*ೃ༄

The graduation was still a long 'way' to go, but Ren wanted to bury himself in bed because he forgot the speech (even how he used to speak during his service in Student Council) and he was so unprepared for that shit. Even though he's a former Student Council President, he always wanted to have a proper graduation after what happened to his entire life--but he knew that life is just unfair and somewhat a bullshit when he thought in realistic view. However, he felt grateful that he was surrounded with new friends and able to open up to them with a genuine smile on his lips. From his insecure and uptight self, into his bright and courageous self as he always unafraid in his path even during battle.

Ren fell feverish again after a long work and adventures that they wrapped up, he simply buried himself in his bed and wrapped in blanket. He just wrapped up all of his final events with his friends, he was planning to dismiss the committees but due to his abysmal luck--he let Kaizo who was the Vice-President to do that. He got a cold, increasing temperature, headache and was wheezing hard and panting as he was sweating mess.

"HAAAAACHOOO!!!"

Ren sneezes so loud which made his father Rihan surprised, he was making a warm food for him--a warm Hainanese chicken rice with pork soup. His nose turned red and his lungs were getting weaker, before his father came in with the food after Ren didn't go to school. Ren whined when his dad was checking his temperature again, since it was very hot that he felt like a stove. "Don't force yourself again, son," Rihan said, before he frowned. "I almost thought you're okay, but here you're wrapping yourself up! The meeting with the deities won't start in weeks, so you can rest for now," he reassured with a smile, helping Ren to sit and begin to feed him.

Rihan also brought him a warm chocolate milk mixed with honey to cure his throat after he coughs and sniffled harder. The teenager managed to gain his appetite and eat, he knew he already finished his school years with his friends and just wait for graduation--or vice versa. Even though Ren just got accepted in college in Yogyakarta, his father also planning to move there as well--Rihan will continue working as a businessman while Ren's going to the Faculty of Fine Arts, studying Visual Art. "Why don't you rest, Riyanda? I can handle this when you're sick," he reassured, even though his son insisted he could take care of himself--but soon sighed in defeat. "When did you become more responsible? Ah, that's a good question..."

Rihan raised his eyebrow, looking back at Ren's stuff like sketchbooks, laptop and other craft kits. That's not any 'more responsible', it's more about adapting to normal life without hurting himself--both physically and mentally. "Also, please take care of your health when we're moving in the future. If I find you collapsed and look like a ghost, you're gonna get a scolding," his father said, making Ren chuckled. "Now get some sleep, you look like a mess right now..." he added, turning the lights off and shut the door closed. The teenage Vidyadhara coughed hardly in the pillow, he pulled up his phone and called every friends using app and texting at them.

Ren: "Sorry guys, I'm terribly sick today... someone take notes, I'm sure as hell am too tired and sick to handle another assignments..."

Izumo: "It's okay, bro! Hope you get well soon!"

Kaizo: "You got sick @Riyanda_Tjahyana? Too bad, I just got a fever but I'm done with your classwork so that you can miss without nothing to be missed!"

Ren: "Thanks @Kaizo_Shindō..."

Hakuren: "Shit, no wonder you didn't contact us yet! Gonna add myself to study for history after I find some notes..."

Dinda: "Ehh... I got feverish too... I got infected by Farlan and Shenlan earlier..."

Shenlan: "Yup, I did."

Farlan: "Oh well, let's just take a break."

Ren yawned when he read the messages, looking over the missed calls and the status--indicating that Hakuren, Farlan, Dinda and Kaizo was also suffering fever too. 'My life was like a roller-coaster, there's no brakes...' he thought. He was now relaxing for a short while since his father didn't go anywhere, letting himself rest. 'Oh right, what is Kuran doing now?' he thought, thinking that the God of Pledge still in his temple--doing gods know what.

