh?!"

Kai points at me, grinning like he just won the lottery. "Oh-ho, she totally did!"

I blink. "What?"

Zafi smirks. "You never laugh."

Reza crosses his arms. "Not unless it's at someone's misery."

Tessa clasps her hands together. "But that was a real laugh! You actually enjoyed that!"

Kai flips his coin again, catching it with a knowing smirk. "Looks like the Ice Queen does have a soft spot after all."

I scoff, taking another sip of my drink. "You're all imagining things."

Reza smirks. "Nah, we heard it."

Tessa leans closer, beaming. "Do it again!"

"Absolutely not."

Zafi chuckles. "Guess we just found something rarer than a blue moon."

Kai nods sagely. "A Nur laugh. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime event."

Tessa nudges my arm. "Aww, just admit it! You love us!"

I roll my eyes, setting my drink down. "I tolerate you."

They all laugh, and despite myself, I can't help but feel… warm.

Their voices blur together, laughter and teasing mixing into a comfortable hum.

Tessa leans forward. "Okay, okay, but seriously, if you had to date someone from our class, who would it be?"

Zafi smirks. "Bet it's someone unexpected."

Reza scoffs. "Yeah right, like she'd ever answer that."

Kai flips his coin. "Or maybe she already has someone in mind?"

I roll my eyes. "Not happening."

Tessa pouts. "Boo, no fun."

Kai then flips his coin, catching it effortlessly as he leans back in his chair. "Anyway, get this—Zal's gunning for MPP (Student Council) President."

Zafi raises an eyebrow, still stirring his coffee. "Not surprising. He's been in the MPP since his first year. Probably sees it as his birthright or something."

Reza scoffs, eyes still glued to his phone. "Tch. Figures. That guy acts like he owns the damn school already."

Kai smirks. "Well, he's practically Azrai's equal in academics and sports. The only difference is that Zal's got average looks at best, while Azrai's got that 'prince charming' thing going on." He twirls his coin again. "Still, the dude's popular enough. And since Azrai couldn't care less about being president, everyone thinks Zal's got this in the bag."

I let out a dry chuckle, tapping my fingers against my cup. "Well, not if I run."

That gets their attention. Kai tilts his head, intrigued. "Oh? Ice Queen's got a different take?"

Zafi finally stops stirring his coffee, giving me a curious glance. Reza even looks up from his phone. Tessa, of course, just happily sips her drink, waiting for me to spill.

I sigh, leaning back. "Just saying, I wouldn't bet on it being that easy."

I take a sip of my drink before setting it down with a smirk. "It's not gonna happen if I run for president."

Silence.

Then Kai lets out a laugh, flipping his coin again. "Pfft—what?"

Zafi blinks. "Wait, you serious?"

Reza just snorts. "Like hell, you'd run."

Tessa, eyes sparkling with amusement, clasps her hands together. "Ooooh, Nur as the MPP President! That sounds so cool!"

I roll my eyes. "Relax. I have zero intention of doing it."

Kai leans forward, grinning. "Damn. For a second there, I thought we were about to witness a historic moment."

Zafi shakes his head with a chuckle. "Yeah, right. Nur willingly signing up for extra responsibilities? Not gonna happen."

Reza smirks, tapping at his phone. "Would be funny, though. Zal's brain would short-circuit."

I just shrug. "All I'm saying is, it's not as set in stone as people think."

Kai hums, flipping his coin one more time before catching it. "Well, guess we'll see how it plays out."

Kai leans back, twirling his coin between his fingers— that's new. "Actually… it wouldn't be impossible. You pretty much got a cult going on behind you."

I raise an eyebrow. "A what now?"

Zafi chuckles, stirring his coffee. "He's not wrong. You're the Ice Queen, remember? Half the guys in our year are too scared to talk to you, and the other half are weirdly obsessed."

Reza scoffs. "Tch. Bunch of idiots."

Tessa giggles. "It's true, though! Nur is super popular! I bet if you actually ran, you'd get tons of votes!"

I take a sip of my drink, unimpressed. "Popularity doesn't mean competence. Besides, I have better things to do than babysit the entire student body."

Cult? What do they mean, a cult? Do people actually worship me or something? Like, is there some guy out there with an altar dedicated to me in his room? Are there prayers? Like—Praying for you 🕯O great Nur 💝? You know what—Just the thought alone sends a shiver down my spine. Yeah, no. Better not to think about it.

Kai flips his coin again. "True, true. But imagine the chaos. You, in charge of the council? Watching Zal's soul leave his body would be priceless."

I smirk. "Tempting. But no thanks."

Kai flips his coin with a smirk. "Anyway, speaking of our oh-so-interesting classmates, you guys hear about Arvan?"

I sigh. "What about him?"

Kai leans forward. "The guy's as average as they come, right? Decent grades, decent looks, decent at sports—he could actually land a girlfriend if it weren't for one little problem."

Zafi chuckles. "His sister?"

