Losing One More Time
"Alex, let's break up.." said the woman
"Why? Did I do something wrong?" Alex asked, confusion in his eyes.
"No, it's not that... It's just... I don't love you anymore. Things have changed for me," she replied, avoiding his gaze.
When he heard her say that she no longer loved him and wanted to break up, he immediately felt a rush of disbelief:
"If that's what you want, I can't stop you. But it hurts to hear you say that.."
He turned away, his heart heavy, and began to walk home. With each step, tears streamed down his face, betraying the facade he tried to maintain. He stopped briefly, gazing up at the night sky, as if the vastness above could somehow ease the pain of losing her.
"How many times has this happened? Three times? Four times?
Haha... I keep getting dumped because they don't love me anymore. It's like I'm destined to be alone."
Those words came out of his mouth as tears fell down his face.
Then, he suddenly laughed, a hollow sound that echoed his disbelief and pain:
"Haha, the ironic part is that none of my relationships last longer than a year. Haha, does that even make sense? Is this a curse or something? Why do the people I care about and love always end up leaving me behind?"
When he gets home, he flops onto the bed and gazes at the ceiling.
"Thank goodness tomorrow is Saturday. I won't have to drag myself to work; instead, I can sink into my bed and sleep the entire weekend away, trying to escape the heartache."
And he begins to smirk:
"Oh, what a glorious life you lead, Alexander Matthias. Truly, it's nothing short of a wonder-especially when it comes to your love life."
Those words slipped out of his mouth with a sarcastic tone, mocking himself.
A Few minutes later...
Ring.. Ring.. _A Video Call_
"Uhm... What's up?" Alex said, his voice thick with sleep.
"Alex, where are you? Are you okay?" asked Celvin Lin, concern evident in his tone.
... _Anastasia Bella_ entered the room ...
... _Satou Hiroki_ entered the room ...
... _Kawano Mayumi_ entered the room ...
... _Oh Han Min_ entered the room ...
"I'm at my apartment. What's going on?" Alex said.
"Honestly, I'm worried. No, we're all worried about you, Alex. We don't want you to do something reckless like last time," Celvin said, concern etched on his face.
"Really, there's nothing to worry about. I'm fine," Alex replied, forcing a smile but betraying his true feelings.
"Come on, Alex. We can see through your act. You're not okay. Just talk to us," Hiroki urged, his voice filled with sincerity.
*Speaking in mix language*
"(あのね=anone)'You know', Alex, I need to tell you something important," Mayumi began, her tone heavy. "That woman-your girlfriend... no, your ex-she posted something on social media. She's getting married next month, and there's a photo of her with another guy."
*Speaking in mix language*
"Wait, what? (미친 새끼 여자/michin saekki yeoja) 'That crazy woman'. I knew you mentioned she might be a two-timer and Alex might get dumped when you saw that post, but I didn't expect her to flaunt it like that," Han Min said, disbelief in his voice.
*Speaking in mix language*
"(でしょう/Deshou) 'I know right'.. I found out because she shared it on her close-circle list. One of my coworkers is on that list, and she showed it to me because she was excited about her best friend's engagement," Mayumi explained.
"But here's the thing: my coworkers told me that she felt suffocated in the relationship with the previous guy named Alex. She claimed you weren't giving her enough space to grow, and that she felt like she was losing herself. She was looking for someone who could understand her need for independence, and it breaks my heart to say this, but it seems like she found that in someone else."
Suddenly, Alex began to laugh. However, the sound of his laughter was forced, and his friends exchanged worried glances.
"Haha... Haha...
Wait, So you're telling me she was seeing another guy while we were together? And now she's just running off with him instead of having a conversation with me? That's really low."
Tears began to stream down Alex's face.
"Haha... Haha...
Oh God... What did I do to deserve this? Why do I have to feel this way?
Sob... Sob...
You all know this isn't the first time I've been treated like this. It's a cycle that keeps repeating. Do I not have the right to be loved back by the people I care about?"
His friends felt the weight of his words, their own eyes welling up with tears.
"No... no...
Don't say that. You are one of the best people I know. There are plenty of girls out there who would appreciate you. You deserve better than this," Han Min said, trying to reassure him.
