Mal stirred, his mind slowly coming to as an uncomfortable tingling sensation crept up his arm. It took him a moment to realize what was happening—his arm had fallen asleep, completely numb from being slung over his face for who knows how long. The pins-and-needles feeling was sharp now, enough to drag him out of the comfortable haze of sleep.
"Seriously?" he muttered, blinking against the early morning light.
He slowly peeled his arm off his face, wincing as the blood started to flow back in, the prickling sensation intensifying. That was enough to fully wake him. He groaned and shook his arm out, flexing his fingers until the feeling started to return to normal.
Guess I should be thankful it woke me up before the alarm did, he thought wryly. It wasn’t often he got a head start on the day…even if it was only a few minutes.
Mal turned his head toward the old-school alarm clock radio on his nightstand. 5:45 AM. Fifteen minutes before the dreaded beeping was set to jolt him awake. He had long ago ditched using his phone for alarms—it was too easy to snooze, and the gentle chimes couldn’t compare to the rude, jarring blare of his ancient brown clock radio. It was obnoxious, but that was the point. It practically shocked you awake, leaving no room for groggy half-consciousness. He’d come to rely on it, but waking up before it went off? That was rare.
Not bad, he thought.
He couldn’t remember the last time he’d woken up on his own, let alone early. Maybe the universe was giving him a break today.
Stretching out in bed, he felt a satisfying crack in his shoulders and let out a deep yawn. His feet found the cold wooden floor, grounding him further into the morning. Mal sat on the edge of his bed, his gaze unfocused as thoughts swirled in his head.
Were the streets of Heaven really paved with gold and guarded by gates of pearl? Or was that all just some grand metaphor?
He let out a sigh, rubbing his eyes. Am I in heaven already and just too miserable to notice?
He glanced around his room, filled with everything he could ever want.
Is this my golden-paved street? Maybe.
The abundance around him felt almost suffocating at times, a constant reminder of how good he had it—how absurd it was to feel so... empty.
I’m not lacking anything. I have everything, more than most people ever dream of. And yet, here I am, feeling "sad" in my nerd room.
Outside his sanctuary, beyond these four walls, was a dream house. A penthouse, to be exact.
Three stories of pure luxury, taking up the top floors of a landmark media building downtown.
He glanced out the window at the city skyline, the lights twinkling in autumn’s delay of light.
The view from here is insane. It always reminds me how big the world is, and how much more there is beyond my thoughts. And still, I sit here, wondering what the hell I’m doing with all of it.
Classes start today.
I can’t believe I’m actually doing this.
He wasn’t walking into the unknown—he would be attending college alongside his sisters, surrounded by friends and familiar faces. Yet, the pressure of his own desires loomed large, threatening to swallow him whole.
While his sisters seemed so at ease, navigating their paths with confidence, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was weighed down by expectations, both his own and those he felt from his family.
It’s like we’re all trapped in a twisted game of the divine,
Despite the comfort of their presence, the desire to forge his own identity felt overwhelming. The idea of becoming the Angel of Death—a title he was still grappling with—felt like an inescapable fate, a role he never wanted to assume.
Why can’t I just be free? Why can’t I tell my own story instead of being bound to this one?
It was as if the universe had decreed he would remain here, forever tethered to this place. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, frustration bubbling to the surface.
I want to learn, to master the craft that will set me free. I can’t be stuck here, living out the same tired existence. He envisioned building a life that reflected the stories swirling in his head, bursting to be told.
I can’t let this town hold me back. I need to draw better. I need to absorb everything this school has to offer. I have to find a way to escape this fate.
With a deep breath, he sat up, the weight of his thoughts still heavy but somehow lighter than before.
Today is the first step—an opportunity to break free, carve my own path, and chase the dreams that have lingered in the corners of my mind for far too long. He would not be defined by his surroundings; he would be the architect of his destiny.
No more waiting. This is mine.
He glanced at the clock. Classes didn’t start until nine, but today he was meeting his crew at the diner for breakfast. They’d agreed to start having early morning meetups now that some of them were starting college—an attempt to stay connected as they entered "adulthood."
Mal smirked at the thought. "Right, because waking up before six for coffee and breakfast makes us adults.”It was ridiculous considering most of his friends, even the non-gamers in their tight-knit crew, were night owls. He knew they’d all be grumbling when their alarms went off, questioning why they were doing this. Still, it was the one thing he was looking forward to.
The anxiety of starting college weighed on him. It wasn’t just about being surrounded by insanely talented artists—people who had been drawing, painting, sculpting, and mastering digital tools since childhood. For Mal, it was about something bigger. He didn’t want to be "the freaking Angel of Death” he would say about this so-called destiny, ferrying souls to the next phase of existence.