"Bingo," Kai grins. "The infamous 'Violent Woman.' She might've graduated, but her legend still haunts these halls. Every girl who even thinks about getting close to Arvan backs off the moment they hear about her. Poor guy's love life is doomed."

I raise an eyebrow. "Hold up. How do you even know this much about everyone? Do you just go around collecting gossip?"

Kai gives me an innocent look. "Information is power, my dear Ice Queen. Besides, people talk when you know how to listen."

I exhale sharply. "Don't call me that. It makes my skin crawl, especially from you."

Reza snorts. "More like you're just nosy as hell." He adds.

Tessa giggles. "But it's fun, right? What's the latest gossip, Kai?"

Kai's grin widens. "Glad you asked! So, word is, Arvan actually tried asking someone out recently…"

I roll my eyes. "Oh, here we go."

Kai flips his coin again, catching it effortlessly. "So get this—Arvan finally grew a backbone and confessed to some girl. Thought he was safe since his sister already graduated."

Zafi raises an eyebrow. "And? How'd that go?"

Kai smirks. "Well… turns out, not safe at all. Somehow, the news got to his dear sister, and guess what she did?"

I already know where this is going. "Threatened the girl?"

"Bingo." Kai leans back in his chair. "She straight-up scared her off. The poor girl asked for a breakup with Arvan the very next day. Man didn't even get a chance."

Reza scoffs. "That's messed up. Dude's never getting a girlfriend at this rate."

Tessa pouts. "That's so sad! Why would she do that?"

Zafi shrugs. "Probably doesn't want her little brother getting into trouble. Or she's just insane."

Kai twirls his coin between his fingers. "Either way, the guy's cursed. Any girl who even considers him will have to go through the 'Violent Woman' first."

I shake my head. "Honestly, I almost feel bad for him."

Kai grins. "Almost?"

I smirk. "Almost."

Zafi snorts, stirring his coffee lazily. "Honestly, it's like she's got a brocon thing going on, right? Like, 'Nobody can have him except me' type of deal."

Kai laughs, leaning back in his chair. "Guess that explains the whole 'intimidate all the girls' thing. She probably thinks she's the only one who can have him."

Reza grumbles, "That's just messed up. I get being protective, but that's way overboard."

Tessa tilts her head. "Maybe she really cares about him, though?"

I roll my eyes. "Yeah, but not in a healthy way. She needs to let him breathe."

Zafi nods, tapping his coffee cup. "Brocon, or just plain possessive—either way, Arvan's not gonna get anywhere if his sister keeps pulling the strings."

I can't help but smirk. "Maybe one day Arvan will finally break free and get a chance with someone. Or maybe he'll just end up hiding from his sister forever."

Kai chuckles. "Wouldn't be surprised if that happens."

Tessa giggles, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Or... he ends up with his sister, who knows? Maybe they're just meant to be a pair."

Kai bursts out laughing, nearly choking on his drink. "Eww nasty."

Zafi smirks, shaking his head. "Talk about sibling goals taken to the extreme. But honestly, if that happened, I'd have to quit school. The cringe would be unbearable."

Reza grumbles, his brows furrowing in annoyance. "No way that's happening. That's beyond messed up."

I can't help but laugh along with them, even though part of me thinks it's not that far-fetched, given Arvan's situation. "Well, whatever happens, I think Arvan needs to have a serious talk with his sister. But if she's that crazy protective, he's pretty much doomed."

Tessa shrugs, sipping her drink. "Who knows, maybe he likes the attention."

"Right," I scoff. "He totally seems like the type to enjoy that."

Then Reza stands up, stretching his arms, and he says, "I gotta head out. Got stuff to do."

Kai quickly follows suit, "Same here. Don't want to be late for anything."

Zafi nods lazily, sipping the last bit of his coffee. "I'm out too. Catch you later, guys."

Tessa gives me a playful smile, "I'll see you later, Nur. You still owe me a treat!"

As their voices fade into the background, I feel that familiar pang of emptiness creeping in, even though I know I shouldn't. "Yeah, see you later," I mutter, not really sure if I mean it for them or for myself.

The moment is almost over, slipping through my fingers, and just like that, I'm left in the quiet.

Their voices start to feel distant like a radio slowly turning down.

Zafi's voice fades first. "We should do this again…"

Reza's next. "Next time, I'm picking the place…"

Kai's smirk lingers as his words stretch into nothing. "Guess we'll see, huh?"

Tessa's voice is the last thing I hear. "What about you Nur—"

And then—silence.

Darkness.

Then warmth. A soft, sticky surface beneath me. A faint glow above.

I'm awake.

I let out a long sigh. "Of course, the first nice thing I experience in this bug life has to be a dream."

Shifting on the weird sticky silk, I stretch my tiny, wiggly legs. "Great. Back to reality. No frappes, no teasing idiots—just me, a bunch of caterpillars, and a whole lot of struggling to not get eaten."

I pause.

"…Still."

I don't want to admit it.

But I miss Tessa...

What? Those 3 idiots? Nah no wayy. Alright, maybe just maybe a tiny bit?

Yeah, a tiny bit.

End of Chapter 2