"Aah... Haah... I got... here... on time... Haah..." Ewaan exhaustingly muttered as he reached In front of the school building.
As a high school student of the 23rd District Junior High, he also finds comfort in his two childhood friends.
Hayato Ikeda, a 17-year-old with vibrant brown hair parted at the left side, and piercing grey eyes.
"Oh! Look, who finally decided to show up!" He exclaimed with a playful grin, standing by the school gate.
He couldn't resist a playful quip as he watched his tardy friend approach.
As Ewaan nearly approached the school gate, another one exclaimed, "Hey, where have you been? The class is about to begin! Let us hurry!" his voice tinged with concern as he urged their tardy friend to quicken his pace.
Shousuke Lee, also a 17-year-old, possessed vibrant purple hair and striking brown eyes.
Wearing gold-hued glasses that elevates his handsomeness, that also adds to his studious appearance.
Ewaan stopped in his tracks upon seeing his friends in front of the school gate.
After drawing in a deep breath, he says with a surprised tone, "Were you guys waiting for me? I've told you before not to wait if I'm ever late!"
"Come on man," Hayato slapped Ewaan's back reassuringly, as a grinning smile gracing his features, continuing, "We always do things together, remember? Even in the face of getting late, Hehe..."
As they were talking, the school bell rang, signaling the start of the first period.
"Hey! If we don't hurry now, then we'll really be late!" Shousuke spoke urgently, his eyebrows furrowed and his glasses slightly askew, betraying his growing anxiety about being tardy.
The boys immediately dashed towards the school building. Swiftly changed their shoes, and then ascended to the 3rd floor.
With a dramatic flourish, Hayato swung open the classroom gate.
As they entered, he exclaimed with a relieved sigh, "Phew... Just in the nick of time!"
"NOT EVEN!" But the excitement fizzled out as they realized the class was already in session.
"You three rascals never learn, huh?" The teacher exclaimed, her voice tinged with fury. "This is the 4th time in a row! What's your excuse now?" She demanded, her anger evident in her sharp tone and furrowed brow.
"Uh... Umm... T—teacher, we do have a good reason to be late... Hehehe..." Hayato stammered.
Then pointing at Shousuke, he added, "He will tell you!" His mischievous grin hinted at the forthcoming explanation, adding a playful tone to the tense atmosphere.
"WHAT?" Shousuke exclaimed in shock, his gaze darting between Hayato and the teacher with a hint of panic. "Haha... yes, the reason... Uh..."
His hesitant response and nervous laughter betrayed his unease about being put on the spot to explain their tardyness.
The whole classroom fell into a hushed silence, all eyes fixed on the trio at the front of the room, eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.
Some students exchanged whispered comments or suppressed giggles, while others leaned in closer, eager not to miss a single word of the exchange.
The teacher's stern glare swept across the classroom, silencing the students completely. The once-bustling room fell into an eerie stillness, with only the sound of the teacher's heavy breathing breaking the tension.
"Sigh... You three are good students, so I'll let this slide again," the teacher uttered, her tone firm yet understanding. "But remember, next time it's straight to the principal's office, got it?"
The three nodded hurriedly, their expressions reflecting relief and gratitude. "Alright, get to your sits, now!" the teacher instructed, her tone softened by a sense of forgiveness.
As they returned to their seats, a shared sense of camaraderie enveloped them as they shared a bro fist.
The teacher resumed her lecture, and the classroom settled back into its usual routine.
Throughout the entire class periods, Ewaan remained lost in thought, his gaze drifting upwards towards the sky as he pondered the recurring dream that had been haunting him for the past week.
°°°
With the school day ending, the boys began to make their way out, "Oh! Ewaan, wait..." when suddenly Shousuke called out.
When he reached into his bag, Hayato making a realized expression followed suit, also retrieving something from his bag.
They handed their gifts to Ewaan in unison, shouting, "Happy Birthday, Brother! You're now a year closer to your death, hahaha~"
Their laughter filled the air, and despite Ewaan always maintaining an usual stoic expression, he couldn't help but chuckle through his nose along with them.
But Ewaan's amusement vanished soon the moment he saw Hayato's gift. "What's this?" Ewaan uttered, giving Hayato a side-eye along with Shousuke, their expressions reflecting skepticism.
