To Remember is to Forget

The next morning, Zaiex was sound asleep beside Lan’s bed. It was rather a quiet morning, the sun barely peeking through the covered windows. With a small grunt and a big yawn, Lan sat up straight and stretched his arms wide. As he rubbed his eyes, he noticed he’s still wearing his clothes from yesterday, and barely remembers what he did last night. While thinking, he tried to search for his phone, and then a small groan from Zaiex startled him. He looked at him and crept his hand slowly just above his eyes to remove some of his bangs. Still asleep, Lan can’t help but smile by his cute face, he is softly caressing his cheeks with his thumb. After a few minutes of blissful silence, he gently put his strong arms under him, and carried him towards the bed and put the covers on him. Ever so slowly, he walked out the room and he left the door ajar ever so slightly behind him and let him sleep for a while.

Few minutes has passed, suddenly a delicious scent of fried eggs and bacon is travelling across the whole house. Still in Lan’s bed, Zaiex can’t help but smell the scrumptious food that Lan is cooking. While his eyes are still closed, he sluggishly stood up, felt his way around the house with his hands attached to the walls and carefully went downstairs to follow the scent. “Hey Zaiex! Good morning. Ready for breakfast it seems?” Lan cheerfully asked while cooking the rest of their breakfast. “You seem to be more lethargic than my big brother, Zaiex. Did you have drink as well?” Akihiko asked, while drinking a glass of milk at the dinner table. Confused, Zaiex began to wake up from his daze and saw that Akihiko and Lan is right in front of them. “Wha-! What are you guys doing in my house?” “Hahaha! You don’t remember, do you? You carried me inside our house last night and tucked me in. Which by the way, thank you so much.” Lan grinned as he settled the rest of the eggs and bacon onto the dinner table. “Huh… OH! Right! Hahaha. Sorry. Short term memory.” Zaiex said with embarrassment. “Have a seat already and eat breakfast, we’re gonna be late. And look we’re already on our school clothes!” Akihiko mentioned. Noticing he is the only one in yesterday’s clothes, he quickly sat down and ate his meal. After eating his breakfast, he went to his house, slowly crept inside, and expertly avoided her mother who is preparing breakfast in the kitchen. With accuracy and swiftness, he wore his school clothes and made a quick dash outside the house where Akihiko and Lan are waiting outside.

“Woah. That was fast.” The two shocked with how quick he got his clothes on. A boastful grin appeared on his face and held his glasses up. “Hmph! This is my special move. Quickly-put-on clothes-and-leave-house-without-anyone-noticing technique. Wahahaha!” The two remained silent and a transparent cringed expression can be seen from them, and in unison, they said… “Your naming needs a little work.” Being turned down from his awful naming, he felt dumbed out and both of them pulled Zaiex scurried with a few minutes left on the clock. "Woah! Wait slow down! My arms are gonna fall off!! Ahhhhh!!!

After a huge marathon and Zaiex screaming. the three arrived the school gates sweating and panting hard. “Phew! Only a minute left before the bell rings. I’d say that’s a new track record.” Zaiex said while sitting down, tired on the floor. “As usual, you do run fast. Hahaha.” Lan laughed making no sweat at all from the running. “How come you’re not tired big brother? Oh right… Soccer team captain. Forget I asked.” “We have to go now. Or else we’ll be really late.” Akihiko swiftly ran inside the school. “Wait! And there she goes. Sigh… Oh before I forget! I’m going to send a quick message to my mom.” As he picked up his phone, he saw a ton of missed calls and text messages, sweating he made a concise and small excuse and nervously pushed the send button. Before the two parted ways, Lan stopped Zaiex and mentioned they’ll be having a meeting with the soccer club team and that the new recruits shall be joining as well. “And after the meeting, care to join me for a small talk outside school? I’d treat you with some ramen!” Lan suggested with positive and gentle tone. Excited, he gleefully accepted. “Okay! See you later then senpai!” The two waved and went to their classrooms.