"Exactly. This is just one chapter in your life. Let it go. We're here for you, no matter the distance. Even if we're living in different countries, we'll always support you. Think of us as your family. We'll listen whenever you need to talk," Anastasia added, her voice filled with warmth.
"I wish I could just hug you right now, buddy. You're not alone in this," Hiroki said, his voice breaking with emotion.
"Me too...
Me too...
We're all here for you, Alex..."
They spent hours talking, comforting him, and reminding him of the strength of their friendship. It was a poignant reminder of how true friends stand by each other through the toughest times.
The Dream
"Young Master, you must run now! I'll hold off the pursuers," the man in black urged, his voice strained but resolute.
"No! I won't leave you behind! I can't-"
"Listen to me! If you don't go, we'll both perish here. I can't protect you while I'm fighting. You need to escape!"
"But... if I leave, you'll be-"
"I'll be fine! I promise. Once you're safe, I'll follow you. But you have to trust me!"
The noble young man feels a pang of despair; he knows the man in black has already resigned himself to this fate.
The noble young man embraces the man in black, then he suddenly begins chanting in an otherworldly language that seems to resonate with the wind itself, causing a gust to whip around them, as if granting them a final blessing.
"Fine, I'll go. But promise me you'll find a way back to me," he said, voice trembling.
"I swear it, Young Master. No matter what happens, I'll come back to you," the man replied, eyes glistening with unshed tears.
The noble young man forces a smile, his heart heavy as he bows deeply, the weight of his words hanging in the air.
"Farewell, my dear servant, my best friend, and my brother. Until we meet again."
Tears streamed down the cheeks of the man in black as he watched the noble young man retreat into the darkness. He prostrated himself, whispering,
"Farewell, my brother, my best friend, and my dear beloved prince. May your journey be filled with light and your path lead to safety."
"I can't believe this is happening. I'm so exhausted... How much longer can I run?" he muttered to himself, feeling the strain in his muscles. "I need a moment to breathe."
But just as he begins to slow, the sound of heavy footsteps echoes ominously behind him. He spins around, heart racing, just as an arrow whizzes past him, narrowly missing its mark.
Alarm blares... Alarm blares...
Alex jolts awake, disoriented, his heart pounding in his chest.
"What the hell...?" he groans, rubbing his eyes. "That dream felt too real. I've really got to cut back on those late-night shows. They're twisting my mind."
He sits up, the weight of reality crashing down on him. With a shaky hand, he covers his eyes, trying to block out the world.
"Mom... Dad... I miss you both so much. It's just... this life feels unbearable without you. I still remember your last words, Mom, the night before everything changed..."
Flashback: A Conversation Between Alex and His Mom
It was winter in Japan, the cold biting at everything it touched. As the second month of the year drew to a close, Alex, a dedicated university student juggling his studies and a part-time job at a mini-market, found himself in a moment of deep anxiety. On that particular night, around 11:00 PM, he received an important call from home during a 40-minute break. He hurried out of the building, seeking a quiet spot in the nearest park to talk. He settled onto a bench, his heart racing.
.... Ring... Ring... ....
Before answering, he took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. His expression was a mix of worry and hope, whispering to himself that everything would be alright.
Yet, when he picked up the call, reality hit.
"Hello, Miss Zera. How's Mom doing? Everything's okay, right?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.
"Hello, Alex. Yes, everything is stable. Your mother just regained consciousness and wants to hear your voice," she replied gently.
"Mom? Is that you?" Tears began to stream down Alex's face as he heard her familiar voice after ten long days of worrying.
"Alex, my sweet boy. Where are you?"
"I'm at work, but I'm on my break right now," he replied, struggling to keep his composure.
"Have you eaten, son?" Her concern was palpable.
"I had something earlier..." he said, his throat tightening.
"Are you crying?" she asked, her voice softening.
"No! I'm not crying, Mom. You must have misheard," he replied, desperately trying to sound composed.
"Really?"
"Um, yes, really."
"How's your study Son? Everything's good right?"
"I'm doing well with my studies, Mom. Just focus on getting better," he urged, trying to keep the conversation light.
There was a heavy pause on the line. Alex could almost hear his mother taking a deep breath.
"Listen, sweetheart, I know you sometimes drink with your friends. It's okay to enjoy yourself, but please don't overdo it. Promise me?"
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
"Why are you saying this now?" He fought to keep his voice steady, confusion and anger swirling inside him.
