"Time is funny."

It waits for no one. Including me, apparently.

Time seems to tick, fly, and slip through my fingers when I need it most.

A guardian of time and space with terrible time management? Oh, the irony.

...~•~...

A soft thump lands beside me, followed by the flick of a tail.

"Should I remind you what time it is?"

I sigh, tapping my pen against my half-filled page.

"Let me guess... I'm late for something I don't remember?" — "Again?"

"You don't need me to tell you that. But since you're still sitting here, I assume you need the extra push."

Snapping my diary shut. "Why didn't you say something sooner, Symphony?"

...~•~...

Symphony.

Yeah... That's what I call her. My walking, talking, nagging reminder of responsibility.

She is the last Nyxari, last of her kind—

In her feline form, she shifts between ages, slipping in and out of different lives. One time, she's a kitten curled up in a stranger's lap, purring her way into a free meal. The next, she'll be a completely different cat. Each time, she gets "accidentally adopted" by somebody who scoops her up, names her, and dotes on her—until her mission is done, she vanishes just as mysteriously as she arrived. That's how she ended up as Mittens, Pumpkin, Lucky, and about a dozen other names I've lost track of.

Names don't matter to her. She forgotten her real name and never remembered it again. Now she had too many names to count.

Every time she goes undercover, she picks up a new identity, a new home, a new owner who has no idea their beloved pet is anything but an ordinary cat.

But in the end, she always finds her way back to Aetherwynn.

She can also change to a half-human & a full human form. The only difference is she keeps her cat ears, eyes and tail, as a half-human. She is sharp, with an elegance that only comes with centuries of practice.

My grandpa and her found each other long ago. They joined forces. And that's how this place—this... limbo—now known as Aetherwynn—became a kingdom of time and space.

She is now the guardian of Aetherwynn, and yet...

Ironically SO incredibly jealous of Earth cats.

It was a shock when she first visited Earth with my grandma, around 7 decades ago. She had spent centuries watching over cosmic balance, slipping between dimensions, carrying the weight of an entire lost civilization on her shoulders. Then she arrived on earth and saw—them.

Fluffy, pampered, lazy little creatures whose biggest struggle in life was deciding where to nap.

"What do you mean all Earth cats do is eat, sleep, be cute, and—more sleep?!" Symphony had wailed. "Not to mention the lucky ones that just lounge around all day, being fed and petted and adored—" her ears drooped in pure existential despair.

At the end of time... all she really wanted was a home.

"But being some human billionaire's spoiled house cat, curled up in a warm bed, being fed gourmet treats and petted on demand... almost sounds as good." (🐱) "I mean, I wouldn't mind living the dream."

The universe's last great Borealynx Nyxari. A cosmic entity of unfathomable power.

Dreams of a safe cozy home and a lifetime of belly rubs.

...~•~...

"I tried," she says, leaping onto my shoulder as I stand. "Twice. But you were too busy romanticizing your double life in that little book of yours."

"It's not romanticizing. It's... Writing my thoughts to detangle my mind that's already a wrecked ship."

"Well..." her tail flicking against my cheek, "you wouldn't want to upset the children, would you?" — "They're waiting for their 'Melody' you know."

The kindergartners.

"How could I forgot about them? Gosh..." I mutter to myself.

"Go get to them, girl." — "This kitty can handle things while you're gone." *meow*

"Thanks, Symphony. But do remember you're not a kitty cat, you're a—."

*kitty cuts her with a yawn* "I'm both..." — "Now now, go on... "

...~•~...

The magic responded to my intent, wrapping me in a golden-pink glow. My gown reshapes into a dress that suits a highschool girl better than a guardian princess. My tiara fades as a ribbon take its place. A bow neatly tied into my long brunette hair.

My eyes change—once with colors that held the shimmer of northern lights. Now, they settle into warm hazel.

As the magic fades, my prosthetic left leg returns, grounding me back to reality. It's not uncomfortable—I've gotten used to it. But it does feel like a little reminder that some things don't change.

"Magic never truly replaces what was already lost. It just let's me forget for a little while." Grandma Sam once told me. It's safe to say... she's right.