Zaiex and his friends spent the whole day normally, taking up their first lessons and knowing each of their classmates slowly but surely. The who day went by without a hitch, and then the classes have ended for the day and most of the students are going to hang out, go home and some are going for their club. “Kay guys! I have some meeting with the music club today. I’ll be heading off then! See yah!” Lily exclaimed in a cheery voice. “Me too Zai. I’ll be going to dance club. They say that our seniors are going to perform something to welcome us.” Asche said and waved goodbye. “See you. Okay, I guess I’ll head straight to the soccer clubroom.” He hurriedly went to the clubroom and all of the team members are waiting, already sitting down and chatting with each other. Struggling to hide his presence from the rowdy crowd, he took the first seat at the back of the clubroom where no one is around. He patiently waited for the room to fill up, then suddenly Lan’s hand touched his shoulder making him flinch from his seat. “Woah there! It’s me Lan! Sorry if I startled you.” Holding his chest, he let out a huge relieved sigh. “Don’t scare me like that! I’m really easy to be scared.” “Hahaha. Okay I’ll take note of that. Oh by the way! I’m sure you already met our adorable club manager, Lucy.” Lucy appeared behind Lan and re-introduced herself and shook Zaiex’s hand. “Lan, I think we should start the meeting?” Lucy asked. “Oh right! You hang tight there Zaiex, don’t you want to take some of the seats up front?” Lan suggested. “Oh no! I’m fine here. I have good hearing! Hahaha” “Okay suit yourself then. You wait for me after this meeting, okay?” Lan left and Zaiex patiently sat down at the back of the crowd.

The meeting has started and while everyone is in silence, Zaiex is fixated on Lan who is holding a marker and writing certain pointers on how they do things in the club. He can’t help but admire him from afar on how built and cool he is. When Lan finished writing and discussing, he turned over to Lucy to start off the introduction of the new members. Lan suddenly looked at Zaiex and smiled at him brightly. Flushed, he turned away his flustered eyes elsewhere, completely avoiding his gaze, but as he did, Lucy called him and made him introduce himself up front. “Hi everyone, I’m Zaiex. Nice to meet you all, this is the first time I’ll be joining sports. I’ve been studying soccer, but I’m still a newbie. Looking forward to working with you all.” He bowed politely and everyone started to murmur with negative remarks. He is holding his bow for a while to avoid the discriminating gazes from the other new members. Lan lightly stood beside Zaiex and patted him in the back, which in turn calmed down his shivering body. “Thanks Zaiex. I actually had a little spar with him in the field, and he is quite good. Let’s all learn together and make him belong here all right? Same goes for the new members. That's all. You can now go back Zaiex.” Lan was still holding a stern and encouraging look at everyone, and Zaiex thanked Lan for ending the awkward moment. The introductions continued and then the existing members personally talked to new members. After a long exchange of words with each other, the meeting has ended with a good note, making everyone in the team feel welcomed, including Zaiex.