"Because I care... and because you're growing up."
"Mom, I can't just sit here while you're in the hospital. Should I come home?" Panic crept into his voice.
"No! Don't even think about it. You can't waste your money on a flight. Stay focused on school. That's what your father would want."
"But-"
"Listen to me! Stay where you are!"
"Okay... I understand..."
"Promise me you'll stay strong."
Hearing the frailty in her voice cut him deeper than any wound. He had to fight against the rising tide of despair.
"Mom... I need you to keep fighting. Please..."
"Don't cry, my love. You're becoming a man now. You need to be strong for me. A man must stand tall, no matter the storm."
"I'm trying, Mom..."
"Life will be harsh without me, but you must keep living. Promise me you will live fully, even if I'm not there to see it."
"I promise, Mom... I promise..."
"Don't gamble. Stay away from it; it leads to ruin. Don't smoke; it will destroy your health."
"I'll remember, Mom. I'll do my best..."
"Where was I? Ah, yes...
Be good to your friends; they will support you when you need it most. If you find someone special, choose her for her heart, not your money. Be faithful, Alex. Always pray to God, no matter what."
With every word, the weight of reality crashed down on him, and he broke down, sobs wracking his body, echoing in the stillness of the park.
"I will, Mom! I swear I'll make you proud!"
"That's my boy... I wish your father were here. It's so ironic, isn't it? He went before me..."
Her voice trailed off, heavy with regret.
"I love you, Alexander Matthias. I love you so much. I'm so tired now. I need to rest. We'll talk tomorrow."
"Sob... sob...
Okay, Mom. Please, get some rest. I love you too."
He could hear the smile in her voice, even through the sadness.
"Goodbye, my darling."
"Goodbye, Mom. Talk to you soon."
... Voice Call Ended ...
Who would have guessed that night would be the last time Alex would hear his mother's voice? The next day, she slipped into a coma, leaving him to grapple with fear and prayer from a distance. Fourteen agonising days later, the call came: a grim message that shattered his world, compelling him to fly home for her funeral.
End of the Flashback Conversation Between Alex & His Mom
"I've tried so hard to follow your advice, Mom... but why do I still feel this hollow ache inside? Just a week after you passed, the girl I loved more than anything betrayed me. And it's like history is repeating itself-one heartbreak after another."
He paused, frustration etched on his face. "You told me to be good to my friends, and I've tried. But we're all scattered across different places, caught up in our own lives. Some of them are even married now. I can't bring myself to disturb their happiness with my selfish needs."
His voice trembled with the weight of his loneliness. "I'm so utterly alone, Mom. Both inside and out. I need someone to share my thoughts with, someone who really sees me. Why does love feel like a distant dream? Why does it seem like my prayers are falling on deaf ears?"
A bitter laugh escaped him, a fragile attempt to mask his pain. "Haha... listen to me. I sound like a lunatic."
Alex felt his heart shatter under the strain of isolation. "Living without love feels like walking through a never-ending fog-meaningless and dark."
His emotional reservoir had been drained, leaving him exhausted and longing for something genuine. He craved true love, yet the shadows of past failures loomed large, haunting him. In light of all this, he found solace in the kindness and goodwill he had extended to others, knowing it was what his mother would have wanted for him.
Unexpected Guest
Door bell ringing...
Alex groaned as the persistent sound pulled him from his slumber.
"Ugh... Who the hell is ringing the doorbell this early? It's Saturday, and it's barely 7:00 AM," he muttered, dragging himself out of bed. On his way to the door, he rubbed his eyes and grumbled, wondering who or what could possibly demand his attention so urgently.
When Alex opened the door, he froze. Standing before him were two familiar faces, a sight so unexpected that it left him momentarily speechless.
*Speaking in mix language*
"(짜잔!/jjajan!) 'Ta-da!" Han Min greeted with a wide grin. "(안녕, 우리 친구/annyeong, uli chingu) 'Hello, my friend."
*Speaking in mix language*
"(よー, おはようー/yo- ohayou) 'Yoo, Good Morning'." Hiroki added, casually waving.
Alex's initial shock melted into relief. A smile spread across his face as he tried, and failed, to keep his emotions in check. His two best friends, standing right there. He hadn't realised just how much he needed to see them until this moment.