And when I open my eyes—

I'm no longer Ixora Sweetheart Aetheris, Princess of Aetherwynn—Guardian of Time and Space.

I'm just Melody Ashwood.

And I have kids waiting for me.

...~•~...

A flower is a flower.

A strawberry is a strawberry.

And waiting? It takes FOREVER...

But what if... a little bit of a miracle hurry things up?

...~•~...

The moment I step through the kindergarten gates, a little girl with midnight blue hair and blue bell eyes bursts out.

"Melody!"

Miracle's voice rings across the playground, her tiny feet pattering as she sprints towards me. Her pink cardigan flaps behind her like a cape, her glittery sneakers and unicorn headband catch the sunlight.

She crashes a hug into me.

I laugh, ruffling her hair. "Were you waiting for me, Mimi?"

She tilts her head up, beaming. "Of course! You're almost late!"

Before I can defend myself, two more kids appear behind her, her friends—Marvin and Milani.

Marv, the observant one. He has the energy of an old man stuck in a four-year-old's body. Lani, on the other hand, is a sweet kid, always hiding behind her friends when she's uncertain about something.

I look at the three of them. "Why are you outside? Shouldn't you be inside with the others?"

Mira grabs my hand. "Because I have something important to show you, Melody! Come on!"

She tugs me toward the side of the school, where a small garden patch sits behind a low wooden fence. It's part of their class project—each child got to plant something and take care of it.

...~•~...

...Mira planted a strawberry plant because she said,...

..."Strawberries are just like you, Melody!"...

...Wait Mimi, what was that supposed to mean?...

...~•~...

Mira stops in front of a cluster of green leaves and points dramatically. "Look!"

Her strawberry plant she planted last month is finally budding. Tiny white flowers peek from the greenery. "They're growing," I smile.

Mira nods enthusiastically.

"I told them! But they don't believe me when I say these flowers will turn into strawberries!"

Lani: "But Mira, a flower is a flower..."

Marv: "And a strawberry, is a strawberry."

Mira groans. "But a strawberry comes from a flower first!"

Marv: "Aren't strawberries supposed to come from strawberry plants? Not flowers?"

Mira: "This IS a strawberry plant, Marv..."

Marv: "But I see a flower, no strawberry."

Mira: "I told you it's a flower first, then a strawberry."

Lani frowns. "I've never seen a flower turn into a strawberry before..."

I kneel beside them. "Alright, let's clear this up. You know how apples grow on trees, right?"

They nod.

Melody: "Well, before an apple grows to an apple, there's a flower first. The same thing happens with strawberries. The flower... of a fruit plant... will turn into a fruit over time."

Marv and Lani exchange looks, their little brains working through this new information.

Lani leans closer. "So... the flowers aren't just flowers, Melody?"

I nod. "They're baby strawberries in disguise."

Her eyes widen. "Ohhh..."

Marv still seems skeptical, but after a moment, he sighs and nods. "Okay... I think I can understand."

Mira crosses her arms smugly. "Told you."

I chuckle. "Now we have to take care of it and wait for the flowers to turn into strawberries."

Mira: "Then... we can share my strawberries and eat it with chocolate!"

Lani: "That sounds delicious, count me in!"

Mira: "Always!"

Marv: "Waiting takes too long..." — "What if we grow old before it turns to strawberries?"

Mira: "No worries, Marv. The strawberries will appear before we know it."

Marv: "Mira, it can take forever."

Lani: "What if they don't grow?"

Mira: "They will."

Marv: "How do you know that?"

Mira: "I just know things, remember?" — "And I'm miraculously always right!"

Marv: "You think..." he mumbles.

Lani: "Miracul... what?"

Mira: "Miraculous! It's something super amazing, like magic!"

Lani: "You seriously believe in magic?"

Mira nods. "More than I ever believe in myself!" — "And you know how much I believe in myself."

I smile, standing up. "Well, why don't we go inside? Everyone's waiting for us."

They took each other's hands, and together, we head towards their classroom.

And as we walk, Mira whispers to herself, "I just know they'll turn into strawberries soon. I can feel it."

Will they? ✨🍓

...~•~...

