Reaching for the Stars

Chapter 34: Iridescent Warmth

I just realised that as of today (01/03/21) this story now has 1.000 votes. Thank you so very very much, everyone! I never thought this story would get so much love and appreciation. Heck, I even don't really pay attention to the number of views and votes aaaaaa *happy crying*

Now, I remember telling you that we'll have Octo x Kevin a few chapters ago. To celebrate this story getting 1.000 votes, it will be uploaded tomorrow! Get your tissues ready because it's a long one and took me a long time xD

Edit: It's up yusss

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Tom stared at his reflection in the mirror. It looked tired, stressed, even depressed. The reflection's shoulders sagged as if it were carrying a burden too heavy for it. The eyes looked tired as if the person had already given up. He wanted to say that this was not him, that he was looking forward to spending the winter holiday with joy. Unfortunately, mirrors couldn't lie.

However, what stood up from the rest was his right eye. It looked bright red, the iris, so bizarre, so... otherworldly. A contrast to his faded red left eye.

And it couldn't see.

No matter how hard he tried, his right eye couldn't see. His vision was now imperfect, limited only to the other eye he had left. He was partially blind. Fuck Rodrigo's boss for kicking him that hard.

Maybe his time was approaching. Doctor had said that his eyes might no longer be able to see, and he had come to terms with it. He had surrendered himself to the harshness of reality. Surgery was an option but he couldn't afford it.

He looked away and sat on his bed, burying his face in his arms. Sure, it made him look so awesome; red heterochromia looked so cool in films and comics, and his was no exception. However, he wondered how would people think of him, because no matter how, his eyes were different.

Different.

He lay on the bed and stared at the ceilings. This one, he couldn't hide it. Scars, sure. Cuts, of course. Blood streaks, easy. But an eye is something everyone looked at. He couldn't just hide it because people would ask.

Why did the world hate him so much? He only wanted to be normal, dammit; was that too much to ask?! Normal life was enough.

The grey wolf took a deep breath. Covering it with an eyepatch would be the best option, but he couldn't go to the city without anyone noticing his eyes.

His alarm rang. It was 5 in the morning.

Rule one: do not stand out too much.

Whatever. If people were going to see, then so be it.

-

"He got away."

Rodrigo looked at the floor, leaving his boss to talk to his boss' boss. He disliked this part of his job because meeting the gang leader or the Big Boss meant listening to his insanity.

At least this time it wasn't his fault.

"No surprise there." The bear puffed his cigarette. "I wasn't really expecting you to catch him, anyway."

The bison flinched.

"Apologies, boss, we—"

Big Boss cut him. "Nonetheless, I expect you to bring me some information."

"Y-yes." His boss walked to Big Boss' desk, the footsteps very audible in the deadly quiet room. The room was cold, dark, and in his opinion, very uncomfortable for him. Like the rest of the building, the room was very disorienting.