𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗔𝗚𝗘

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘-𝐎𝐍𝐄 - REUNITED

He's not a bad guy.

I'm fact, he's the exact opposite of that. He's willing to risk himself for the sake of others and remain optimistic even when he's not confident in himself — he is confident in others, including me. He saw through the lines of anxiousness I scribbled out against myself and he simply erased them. Maybe that's an exaggeration but he really did help me think more positively — maybe it's his own personal experience that brought that out of him.

He was kind, very considerate for his friends and random people — he became a shaman to save lives and I did to get out of dying. He's a good person — and inspiring individual worth admiration towards all his capabilities. He's strong minded which is what keeps him going, and at this point everyone else too.

Physically he isn't too bad either. I've seen him fight and train and with both he's completely focused and very balanced with his steps. He's meticulous and plans his movements properly — a true swordsmen with natural skill.

Perhaps the red on my face was my own humility from being so much more cowardly than him. I was embarrassed to be near him because he is so much better than me — in every aspect. He's smart, skilled, and optimistic. I just admire him. Nothing more than that, I'm sure.

"What do you think of that place?"

My shoulders lifted and I looked to the side, instantly met with the side profile of the very boy I was just thinking of. Dark threads of his hair fell aimlessly around the top of his head, swaying only with the breeze, a defined jaw line that was simple but strong against his light skin that was ever so often tainted with a scratch. He was neatly dressed in clothes worn naturally around the citizens of the country, a simple shirt and dark jean pants. Even though it was plain and broad, he looked neat — maybe it was the slight spritz of cologne that lingered near me even when he earned away from my face.

I blinked my thoughts away and straightened my posture a little, my eyes wandering off to where he pointed to. "There?" I questioned pointing off at a building across the road. "Yeah." He simply responded looking back at my face — for a brief second we were at a very minor distance. "Sure, I don't see why not."

We made our way across the street, passing over the asphalt with a quick pace as if to avoid impatient drivers. Eventually we enetered the building we both eyes from the opposite side of the road.

Instantly we were greeted with up-beat music and dim lights. The scent of greasy pizza and sweets followed the nostalgic scenery. Different clicks and raps echoed with following shouts and laughs along with loud beeps and shudders on small screens. The neon patterned ground made with strange and unnatural shapes was lit with the purple UV lights hung around the ceiling. I felt like a young kid again.

"Well, we only have a few hours," He raised his voice, standing a little closer to speak over the many sounds reverberating through the arcade we dragged ourselves into with childish mindsets. It was a great reliever, the lack of stress from the world dedicated to saving lives with eye son you from every angle was refreshing. I felt like I was given another chance, my shoulders sagging in reaction and a small smile coming to play in my face.

"I have cash," He added while I continued to wander around the place with my eyes. Many young girls and boys crazily tapping at the buttons and many shouts following. I didn't feel abnormal — I didn't feel like I needed to make a stressful decision of life or death. I felt like my oblivious side returned and I didn't need to cower or train to kill hateful creatures. "There's food..."

"And entertainment." I added leaning a little closer as a few kids ran by to turn in their few hundreds of tickets. I smiled a little seeing myself at a younger age doing just the same and hoping today I could let go of my worry for a bit. "And entertainment." He smiled looking back to me from the many lights and sounds. Both of us walked over to the counter and collected our coins with a happy glint in our eyes — the childlike innocence returned and we were both prepared for the next few hours to be dedicated to winning.

"Where do we start — " Anticipation got to me and the moment he said those words I was already ready to go. "Space Invaders." I said over his voice a lack of patience almost embarrassed me but I was to consumed by the thought of relaxation and fun I wasn't humiliated. He paused, slowly a smile crept onto his face. "I was thinking the same thing."

Rushing off the two of us cut by people before eventually reaching the game I had been eyeing a happiness tingled across my skin and a smile made its way to my face the moment we stepped up there. "2 tokens.. and.." The moment the two metal coins were inserted the game rang with a few buzzed beeps my hand flying out to the buttons and control stick.

————

"7,121 tickets combined." He labels after a few hours of non-stop games, snacking, and smiles.
"What do we get?" He asked looking up to me from the small receipt in his hand.

I silently thought on his question before looking at the prizes skeptically, a mischievous smile on my face the moment my eyes set on a fluffy black and white toy held on a string. "Do you think it would be weird to get Panda a panda toy?" I asked with a laugh, the boy beside me smiling, "Absolutely."

"Can we get that stuffed bear?" I pointed at the stuffed toy and the lady behind the counter happily took it down for us, handing it to Yuuta, who passed it to me.

"Okay, now, what do you want?" I asked almost impatiently, the anticipation for gifts had made me slightly fidgety. "5,121 tickets left, better make a decision before I waste it on candy." I lightly threatened, a playfulness in my tone received a smile from him and the lady waiting for us to decide. "Hold on, hold on — I'm still looking." He waved at me as he peered around the table of items.

As he debated internally on what to choose my impatience cause me to awkwardly shift my attention elsewhere my mind occupied. The moment I trailed off into my imagination I had instantly been brought back at a familiar face crossing my vision. I felt my heart stop and my stomach swirl in uncomfortable spirals.

"Oh — can I have those bracelets." Calmly, she spoke with a light and requesting tone, it was always odd to me how people would change their voice when talking to someone else — it was probably to be more enthusiastic and presentable.

Etsuko had a lighter tint in her hair, a few blonde streaks to swirl into the light-brown she usually never paid attention to. She wasn't wearing anything formal, just comfortable shorts and a slightly cropped shirt. She didn't seem fazed by my stare but when her eyes eventually wandered to mine her face lost its relaxed look and turned shocked. "(Y/N)..." The words that passed her lips were cold and almost unhappy. I fought the urge to step back and nodded at her. "It's nice to see you." I murmured looking down shamefully her eyes glaring fiery arrows that pierced my calmness.

"Are you kidding me?" She suddenly said catching my attention once more, a nervous feeling made the hairs on my hand stick up, she was a little closer to me and that was more than enough to tell me she was angry. "What...?" Unable to process her words at first I stuttered out a pathetic mumble with a helpless look in my eyes.

"You can't just act like you were not ghosting everyone to the point people had missing posters of you hanging all over the neighborhood!" She raised her voice, a few people turned our way to see what was happening and I stepped backed slightly. I knew that the chaser hadn't really cared to give her the bracelets she asked for and that Yuuta was already done with looking at the items he wanted to.

"Etsuko — "

"I don't want to hear yer reasoning! Not until you've heard what I've had to say." Her stern words cut me off and nearby Yuki was watching us speak, the same shocked look Etsuko wore just before that astonishment turned into distaste.

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Aleyasia's Notes!
This chapter was really just an extra, the only way it associates with the actual plot is to build up a better "friendship" :D
I debated on whether or not to post it, but it gives you the idea of how Saturday would've went — the moment this chapter ends it's back to the main plot full of adventure and chaotic emotions!
Thank you for reading :>