The Superior Rebirth: A Hero's Awakening

The Decision

March 1st, 1810

Night had come and gone in an instant, giving way to the bright afternoon at Pennsylvania Royal Academy. Xavier sat among his friends, their laughter filling the air like music, carrying a warmth he couldn't quite put into words.

"Hey," Aria said, tilting her head at him. "You've been absent a lot lately, Xavier."

"Yeah!" Elowen chimed in, her voice bursting with energy as usual. "We barely see you in school anymore!"

Xavier chuckled, but before he could respond, Emily spoke up with sudden realization. "Wait... are you engaged, Xavier?!"

"WHAT?!" Xavier nearly choked, his eyes wide with shock.

"It would explain a lot," Emily mused. "You've been distracted, and your mind is always somewhere else. Maybe you've secretly found yourself a fiancée?"

Misaki folded her arms, nodding. "She's got a point. You've been acting different lately—super focused on something. If you had a secret romance going on, it'd totally make sense."

Xavier's face turned beet red. "That's NOT what's happening!"

Out of nowhere, Jupiter draped an arm around Xavier's shoulder, grinning. "Relax, bro. It's fine if you want to keep your love life private. We won't judge."

"You guys have it all wrong!" Xavier insisted, still blushing. "I've just been busy with personal affairs and family matters!"

"Personal affairs?" Misaki raised a brow.

"Yeah," Xavier confirmed, rubbing the back of his neck.

Misaki gave him a small smile. "You know, if something's bothering you, we're all here for you."

"Yeah!" Elowen added, pumping a fist in the air. "We're best friends, after all!"

Xavier lowered his gaze, his heart tugged by their words. They meant well. They truly cared. But could they even begin to understand what he was dealing with?

Sophie suddenly gasped, covering her mouth. "Wait a minute... could it be that your secret lover is... Princess Jasmine?!"

"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" Xavier's head practically exploded from frustration.

"I mean, it's possible," Aria said, tapping her chin. "We all know Xavier has a crush on Miss Jasmine. It wouldn't be too far-fetched."

"Yeah!" Emily agreed. "Besides, it's normal for royals to arrange marriages between noble families."

"But..." Elowen whimpered, tears welling in her eyes as she dabbed them with a handkerchief. "Our dear Xavier is too young for engagement! He's only nine!"

Misaki, suddenly joining in, also wiped imaginary tears. "You're right! Our poor Xavier's innocence has been stolen by that woman!"

"You guys..." Xavier muttered, utterly exasperated.

Jason and Jupiter, fully embracing the joke, decided to take it a step further.

Jupiter dramatically fell to the ground like a helpless princess, placing a hand over his forehead. "Oh, my heavens! I, Princess of the Kingdom of Korea, have fallen and twisted my ankle! What shall I do?!"

Jason, playing the role of a dashing hero, knelt beside him. "Fear not, my beloved Princess Jasmine! I, your devoted fiancé, Xavier, have come to rescue you!"

Jupiter, still in character, batted his lashes. "Oh, dear Xavier! What would I ever do without you?"

Locking eyes, Jason and Jupiter dramatically leaned toward each other as if about to share a kiss.