It's been a week since the incident. The last few days have been fairly normal.
Go to school, study, and go home. Occasionally, Elio and I hang out after school to have fun, like going out to eat or watching a movie.
Recently, we've been trying to finish the Stoney movies. It's about a boxer from the slums who proves himself to be a strong through hard work and dedication.
Elio told me he's been a long time fan, so I decided to watch the movies with him at the park after school.
Since the franchise is a pretty old one, no theatres were showing it, so I decided to download the movies on my phone.
Being the cheapskate that I am, I sailed the seven seas and pirated each and every one of them and have basically caught up to the series except for one more. The sequel to the Stony series, Kreed 2. Thankfully, this one is showing in theatres, so Elio and I made a plan to watch it together.
I sat through class, excited to watch it.
"Okay, you guys better review this topic because we're going to have a pop quiz tomorrow."
The teacher said before the class said "Yes." In unison.
After that, the school bell rang, marking the end of the day and a sign for students to go home.
Not wasting any time, I quickly picked my bag up and headed straight out the door and walked through the halls. Each step, feeling light.
I heard this next movie is going to be about the son of Stoney's friend versus the son of Stoney's old opponent! This concept sounds awesome!
I pumped my fist up as I felt hype circulating through my veins.
As I looked in front of me, I saw the figure of a girl carrying a stack of heavy books.
When I squinted my eyes, I realized who was in front of me. It's Pheobe!
"Ah, class rep!"
I nervously called out to her
"Hm?"
Looking up from the stack of books she was carrying, she tilted her head before smiling gently when she saw me.
"Oh, good to see you, Aran!"
GASP.... She remembers my name!~
Ahhhhhhh!!~
I screamed out like a girl inside my head.
Interrupting my thoughts, Pheobe asked me a question.
"How have you been? Has anything happened recently?"
"N-no, I'm completely fine! Couldn't be better right now, thanks to your healing!"
"I see. I'm glad to hear that."
Walking towards her, I nervously offered my help.
"Um... Those books look heavy. Mind if I helped?"
Shaking her head, she replied.
"It's alright. I appreciate the thought, but I'm sure you have other matters to attend to. I don't want to take up your time..."
"It's alright, I can spare a few minutes! In fact, I'd be really happy if I could help you."
Her eyes widened from surprise as I said this.
She thought about it for a bit before nodding.
"I see... Then please."
"With pleasure! Where are we taking these?"
"To the library."
"Alright, let's go."
I told her as I took half of the stack she was carrying.
"Thank you."
"No problem."
As we silently walked through the halls, I couldn't help but feel insecure as I realized just how tall Pheobe is compared to me. I didn't notice it before because I was laying in bed, and she was sitting down.
It's not really that much of a difference, but still. As a guy, I feel shy when around taller girls.
Why am I so short...
I thought to myself.
I looked down sadly before taking another quick glance at her.
I kinda get it now...
I really didn't really care about what the other students said before, but now that she's in front of me, I gotta admit, she's really pretty...
And the way she walks and presents herself looks so graceful...
Noticing my gaze, she looks towards me to ask me what's wrong.
I didn't even realize I was staring that much. Flustered, I look away.
"I-I was just thinking about how tall you are..."
"Oh, is it strange?"
Seeing that she misunderstood, I quickly tried to explain.
"N-no! In fact, I think it's cool!"
I anxiously told her. Regretting my choice of words, I yelled inside my head out of anger at myself.
Aran, you stupid idiot!!!
Surprised from what said, her eyes widened before she smiled at me gently. A tiny blush, forming around her cheeks.
"I see... I'm happy to hear it..."
"....."
I couldn't even say a word as I saw the sight of her smile. Looking away for a bit, I took a deep breath before screaming internally inside my head.
UWAAAAAHHHHH!!!!
Her cuteness deleted my lifepoints instantly... Stand strong, Aran. Stand strong!
