Harris' POV

     The sun sets on yet another eventful day, marking another significant milestone in my journey. Exiting the expansive grounds of my university, I bear the weight of hefty textbooks in my arms, a black backpack swaying against my back, laden with the knowledge accumulated throughout the day. Casting a fleeting glance at the sky, I am captivated by the tangerine hues that dance across the horizon, painting a mesmerizing canvas above.

     Observing as the heavens transition into a mesmerizing tapestry of orange and purple, I am reminded of the impending nightfall, heralded by the gentle whispers of the wind. In Asbranne, the chill of December evenings descends swiftly, prompting me to pause and retrieve my white hoodie, its inner lining adorned with a delicate peach heart, a shield against the biting cold of the northern nights.

     Resuming my homeward journey, I stride along the familiar concrete pathways, each step carrying me closer to the warmth and comfort of home. Upon my arrival, a familial scene unfolds in the dining room, where my siblings—Chloe, Meredith, and Felix—gather around the table. Joining them are Meredith's boyfriend, Philip, and his brother, Presley, their presence infusing the space with a sense of camaraderie and companionship.

     Chloe has blossomed into her mid-teens, her chestnut locks a striking contrast against her fair complexion, casting a subtle radiance upon her amber eyes. Meredith, our elder sister who shares my features, possesses eyes the hue of a sunrise, harmonizing with her yellow-orange tresses. Meanwhile, Felix, on the cusp of adolescence, mirrors Chloe's hair shade but bears eyes akin to the deep navy sea.

     Philip, Meredith's towering boyfriend, exudes with his curly locks reminiscent of ink-dipped tendrils. His dark eyes harmonize with his almond-hued skin, lending him a cool allure. In stark contrast, his half-brother Presley boasts platinum locks and skin as pure as snow, his bronze eyes shimmering with a unique brilliance. Both brothers, each captivating in their own right, captivate with their distinct charm.

     Returning home, the familial ensemble of Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, and Felix greets me, yet an unexpected visitor adds an air of intrigue. Peering into the dining room, my gaze falls upon a figure adorned with a white crown veiled in translucent black. Rising from the table, the figure turns to meet my gaze, revealing none other than Oracle Miriam, her presence a harbinger of mystery and wisdom.

"Harris," she called out to me with a smirk.

"Oh, greetings, Oracle Miriam," I grinned.

     Prior to crossing paths with my closest friend, Denis, my typical greeting to others comprised an unwelcoming, rigid glare. However, his presence had a profound impact on me, catalyzing a significant transformation. Nowadays, it's common to find me welcoming people with a warm, expansive smile that reaches from ear to ear. Denis has truly altered me in ways I never imagined possible.

"What brings you here?" I asked curiously, reciprocating the smirk, my eyes half-closed.

"For tomorrow is the eighth of December, your birthday, I've come by to give you an early gift," Oracle Miriam said, approaching me.

     A gift would be fantastic. Yet, I can't help but wonder—what surprises could it hold?

From the depths of her floor-length black skirt's pocket, Oracle Miriam retrieved a pulsating blue crystal, emanating vibrant energy and light, and presented it to me. "Behold," she whispered. "This."

"Oh!" I gasped, a mix of surprise and wonder painting my features. "Oracle Miriam, this is... thank you!" Gratitude overflowed as a broad smile illuminated my flushed face, even as questions swirled in my mind about the crystal's purpose. "What exactly is this... blue crystal?" I inquired, curiosity gleaming in my amber eyes as I gestured towards her thoughtful gift.

"This crystal is no ordinary trinket. It functions as a potent communication conduit bridging two worlds, transcending the confines of individual universes," Oracle Miriam elucidated.

Eyes widening in awe, I grasped the full extent of the gift's extraordinary capabilities. "Goodness... could it possibly be..." I murmured, my voice trembling with intense emotion.

"A crystal phone, but with a potency that transcends, allowing its signals to traverse beyond our universe and connect with distant realms? Indeed," she affirmed, validating my conjecture.

     The sheer magnitude of this revelation is awe-inspiring. To contemplate utilizing a technology so novel, unprecedented even within our enchanted realm, fills me with disbelief. My heart quickens its pace, each beat resonating with anticipation, while my eyes shimmer akin to the stars above. Could this be a form of communication device, one through which I might reach out to my dear friend Denis?

"Does that mean I could—" I started, only to have my words abruptly halted mid-sentence.