The sun is starting to set, coloring the sky warm red orange and the clouds moving along as the chilly breeze carried it around. While the students are leaving the campus, Zaiex waited outside the school gate, and as he looked at the entrance of the school building, he saw Lucy and Lan closely walking together and is having a merry conversation. His smile turned into a somber frown, and in his mind he can’t help erase the feeling of disappointment, he couldn’t begin to explain why he’s feeling this way. As they’re reaching the gate, he quickly hid behind the gate post and the two appeared right beside him, Zaiex turned away from them, making him unnoticeable. “Hahaha. Okay Lucy, I will help you with your math problem tomorrow before class.” Lan said to Lucy, “Really? Thanks so much! Hehe” Lucy jumped with excitement and held Lan’s right arm tight. At the same time, Zaiex made a small look behind him and saw it, but he instantly looked away, and as he did, Lan noticed him. “Oh! There you are Zaiex. Have you been waiting long?” Lan approached him while Lucy is still clinging on to him. “Oh hey Zai. Didn’t notice you there. You guys going somewhere?” Lucy asked and Zaiex calmly faced them breaking any traces of uneasiness in his face. “Hey guys. I just arrived here hehe. Oh? What’s this, are you two together now?” Zaiex made a teasing remark. Lan and Lucy looked at each other and noticed Lucy was still clinging on to him. Flustered, they distanced themselves in a comfortable space. “Hahaha. We’re just talking about our lessons. Isnt’ that right, Lucy?” “Y-yeah! Aha-ha-ha” Both sounded nervous and attempted to lessen the awkwardness of the situation. “Hmmm. Okay if you say so.”Zaiex said, dismissing the current topic. “Well Lucy, let’s continue our conversation tomorrow. We’ll be going now.” “Okay. See you tomorrow Lan!” Lucy made a smile and walked in the opposite direction. “Shall we Zaiex?” “Let’s go!” When they started walking, Lan put his left arm around Zaiex’s shoulder and he made quirky smile. Zaiex went along with it while secretly holding a blushing expression.

After strolling around down town in complete silence, the sky has turned blue and stars started appearing. In a quiet road, a local Ramen shop is residing, a few customers are coming and going, and the two entered the shop. “We’re here. Good evening pops! Wow looks like there’s only a few customers today huh.” Lan exclaimed. “Hey Lan! Good evening. Oh you seem to have brought a friend today. Who’s the young lad?” Said the curious middle-aged man who is preparing ramen noodles behind the counter. “This is Zaiex. Our proud new soccer team member!” Lan patted Zaiex in the back with great force making him stumble. “HEY! That hurt! Seriously, what have you been eating? 5 dozens of eggs” Zaiex said while caressing his back because of the impact. “Hahaha! You both seem to be quite friendly with each other already. The name’s Gen, and the ‘proud’ owner of this pristine ramen shop! Wahaha” Gen gave a loud and funny chuckle. Immediately ignoring his dumb laugh, the two took a chair in front of the counter and Lan ordered a bowl of tonkotsu-shoyu ramen that blends together the pork bone broth popular in western Japan and the soy sauce-based ramen broth popular in eastern Japan also called the Wakayama ramen. On the other hand, Zaiex ordered a bowl of shoyu-based broth also contains chicken and a bit of pork, but the real star of the show is the layer of rich pork back fat suspended on top also called the Onomichi ramen.

After a few minutes, their ramen has been served. “Here you go! A healthy serving of Wakayama ramen and a spicy serving of Onomichi for Zaiex. Enjoy!” Gen served with glint in his eyes and a matching proud grin on his face. “You ordered a spicy serving of Onomichi?” asked Lan in a surprise tone. “Yep! I really love spicy food. Sometimes, I eat the chili pepper too if I’m feeling it. And it seems you ordered 3 extra egg toppings? Is that how you get those muscles of yours?” With a laugh, Lan made a small pat on Zaiex’s back and made an exaggerated joke. “Well… This is nothing, I usually order 5 dozens of eggs just like you have predicted earlier. Hehe” After hearing that remark, Zaiex almost choked on his noodles. “Ack! Blech! WHa-what? Seriously?!” Lan and Gen laughed loudly in unison. “He’s just pulling your leg Zaiex. I always make sure my nephew here doesn’t go over the receommended healthy servings of meat and poultry.” Gen said. “Wait, hold on? What’d you say?” Zaiex asked in surprised confusion. “Oh I didn’t mention as well. Gen is my handsome and awesome uncle!” Zaiex choked on his noodles. “Gufckwach. Ahem! Whaaaat?! How many people is your relative huh? First Akihiko, now him!” He cleared his throat and wiped his face. “Hahaha! Sorry. But yes, he’s my uncle. He took care of us when… our parents died a few years ago...” The air turned sour in an instant, and the shop with almost no customers left can’t become more silent. Lan and Gen stayed still and quiet for a few moments. “I’ll uhh… I’ll cook some more ramen. I’ll be right back.” Gen left them alone quietly. Zaiex looked back at his half-finished ramen. He couldn’t bear to look at Lan for a while. Lan was sitting there, holding his chopsticks with a tight grip almost breaking it apart. Finally, after seconds of dejected atmosphere, Lan spoke in a strained voice. “My parents… they… died because of someone who is a powerful conglomerate in the sports industry.” Zaiex looked at Lan, listening intently on his story. “When I was in junior high school, I was scouted to participate in International Youth Soccer League (IYSL). And one of the participants was also a son of that powerful conglomerate.”