As I tried to burn the memory of her smile into my memories, she suddenly spoke.
"Oh, we're here."
"Ah..."
Without even noticing, I realized we were already in front of the school's library.
NOOOO!!! JUST A FEW MORE MINUTES, PLEASE!
I begged towards the heavens.
But sadly, my cries weren't heard as we walked inside the library.
"You can just leave the books on the desk over there."
With a heavy heart, I sadly replied with a yes...
As I placed the books on the desk, I suddenly heard a sigh coming from Pheobe.
"I need to improve myself. Because of my inadequacy, you ended up helping me. I'm sorry."
She told me with a disappointed, self-deprecating look.
Without any hesitation, I quickly replied to her with a stern voice.
"Hey, don't you remember what I said? I'm happy to help you. Plus, it's not bad to rely on others once in a while, right?"
I looked at her with a raised brow as she stood there, surprised. Clearing her throat a little, she spoke.
"I understand... I'll try to keep that in mind. Thank you, Aran."
She said with a smile.
"Ah...."
I uttered out.
By itself, her smile was destructive.
But this time, its potency was amplified a hundredfold because of the gentle sunset lighting up her face.
If her smile earlier deleted my life points, then this one made my soul exit my body as I ascended to a higher plane of existence.
Not being able to stand after that fatal attack, I sat on a chair and closed my eyes.
My face was showing a gentle smile as I accepted my fate...
'Ah... Everything's burnt out... Nothing is left but pure white ash...'
Confused, Pheobe worriedly called out to me.
"Eh? Aran, are you okay?"
________________________________________
"Ah.... She's an angel sent from the heavens, I'm telling you now!"
Aran told Elio, gushing and blushing like an obsessed fan boy. Even if he didn't want to admit it, Elio couldn't help but feel creeped out by his friend's behavior.
"She's that amazing, huh?"
He asked Aran with a nervous smile. Not wasting another second, Aran starts to gush even more.
"Of course! At first, I didn't get why people were so obsessed with her, but now I get it! She's so elegant and rarely shows emotion! But when she does, it's a powerful blow to the heart!"
Elio, still nervously smiling, tries to change the subject.
"By the way, about the movie..."
"Oh right! Yeah, the entire series is so good! I'm really looking forward to this next one!"
Aran said excitedly.
Seeing that Aran was finally talking about something he gets, Elio also got excited.
"It's a good one, I'm telling you! You'll love it!"
"I hope that's true!"
Aran said as the two of them walked towards the front counter of the movie theater.
"What should we do first?" Elio asked.
Aran, pinching his chin, thought for a second before speaking.
"We already bought some tickets yesterday for today's showing. I guess we'll buy some snacks. My treat, of course."
"Wait, there's no need!" Elio told him before aran waved it off.
"It's alright! I'm in a good mood today!"
He said before walking towards the counter that sells popcorn.
Surprisingly enough, the person working there was someone Aran knows. Using his stretching ability to grab far away objects while staying on one spot, it was Ed.
Turning his head around, Ed and Aran made eye contact.
Two different thoughts floated inside Ed's mind as he saw the two boys.
Firstly, 'Isn't that Aran?! Please don't tell me he recognized me..."
Secondly, 'And who's that guy with him?! Oh no, did he pay someone to beat me up?! No!!!'
Shaking from fear, he greeted the two boys as he tried to stay professional.
"H-hello, sirs. What would you like?"
Don't worry, Ed. He doesn't know it's you...
Ed told himself in his mind as a form of comfort.
But not even another second passed by before Aran replied in a neutral—sounding voice.
"Oh hey, Ed."
HE RECOGNIZED ME!!
Ed sadly screamed inside his mind. Trying to stay calm and not seem weird, he waved back at him.
"H-hey Aran. Just pick whatever you like."
"Oh thanks. Elio, come over her for a second!"
HE'S CALLING THAT GUY OVER?!
