The day unfolded under the gentle sway of a pleasant breeze that wafted through the open windows, brushing against the black shirt and blue jeans Zac had chosen for the day. Black, his steadfast favorite, seemed to reflect his mood as he meticulously inspected his reflection in the mirror. His eyes, filled with a blend of curiosity and nonchalance, met Darrin's as he entered the room, carrying a shopping bag in his grasp.

"How'd your test go?" Zac inquired, eyes fixed on the mirror, the reflection of his own curiosity dancing back at him.

"It went well." Darrin placed the bag on the side table, settling in. "Takeshi Sensei wants a word with you."
Today marked a math test, but Zac had chosen to drift in and out of school, seldom taking academics seriously.

"Translation: he wants to lecture me." Zac swiveled to face Darrin. "What's in the bag?"

"These are your sketches. Mr. Peter adored them. He's invited you to participate in an international art competition."

Mr. Peter, the celebrated artist, had been invited as the chief guest by the principal. During his visit to the art club, he had been captivated by one of Zac's ongoing sketches.
"Impressive. Ask the young artist to meet me." Mr. Peter's words echoed in the room.

"International level, huh? I'll give it a shot," Zac said, settling into a chair.

"The play was a hit with the faculty and students. Thank goodness they didn't catch on to the reality," Darrin redirected the conversation.

"Yeah. How's Mark? Did he show up at school?"

"No, he was absent."

Zac reached for his phone and dialed Mark's number, a tinge of concern in his actions.

"Hello?" A feminine voice responded.

"Hi, I wanted to talk to Mark."

"He's not home. If it's urgent, let me know. I'll pass on the message."

"I'll call back later. Thanks," Zac replied, hanging up.

Moments passed, and Darrin probed further. "What went down yesterday? Was there a showdown between you and Kaito?"

"We ended up in a public bath due to my disastrous teleportation skills. There was no room for a fight, so he took off."

"How did you figure out it was Kaito in Mark's guise?"

"Kaito's a master at face-copying techniques. We've clashed multiple times. Somehow, I sensed it was him. Plus, he's a pretty intense stalker," Zac disclosed.

"A stalker?" Darrin's surprise was evident. "Does he know you're Zero?" Zac, known as 'Zero' in his masked alter ego during fights, ensured his true identity remained concealed, safeguarding it from those unaware of his dual life.

"Maybe."

"I hope not."

"Hmm. School terror attacks are escalating. Students' lives are on the line. Why isn't Aurora Sentinels taking action against Shadowstar Sinister?"

"Don't fret. They'll handle it," Darrin reassured with a smile.

"Here's hoping," Zac murmured, his thoughts diving into a deep pool of contemplation.

☆☆☆

In the heart of their expansive dorm room lay two neatly arranged beds, adorned with cozy comforters and flanked by closets and desks. Ayumi, standing before the mirror, meticulously adjusted her hair, a determined focus etched on her face. The door creaked open, and Miyoko, her roommate, shuffled in, arms laden with an assortment of colorful shopping bags.

"Shopping freak," Ayumi muttered under her breath, her eyes rolling skyward with a silent sigh.

Their cohabitation was an odd pairing, akin to fire and water. Despite their inherent differences and mutual disdain, neither was willing to concede this shared space. It was a silent battle of egos, an unspoken determination to hold their ground.

Miyoko deposited her shopping conquests onto her bed and swiftly exited the room. Amidst the quiet, Ayumi's phone rang. With a swift response, she answered the call.
"Hi, Alice."

"Hey there. What's going on?"

"Not much. How about you?"

"Just enjoying the outdoors, breathing in the fresh air. Wanna join?"

"Absolutely. On my way." With a flick, she switched off the room's lights and emerged into the corridor.

"The weather is delightful today, isn't it?" Ayumi commented as she settled beside Alice.

"Absolutely," Alice agreed, her eyes following the graceful flight of birds across the sky. "They look so beautiful."

Observing Alice, Ayumi couldn't help but appreciate her selfless and kind-hearted nature. A smile found its way onto Ayumi's lips as she delved into conversation. "Why were you absent at HQ today?"

"I wasn't feeling well."

"Feeling better now?"

"Much improved. Thanks." Alice beamed. "So, what did Kakashi Sensei cover today?"