The room felt small for a moment, leaving the two inside. Zaiex had his focus on him, trying to listen to all of the bits and pieces of the story. As he listen to him, Lan began to imagine and feel the very memory he tried to forget. Lan sets down his now broken chopsticks, and clasped his hands together tightly. Zaiex leaned closer and held his strong and firm hands trying to comfort him. “You don’t need to force yourself. “ He saw Lan was already gritting his teeth, trying to hold off most of his tears from falling. After a few seconds, he let out a troubled breath. “I-I don’t know what to do. I want to forget, but it still comes back.” Lan uttered with a stammering tone. “Sometimes, it’s easier to forget if you remember what happened. It happened for a reason, we might not know what it was, but no matter how big or small the occurrence, what we can do is accept it and learn from it.” Zaiex said with a straight yet compassionate concern. Gen made a quick look at both of them, and served a warm green tea, and the two gladly accepted and drank it down slowly. The awful tension began to subside as they calmed themselves down with the soothing tea they had. Gen began to tidy up the tables, while leaving the two to talk. Lan composed himself, relaxed his shoulders and sat upright and looked at Zaiex with a smile that is both sad and happy. He then began to continue his story.

“My dad, Ian, he was a well-known sports coach, he was one of the coaches that led the new teams to reach international competitions.” As he was explaining he looked at the ceiling and made a grin, as he closed his eyes and imagined his dad coaching in a soccer field with one of the soccer team. “Start doing 100 laps around the field now! After that do some kicking drills.” Ian strongly ordered the team. “Dad… You’re being too strict again.” Lan said while gradually approaching his dad. “Son! I’ve been waiting for you. How’s the interview for your international youth soccer league? Did your mother and sister dropped you off here?” Ian said, ruffling his head. “Yeah… But she left quickly cause she had to drop off Akihiko at the school, and she said that she has some cases to take care of as well.” Lan said. “I see. It’s probably that case with the yakuza again. She shouldn’t continue with it. I don’t want her to get involved on it more.” Ian said in a troubled and angered voice whilst clenching his fist. The air tensed a bit, but Lan swiftly and calmly eased it up. “It’s all right dad. I’m sure mom knows what she’s doing. Anyways, can you help me practice my corner kicks today?” Lan asked. Ian made a huge sigh and started to refocus and continued with giving instructions and training to Lan and the rest of the soccer team.

“Wow. You have both impressive parents huh. I’m surprised you guys are not living in a big mansion like Ren.” Zaiex made a funny remark. Lan responded with a low chuckle. “My parents didn’t like having big houses or grand lifestyle, they’d rather save it up for our family. Well anyway, we were living pretty well, but then as the international youth soccer league is coming… we received… or at least my dad received an email that night…”

At the Vanderson’s residence, just like any other evening, quiet and calm, they're having their dinner together happily. “So dad… I heard another participant was invited to be instructed and coached under you…” Lan inquired. “Ah yes… He is good I tell you that. But he doesn’t compare to you.” Ian boastingly exclaimed. “What do you mean Dad? Big brother is not that impressive.” Akihiko joked while eating a piece of her caramelized beef stake. “Hahaha. She’s right. I’m not that impressive dad.” Lan said. Akihiko retaliated with another joke and the two kept arguing in a funny manner. Ian calmed them down and they continued with their meal. “Kimiko, my love. How’d your day go?” Ian asked her wife, and looked at her and saw that she was deep in thought and that she haven’t touched her food one bit. Kimiko was spacing out, deeply in thought of the case that she is taking up where a certain yakuza was following a powerful conglomerate, and that same person is the father of the son that was chosen as well for the International Youth Soccer League and is currently under Ian’s care.