"Call your beloved friend, Denis?" Oracle Miriam's lips curved into a knowing smirk.

"Yes, him! Denis!" I affirmed with a quick nod. In the backdrop, my family—Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, and Felix—beamed with excitement.

"Hehe, crafting and enchanting this crystal was precisely for that purpose — to facilitate your connection. Yes, indeed, that is its purpose," Oracle Miriam declared with unwavering assurance.

"Oracle Miriam! Thanks!" I chuckled gratefully. However, my laughter subsided as I inquired, "Oh, hold on, does Denis possess one as well?"

"Yes, he does. I presented your friend with one two years before he departed from this realm," Oracle Miriam responded.

Amid our exchange, a voice broke through the conversation. "Hold up." It was Felix, my youthful brother, rising from his seat with a query that mirrored my own thoughts. "What's up with the delay of two years before offering Harris one?"

"Well, you know how unpredictable teenagers can be. I deemed it prudent to allow these young men some time to grow and evolve. Rushing their involvement could have unforeseen consequences for both them and our universe," Oracle Miriam explained.

"How did you foresee that?" Chloe, my inquisitive sister, inquired, her head tilting slightly.

Taking a deliberate breath, Oracle Miriam turned towards Chloe and Felix. "Ah, because, my dear children, having visions is among the powers vested in me, is it not?" Her smile radiated assurance and wisdom.

     Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, and Felix shared knowing looks, their expressions illuminated by warm smiles. It was a moment of silent understanding, a collective trust in Oracle Miriam, a descendant of seers whose guidance had been integral to us since childhood. In her, we placed unwavering faith. With a graceful pivot, Oracle Miriam fixed me with a keen smile, lifting her chin as she gestured towards my newfound crystal phone, a symbol of connection and possibility.

"Now, why don't you try your new crystal phone, dear?" Oracle Miriam suggested.

My face brightened with glee as I quickly raised the crystal phone in my hand like a mirror. "Glistening crystal of the universe, hear me, please... show me my friend, Denis, wherever he is!" I chanted, casting a spell on the crystal to activate it.

Denis' POV

     Within the tranquil confines of my home office, I recline serenely in my chair, unfazed by the tumult of the world beyond these walls. Before me, a laptop rests on the desk, where I diligently craft a tale on Wattpad, drawing inspiration from the extraordinary events that unfolded in that mystical realm I traversed with Harris and his family two years ago. Though my following on Wattpad may be modest, with fewer than a thousand devoted readers, I take pride in the growth I've experienced over the years, amassing a loyal audience of over a dozen individuals who eagerly consume my writings.

     As my fingers dance across the keyboard, pouring my creativity onto the digital page, I sense vibrations emanating from the pocket of my black shorts. Pausing in my writing, I delve into the pocket, retrieving the pulsating blue crystal gifted to me by Oracle Miriam. For the first time in two years, I feel its vibrations intensify, its flickering light a mesmerizing display. Uncertainty knits my brow as I gaze at the crystal in concern.

     In a moment that feels like pure enchantment, the blue crystal projects an image within its depths, a real-time display akin to a live video call on a phone screen. Within its ethereal confines, familiar faces materialize, flooding me with a warmth that courses through my veins. Before me stand my cherished friends, my chosen family from a parallel universe—Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, Felix, and Oracle Miriam. Through the crystal, I witness Chloe and Felix hastening to Harris's side, their expressions mirroring my own confusion.

"Is that Denis??" Felix asked, pointing at me through the crystal.

"Duh, it's him. Have you forgotten his face?" Chloe scoffed with a smirk.

"Wait, can he even see us?" Harris inquired, raising a brow.

"Yes, he can see us. Plus, you can talk to him," Oracle Miriam responded.

Bashful at first, for I hadn't seen them in a long time, I took the courage to address my friends. "Hey, guys?"

A loud wave of gasp echoed as Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, and Felix's eyes widened.

"Denis!" Harris grinned, his eyes shining brightly.

"Is this but a dream? Or has reality intertwined with the fantastical once more?" I pondered, disbelief mingling with hope as Harris and the others materialize before me after two long years. A smile bloomed on my lips, swiftly spreading to engulf my entire face as I greeted them joyfully. "Harris!?" I beamed.

"Mhm!" he replied with a nod.

"C-Chloe? Is that you??" I asked, pointing at Chloe, the brunette girl with a bob.