"We had a discussion about elemental powers. Our comrades possess quite fascinating elemental abilities."

"Really? I'm curious to know."

"Drew and Takato harness the power of thunder. Risa channels the nature or life element. Levin's forte lies in the domain of poison." Ayumi paused.

"Poison? That's uncommon," Alice expressed her surprise.

"It's a rarity."

"So, which category does he belong to? Light or dark?" Alice pondered, resting her chin on her palm.

"It's hard to classify. Metahumans are typically categorized into only two groups: Soldiers of Light and Soldiers of Dark. Perhaps a more subtle classification is needed."

"You're right. Soldiers of Dark wield darkness, but what about the rest? Poison doesn't quite fit into the traditional categories," Alice remarked thoughtfully.

"Indeed. But for now, Levin is considered a Soldier of Light, like the rest of us, as only four Soldiers of Dark are known." Ayumi paused. "I spoke to him today. His parents passed away in a car accident. He's currently living with his aunt."

Alice's expression turned somber. "Oh, that's terrible."

"He's not attending school. I suggested he join ours."

"A thoughtful suggestion. How did he react?"

"He needs time to consider," Ayumi relayed.

"Fair enough." Alice smiled. "Let's head outside." They rose together.

"Alice, who's your roommate?" Ayumi asked, walking alongside her.

"Liza used to be my roommate. She transferred to another school recently. I feel quite lonely."

"I'm thinking of changing rooms, so..."

"I'd be delighted to share a room with you," Alice chirped.

"Thank you. You're so kind."

"Don't mention it. We're friends, after all."

"Absolutely," Ayumi replied with a warm smile.

Their steps brought them to a stop in front of a quaint bookshop. "Shall we?" They exchanged grins and ventured inside, eager to explore the treasures nestled within the store's shelves.

☆☆☆

In the serene ambience of their dorm room, Darrin diligently tackled his homework while Zac delved into the pages of "The Journey" by Simon Damen. Books didn't typically capture Zac's interest, yet this particular one had enraptured his attention completely.

"Darrin."

"Yes?"

"I'm starving."

"Then go grab something to eat."

"Could you get me a glass of milkshake?"

"Seriously? I'm busy," Darrin replied, engrossed in his work.

"I'm so famished, I might collapse. Do you want that?" Zac feigned desperation.

"Drama queen," Darrin teased as he stepped out.

"Man, you're the best," Zac chuckled to himself, acknowledging Derrin's willingness to cater to his whims as he resumed reading.

Darrin hastened his steps toward the small shop within the dormitory.

"What do you need, buddy?" the young man at the shop inquired warmly.

"Chocolate ice cream shake."

"Coming right up."

Returning, Darrin was on the verge of entering the room when a folded paper caught his eye near the door. Picking it up, his expression shifted as he read its contents.

"You jerk." His teeth clenched. "I won't let you mess up his life." With a surge of anger, he tore the paper to shreds before stepping inside.

Handing Zac the milkshake, Darrin prepared to leave.

"Where are you off to?"

'"To the market," Darrin replied.

"Let's go together."

"Um, actually, I have plans to meet Clarissa today." Darrin quickly offered an excuse, mentioning his girlfriend's name.

"So? I'll join. Oh, wait, you're worried I'll ruin your date," Zac joked.

"It's not that. I have a lot of shopping to get done. You might get bored," Darrin tried to dissuade him.

"Why would I be bored? If you don't want me to come, just say so. Relax, man."

"Zac, I'm sorry," Darrin's expression softened.

"Ah, come on, idiot!" Zac playfully hit him.

"Fine, let's go," Darrin managed a forced smile.

"Just give me two minutes." Zac slipped on a jacket. "Ready."

''Close the closet door."

"Sure." Zac complied, and both exited the room.

In the corridors of their dormitory, their banter echoed, masking the brewing tensions and unspoken concerns between them.

☆☆☆

They had been wandering through the plaza for about an hour, taking their time amidst the hustle and bustle of the surroundings.

"Darrin, seriously, are you planning to buy something?"

"You seem bored. Are you?" Darrin countered.

"Not at all. You ventured out to shop but haven't picked anything up. What's the plan?" Zac inquired with a hint of curiosity.