Han Min and Hiroki, without waiting for an invitation, strolled into the apartment like they used to back in their university days.
"You guys are insane!" Alex blurted out, still processing. "How? Why? Don't you have jobs? And how the hell did you even find me?"
*Speaking in mix language*
"Slow down, man." Han Min plopped onto the couch, clearly jet-lagged. "First of all, it's a beautiful morning. Second, we're too tired to answer all these ridiculous questions right now . . .(でしょう?/Deshou?) 'Right?'"
*Speaking in mix language*
"(うん、そうです!/Un, soudesu) 'Yes, that's right!" Hiroki nodded, stifling a yawn. "We're running on fumes here."
*Speaking in mix language*
Han Min shot Alex a playful glare. "So just stop with the interrogation, (알았지?/al-assji?) 'Okay?'"
*Speaking in korean language*
"(어, 알았어/eo, al-ass-eo) 'Oh, Okay'." Alex chuckled, shaking his head.
"Why are we here? Simple." Han Min sat up a little. "We're worried about you, Alex."
"Do we have work? Yeah, unfortunately." Hiroki cut in. "And trust me, it's a pain working on Saturdays."
"But," Han Min leaned forward, "we took emergency leave. Family reasons, of course." He winked. "And don't worry, we've got our parents covering for us back home. No messes to deal with."
Hiroki smiled. "The other three wanted to come, but they're tied down with their own stuff. They feel bad they couldn't make it, but they send their love. Anastasia helped us find you-remember the Christmas hamper she sent last year? Yeah, that's how we got your address."
The two friends dropped their luggage in the corner of the living room. Han Min walked over to Alex and pulled him into a tight, comforting hug.
"It's okay, Alex... It's okay." Han Min's voice softened. "That person? She wasn't right for you. Neither were any of the others. They just weren't your match."
Alex's chest tightened as he tried to hold back the tears. Han Min continued, "You know what? You don't need a partner to be happy. You have a good job, you've got money-treat yourself, buddy. Enjoy life. And remember, you're never alone. We're always here. We've got your back, just like you've always had ours."
Hearing those words, Alex finally let go. The tears he'd been holding back streamed down his face as he sobbed into his friend's shoulder.
"Sob... sob... I understand... I do," he choked out between breaths.
Hiroki quietly approached, gently patting Alex on the back. "It's okay to cry, Alex. Just let it out. There's nothing wrong with it. We're human, man. Even we have our breaking points. Crying doesn't make you weak."
With his friends beside him, Alex felt a sense of comfort he hadn't felt in a long time. The weight of his loneliness began to lift.
"By the way," Han Min said, lightening the mood, "our flight home's tomorrow afternoon."
"So..." Hiroki grinned, knowing where this was going.
"So, let's rest for a few hours, grab some lunch, and then-" Han Min stood dramatically, "-take us out! Show us around, and then, my boys, we hit the bars. It's time for a boys' night out!"
Alex laughed, the first genuine laugh he'd had in weeks. "Aye aye, Captain Han!"
"Alright, I'm crashing." Hiroki yawned and headed to the guest room.
Alex sat for a moment after his friends disappeared into the other rooms. A wave of gratitude washed over him. These were the people who truly cared, the ones who had always been there when it mattered most. And even though life had pulled them in different directions, they were still right by his side when he needed them the most.
For the next 30 hours, the three friends laughed, reminisced, and made new memories, cherishing each moment as they relived the best parts of their university days. It was a reminder of the kind of bond that time and distance could never break.
7:00 PM, After a Long Day
Alex had just returned home, exhausted but content, after seeing off his two best friends at the airport. He changed his clothes in the powder room and trudged toward his bedroom. Collapsing onto the bed, he smiled to himself-a smile that felt like a small but significant victory. Life wasn't so bad after all. Perhaps, the right moment simply hadn't come yet, and maybe, just maybe, the struggles were worth enduring.
As sleep crept over him, he had no idea that fate was preparing to unveil a new course in his destiny.
The Void
"Wait, what? Where the hell am I?"
Alex blinked, confused. He stood in an empty space-an endless void.
"I was just in bed... What is this?" he muttered, pinching his arm hard.
"Ouch!" he winced. "No way. This is supposed to be a dream, right? But... why does it hurt?" His mind raced. "A dream that feels real? This is messed up."