As soon as we step inside, the room fills with excited chatter. Tiny hands wave, feet kick happily beneath little chairs. I set my guitar down. "Who's ready to hit some notes?"

🧩 "Me!!" the kids chorus, bouncing in their seats.

I clap my hands twice. Clap! Clap!

🌷 "Hello, hello, it's time to sing,"

🧩 "Hello, hello, the music rings!"

🌷 "We sing, we clap!" I clapped once again.

🧩 "We stomp, we snap!" they chant, stomping their feet once and trying to snap their fingers.

With that, our class begins 🎶

...~•~...

[✨Miracle's POV✨]

I knew it. I knew it!

Lady Lyn was worried, but I told her not to be.

When she first said she'd have to take a break because of her baby, my classmates were upset. Who was going to teach us how to perform? Who was going to help us prepare for the annual fundraising event this November?

But I wasn't worried at all.

"Lady Lyn, don't be sad!" I had told her with a big, confident smile. "I already know the perfect person to coach us while you took your maternity leave!"

(Yes, I know what a maternity leave is. I mean... I'm four—Not stupid...)

She had smiled back at me, but it was the kind of smile grown-ups give when they don't believe you but don't want to hurt your feelings. "That's sweet of you, Mira, but—"

Mira: "She sings like a fairy, Lady Lyn." — "She has this thing that grown ups call a perfect pitch."

Mira: "She also plays guitar, violin, flute, piano, a little bit of a trombone... and many other stuff. Though she likes her classic guitar best." — "And... she's the best girl ever! All my friends will love her, so you don't have to worry about a thing!"

"And who is this magical person?" Lady Lyn asked me.

I puffed up my chest proudly. "Melody Ashwood!" — "My favorite person in the world!"

That's when she gave me the look.

The one that says, Oh, sweetie, you don't understand how the world works yet.

Lady Lyn: "She's a high school student, Mira. That means she's very busy. I can't ask her to—"

Mira: "You don't have to ask her, m'lady." — "Melody will say yes... Trust me." — "I'll take care of it!"

She laughed softly and patted my head. "That's very kind of you, but I'll speak to the headteacher about it, okay?"

But I knew Lady Lyn already had so much on her plate. Being a performance art teacher and being pregnant was never easy! And I also knew that the headteacher wouldn't refuse once she heard the idea.

So, obviously, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

Genius, am I not? ✨✨

I marched straight to the headteacher's office and presented my case like a true professional. I told her everything—about Lady Lyn needing to rest assure, and most importantly, about how my favorite person in the whole world was literally her own niece! I mean, who could say no to that?

...~•~...

Well, actually... Our headteacher, Ms. Noemi Dawson, is Melody's→ Dad's→ Big brother's→ Wife.

When I asked Melody, "Why is Ms. Noemi... a Dawson? Not an Ashwood like her?" Melody told me that, Ms. Noemi didn't took her husband's surename (Ashwood) and kept her maiden name (Dawson). So, Melody is actually the niece of Ms. Noemi's husband—but same thing.

...~•~...

Anyways, just like I predicted, my plan worked.

Performance Art class got moved to the weekends, and Melody became our temporary coach.

And, of course, she never disappoints.

She wrote a special song for us to perform at the annual fund raising event. She sings and plays her guitar like magic. And it actually feels like there is magic in the air, no joke.

I love her.

And I knew my friends would love her too.

See? this 'Mira-Miracle' was right again.

...~•~...

I strummed the first chord. The kids clapped along, their voices chiming in.

"Alright, everyone," I said with a warm smile, tapping the guitar's body for rhythm. "Let's have fun and give it our best!" — "Are you ready?"

They cheered, excitement bubbling in the air.

🎼 🎶 🎶 🎶 🎶 🎶 🎶

🌷: Close your eyes and take my hand; Let's go walking through dreamland.

🌷: Clouds can dance and trees can sing; If you just believe in things

...~•~...

And as I sang the first verse, something inside me slipped out... Magic.

The melodies I played, wrapping around us like a golden embrace. The rhythm settled into their tiny hearts, their claps growing perfectly in sync.

