Chapter 1
It had always been the same rule that they must obey. The same rule that had been created and enforced for the past thirty years. Always wear the mask, no matter the situation you're in. Cover your faces; never let anyone see even a glimpse of the true you behind it, and even Death will lose calculations of how many times you'd cheated it.
The world had lost its enchanting color ever since. The vibrant hues of laughter, joy, sorrow had dulled into a monotone existence. Wherever you went, you could only hear the silence that had grown amongst the citizens, a stiffling quiet that wrapped around every street corner and darkened every alleyway.
They didn't dare to raise their heads, preferring to keep it low and continue onwards to wherever their feet takes them. In the distance, the slow humming of the hanged bell on top of the church echoed throughout the dead marching of people. They had long lost their faith and hope of ever seeing a day where it's different than what it usually is. Tania had her airpods plugged on, hands shoved deep in the pockets of her jeans styled jacket.
The song blared into both ears, blocking out the dreadful buzzing of blackness that seemed to be closing in every second. As far as her concern, she was the only one who seemed to have a mask designed with handmade patterns that was made out of boredom. Bored of the same blankness she has to wear on her face. Tania was aware that the mask was meant to be a symbol of nothing, but it wouldn't hurt to have some colors, right? It isn't like the Enforcers seem to care at all. Lost in her own rotating gears, she didn't notice a person striding her own way until they bumped against each other.
It made Tania flinch even more than it should, eyes widening with a panic thump. "I'm so sorry, are you okay?" She asked, as gentle as she could, but the person ghosted her. Pretending to be deaf and continue to went past her. Her brows furrowed, but no such profanities came out. She's used to all these. All these monotone figures that only moves like a chess piece. Her electric blue eyes moves towards the banner swaying slowly from the two poles. Focusing on the marking stamped against the middle.
It was the Enforcer's marking. Their symbol. It had always sent shiver down her spine, and it still does. Tania knew about them leading the citizens for the past thirty years. But she never really understand the true intention behind it, though she know better to not stray afar. Fishing out her phone after receiving a notification, she saw her boyfriend's name popped on the screen. Yann had been asking about her whereabouts. It made Tania chuckle a little.
Yann had always been kind of a protective guardian towards her, but the truth is, his laid-back attitude and his infectious smile is the reason she fell for him. Especially his striking shining gray eyes, and the image of Yann made Tania's cheeks burnt red. Clearing her throat, she quickly type a reply and made her way back to their shared apartment. The place that she could only really let her guard down. Their safe haven. Tania squeezed her way out of the waves of crowds, taking a corner to the left and across the small shops, before bounding three steps up the staircase and entered from the opened window.
"Yann?" She called out, looking around for him. His clothes were discarded on the bed, and hearing the patter of water from the bathroom, Tania made an assumption that Yann was taking a shower. She flopped down on the edge of the bed, the tension in her body bleeding out. Tania felt calm, more than out there, and she wished it would always be like this. "You're back," Tania glanced towards the voice, a ghost of smile showing on her lips. Yann's waist were wrapped with a towel, while he was still drying his black hair with another one.
"Yeah, I am. Missed me?" She teased. Yann shook his head, his long strides quickly delievering him to sit next to her. "What do you think?" He teased back, nudging Tania by the shoulder. Tania faked a scoff, slightly leaning against Yann. "I don't know. Probably not. Since we're not supposed to show any emotions towards people when wearing the mask." Yann sighed, instinctively rubbing Tania's knuckles with his thumb. "I know it sucks. But hey, at least it gives us an advantage. We can sneak into a bar at night and no one will come shoving their shotgun at us like a maniac."
Tania laughed. "Oh, you lil devil. Don't even think about it." Yann joined in the laughter, before snaking his arm around her waist and pulls her close. Enveloping her with his warmth. "Forgive me. I may or may not have forgotten the deal we'd made weeks ago." Tania sighed once more, locking her gaze with Yann's. "But I'm glad to have you," she said softly. Yann chuckled. "I know." And with that, Tania let all of her problems fly away, enjoying this short but sweet moment as long as it lasts.
