Vapor: The Tagaytay Timeline

Chapter 34

Chapter 34: A New Beginning

It was the day after the whole “black eye” incident, and Vapor was back at home, resting on the couch, sporting his new eye patch. He thought it made him look cool—like a pirate—but the dull ache beneath it kept reminding him that he wasn’t exactly living the dream.

Esper, his older sister, stood in the doorway with her arms crossed, her eyes scanning him like a concerned mother.

“Alright, little brother,” Esper said, smirking, “that eye patch makes you look like a discount anime character. You sure you’re not leaning into the wrong vibe?”

Vapor rolled his eyes—well, the one that wasn’t covered—and gave a half-smile. “Hey, at least I’m pulling it off. You’re just jealous I got style.”

Esper laughed, walking over to ruffle his hair. “You’re too much sometimes. But seriously, how are you feeling?”

Vapor sighed, sinking deeper into the couch. “Honestly? I feel like a wimp. I let Irish punch me, and I didn’t even try to stand up for myself.”

Esper sat down next to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You’re not a wimp, Vap. Sometimes, letting things slide is the stronger move. You handled it maturely. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn to stand up for yourself. You’ve got it in you. You’ve been through a lot, and you’re still standing, right?”

He looked up at her, grateful for her words but still feeling uncertain. “I guess… but I need to be more confident. I can’t keep being the guy everyone thinks is too soft.”

Just as Esper was about to respond, the door swung open, and in came Rosie, looking as energetic as ever, holding two takeout bags. “I brought food!” she announced, grinning. “Vapor, if you’re gonna mope around, at least do it with a full stomach.”

Vapor perked up, offering a slight smile. “I’m not moping… just… contemplating life, you know?”

Rosie set the bags down and plopped herself between Vapor and Esper, causing the couch to creak. “Oh please, you’re like the least dramatic person I know. Contemplating life? Really? Sounds like you’re becoming a philosopher now.”

Esper chuckled as she stood up. “I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone. Vapor, remember what I said, okay?”

As she walked out, Rosie immediately leaned closer to Vapor, staring at him with exaggerated curiosity. “Sooo… are you okay? Or do I have to give you a motivational speech too?”

Vapor chuckled, shaking his head. “Nah, I’m fine. But hey, do you think I’m… too soft?”

Rosie blinked, then burst into laughter. “Soft? Are you kidding? You literally took a punch for doing nothing! If that’s soft, I don’t want to know what being tough is.” She grinned and nudged him playfully. “Besides, you’ve got this whole pirate-thing going on now. Who’s gonna mess with a guy who looks like he’s plotting to steal a ship?”

Vapor grinned, finally feeling a bit lighter. “Yeah, well, I need to work on being a bit more assertive. Maybe get into a hobby or something. Train a bit. Build some confidence.”

Rosie raised an eyebrow, giving him a sly look. “Confidence, huh? You sure you’re not just trying to impress me?”

He felt a bit of heat rush to his face but leaned back with a smirk. “Maybe. I mean, I gotta keep you on your toes.”

Rosie pretended to be surprised. “Whoa, whoa! Is that sass I’m hearing? Look at you, Vapor, growing a backbone already!”

He couldn’t help but laugh, feeling a bit more like himself. “Yeah, maybe a little. I’ve been hanging out with you long enough, it’s starting to rub off.”

The two sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Rosie turned serious, placing her hand over his. “Vap, you’re fine just the way you are. I don’t need you to be some super-confident tough guy. Just be you. That’s the guy I like.”

Vapor felt a warmth in his chest as he met her eyes. “Thanks, Rosie. I’m trying, though. I think… I think I’m starting to figure out who I am.”

She smiled softly and leaned in, resting her head on his shoulder. “Good. Because I like who you are, pirate patch and all.”

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Later that week, Vapor decided to meet up with Miles, his best friend. They were sitting on a park bench, watching the clouds drift by, when Vapor decided to share his thoughts.

“You ever feel like you’re not… enough?” he asked out of nowhere.

Miles raised an eyebrow, looking over at him. “Whoa, getting deep all of a sudden. What brought this on?”

Vapor shrugged. “I’ve just been thinking… I need to step up, y’know? Be more… everything. I don’t want to be the guy who gets pushed around anymore.”

Miles nodded slowly, thinking it over. “I get it. But Vapor, you don’t have to be anyone other than who you are. If you want to grow, that’s great. But don’t change for the sake of it. Be yourself—just a better version of you.”

Vapor smirked. “When did you get so wise?”

Miles smirked back. “Hanging out with me, you should’ve picked up on that a long time ago.”

They shared a laugh, and for the first time in a while, Vapor felt at peace. He wasn’t going to change overnight, but he was starting to see that maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t as weak as he thought.

And who knows? Maybe being a little sassy could work in his favor.

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End of Chapter 34

This chapter was a mixture of humor, light-hearted moments, and character growth for Vapor as he starts to explore a more confident side of himself while still maintaining his caring nature.