To them, it was just the music. Just a moment where the world felt brighter. I let it linger for a moment before pulling it back, reigning it in before it could slip too far.

Because this wasn't my world. And here on earth, magic was only a feeling. But—

...~•~...

🎶: If you believe, then you will see; Magic lives in you and me

🎶: Dreams can grow like flowers do; If you believe, they might come true!

🌷: Make a wish and let it fly,

🧩: Like a kite up in the sky,

🎶: Wish it loud, wish it bright; Hold it close, hold it tight

🧩: Raindrops sparkle, the flowers grow; Whisper wishes, watch them go

🧩: Close your eyes, count to three; And see the wonders you can see

🧩: Take a step, count to three; Believe in you, believe in me

🎶: If you believe, then you will see; Magic lives in you and me

🎶: Dreams can grow like flowers do; If you believe, they might come true

🧩: Make a wish and let it fly; Like a kite up in the sky

🧩: Wish it loud, wish it bright; Hold it close, hold it tight

🌷: Raindrops sparkle, the flowers grow; Whisper wishes, watch them go

🌷: Close your eyes, count to three; And see the wonders you can see

🌷: Take a step, count to three; Believe in you, believe in me

🎶: If you believe, then you will see; Magic lives in you and me

🎶: Dreams can grow like flowers do; If you believe, they might come true

🧩: Make a wish and let it fly

🌷: Like a kite up in the sky

🎶: Wish it loud, wish it bright; Hold it close, hold it tight

🌷: Wish it loud, wish it bright; Hold it close, hold it tight

...~•~...

"That was amazing, everyone! You're all getting better and better."

The kids cheer and beam.

I chuckled. "Next week, we'll announce who gets to lead the song for the performance. And after that, we'll start practicing the movements, so make sure to keep practicing at home! And most importantly... Have fun!"

I clapped once. "Let's wrap this class up!" —

🌷 "Voices high, Voices low..."

🧩 "We sing it happy, we'll steal the show!"

Laughter rippled through them as they jumped and line up. Some ran for high-fives, others ran for a quick hug before skipping out of the door.

...~•~...

I slung my guitar over my back. I had barely taken two steps out of the door when I spotted little miss Miracle, standing in the middle of her friends, arms crossed with humble smugness.

With a sigh and a small smile, I made my way over. "Alright, what's all the excitement about?"

Marv and Lani turned to me at once, their words tumbling over each other.

"Mira was right, miss Melody!"

"The strawberry grew so fast!"

"She said it would happen soon, and look!"

I followed their pointing fingers—there's a perfectly ripe strawberry.

Ah. So that's what happened.

Another tiny slip of magic. Nothing big—just a nudge, enough to speed up what was already meant to happen. But, of course, the kids didn't know that.

I kneeled beside them, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

Melody: "Maybe it was already growing, and you just didn't see it before?"

Marv squinted. "But we did see it before! It was just a flower!"

"And now it's a strawberry," Lani whispered dramatically.

"See?" A knowing sparkle in Mira's eyes. "I told you it will grow! You just gotta be sure of it."

Melody: "Okay little miss Mira, should I start calling you The Great Miracle? Or Miracle the Great?"

Mira gave an elegant shrug. "Both sounds nice for queen, don't you think, Melody?"

Milani giggles, Marvin shakes his head.

Mira: "What...?"

Marv: "You're unbelievable sometimes..." — "But you're right." — "So I'll believe you more."

Lani: "Big people say, believe in miracles, Marv..."

Mira: "Well, I'm Miracle Evermore." — "Believe in miracles! Or just simply believe in me." ✨

...~•~...

"Coincidence" is another funny thing.

I never really think about it—until one suddenly pulls me back to a memory I didn't realize was waiting for me.

I wasn't expecting today to feel like déjà vu.

But then again, life doesn't asks for permission before it decides to surprise you.

...~•~...

The rhythmic hum of the bus filled the air as I rested my chin on my hand, watching the buildings blur past the window. Beside me, Mira sat with her legs swinging. She's a daughter of a family friend. Her parents couldn't pick her up. So I'm taking Mira home with me and her parents will come and get her later.

