Exu didn't have a clear definition of "being bad."
Back in her old world, bad meant skipping school, cheating on exams, or doodling on the teacher's desk. But in Laterano, the concept… was a bit different.
In a city where winged children were taught that turning your head without permission could count as a moral offense, stepping off the grass path could land you on a minor violation list.
And today, Exu was about to find out what bad looked like—Mostima style.
Third period had just started. The teacher stood at the front, lecturing on the history of Laterano's laws, complete with a timeline of "heavenly justice enforcement." Her voice was monotone, but consistent.
In the back row, Exu rested her head on her hand.
"...and in the 74th year after the Sankta Code was established, all unauthorized communication with non-Sankta was declared a breach of divine governance..."
What is she even talking about? Exu thought. Feels like I'm listening to a rental contract.
She glanced back—Mostima was slouched in her chair, one eye closed, slowly folding a tiny paper airplane.
Exu raised an eyebrow.
Mostima glanced at her, then casually slid the finished plane under the desk and handed it to her—quietly, like passing contraband.
There was a message written on the wing:
Let's sneak out. Behind the school. Three minutes.
Exu held back a grin. Not because the idea was that special—but because it felt alive. In a place where everyone was too "pure," Mostima felt like a welcome flaw.
Three minutes later, Exu left the classroom with the classic "bathroom excuse." A few students glanced at her, but no one dared question it. Leaving class without permission wasn't normal—unless you were Mostima.
She walked down the hallway, descended the back stairs, and slipped through a small door leading to an empty garden behind the school.
Mostima was already there, sitting on a low wall, chewing an apple.
"Right on time," she said.
Exu sat beside her. "Of course. I'm a good girl who knows how to sneak out efficiently."
Mostima snorted. "That's the most contradicting sentence I've ever heard."
They sat quietly for a moment. A soft breeze rustled the small trees in the garden. Exu's wings twitched slightly as the wind passed over them.
"So... we ditched class just to sit here?" Exu asked.
"What if I said yes?"
"Perfect. I like sneak-outs that don't involve running."
Mostima tossed her apple core into a nearby bin. "I like this spot. No one comes here, no cameras, no lectures about sin."
"You come here often?"
"Every week. Usually alone. But you... seem like the right kind of person to invite."
Exu turned her head. "Because I'm also a little bit in denial?"
"Because you know when to fake obedience and when to breathe."
Suddenly, footsteps echoed from the direction of the garden gate. Sharp, quick, unmistakable.
"Mostima!"
Fiammetta appeared at the garden entrance. This time, she wasn't expressionless—she looked slightly irritated.
"You brought her with you too?"
Mostima raised her hand lazily. "She came on her own. I'm just sitting here."
Fiammetta turned her eyes to Exu. "You know this is against the rules, right?"
Exu stood and raised her hand dramatically. "I, Exusiai, fully admit I left class... for spiritual reasons."
Mostima burst out laughing.
Fiammetta sighed. Long. Exhausted. "You two... I don't understand you."
She stepped closer, her eyes lingering on Exu longer than usual. "You're new here. You should be careful. Don't get too close to her."
Exu answered calmly. "But if I'm too far, I won't be able to hear her funny stories."
Fiammetta paused. Her red eyes stared deep into Exu's.
"Do as you like. But don't say I didn't warn you."
She turned and left without another word.
When Exu and Mostima returned to class, the lesson was nearly over. The teacher gave them a look—a mix of disappointment and resignation.
Mostima slouched into her usual spot. Exu slipped the paper airplane into her pocket and smiled slightly.
Today, she skipped class for half an hour.
But she gained a friend.
And in this pristine white world called Laterano, that was a pretty big achievement.