"I'm searching for something very special."

"What might that be?" Zac prodded, intrigued.

"It's a surprise. I can't spill the beans," Darrin replied with a secretive smile.

"As you wish."

''Let's explore elsewhere," Darrin suggested, leading them out of the plaza.
Stopping abruptly, Darrin suddenly had an idea. "I know where to find it. Wait here, I'll be back in a flash."

"But Darrin-" Zac began, but Darrin dashed off before he could finish.

Zac stood, puzzled by Darrin's unusual behavior. A peculiar sensation swept over him, prompting him to place a hand over his chest.

"Mum, Dad, can I get this teddy bear?" A little girl's voice broke through Zac's thoughts.

"Of course, sweetheart. I'll buy it for you," her father lovingly consented, prompting a warm hug.

"Why is their happiness so genuine? Why is their family so complete?" A sudden sharp pain pierced the left side of Zac's head, causing him to wince and grasp at his temples. "What's happening?" he groaned, sinking to the ground. "It's her fault." His vision blurred momentarily, disorienting him. It took a few moments for clarity to return, finding himself sprawled on the ground, surrounded by curious onlookers.

"I'm Zac, the renowned actor. Enjoying my performance?" he quipped, attempting to mask his embarrassment.

"Dumb!"

"Idiot!"

"What a waste of time."

"The younger generation..." muttered the murmurs around him as people began dispersing.

"Frustrating!" Zac cursed under his breath, quickly getting to his feet. He despised attracting unwanted attention and detested the notion of garnering sympathy, never revealing his vulnerabilities to anyone except Derrin. Surveying the bustling street with shops lining both sides, a swarm of people bustling about, Zac couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration lingering in the air.

"It's already too late. Where did he go?" Zac muttered, dialing his friend's number and anxiously listening to the ongoing call tone. "Come on, pick up already." He nervously bit his lower lip. After a while, he gave up, ending the call, and decided to enter the coffee bar nearby.

"Welcome! We're here at your service," greeted two smiling girls as he entered.

"Could I have two coffees, please?" he requested, pulling a chair and taking a seat.

"Two? But you're..." one of the girls started, confused.

"My friend will join me soon," Zac replied tersely, not meeting their gaze.

"Sure thing. Anything else?" they asked, their cheerfulness undeterred.

'"No," Zac replied, still preoccupied, and he dialed his friend's number again. "Darrin, what are you doing? You brought me along; now come on!"
With a heavy sigh, Zac realized there might be no immediate response. He stared at his phone, feeling a mix of frustration and concern for his friend's unexpected disappearance.

☆☆☆

''Do you think you can take me on yourself?" Rayuga smirked, his tanish-peach skin contrasting with the golden dragon headwear atop his head. His white hair bore a striking red streak, and he wore his coat draped like a cape.

"I don't care how strong you are." Darrin wiped blood from his mouth and rose to his feet.

"Acting courageous, huh?" Rayuga taunted, landing another devastating blow that sent Darrin hurtling, crashing into the wall. Pain shot through him, his head now bleeding.

"Just ask him to come here. I'll spare your life. He's my target," Rayuga demanded, kneeling beside Darrin.

"I won't!" Darrin tried to stand, but Rayuga pinned him down.

"Who am I? I am Rayuga Riyuchi, the prince of the world of darkness. Even your friend stands no chance against me," Rayuga sneered, gripping Derrin's neck, choking him.

"You ruined his life, snatched everything from him... I won't let you," Darrin struggled to speak amidst coughing up blood. He knew he was outmatched, yet his defiance was for his best friend's sake.

"It'd be more enjoyable if I killed his dear friend too," Rayuga smirked, releasing Darrin, who continued to cough violently.

"Kill me... I don't care... Leave him alone," Darrin managed to choke out.

"You should plead for your own life," Rayuga scowled. "You're bold but foolish. Any last wish?"

"Last wish, huh?" Darrin gazed at the star-filled sky. "Zac, I wish you'd never uncover the truth... I wish your memories never return. Be happy."
Despite his weakened state, Darrin's determination stood firm, his sacrifice a desperate bid to shield his friend, Zac, from the encroaching danger that loomed over him, hoping it would grant Zac precious time and safety from the impending threat that menaced his existence.