Mira: "Wait... Melody, this isn't the way to your house. Where are we going?"

Melody: "Miss Betty's first."

Mira: "Why?"

Melody: "She forgot some medicine in her bag. One of her kids needs it soon, but she can't go back home because she's heading straight to the orphanage."

...~•~...

Miss Betty was someone you could always count on. Being the only daughter of a wealthy family, she had more than enough to live comfortably, but instead of indulging in luxury, she spent her life running an orphanage for babies and young children. She gave them a home, education, and love—everything a child deserved. Some got adopted quickly, others grew up under her care and left when they were ready. But no matter what, they were her kids.

She also happened to own the kindergarten where Mira goes. Some students, like Mira, had families who enrolled them there, while others—like Marv and Lani—were part of miss Betty's orphanage.

Mira hummed, kicking her feet against the seat. "So, we're on a delivery mission?"

Melody: "Something like that."

She grinned. "Good thing I'm here! I wanted to see Crysan again. She'll be there right?"

Melody: "Of course."

...~•~...

Years ago, there was a terrible car crash near Miss betty's orphanage—so devastating that no one believed anyone could have survived. But somehow, in the wreckage, they found her. A baby girl, severely injured but alive. No one could explain how she had made it. "It's a miracle," some said.

No records were found about the baby, no clue as to where she had come from. The only thing she had was the dress she was wearing—a white dress with Chrysanthemum flowers. And that's how she got the name Crysan.

Crysan was the only child under Miss Betty's care who called her "Mother." She was as sweet as cake—clumsy, silly, and full of heart. She had a way of making everyone around her smile, whether through her infectious laughter or the way she hugged people like she'd never let go.

Miss Betty had always cared for children, dedicating her life to them, but she had never legally adopted one—until that day. No one knew what had changed in her, not even Miss Betty herself. But from that moment on, Crysan was her daughter.

And if you asked Crysan, she'd say that made her the luckiest girl in the world.

...~•~...

Mira: "Will Carl be there too?"

Melody: "I don't know, Mimi. Maybe? Maybe not..."

Mira: "Yeah... Carl can be unpredictable. Who knows where he is right now? But Carl is fun! I hope he's home." — "Oh! We're gonna deliver medicine right?"

Melody: "Mhm." I nodded.

Mira: "Hmm... Could it be for Excell?"

Melody: "Axel?"

Mira: "Not Axel..." — "Lani specifically told me his name is written with an E... and C... And a double L. Like how you write 'Excellent'." — "It's kinda like my name. Mira, from Miracle!" — "Cool, right?"

Mira continues chatting while I'm still trying to process her words.

Mira: "Lani said Excel is sick for so long. He stays in hospitals alot. That's why he lives with miss Betty and Carl tags along, because he's Excell's buddy." — "Carl told me they're two pea brothers in a pod." Mira giggles. "I think Carl and Excell are good brother buddies."

Miracle chats along, from one topic to another... And Me? I'm kinda stuck in my loud messy mind.

...~•~...

Excell.

When Mira said that name, and my thoughts stilled.

Not Axel, but Excell with an E. (and C, and double L that is...)

It could be anyone, I know. But when she mentioned he was chronically ill, something in my brain clicked, like a puzzle piece moving into place.

Because I knew an Excell once.

A boy who always sat by the window, enjoying a book way too advanced for a six years old. He often scribbles down answers instead of speaking them aloud. He never joined in the classroom noise—he just didn't seem to care for it. His tracheostomy device had a soft hum, something you'd barely noticed after a while.

People looked at him differently. Some with pity, some with discomfort. But I was the few people who didn't. Maybe because I knew what it was like to be looked at—to have people stare at something you have no control of, something that made you different than other kids.

And that Excell? He never looked at me weirdly either. Never stared too long at my prosthetic leg.

We weren't friends. But there was a mutual understanding as we shared the same classroom in elementary school.

...~•~...

...And now with Mira mentioning 'Excell'...

...It couldn't be the same person, right?...

...I mean, isn't that too much of a coincidence?...

...~•~...

I didn't expect much.