Ian called out to her many times, but to no avail. Worried, he approached her and touched her shoulders softly. “Honey… Is everything okay? You look pale.” As she felt his husband’s hands and heard his voice, he got out of his thoughts and collected her focus. “Huh… Oh I’m all right. Just a little stressed…” Kimiko said in a nervous tone. “I think you should take some rest now. Come on, I’ll help you up and take you upstairs. You two finish your meal and clean up afterwards okay? I’ll look after your mother.” The siblings continued eating, and Ian gently supported Kimiko up to their room. Ian tucked her and gave a warm and soft kiss on Kimiko’s forehead. In response, she held Ian’s hand, and said quietly… “Stay here for a bit please?” Ian nodded and joined her in bed. He lightly put his arm around her, and she put her head on top of Ian’s chest, making them close to each other, feeling each other’s body, releasing a calming and caring air around the room.

After a few minutes, both of them fell asleep. Then, Ian heard a subtle reverberating twinkle sound from the computer just across the room. He scratched his eyes, took a small look at Kimiko and kissed her on the forehead before slowly removing her from him and placing the covers on her. He then quietly walked towards the lit up computer and saw a single email that was addressed to him. He read the email and in it was an elaborated threat towards him and his son, and at the end of the email was an intricate yet ominous symbol. “No sender… Tsk. Might be a spam. And that symbol… I felt like I saw that before. No matter. Whoever you are, I will never let my son’s dream be tarnished. I won’t let you harm him.” Ian fiercely scoffed and without any hesitation, he deleted the mail. He stood up and glared at the computer as he clenched his fist and gritted his teeth. While standing there for a few minutes, Lan saw his dad making such expression just a bit through the pried door of their roo. He became confused, then he silently opened the door slightly and asked his father what was the matter. In a split second, he got startled in his feet and his tense stance broke. He hurried towards the door and consulted his son. “Hey… Why are you still up, son? Is Akihiko already asleep?” “She already went to bed. I just finished brushing my teeth and I was just about to go to my room when I saw you were standing there making a scary face.” Lan said with a concerned expression. “I’m all right son. Just stressed I guess… You go on ahead now. We still have training tomorrow first thing in the morning.” Ian reached out, patted his head, and gave him a quick peck on his forehead. They left each other and slept through the night as nothing happened, however as Ian went back to bed, he held her wife firmly and closely to her, and eventually falling asleep.

The next day, the training with Ian and the other participant for the league named Chaud Calfacio began with Ian as their coach for a week. The training started out well, and it was strict yet effective and enjoyable. Lan and Chaud were distant at first, but after a few interaction with each other, they became friends. Ian was glad and content. However, behind in his mind he could not help thinking about the email. While deep in his thought, with his arms crossed and standing firmly on the ground, he managed to see on his peripheral vision the belongings of Chaud. On the body of the bag, he noticed the symbol he saw from the email last night. The symbol shows a dark grey wolf howling at a full bloody red moon pierced by a golden long sword. He sweated a bit and his body started to tremble too. Chaud and Lan went back to the bench where Ian was standing, all sweaty and dirty from running and diving on the field. Before they notice, Ian regained his focus and smiled at the two boys. The two greeted Ian and drank their water, Ian coyly asked Chaud about the symbol on his bag. “Oh that… Well my dad is always using the symbol… I guess it looked cool so I had someone embed it on it.” Chaud happily said. “Wow. Really? It looks awesome. I’d want to have one of those.” Lan excitedly said. Ian looked down the floor and made a thinking pose with his right hand placed on his mouth. “Why’d you ask coach? Chaud inquired. “It’s nothing. I felt like it was familiar to me. Anyways, you guys continue your routines after a 5 minute break.” Ian ordered brushing off the previous topic.