Ed screamed again in his mind.
As he saw Elio's eyes, fear started to settle in for Ed as his legs started to shake and his voice trembled.
"H-hello, s-sir... W-w-w-what would y-you like??"
I'm so scared! Mommy!!!
For what felt like an eternity for Ed, Aran and Elio finally made the decision to buy the caramel flavored popcorn.
"We'll have this then. One for each, please."
Aran told Ed as he pointed towards the picture on the menu.
Ed looked at them confused, with wide eyes.
"Ah... Y-yes..."
"Thanks!"
Aran told him before Ed started to get the popcorn with a stunned expression.
"Here you go..."
"Thanks! See ya."
Aran waved at him before walking away with Elio. Ed stood there stunned from what just happened.
"...Huh...?"
________________________________________
[What's your name?]
The referee asked the disoriented boxer, but because of the repeated blows to his head, it took him a bit to understand.
[Kreed...] He weakly said his name.
[What's your name?!]
With another call, the boxer's fighting spirit reignited into a passionate flame as he remembered who he was and whose legacy he was succeeding. With fire in his eyes, the boxer loudly and proudly said his name.
[KREED!!!]
He screamed to the referee before the round restarted, building up the climax of the movie as the two boxers put their guards up, prepared to fight.
'This is absolute cinema'
Aran thought to himself as he put his hands up in awe of the movie's brilliance.
Looking towards his left, Elio was holding in his tears as he silently cheered Kreed on.
With a punch combo that mirrored his father's, Kreed knocked his tall opponent down. Seeing this, the referee started counting to ten.
Kreed's opponent desperately tried to stand. But just when the count reached eight, he fell down. Without any room for argument, the referee announced Kreed's victory as the people inside the movie and outside cheered on.
"YEAAAAHHH!!!!"
________________________________________
"Whoa, watching movies in a theatre is way more different than watching it on a phone..."
"I know right!"
As the two boys continued to talk about the movie, Elio suddenly got a call from his mother.
He hesitantly picked his phone up before Aran urged him to go ahead.
"Hi mom, what's up?"
[Sorry about this Elio, but are you free? I'm pretty busy with work and I can't pick up Tiara and Tina right now. Lilia's sick too, so she can't get them.]
"Oh I get it. Sure, I'll go."
[I'm so sorry to cut your time with your friend short...]
"No, it's alright mom. Later!"
[Alright son, buh bye. I'll make sure to make your favorite dish to make up for it!]
"Whoa, nice!"
Elio said out loud before hanging up.
Because the call was on speaker mode, Aran basically understood the situation.
"Sorry man, I need to pick my little sisters up from school..."
Elio told Aran as he had a sad look on his face.
"It's alright, we already finished the movie. Are they the Tiara and Tina your mom was talking about?"
"Yep. Considering what we experienced just a while ago, I'm a little protective of them right now..."
"It's alright, I understand. See you!"
"Yeah, Bye Aran!"
The two boys waved goodbye at each other before walking in different directions.
Heading towards the station, Aran stopped on a familiar sidewalk. The light was blinking and glowing red as he tapped the ground with his toes.
While he waited, for the traffic light to turn green, he heard a voice.
"Oh? Why if it isn't the young man from the other day!"
He looked towards the direction of the voice and saw the faces of the mother and son.
"Hello there!" The mother said as she waved at Aran.
"Oh, hello." Aran replied.
"C'mon, you say hello too!" She said as she pinched her son's cheek.
"Ow ow ow! Yeah, I will!"
Rubbing his cheek, the boy looked at Aran with an annoyed expression.
"Thank you for saving me... I appreciate it..."
He said in a voice that didn't sound genuine whatsoever. Aran tried to ignore this as he spoke.
"No problem. Don't go running into the road again. Even if it wasn't busy at the time, it was still dangerous."
"I know, I learned my lesson! You don't have to tell me- OW OW OW OW!!!"