When the door swung open, there Crysan stood, her usual bubbly self—except today, her wide eyes held something else. Relief.

"Finally!" she exhaled,

I handed the medicine. She glanced between me and Mira. "Thank you! Uh... Please come in..." before stepping aside to let us in.

Mira barely gave me a second to breathe before her excitement pulls her towards a room.

"Come on, Melody! I wanna see, Carl!"

Of course. Carl—the human embodiment of chaos and chill fun. The reason this place had any life in it. Mira adored him. And naturally, that meant I had no choice but to be dragged along.

Chrysanthemum, ever the responsible one, handed us masks before we entered the room.

...~•~...

The moment I stepped inside...

Oh.

The scent of antiseptic. The neatly arranged drawers, each labeled for different medications and supplies. Oxygen tanks stacked against the far wall, a nebulizer resting on a side table. A space that had been built around necessity. And yet, it wasn't just a sick room.

Bookshelves lined one side, filled to the brim with thick books and research journals. A project desk sat by the window, scattered with tools, wires, and half-finished models. Pieces of a mind that never stopped.

And there, on the bed was a boy my age.

Sitting up against the headboard. An untouched bowl of food on his lap.

Excell.

I... I couldn't believe my eyes. It's the same Excell as the one I knew.

The boy who had once been my classmate. The boy who had never looked at my prosthetic leg like it was something odd or out of place. But his tracheostomy was gone now.

I swallowed.

What were the odds?

...~•~...

[Carl's POV before the girls entered the room]

"Just one more bite, man! You need nutrition to survive!"

I waved the spoon in front of his face, but all he got in return was a deadpan stare. Excell sat propped against the headboard, looking like someone who's really tired of life. (I bet he is...)

I sighed, flopping onto the edge of the bed. "Bro, do you want me to start lecturing you about metabolism and energy again? Because I will—"

The door creaked open.

Crysan poked her head in, "Excell, your medicine's here!"

Carl: (smirk) "Ha! No more excuses, your lifeline has arrived, so eat up!"

Excell was about to say something but a little 'unicorn' bursts in,

Mira: "Carl!" throwing herself at him for a hug.

Carl: "Hey!" I chuckled. "Nice headband!"

Mira: "Thank you, Carl!" (Proud of her sparkly unicorn headband)

Carl: "And who do we have here?"

Mira: "Remember when I told you the person coaching us while Lady Lyn is away is my favorite person in the world?" — "That's her!" — "Come on, Melody!"

I looked up—and when he saw this... 'Melody' girl...

ohhh.

OH.

This just got interesting.

Because Excell—my buddy bro soulmate, Excell—had gone completely still.

I turned back just in time to catch the look on his face. It was like—Recognition. Shock. A very, very poorly concealed "oh crap" look. My... You should see the look on his face!

I smirked.

No.

I grinned. My infamous evil grin that is...

This girl—Melody—was standing right in front of us, completely oblivious.

And oh...

Oh, Excell, my dearest 'brother', the second people leave this room, you're gonna be COOKED.

...~•~...

[Excell's Inner Monologue]

Coincidence? No. Too convenient.

Stay neutral, Excell. Don't react. (too late)

But how am I supposed to ignore this? The second she walked in, I knew. That voice. That presence. It's been years—years—but I'd recognize her anywhere.

Melody Ashwood.

Elementary school feels like a different lifetime, but I remember. We were just classmates. I was always in and out of school, trailing the sound of medical equipments wherever I went. And she... she was different too. Not because of the prosthetic. That never defined her, at least not to me. No, she had this awareness, like she existed slightly outside the usual current of things. She was usually alone, or sticks with this other girl... Emily wasn't it?

And those two noticed me.

Not in the way most people did—not with pity, not with intrusive curiosity. I appreciated that a lot.

Then, we graduate. Of course.

I heard Emily enrolled to a private boarding school overseas. And Melody? I haven't heard about her. Never expected to see her again. Until I did—just once. By accident.

And that was when it hit me. The realization I hadn't been prepared for.

I liked her.

No, really. I LIKE her... I think.

Didn't expect it. Didn't plan for it. But the second I saw her again, it was obvious. A conclusion waiting to be reached.