☆☆☆

Having finished his cup of coffee, Zac made his way to the counter, settled the bill, and stepped outside. Slipping his hands into his pockets, he strolled toward the dormitory. As he walked along the road, a deafening crash echoed through the air, prompting him to rush towards the source.
Upon arriving, a chilling sight froze him in place-an accident scene that sent shivers down his spine. Hesitation crept in, but he mustered the courage to step forward. When he caught sight of the person's face, his heart skipped several beats.

"He has a head trauma."

"It's a severe accident."

"Someone call an ambulance!"

"Perhaps he's already dead," the people murmured.

"Dd..Darrin..." Zac stammered, caressing the blood-soaked face of the person lying there.

"Move aside, boy. Let us take him to the hospital," someone urged.

"He doesn't need to go to the hospital. He's fine," he muttered, shaking his head.

"Don't be ridiculous. He's dead."

"Shut up! He's not dead!" Zac cried out hysterically. "Darrin! Say something!" He desperately shook him, refusing to believe. "You said you'd join me soon. Get up, you idiot!" For minutes that felt like eternity, he frantically pressed on his chest, refusing to give up hope. Eventually, he ceased, realizing he too was stained in blood.

"Why?"

"Zac..."

"Why did you leave me alone?"

"Zac..."

"Why?"

"Look, he's still alive," someone interjected.

Zac glanced at Darrin's face. He was calling his name. "Darrin!"

"I'm sorry."

"You're alive. I thought you... I'm glad." Tears streamed down Zac's cheeks. "Let me..."

Darrin gestured with a finger on his lips. "It's futile," he coughed up blood.

Zac's eyes widened. "Darrin..."

"I fear it's time for our farewell."

Zac felt a chilling touch against the back of his neck as those harsh words cut through the air. Tears welled up, making it hard to deny the painful truth. His best friend lay there, gravely injured, blood flowing relentlessly. Zac refused to accept this grim fate, desperately trying to stem the bleeding, hoping against hope for a miracle. Darrin, nearing the end, managed a tired smile, reaching out to comfort Zac, wiping away his tears with a feeble gesture.

"Thank you for never leaving my side... for bringing laughter when it seemed impossible...for making me unbelievably happy," Darrin stuttered, his touch tenderly brushing Zac's face as he struggled to speak through the emotion.

"Stop it, you idiot! You're not leaving. I won't allow it!" Zac cried out, clutching onto Darrin's hands tightly.

"Zac, you have to accept...," began Darrin.

"Darrin!"

"Let me get this out. Please," pleaded Darrin. Zac's trembling lips parted, his hold on Darrin's hands weakening. Numbness crept into his limbs, a chilling sensation taking over. "Listen carefully... These might be my final words to you... Forge ahead... be resilient... live... for me...please," Darrin's voice trailed off as his eyes closed, embracing eternal rest.

Raindrops danced a sorrowful waltz, mingling with Zac's tears as they cascaded down his anguished face. In the deafening silence, Zac clutched Darrin's hand, its warmth now replaced by an unfathomable coldness.

"Answer me, Darrin!" Zac's voice cracked, each word a desperate plea echoing through the emptiness. His trembling hands traced the contours of his friend's lifeless fingers, as if searching for a trace of the vibrant soul that once resided within. "Darrin, please! Don't leave me!" His words, a forlorn melody of disbelief and shattered hopes, dissipated into the stormy night. Yet, despite the relentless storm, the cries of anguish, and the fervent appeals, the stillness persisted. Defeated, Zac's trembling hands halted their ceaseless motion. "Why... why does it always have to be me? Why?" The unanswered questions hung in the air, carried away by the howling wind.

Overwhelmed by grief that engulfed him like an unforgiving tide, Zac's strength faltered, his world collapsing into the void. As consciousness slipped away, he succumbed to the weight of his sorrow, a lone figure amidst the symphony of raindrops, lost in the haunting embrace of unconsciousness.

Saying goodbye hurts in a way that's hard to describe. It's particularly painful when you realize deep down that another "hello" will never come. People who've been in your life for a long time become a part of who you are. But when they leave, it feels like they've taken a piece of you, and from that moment on, you know you'll never quite be the same again.

☆☆☆