Before he could say any more, his mother pinched his cheek even harder.
"I'm so sorry for my son's behavior! He isn't usually like this!"
Heh, serves you right, kid...
Aran thought to himself before quickly clearing his throat.
I mean—
"No it's alright, I don't mind it."
"I see. You're such a kind young man..."
The mother told him as Aran bowed and nervously scratched the back of his head.
"Besides, I can understand where he's coming from."
Kneeling down to talk to the boy, Aran took his phone out.
It had a keychain that had the image of a mech suit attached to it. Although it looked a little old, the picture itself was for the most part, in good condition.
"You like building plastic models, right?"
"Yeah? What about it?"
"Well, turns out I'm a fan, too..."
Aran told him as he showed the keychain to the boy.
It was like a badge that said "See? I'm one of you guys!"
Seeing the keychain in front of him, the boy's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Whoa! That's one of those limited edition keychains they used to sell!"
"Oh, I see you're a really big fan if you know about this... Yep, you're right!"
"It's the only one I still haven't collected, where'd you find this?"
He asked Aran.
"My brother gave it to me a long time ago. I actually have two!"
"Aw, lucky!"
"Hehe!"
Aran chuckled before putting his phone in his pocket and smiling at the kid's mom.
When he stood up, he saw that the kid was still in awe as he looked at his bright eyes. Thinking for a bit, Aran called out to the boy.
"Hey."
"Yeah?"
"Tell you what, maybe I'll give the other one to you!"
"Whoa really?!"
The boy asked as he gasped from surprise.
"Yep! But there's a catch!"
"Yes! Anything!!!"
He yelled.
Aran looked towards the boy's mother and asked her a question.
"How are his grades in school, ma'am?"
The mother's expression suddenly darkened as she heard the mention of her son's grades...
"Not good..."
"Hey!"
The boy said out loud, a little offended.
Pouting a little, he looked away from Aran.
"Hmph! You were just messing with me!"
"Now hold your horses! I really will give it to you!"
"Oh yeah? And what's the catch, then?"
"You gotta..."
Dunununununu!
Aran said before doing a drum roll.
"Yeah?"
"Get straight A's on your report card!"
"What?!"
The boy cried out as he heard Aran's challenge. Teasing the boy, Aran taunted him.
"Heh, can't do it? Well, I guess you're just going to have to deal with not having one of these keychains, then... Poor you..."
Annoyed, the boy yelled at Aran.
"Y-yeah, I can! Don't look down on me!"
"Well, you better study hard, okay? You only get one chance!"
"You bet!"
The boy said as he smiled.
The mother chuckled at this and thanked Aran before the light turned green, allowing them to safely cross the road.
Before he started walking, Aran looked both ways three times.
When they reached the other side of the road, the boy called out to Aran as he was walking away.
"You better not forget!"
"Alright, I won't!"
He said with a sigh.
The boy smiled before he waved goodbye and ran towards his mom to hold her hand. Aran smiled at the sight of this.
As he continued to walk towards the subway, he dived deep into his thoughts.
I saved them...
Thinking back on the face of the little girl and boy along with the relieved faces of their parents, he couldn't help but feel a warm tingle in his heart.
Dying might be scary, but if I can help other people smile, then...
He smiled to himself as he looked towards the sky.
It might not be that bad after all...
________________________________________
Aran stood at the train platform waiting for his ride home.
Scrolling through his phone, he was looking for a song to listen to while riding the train before he suddenly felt something on his back.
"Huh?" Confused, he tries to look behind him and sees a hooded figure with their hand placed on his back.
The next moment, he was pushed forward and stumbled down the tracks as the approaching train hit him.
His skull immediately shattered on impact, killing him before his limbs were dismembered as the wheels crushed his joints and shattered his bones.
________________________________________
[CONDITION MET.]
[RETURNING TO PREVIOUS SAVE POINT.]