EX-istential Crisis

Chapter 10: The Glowing Apology

Mira ran barefoot through the quiet streets, her heart racing faster than her legs could carry her. The white dress fluttered behind her as she dashed home, ignoring the faint chill of the night. Her cheeks were flushed, her mind a mess of emotions—confusion, embarrassment, and something else she couldn't quite name. The memory of Nelly's breath on her ear, his hands on her wrists, still lingered. She didn't know why she couldn't shake it off.

Finally, she reached her house, rushed through the front door, and made a beeline for her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. She collapsed onto the bed, burying her face in her pillow. Her body felt warm—no, hot. It wasn't the run. It was him. That stupid, clumsy, reckless boy. And the way he had spoken in her ear... It sent shivers down her spine. She was embarrassed, sure, but there was something else.

Mira: [muttering to herself] "Why am I thinking about that? Damn it..."

Her face turned an even deeper shade of red as her mind wandered to... less innocent places. She quickly shook her head, trying to clear the thoughts. No, no, no! Stop!

Meanwhile, outside her house, Nelly sprinted after her, holding Mira's shoes and bag. He hadn't meant for things to go that way. It was supposed to be a prank—nothing more. But now, seeing her so flustered and upset, he realized how badly he might have hurt her. He rang the doorbell, catching his breath as Dr. Raine opened the door.

Dr. Raine: [raising an eyebrow] "What happened?"

Nelly explained everything, feeling like a complete idiot as he recounted the events. Dr. Raine listened, then sighed.

Dr. Raine: "I see. She needs some time. Respect that. You did your part bringing her things back, but let her be."

Nelly nodded, handing over her shoes and bag before walking back home, feeling a weight settle in his chest. He needed to fix this, to show Mira he wasn't just some idiot who messed around for fun.

That night, as Nelly sat on his bed, he couldn't shake the image of Mira running off. He took out his phone, hesitating for a moment before sending her a message.

Nelly: [texting] "Hey, Mira. I'm really sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to freak you out or make you uncomfortable. Can we meet tomorrow? I want to make it up to you. Maybe dinner after? There's something I want to show you."

Mira, still lying in bed, her face flushed, saw the message pop up. Her heart skipped a beat. He wants to meet tomorrow? Dinner? She started overthinking everything, imagining all sorts of scenarios, none of which were as innocent as they should be. Her face turned crimson again as she replayed his voice in her head.

Mira: [thinking] "Why does he have to make things so... weird? It's just an apology, right? Get a grip, Mira."

After a few minutes, she replied.

Mira: "Okay. I'll come. Just... let's not make it weird."

Nelly: "No weirdness, I promise. Tomorrow at 4. See you then."

As soon as she sent the message, she let out a sigh. She'd have to face him again. But something about it made her nervous—in a different way.

That night, Nelly couldn't sleep. He wasn't sure if he could ever apologize enough, but he knew what he wanted to do. He remembered something he had noticed near the weird tree in the tunnel—something magical. The light pollution had made it hard to see, but with the right conditions, he'd noticed the faint glow of bioluminescent plants on the vines and ground near the tree.

His plan was simple: apologize with something special, something no one else could offer. He wanted to set up a surprise for Mira. But he needed help. That's where the homies came in.