Sure, he’d do his duty to support his sisters, but he wanted more than that.
He had dreams.
Dreams of living a normal life, and most importantly creating an anime. It wasn’t just a passing interest; it was his potential way out. If he could make it in the industry, he could support himself and find the path.
“Free will right?” He said looking at his ceiling.
Yet, a small voice in the back of his mind insisted he’d already wasted too much time and should’ve accepted his role by now.
It was too late to turn back now.
I can do this. This is just anxiety, he reminded himself.
I’m here to learn, and it doesn’t matter if others are ahead of me. I’ve got time—life’s just starting.
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With a sigh, Mal stood up, muscles still stiff from sleep, and trudged toward the bathroom.
Living with his sisters was an experience full of love and laughter, but it often felt overwhelming, and a private bathroom was his sanctuary—a rare luxury in a house bursting at the seams with its chaos. Each of the apartment's rooms had separate bathrooms, but his was the only one free from their influence.
His room was often intruded upon, but his bathroom was a no-fly zone for his sisters. It always amused him, especially since his bathroom was cleaner than any of theirs.
He chuckled to himself, picturing Sumi’s exaggerated gagging at the mere idea of setting foot inside.
You’d think it was a toxic wasteland instead of a perfectly tidy bathroom, he thought, shaking his head.
The thought of her dramatic antics made him smile. While they loved to poke fun at the “man’s bathroom” stigma, he knew it was more about the unwritten rules of their household than anything else.
He splashed cold water on his face, while the steam from the preparing shower warmed. Catching a glimpse of his reflection— the dark circles under his eyes, and an expression that screamed for coffee.
“Coffee”
PG.1A
Mal swung his backpack over his shoulder, the weight of it tugging slightly as his skateboard clinked against the straps, as he shut his door and stepped into the hallway it hit him—a smell. Not just any smell, but the unmistakable scent of breakfast. That could only mean one thing: Harper was back.
A grin spread across his face as he quickened his pace, excitement bubbling inside him. She’d been gone for over a year, and her absence had left a noticeable gap in their strange little family. He dropped his bag by the bottom of the stairs without hesitation, he briskly walked into the kitchen, calling her name.
“Harper!”
Harper glanced over her shoulder as Mal approached "Mallymal," she said teasingly, using the pet name she’d called him for years. "I'm cooking, give me a sec. I want a proper hug."
Harper’s blonde hair has a subtle hint of purple, giving it a cool lilac vibe without being too bold. Her tan skin makes her blue eyes pop, and her curvy, athletic build and laid-back yet confidence brought a very approachable essence to her.
Mal moved toward her briskly in his excitement and without thinking, he slipped his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her into a tight hug. Laying his head into her shoulder and hair. Her body tensed for a moment, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, they both stood there for a second, the warmth between them lingering in the air. Harper bit her lip, not wanting to let the smile escape. Her cheeks flushed a subtle pink, and though she tried to mask their shared embarrassment, it was clear she felt it too.
Uhhh what had just happened? Mal couldn't believe he’d acted so impulsively, letting his body take over without a second thought.
Aurora raised an eyebrow, looking at Harper. “What was that, Mal?”
“I missed her and she’s uh cooking so didn’t want to disrupt the flow ya know?”
Aurora casually grinned at him sitting at the bar, sipping coffee, a stack of books spread around her, picking at an egg dish Harper had whipped up.
“You’re up early,” Mal said, changing the subject rapidly.
Aurora raised an eyebrow at the two over her coffee mug.
“I have a clinical residency that’s an early shift for a few weeks.”
“…and you?” She responded trying to gauge what she was seeing unfold in the kitchen right out of the gate.
With a sheepish grin, he replied, “Meeting the gang for breakfast”
Harper turned slightly, her eyes darting between him and the stove. “It’s Omurice. Want some? You can have the one I’m making now.”
He looked at the fluffy omelet she was folding over rice “Omurice?” he asked, unfamiliar with the name. "I’ve never heard of it.”
She smirked a flicker of something in her eyes—maybe amusement, maybe something else. “Trust me, you’ll like it.”
“Nah, if I show up full the gang will be pissed, but I’ll try a bite.”
Harper handed him a fork, and he took a small taste, his face lighting up. “Okay, that’s actually really good.”
“Told you.”
He leaned back against the counter, still glancing at Harper. “When did you get back?”
“Last night... well, a few hours ago, actually,” she replied, turning back to the stove. “But, I’m on a different time zone, so I figured your big sis could use breakfast before heading to work this morning. I haven’t even unpacked yet.”
Mal hadn’t even noticed the suitcases and boxes stacked near the entry doors.
He’d been so focused on seeing her, he hadn’t even realized. “Missed that,” he said, scratching the back of his neck.