"Hey, Denis! We missed you!" Chloe waved at me enthusiastically.

"God! Hey!" I laughed. Then, I gasped as I pointed at a familiar young boy who seemed to have grown. "Felix??"

"Yeah!" Felix responded, punching through the air.

"My! You've grown! You're almost a wizard!" I complimented him. I always knew he wanted to become a wizard one day.

"Just six more years, and I'll be taking Bachelor of Science in Wizardry," Felix smirked confidently.

"You should!" I giggled. I then continued pointing at the others as recognition washed over my heart. "Mr Philip??"

"I thought you only called me 'Philip' without a 'Mister' in the name," Philip chuckled softly as he crossed his arms.

"Yeah, don't call me 'Miss' or anything related to that as well," Meredith chimed in.

"Same here! It makes me feel old. And I don't even have a girlfriend yet! Ha!" Presley interjected.

"Well, then, Philip, Meredith, and Presley! What's up?" I grinned.

"Doing good!" they replied.

"Denis!" Harris called out, catching my attention. "You won't know how much we missed you... how much... I've missed you," he confessed.

     As I gaze into Harris' golden eyes, a peculiar sensation floods my chest. It's as if breathing has become a challenge, and my heart appears on the brink of bursting with joy. Harris? He is the sweetest guy to ever grace my life.

"I... I miss you, too, friend," I replied, letting out all of my feelings.

     Abruptly, the office door swings open without warning, its hinges creaking with mirth. Hastily, I slide open the drawer on my desk and discreetly tuck the crystal inside, shielding my friends from the gaze of the man who has just stepped into my sanctuary—my father, Robert. With a timid smile, I swivel in my chair to meet his gaze, acknowledging his unexpected presence.

"Hey, Dad!"

     My father's features almost mirror my own. We bear the same pale skin tone, wood-brown eyes, and coal-black hair. Despite him being European and my mother, Michaela, being Filipino, I find myself a blend of the two worlds. Consequently, my father leans more towards Western aesthetics, while I embody a fusion of Western and Southeast Asian heritage—an aspect that often invokes a twinge of envy within me.

"Yo, kiddo, your mother and I've been calling you for dinner," my father, Robert, told me.

"Oh, I'll be heading there!" I replied.

Once my father left the office, leaving the door wide open as usual, I turned to my friends, who were waiting behind the crystal phone. "Guys, how do I call you back? I have to go, heh," I said.

"Oh, just chant a spell!" Felix stated.

"Any spell?" I asked for clarification.

"Yes, any spell," Felix affirmed. "Do you still remember how to make spells?" he inquired.

I pondered momentarily before replying. "...Hm, just... like... uttering a rhyming statement?" I giggled, fidgeting my hand.

"You got it," Chloe winked.

"Alright, then. I guess I'll see you guys later!" I bid my farewell.

"See ya!"

     As I prepared to depart, Harris and I shared a fleeting yet intense gaze. In that instant, a whirlpool of unspoken sentiments stirred within my stomach, releasing a flutter of butterflies that danced within me. The sensation was strange. Why was I experiencing this surge of emotions?

     Later, seated at our dining table, I joined my mother, Michaela, and father, Robert, for a meal. A single pot of hearty Caldareta stew awaited us, promising to satiate our hunger for the evening. As I sipped the last of my water, I cast an eager glance at my parents, a subtle smirk playing at the corner of my lips.

"Mom. Dad. You won't believe this..." I began, enthralling them.

"Lyvie answered your call for a relationship, and you two are now dating?" my father guessed with a smirk.

"Uh, no, she still hasn't answered me, and I'm still her suitor, not a lover," I clarified.

"So, what is it that you want to say, 'nak?" my mother asked keenly.

Alright, should I even tell my parents about what just happened earlier? I mean, this would prove everything I told them if I informed them about this. "...So, remember when I got comatose two years ago?" I asked.

"Uh..." my mother and father stared at me blankly. Apparently, they didn't seem amused by the start of my story.

"Anyway, so, I've been telling you all about that realm, that magical country called Asbranne and its people! Like! Like! My friends there! Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, and Felix! Right?" I grinned.

"Well, I'm happy you have such imagination," my mother smiled nonchalantly.

"But, Mom! It's real! Super real!" I tried to convince her.

"If you continue acting like that, how would Lyvie answer your call for a relationship?" my dad smirked, trying to slap me back to their reality.