“Hmmm. That symbol…” Zaiex muttered. “Do you know it Zaiex?” Ian asked in a probing expression. He denied and had Lan continue the story.

After a few days, an unexpected accident happened to Chaud. He suffered an injury called Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). Because of this he was in need of surgery, and enter rehabilitation for a few weeks. With just 3 days left before the actual meet, Chaud will not be able to attend. One calm afternoon at the residence of Vanderson’s, Ian received another email, but this time he was invited to go alone and personally to a certain place. This was sent with a small and vague remark, claiming that it was Chaud’s father. He collected his stuff, and prepared to go to the said place. Before he got out of the door, his son stopped him. “Dad… Where are you going?” The door was half opened, he hesitated to let go of the doorknob, and he then turned around and quickly said to his son that he’ll be leaving for an important meeting. In his tone, Lan can clearly see that something is amiss, his Dad was sweating, his whole body is trembling, his hands are firmly closed shut, and his eyes is just barely hidden by his hair that shows an angry piercing stare that’s paired with a grit of his teeth. Lan didn’t attempt to press on any further on the matter. He dismissed himself of his curious concern and went to see him off the house. “Take care dad. Please get back home, I’ll have mom make you your favorite meal, honey glazed ham and bacon.” Ian said with a big smile. With this, Ian immediately went to him and hugged him real tight and close. Everything turned silent, with them in front of the house door hugging each other. Then Ian separated himself from the hug, and held Lan both on his shoulders, with an unrelenting gaze to him. “Lan, I know you’ll do great things. And I’ll always support you no matter what. And that you will be there for your mother and sister. You are a great kid… Sometimes, you can be so over dramatic, but that’s one of the flaws that makes you awesome… Well anyways, I’ll be back, you take care, love you son.” Ian said while ruffling Lan’s hair. “Hahaha. Okay Dad... Love you too.” Lan exclaimed as he waved goodbye to him as his father entered his car and drove off.

He didn’t know that that was the last hug goodbye he had with his father. After that day, they received a news that Ian had a car accident. He suffered a severe impalement of glass shards on several vital parts of his body. The car was almost squished because of several tumble on a wide street. The family mourned for a few days, Lan didn’t get to attend the IYSL and Chaud was never seen by him again. Lan’s mother was so devastated, she didn’t stop on investigating the case, she was utterly convinced that it was no accident.

Carrying the anger and determination, Kimiko didn't falter. She used everything in her power to uncover the truth behind Ian's death. weeks and weeks passed, she didn't lose focus, even if extreme stress was showing. Her kids, was worried, but their mother ensured their safety and relieved of their worry. She had Gen look after them when she was out to do investigations herself. As she got so far on her investigation, she was then involved on an accident a year and a half after Ian’s death. She was on a shipping pier, and there a steal beam crushed her. In the investigation, they managed to secure an evidence, a single cloth that was held by Kimiko, engraved on it was a symbol that Lan had seen before. The police didn’t further urged on the case, leaving it unsolved. They also didn't want to put more pressure on the children. In the last will of her mother, they were placed under total and secret protection of Kimiko's close friends.on the police department she was in, until they are of legal age. As for his father’s will, he gave all the inheritance to both of them and named a few of their properties to Lan and some to his uncle along with the custody of both of them. He and her sister had lost their precious parents, they were taken in by their uncle Gen. Fortunately, their uncle helped them to recover from the devastating events, the two remained strong and unyielding. They went on with their lives, and decided to forget about them, and lived their lives together with the help from their uncle Gen.