"Hey, hey, don't look at me like that!" Hayato exclaimed with a mix of defensiveness and sheepishness.
But soon he burst out laughing, "Seriously, bro, I was just messing with you..."
He retrieved his real gift, a personalized acrylic plaque featuring a song lyric mentioning their friendship and a photo of them together, "Here you go…" he handed that with a heartfelt smile.
Suddenly, Maya emerged from behind them, asking bluntly, "What are you comedians doing?" her gaze fixed on Ewaan, her intended target.
Hayato and Shousuke got startled as they looked behind them, while Ewaan quickly stashed the gifts into his bag.
"How fares thee, little sister? What doth thy arrival signify?" Hayato inquired, with a playful as he addressed Maya.
"Who's your little sister?" Maya remarked with a hint of disdain.
"You need something? It's not every day that you call out to me at school!" Ewaan spoke, breaking the awkard atmosphere as he addressed Maya's unexpected appearance.
"I... I need to go to the supermarket, and I need a helping hand..." Flustered, She uttered, "So, come with me!"
Grabbing his hand arbitrarily, she swiftly dragged him away from the group and towards the exit.
"Oi!" Ewaan startled at her sudden behavior. He glanced back at his friends, then shouted, "Thanks for the gifts, brothers. I'll see you guys tomorrow!"
With a wave, he allowed Maya to lead him away, leaving his friends behind.
Shousuke and Hayato taking in the amusement, shouted in unison, "Good luck on your date, bro!"
Hearing that, Maya startled and quickly let go of Ewaan's hand. Realizing, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Ewaan gave a quick shrug, indicating a sense of perplexity to the situation with Maya.
Shousuke and Hayato waved at Ewaan with mischievous grins as they left.
°°°
After done with groceries, on their way home, Ewaan noticed Maya's gaze fixed on a gelato shop nearby, across the road.
Glancing at Maya, "What? Want some?" he asked, bluntly.
"Wah... What?" She glanced away from the gelato shop, feigning innocence. "N—no! I don't want any gelato! What gave you that idea?!" Maya remarked, her response gave a hint of defensiveness.
"I never mentioned gelato, what gave You that idea?" Ewaan clarified, playfulness dancing in his tone as he teased Maya.
Blushing, she cast her eyes downward and murmured, "No... It's just..." Suddenly, she burst out, "NO, I don't want any stupid gelato either! Hmph," and pouting.
He chuckled, "I'm just messing with you, relax!" affectionately stroked Maya's head as he continued, "Wait here, I'll be right back..." handing her the groceries, he swiftly make his way towards the gelato shop.
Maya, a bit taken aback, found herself pondering,
– This is the first time I've seen him laughing like that since our parents...
With a warm smile, glancing at Ewaan as he went, she continued,
– It makes me... happy.
°°°
As he was returning with two gelato in hands, something unexpected unfolded before them.
"What the hell?" Ewaan exclaimed, as confusion swirling inside him. "Where the hell did all the people from the street go all of a sudden?"
He wondered aloud, his confusion turning into fright as he looked behind towards the gelato shop only to find all workers and customers alike absent as well.
His grip loosened, and the gelato fell from his hands. He turned to run towards Maya, yelling her name.
Out of nowhere, a shimmering golden magic square materialized beneath Ewaan, its intricate patterns pulsating with an otherworldly glow, imbued with an air of mystery.
"WHAT... in the world!? What is happening?" Shocked and terrified, Ewaan stopped in his tracks, glancing at Maya, who mirrored his expression of fear.
Unable to articulate his thoughts, he could only manage to utter, "Maya...!"
Her grip loosened, and the groceries tumbled to the ground with a thud.
Maya's scream pierced the air, filled with anguish and desperation, "NOOOOO!! BIG BROTHER!!"
Sensing an urgent need, she sprinted towards Ewaan. Then tightly embracing him, as if knowing it might be their final encounter.
A radiant cascade of shimmering golden light descended from above, enclosing them within its mysterious embrace, closing the mystical square with them sealed inside.
The street returned to its normal bustle. Yet for the Tempest siblings, the concept of 'normal' ceased here on out.
As they opened their eyes, disbelief struck them. What unfolded before them seemed beyond comprehension.
Breaking the silence, Maya spoke in confusion, as her voice trembled, "Big Brother... Whe—where are we?!"
••• ••• •••