"Okay, that's hella off-topic, but c'mon... even Lyvie tells you guys it's true!" I countered.

"Honey, hey," my mother called me. "Maybe Lyvie is just playing along. You know she knows—we know—you have... uh, you..." she stated, but her words seemed to falter. "Forget about it..." she sighed, closing her eyes.

Letting out a deep sigh, I let my back sink into the back of my seat and averted my gaze.

Harris' POV

     Awakening from a deep slumber, I open my eyes to find my body stirring on the bed. With a swift movement, I leap out of the mattress, my face breaking into a wide grin. Today marks my birthday. And it could very well be the first time I celebrate it with Denis.

     I swiftly get ready, ensuring every detail is in place, and retrieve the cold blue crystal from my desk. Meanwhile, in Denis' realm, he also reaches for his crystal. I gaze at my crystal phone, eager to call Denis.

In the meantime, Denis chanted, "...Ice-cold crystal or whatever you are, show me my friends who live afar."

     As I poised to chant the spell to activate the crystal, a shimmering, ethereal glow enveloped my crystal phone. Suddenly, Denis materializes on the screen with a flash. How wonderful—it appears he called me first, a gesture that I genuinely appreciate.

"Denis!" I greeted him with a wide grin.

"Harris!" Denis responded, his smile mirroring my own.

"H-how're you?" I asked politely, absentmindedly tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

"I've been doing great! And now, joy courses through my veins as I behold your golden eyes, shining like the radiant sunlight," Denis replied in a voice tinged with a hint of narration.

"...Deep," I thought, raising a brow.

"Haha, sorry for being that poetic. I've been writing a lot lately, and I've been learning how to show, not tell!" Denis informed me with a chuckle.

"Hehe! Since when you've been learning how to write?" I questioned.

"Ever since I returned here. I've been convincing my parents and some of my friends that a parallel dimension like your place exists," Denis responded.

"Heh, won't they think you're being a little crazy?" I giggled, shaking my head.

"Well, damn, you're right, they all think I'm being crazy," Denis laughed.

"Yeah, yeah," I nodded with a grin that I couldn't keep.

"Oh, wait! Can I show you and the others to my mother and father? I mean! They're trustworthy people, and I'd love to prove to them that you guys are real!" Denis asked kindly, his eagerness evident in his bright smile.

"Well, today's my birthday, and I'd love to celebrate it with you and your parents," I answered as I twirled my hair.

"W-w-wait, it's your birthday!?" Denis gasped in surprise.

"Yeah, I'm now twenty-one," I revealed proudly.

"Gosh! Harris! Happy birthday!" Denis leapt on his toes.

"Hehe! Thank you!" I replied.

"Say, you're getting old now, hah!" Denis joked.

"And so you are!" I responded with a sarcastic grin, my brows furrowed. "How old are you now?"

"Oh! I just turned eighteen this July," Denis beamed.

"Wow... now I remember when you were just sixteen," I contemplated the running time. "Time flies..." I exhaled deeply.

Denis smiled warmly. "...Time does fly," he stated.

I fixed my eyes on Denis as we exchanged sweet smiles. "Hmm..."

Denis' eyes widened, and his jaw hung loose. "Oh! Yeah, I, heh! I should get my parents now! Also, I should wear something special for your birthday!"

"Well, it's your choice!" I told him.

"Oh, mister, it's really my choice," Denis chuckled softly.

Denis' POV

     Rushing to prepare for Harris' birthday celebration, I quickly groomed myself and slipped into an orange buttoned shirt. I managed to persuade my parents to dress up for the special occasion, promising to introduce them to my friends from realms beyond our own. Initially met with hesitant smiles, they eventually adorned their attire, my mother in a dress and my father in a tuxedo. Guiding my parents to the second-floor living room, I grasp the blue crystal and lifted it up, presenting it for everyone to behold.

"Now... watch," I smirked at my parents. Locking my gaze on the crystal, I confidently said, "Magic crystal, I call you. Show me my friends to prove they're true."

     Expecting the crystal to spring to life like a video call session on a phone, I watched as it remained inert, devoid of any magical flickers. Puzzled, I couldn't help but think that it is strange.

     Across the cosmic expanse in Harris' universe, Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, Felix, and Oracle Miriam gathered around a dining table, eagerly awaiting the call. Placing his crystal phone on a shelf in the dining room, Harris retreated to join the others, forming a circle of anticipation around the table.

