The Shards of War: Ascension and Secrets

Chapter 20

As they prepared for the day, Matsu and Blaze geared up for some intense Tactical Takedown matches, ready to test their skills and teamwork on the field. They checked their airsoft gear, making sure everything was in perfect working order. Matsu grinned at Blaze. "Blaze, it's time to show everyone how we dominate in Tactical Takedown!" Blaze returned the smile. "You got it, Matsu. Let's give 'em a run for their money!" Meanwhile, Calie and Marie were heading to the recording studio, eager to work on a new song with their producer. They chatted with excitement about the creative process that awaited them. Calie expressed her enthusiasm. "Marie, this is our chance to create something amazing. I can feel the inspiration." Marie nodded, sharing Calie's excitement. "Absolutely, Calie. Let's pour our hearts into this song and make it unforgettable." While Matsu was getting ready, he accidentally burned his neck with the hair straightener, causing him to wince in pain. Matsu muttered to himself, "Ouch, wasn't expecting that one. Well, I've got a unique accessory for the day, I suppose."

As Matsu prepared to leave for the day, he decided to use his manipulation aura to braid his hair. With a bit of concentration, his hair formed neat braids, showcasing his aura's versatile abilities.He grabbed his gear, including his airsoft equipment, and headed out to take Calie and Marie to the recording studio. Calie chuckled when she saw Matsu's braided hair. "Matsu, I've said it before, but you really do have some unique talents." Marie nodded in agreement. "You're like our own personal stylist with that aura of yours." Then they left for the recording studio, where they would spend their day crafting music. As they were getting ready to leave the building, Calie and Marie noticed the burn mark on Matsu's neck. Calie gently touched it, expressing concern. "Matsu, what happened to your neck?" Matsu smiled, trying to play it down. "Ah, it's nothing, just a little mishap with the hair straightener this morning. It'll heal soon." After dropping Calie and Marie off at the studio, Matsu made his way to the lobby for some Tactical Takedown matches. As he joined other players, a few of them couldn't help but glance at the burn mark on his neck, curious about its origin.

As Matsu entered the Tactical Takedown lobby, he couldn't help but notice that people were looking in his direction, their eyes fixated on the mark on his neck. Whispers and comments started circulating among the players. "Is that a hickey?" "Hey, didn't he spend the whole day with those two girls at the amusement park?" "I guess those rumors about them dating are true after all." Matsu could hear the hushed conversations and couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed. He knew that people had been speculating about his relationship with Calie and Marie for a while now, and this mark on his neck seemed to be adding fuel to the fire. Matsu, realizing the misconception, decided to set the record straight. He raised his hand to address the onlookers, but before he could say anything, Blaze walked into the lobby. She had a concerned look on her face. "Hey, Matsu, I wanted to apologize for hurting your neck last night," Blaze said, her tone sincere. Matsu's attempt to clear up the situation had backfired. The lobby fell silent for a moment, and then the whispers and speculation grew even more intense.

"Last night, huh?" "Yeah, those rumors must be true." Matsu, Blaze, and the misunderstanding in the room became the topic of the day at the Tactical Takedown lobby. Matsu couldn't help but feel like he had dug himself into an even deeper hole. Blaze quickly caught on to what everyone was whispering about, and she didn't want the rumors to get out of control. She leaned in to help clear the air. "Guys, it's not what you think," Blaze chimed in, trying to sound as reassuring as possible. Matsu nodded, his face turning a bit red. "Yeah, seriously, it's not a hickey. It's just a burn mark from my hair straightener. Look, let me show you." He gently turned his head, allowing the people around him to get a closer look at the burn mark. Blaze chimed in, "See, it's just a burn, nothing more. We were all just having a sleepover." After some initial skepticism, the onlookers seemed to accept the explanation, and the buzz of speculation began to fade. They soon returned to their matches and conversations, leaving Matsu and Blaze relieved that they'd managed to clear up the misunderstanding.