Suddenly, about 300 meters to his right, a figure materialized, walking slowly toward him. As the figure approached, Alex's heart pounded-he was seeing someone who looked exactly like him, but just a shade brighter. The stranger finally stopped in front of him, grinning.
"Excuse me, but... who are you?" Alex asked, baffled. "You look exactly like me."
The man, dressed in a traditional Hanbok, grinned wider. "Really? You don't know who I am?"
Alex squinted, studying him. "No... never seen you before. I'm an only child-I don't have a twin."
The man burst into laughter. "Easy, man. No need to be on guard."
With a clap of his hands, a table and two chairs appeared out of thin air, fully set with food and drinks.
"Alright, before we dive into any serious discussions, let's fill our stomachs first. You haven't had dinner yet, have you?" The Man in Hanbok said, walking over to one of the chairs with an easy confidence. "Please, have a seat, Alexander Matthias."
Alex hesitated, his thoughts racing. How does he know my name? But despite his misgivings, he sat down. His stomach growled loudly, betraying him.
The man chuckled. "I figured you'd be hungry. Come on, dig in."
Embarrassed, Alex picked up his fork, tasting the food. His eyes widened. "Wait a second... how do you know all my favorite dishes? And-this one-it tastes just like my parents used to make!"
The man in the Hanbok chuckled again. "You'll understand soon enough."
The Revelation
When they finished eating, the plates vanished, replaced by two oversized cups of milk tea.
"Now, we can talk," the man said, leaning back.
Alex nodded, still intrigued. "Alright."
The silence between them stretched awkwardly until finally, the man spoke. "So, your first question-where are we? This place is your subconscious mind. But when you pinched yourself, it hurt because I've summoned not just your mind, but your soul."
"Our soul," the man clarified.
"Wait... what do you mean 'our soul'?" Alex asked, his confusion deepening.
"I am you. Or rather, I'm your past life."
Alex gawked at him. "My... past life?"
The man grinned mischievously. "Yes. You see, this 'dream' is no ordinary dream. I'm not some figment of your imagination. I'm a past version of you. I summoned your soul into this space to help you unlock what's been hidden."
"Unlock what?" Alex asked, half-laughing, half-terrified. "This is insane."
At that, Alex spun around, clapping his cheeks with both hands, a frantic laugh escaping his lips. "Haha... Oh, great! I've officially lost it. My dreams are becoming absurd!" He muttered under his breath, "No, no, no... This must be some kind of trick. This can't be real. Maybe it's a demon... something dark."
Turning sharply back to face the man, Alex pointed a finger, his voice rising, "Hey! Demon, devil-whatever you are, I command you in the name of God to go back where you came from! I'm not buying this."
The Man in Hanbok burst into laughter, genuine amusement lighting up his face. "Oh, God-I mean gosh-I believe in God too, but wow, I didn't expect my reincarnation to be this bold. You're really something."
"Shut up, demon!" Alex shot back, his resolve unwavering. "Go back to where you belong!"
The Man in Hanbok sighed, rolling his eyes. "If I were a demon, then so are you. Because, remember-we're the same."
"I'm not falling for that," Alex said, shaking his head in denial.
At this, the Man in Hanbok's playful demeanor faded. He rubbed his temples in frustration, muttering to himself, "This is harder than I thought. Convincing my own soul... unbelievable." He took a deep breath. "Alright, guess I'll try something else."
His grin returned, then he reached into his robe and revealed a ring-a silver band set with five amethyst stones. The moment Alex's eyes landed on it, something inside him broke. His chest tightened, and before he knew it, tears began to well in his eyes.
"I-why do I-"
"Feel this way?" the man finished for him. "Because this ring, this part of me... it's part of you too. It remembers."
As if drawn by an invisible force, Alex reached out, his fingers brushing against the ring. Instantly, warmth flooded him, and then-like a dam breaking-a torrent of memories, faces, and places surged into his mind. His knees buckled, and he collapsed, gasping for breath as the weight of another life crashed over him.
Fragments of the Past
The darkness surrounding him lifted slowly, and Alex blinked his eyes open. The man was still there, watching him closely, his expression unreadable.
"How do you feel?" the man asked, his voice quiet.
"Dizzy... but okay," Alex muttered, pushing himself to his feet.