In the meantime, I tried chanting another spell to power the crystal. "Uh... crystal, impress my parents, make them say, 'Wow!' Show me my friends. Don't embarrass me now," I muttered.

     Once more, the crystal stubbornly defied my spells, refusing to cooperate. Frustration bubbled within me; its unresponsiveness felt like a personal affront, especially in front of my parents. This was my opportunity to demonstrate the existence of alternate realities and our ability to reach out to them.

"...Magic crystal, you're a pain. Just show the other side. Don't be lame!" I exclaimed in exasperation.

My mother stood up from the couch and approached me. "Denis, hey, it's fine. We... we believe now," she said, though I know she was just pretending, as I wasn't able to show her evidence.

But... I swear this thing just worked a few minutes ago..." I sighed.

My mother comforted me with a glistening smile. "Don't worry. We accept you for who you are. Okay?"

"Indeed. Now, if you don't mind, I have some pipe to fix," Robert interjected, standing up from the couch and removing his black coat.

"We have chores to do for the day. And time is running. Just call us when you need us, alright?" my mother whispered gently, pressing her palm against my cheeks.

"...Alright..."

     My mother and father exit the living room, leaving me the sole occupant of the space. I stand there in solitude, pondering the recent events. Was what I witnessed through the crystal a mere figment of my imagination—Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, Felix, and Oracle Miriam?

     A heavy sigh streams through my lips, akin to a flash flood rushing down a river. Disappointment floods my being as I cast my gaze downward. Frustration grips me; this was my moment to substantiate my claims. I long to see Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, and Felix once more.

     A promise lingered in the air as I whispered to myself, believing that I would see my friends again. From the beginning to the end, our bond remained unbroken. I left the house, walking down the front lawn and passing through the blooming garden, reflecting on my longing to reunite with them. Standing before the gate, I pressed my forehead against its surface, contemplating the meaning of life and friendship.

     I resolved to be with everyone once more, murmuring my determination. With a sudden burst of energy, I opened the gate and stepped into the world outside. As I walked down the street toward the Santa Rosa marketplace, I admired the vendors and decided to buy a bouquet of roses. I envisioned sharing the truth with everyone, knowing that was my goal.

     Continuing downtown, I stopped at 7/11 to buy a bottle of champagne. As I strolled home, I embraced the thought of reunion, willing to fight for it with all my might. Once inside, I popped open the champagne, the cork flying around in excitement. Pouring myself a glass, I savored its enticing aroma while contemplating the opportunities life offered.

     In my home office, I placed the bouquet beside a watercolor portrait of Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, and Felix, with me at the center. Stepping back, I admired the scene, feeling a sense of connection. Until the day we say goodbye, I held onto that hope tightly.

     I place the ice-cold blue crystal on the TV console and walk towards the couch, where I lie on my back. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I begin scrolling, reviewing my statistics. I then take a moment to rest my eyes, releasing a deep breath.

Harris' POV

     I felt as though it was strange. Denis has yet to reach out. Determined, I take a step closer and attempt to activate my crystal phone to reach him. Despite my repeated incantations, the device remains unresponsive, refusing to unlock.

I glared at my crystal phone from different angles, asking, "Why's this not working?"

"Show me your crystal phone, dear," Oracle Miriam said, reaching out her hand from her seat. I gave her my crystal phone, and she mused, "Odd... it seems like the enchantment isn't strong enough to completely power these crystals..."

"What should we do, then...?" I asked politely.

Oracle Miriam glanced at me in the eyes with a stiff face. "...I'm sorry, dear. But it seems like the crystal phone concept seems too far-fetched. They're just earthly crystals, after all, just charmed with magic," she stated.

I felt a huge wave of sorrow splashing all over me as I realized I wouldn't be able to contact Denis after all. I lowered my gaze and tightened my lips, expressing sadness and disappointment. "...Dang... I just wanted to see Denis again... that's all..." I muttered.

"We, too," my family added.

Oracle Miriam considered momentarily before addressing me. "Dear, there's a way for you all to see each other again. However, it comes with an astronomical responsibility," she revealed.

A glimmer of hope sparked in my eyes as I said, "Please... with all my heart, I'd want to see my friend again..."

     Oracle Miriam and I stared at each other in the eyes, the tense moment palpable in the air. What could be in her mind? How would she connect a bridge between Denis's world and our realm? Are any of those possible? Well, Denis was transported into our universe two years ago anyway, so maybe there's hope.