And then—just like before—she was gone.

That should have been it. People move, paths diverge, life continues. I kept my feelings to myself.

I never told anyone about this. Never even let myself dwell on it too much. A passing crush will fade by time, that's what I told myself. But then there was... Carl.

Carl dragged it out of me four years ago. Big mistake. A complete and total miscalculation.

And now? Now he's looking at me like he just won the lottery. That smirk. That damn smirk.

Carl is never letting this go.

I'm doomed.

...~•~...

[Carl and his imaginary guitar, throwing a concert to COOK Excell Alive ❤️‍🔥]

Carl: It's been years, but oh, so tragic 🎶 One look—BAM!—where's your logic? Are your lungs okay? Do you need a break? Or did love just punch you in the face?

Excell: "Carl, stop it now and we're good."

Carl: You good? You sure? Should I call for an aid? Or just sit back, sip, and throw some shade?

Excell: "That's exactly what you're doing already..."

Carl: Don't worry bro, I won't tell a soul... Except, you know...

Excell: "Oh that doesn't sound good." (mutters)

Carl: Everyone we know ~Oh Oh Ooh

Excell: *I'm so done with this guy* (-_-)

Carl: Oh bro, fresh outta surgery; Docs worked hard, saved your anatomy. Said, "He'll be fine, just give him space," But then SHE walked in—now look at your face! woo!

Excell: *If I tell you that made me choked, that made me CHOKED*

Carl: Are your lungs okay? Is your heart intact? Or did love just give you a heart attack? Are your brain cells here? Do they still survive? Or did her hazel eyes eat 'em all alive?

Excell: *Ofc I tried to shut him up, but I'm wasting my breath instead*

Carl: Bro, should I call 911, or the angels instead? Cuz at this rate, you're already dead.

Excell: "You're the one who killed me!" (Carl just laughs and kept going)

Carl: Your brain was healing, cells reviving; But her hazel eyes said, "Nah, keep dying."

Excell: "I'm gonna sue you..."

Carl: One look—BRO, why you glitching?! Swear I saw your soul start twitching! Oh!

Excell: *Oh... no.*

Carl: Bro, should I call 911, or the angels instead? Cuz at this rate, you're already dead.

Excell: *Here we go again...*

Carl: Your brain was healing, cells reviving; But her hazel eyes said, "Nah, keep dying." One look—BRO, why you glitching?! Swear I saw your soul start twitching!

Oh! oh oh oh oh Ooh!

Excell: "O...Kay. That's enough." *My breath is getting heavy, trying to shut him up is just draining me.*

Carl: Are your lungs okay? Do you need more air? Should I grab the oxygen or just stand and stare?

Excell: "You get back here, and zip it!"

Carl: Is your heart intact? Or should I step back? Cuz love just hit you like a cardiac attack!

Excell: *Nope. No luck for me when it comes to stopping this guy*

Panting in defeat. Excell deadpan stares at Carl who's happily resuming whatever torture he's doing.

Carl: I mean, no pressure... but WOW, that stare. Maybe sit down? Maybe don't dare?

Excell: "Are you done?" (spoiler alert, NOPE)

Carl: Or should I call the doc and say, "Hey, he's back—Not from love, just a full relapse.

Excell: "Just get done with it."

Carl: Bro, do you need a hospital bed; Or just a WEDDING RING instead??

Excell: !?! — *Immediately tries to take Carl down like a tiger and prey*

Crysan: (who just entered the room) *gasps* ⁉️

Crysan : "Carl... Carl, he's on the floor." — "Carl..." (her voice was too small for Carl to hear)

Carl: BRO, do you need a hospital bed? Or just a WEDDING RING instead?!?!!

(Crysan taking a deep breath.)

Crysan: "Excell's on the floor!!!"

!? (Looking down to the floor where Excell is half dying, physically, mentally, emotionally, etc.)

Crysan: "Should I call mother or the ambulance?" (panicking)

Carl: ". . ." — "Seriously, bro." — "Do you need a hospital bed?" (sincerely asking)

...~•~...

..."Told you I'm doomed" — Excell...

...~•~...