Harper had left to manage her father’s branch offices in Kyoden, a bustling metropolis known for its blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge innovation. The city, with its neon-lit streets and towering skyscrapers, was often hailed as a technological arcadia, where ancient traditions seamlessly intertwined with cutting-edge innovation. Kyoden’s culture was steeped in ancient customs, but it also led the world in advancements, especially in the sectors where Harper’s company thrived. She’d taken on the monumental task of overseeing operations, pulling long nights, and absorbing the culture. But as much as she thrived in the chaos, the city’s intensity had worn on her, making her yearn for the quiet sanctuary of her home and her family.
“Well, I hate to go, but I old MoMo I would pick him up at the store en route. I’m glad you’re back, Harpy; I wanna hear more later!”
“Okay, Mally… tell everyone hi for me! I miss those idiots” she said, trying to sound casual.
With a final nod and a quick grin, Mal turned to Aurora. He leaned in and gave her a playful kiss on the forehead. “Don’t miss me too much,” he teased, ruffling her hair lightly.
Aurora chuckled and gave him a light push. “I’ll try, but it’s going to be tough with you all grow’d up and a college man now.”
As Mal headed for the door, Harper watched the warm exchange with a soft smile, her thoughts drifting. The bond between all of the siblings was unmistakable, and it made her reflect on her connections. She admired their easy camaraderie and felt a bit of envy. The close relationship they shared was something she longed for, especially in moments this last year when she felt the weight of her emotional solitude.
Mal hurriedly headed for the elevator. I need to get out of here before I embarrass myself further. Why am I all gaga over Harper…maybe I am lonelier than I thought
For the first time in a long while, the penthouse felt…smelt whole again.
“So, what’s Mal studying? I didn’t even realize he was going off to college I would have made his favorite breakfast and enticed him to stay. You can’t have a first day without a home-cooked breakfast” She said, unable to hide her genuine interest.
“Well, look at you guys, best friends again after all this time,” Aurora teased.
“Hey now, we made up on the phone months ago!” Harper called out.
“Mmmhmmm,” Aurora winked as she heard the elevator doors closed.
She knew their relationship had been strained before Harper left for Kyoden. They’d fought over trivial things, typical sibling-like…or maybe even couple-like squabbles, but nothing deeply significant. The last time they’d seen each other in person had been a heated argument, but a few months and some phone calls had helped mend their relationship.
“He’s dead set on making cartoons…or anime whatever it is before he’ll even consider anything else,” Aurora replied. “He’s got this whole plan mapped out in his head.”
Harper finally turned her eyes back and looked at Aurora. “Anime, huh? That’s… ambitious… but makes sense for him.”
Aurora chuckled, shaking her head. “Yeah, it is. I am ok letting Mal’s passion run for a while and to be honest, he’s not going to let anything distract him from it. He’s always been like that—when he gets an idea, he’s all consumed.”
“I am glad that hasn’t changed… I’m really glad he’s pursuing art. I’ve always known how much he loved it, even if his art started a little ummm… criminal.”
“I know the family responsibilities make him feel held back.” Aurora shrugged, still watching Harper. “…sometimes, it’s nice to see him so focused… He said he found his calling.”
As they continued talking, Harper’s gaze drifted toward the doorway where Mal had disappeared moments earlier. Her face held a faint wistfulness. Aurora noticed it right away, her eyebrows knitting together. A small voice nagged at the back of her mind.
Wait a minute… Is something going on here?
Harper had been her best friend since kindergarten, practically family at this point. They’d grown up side by side, and Harper had known Mal his whole life, despite being four years older than him. They’d always had a close bond, but Aurora couldn’t help but recall the arguments that had flared up between Harper and Mal before she left for Kyoden. Now, seeing that look on Harper’s face, she couldn’t shake the suspicion that maybe unresolved feelings were lurking beneath the surface.
Meanwhile, exiting the elevator in the garage, Mal took a deep breath. The cool, slightly damp air of the open levels greeted him, the smell of concrete and dew filling his lungs.
Things will be different this time, he reminded himself.
He walked to where the family had a few reserved spots on one of the open-air floors of the parking garage so the slightly faded mint green paint of his SUV sparkled in the early moist air.
Everything is going to be different! He thought getting into Nikki -it was a boxy, old-school beast, with a sturdy frame and round headlights that gave it a timeless, utilitarian look, even the angular edge of the steel bumpers made it look like it was ready for anything… It had taken Mal and his friends from skateparks to mountaintops. It was the only vehicle he had ever owned or driven. Nikki topped out at around 55 MPH and on mornings like this, as the engine rumbled to life, Mal knew the heater wouldn’t even have warmed up by the time he reached MoMo.