The empty room began to echo with silence as Lan’s story ended, only audible sounds of food frying and hissing can be heard from the background. Their meals already finished, and glasses empty. Ian then sighed deeply and felt relieved like a huge rock was lifted off from his chest as he told his story. “Well… That was kind of refreshing… That was what I wanted to tell you earlier today. Sorry for putting you through that long and depressing conversation.” Zaiex approached him and gave him a big warm hug. "I don't want to say sorry. Instead, I admire you and Akihiko for being strong after all these years. Your patents would be happy and proud." He gave him comfort and care, Lan got startled, but then he urgently returned the hug and hid his face on Zaiex’s chest. He patted Lan’s head, and he felt a few tears was already falling on Lan’s face. Behind the counter, Gen was quietly cleaning the remaining dishes and finishing off some of the food he was still cooking. A big grin grew on his face, but he was also tearing up from the memory he remembered from Lan’s story. He then wiped of his face, approached them and gave one last soup and tea to calm them down. “Thank you so much pops. I’m sorry you had to see me like this again. Hahaha.” Lan said in a joking way. Gen laughed a bit and he ruffled his hair and said… “Don’t worry about it kiddo. I’m glad you have someone other than me and your sister to know about your secrets. Besides, I feel that Zaiex here is cool and fun to be with.” He looked at Zaiex giving off a grin. Zaiex turned away shyly and thanked him for his food and hospitality. “It's all right... I’m just glad that Lan is feeling more relieved and less stressed now.” “You’re the one I should be thanking Zaiex. For listening to me and caring for me the other night.” Lan placed his hand on top of Zaiex’s, and both stared and smiled at each other. In Gen’s view, he can feel that something sweet is stirring up between them, and in slight hesitation, he cleared his throat and said. “You guys finish the soup, and I will start closing up shop. You two need to get home immediately.” The two broke off their intimate gazes and Zaiex turned away shyly while Lan was still beaming with happiness from Zaiex’s presence. After a few minutes, they finished their food and began going back home together while leaving Gen back on the ramen shop.

Days passed, it is now Friday. Morning classes ended swiftly, and it’s now for their PE classes. “YES! PE! Finally. I’ve been waiting for this. I always wanted to have volleyball as class.” Lily beamed and let out a deafening screech. “Ow! Can you control your excitement again Lily? I might lose my hearing you know.” Zaiex exclaimed as he held his ears closed. “Don’t worry Zai… She will eventually lose her voice if she keeps this up.” Asche sarcastically said as she chuckled under her breath. “I heard that! Hmph. Well at least I’ll try to contain my excitement. Still… PE!!! YEY!” Their PE teacher arrived. Everyone from Zaiex’s homeroom class was shocked to see that their PE class teacher was also their General Science teacher, Mrs. Hannah.” “Hi class. Nice seeing everyone… I will be handling your PE class and we will be doing several famous sports, but we will start with Volleyball first. And mind you, I was one of the main player in girls’ volleyball national team a few years back. So you all better be ready.” Hannah said with huge enthusiasm. Everyone in the room cheered and their PE class has started.

After 2 hours of fun and totally stressful and tiring PE class, the teacher has tasked some of the students to clean up. Zaiex, being the president, took the lead to give off instructions to the other students. They finished off cleaning, leaving only Zaiex in the room to tidy up the brooms used, Lily and Asche went on ahead as they still have club meeting to attend. The gym was now empty and Zaiex put all the brooms inside the gym's utility room. As he was tidying up inside, he heard a few voices just outside the utility room, he didn’t mind but then after a few seconds the voices were getting closer and louder, and in an instant the door behind him closed and a tick was heard. He quickly jumped up and turned around, he can’t say much only a small bright light going through the doors. He went closer to the doors and tried to scream help. But as he does, he heard a sudden deep voice from behind him. “Hey! Stop that… No one can hear you, they already left.” Startled, he fell down on his butt and quickly looked up to see who it was. After a few seconds of adjusting his eyesight from the darkness, he finally saw the face and in surprise, he said… “A-Aiden?” He saw Aiden right in front of him standing wearing an annoyed face.

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