The man smiled faintly. "Good. Because you'll need to be strong for what's coming. These memories-they're just the beginning."
Alex nodded, still piecing together the fragments swirling in his mind. "I... I remember things. Faces. But it's all still pieces. What does it mean?"
"It means," the man replied softly, "that your past life is beginning to merge with your present self. But the full picture won't reveal itself yet."
Alex rubbed his temples, feeling a dull ache settle there. "Why now? Why is this happening?"
The man's expression became serious. "Because your time is coming. A time when you'll need to understand who you are-who we are. And with that knowledge will come power."
"Anw, I knew exactly what your favorite foods were and made them taste just like your parents' cooking. Because I got a glimpse of your past while I was walking toward you."
Alex blinked in surprise. "Oh... that actually makes sense."
"Any more questions?" the Man in Hanbok asked, leaning back with a satisfied smile.
"Yes!" Alex replied eagerly, his curiosity bursting. "I have a few! First, why do you look like you're fading? Second, why are some parts of my memories blurry? When I try to go deeper, it vanishes. And third... tell me the truth... Can I really wield magic?" His eyes sparkled with excitement at the last question.
The man chuckled, his amusement clear.
"Haha... You're an interesting one. Alright, let me explain. First, I'm indeed your past life. But what you're seeing now is just a form of mana-a small portion of my essence that I stored in our soul before I perished. You could think of it as a snapshot of who I was, preserved for this moment."
Alex frowned in confusion. "Isn't that... against the rules? The Law of Heaven, or something like that?"
The Man in Hanbok smirked. "You're right. Normally, when a person dies, their soul is wiped clean of memories and reincarnated-or sent to Heaven or Hell, depending on their deeds. But..." He paused dramatically, "unless you're special. Like us."
"Special?" Alex leaned in, his curiosity deepening.
"Exactly." The man's grin widened. "And as for why I'm fading? The mana I stored is nearly depleted. But don't worry, I'm not going anywhere-because, well, I'm you."
Alex blinked, trying to process everything. "So, when I wake up, I'll have your memories... and your personality?"
"Sort of," the man said, his tone more serious now. "It's more of a fusion. My experiences, my knowledge-they'll blend with yours. You'll still be you, but... with a twist."
Alex was speechless. He nodded, absorbing the revelation.
"Now, about your second question," the Man in Hanbok continued, "the blurry memories? Honestly, I don't know. They'll likely clear up when the time is right."
Alex's brow furrowed. "That's not much of an answer."
The man shrugged, unapologetic. "Some things have to reveal themselves in their own time."
"And the magic?" Alex leaned forward, barely able to contain his excitement.
The Man in Hanbok grinned again, clearly enjoying this. "Okay, let me show you something. Look to your right and imagine a door."
Alex turned his head and squinted. "Uh... okay..."
"Now," the man said, "say 'Storage.' Quietly."
"Storage?" Alex whispered, feeling a bit silly.
Suddenly, a glowing golden door materialized in the air. Alex's eyes widened in awe, his breath catching in his throat.
"This," the man said with satisfaction, "is your pocket dimension. Inside, it stores all sorts of valuable things. It will vanish after sixty seconds if you don't enter."
Alex was speechless, his mind racing.
"Not bad, huh?" The Man in Hanbok grinned, watching Alex's face light up.
"Not bad at all," Alex agreed, barely able to contain his amazement.
"Now, you can discover the rest when you wake up. My mana is almost used up," the Man in Hanbok said, his form beginning to shimmer and fade.
Final Words
Alex smiled, feeling a deep connection to the man. "Don't worry. It's all on me now. After all, at the end of the day, I am you."
The man nodded, a look of relief crossing his face. As he began to fade, he leaned in close and whispered in Alex's ear, "Be aware of C*l*n*s."
With that, the Man in Hanbok dissolved into a shower of golden particles that floated into Alex's soul.
The Awakening
The sound of his alarm ripped Alex from the dream. Gasping, he shot up in bed, heart pounding. His mind raced, trying to grasp the fragments of the night. It had to be a dream... right?
But then, the words spilled from his lips without thought.
"Storage."
A golden door materialized before him, just like in the dream.
For a moment, Alex stared, then threw his head back and laughed.
"Well then," he muttered, a grin stretching across his face. "Not bad. Not bad at all."