Meanwhile, Kuran was listening to the people's prayers while he was in his temple--most of them prayed for blessings so either their contracts, business, financial, wealth and even family's health; while there are many other humans who sacrificed their time to pray for forgiveness and atonement. 'You want wealth and riches, wealth or fortune... like how many times I sent fortunes, what else does the mortals want... I'm afraid I have to cut off half of your wealth if you wanted more,' Kuran thought as he was thinking about this recent modern life, before he smiled to send blessings to the humans. "Here's your blessings (you annoying raccoons)..." the deity muttered when some families with babies and newborns just born begged for his blessings and being a holy grandfather to bless their children and gave a lot of power to them that can make them invulnerable in natural disaster. "Ah, can't refuse them..."

When he was done, he began to stand up as he walk out from the temple in peaceful moment--he was wearing a full black changshan with golden sutra-like fabric to cover his muscular torso, his sleeves covering both of his arms. He covered his bottom half with a long black pants with golden lining on the edges and wore a black boots. One of his spirit attendants brought him some of the flowers in his basket. He was fixing his changshan casually, before he goes to the dining hall where the Indonesian acolytes in their changshan of the temple provides him some food. "Lord Dizang, is it the famous Chinese-Indonesian cuisine that you requested?" one of them asked, he felt his stomach growling--deity also like humans; they can feel hunger, thirst and whatever a human can feel, he also can feel joy and sadness or bitter past experiences.

"Of course, the gods can feel hungry... which is rare, but sometimes they can..."

Kuran can't think properly when he's hungry, ever since he's reborn as a fallen deity (but retaining his old identity) he had to live in a modest place like his temple and living like the other people, before learning about the new world he was born into. "Have a seat, my lord. You deserve a lot of rest," one of the acolytes said, playing a nice slow melody--he already mastered to read instruments and piano. Kuran has a sharp hearing, from a lute (that was already extinct) to the Gamelan to those advanced instruments that exist and not exist in their eras. He sniffed the scent of nasi tim with tea eggs, babi hong, and crispy wonton which made him having a nostalgia.

"I haven't eaten a simple bowl of Chinese-Indonesian food for a long time..." he groaned, rubbing his back head with a small smile on his handsome face--then he grabbed a chopsticks and chow down the fried rice slowly.

On the other side, Konami was making a steamboat while still staying with her boyfriend Hyde and friends like Shiro, Shūhei (fox) and Eiko--even Hakusan who took a visit of them. "Urgh... it's so fucking raining outside. I know we're living in this country, but this is why I hate this season!" Eiko ranted, her hair was damp and she put a towel on her head before slipping into her hoodie, causing Shiro snickered while caressing the red fox with jagged tail and cute little beady eyes on his shoulder. "That's a tough weather then, also it's very cold you know..." Shiro whispered at the fox.

Hyde was in the kitchen with Konami, watching his girlfriend cooking as he was thirsty for blood. He goes behind her, wrapping his arm around her waist as he bites her neck--which was carefully positioned. "Aaah!" Konami jumped in surprise, Hyde licked the neck when he tasted her blood and began to drink them. "Y-You didn't ask for permission! Goddammit..." she added, her cheeks got flustered and her body went weak because of the vampire's intoxicating blood-drinking as her eyes become half-lidded. 'Wow, he's hungry... not really a surprise,' Konami thought as her breathing became heavy.

He took as much as he needed, enough to recover his energy and let go of his fangs from her neck as she cleaned the spilled blood while applying disinfectant from the cabinet. "Sorry, I was a little bit hungry," Hyde replied, licking his lips as he hold her close. "It's fine..." Konami sighed, before her cheeks flared up redder than before and hugged him tightly. He grinned, pulling his girlfriend into a tight embrace. "Heheh, thank you! It's been years since that... and this is kinda cute for a date, don't you think?"

"Hey, finish the steamboat so we can watch movies!" Shiro interjected, trying to be noisy about it while the fox was tempted to transform into his human form (but decided not to). Konami and Hyde got startled, they nodded as they get back to their stations. He didn't pay attention to her until the soup began to boil and she was adding ingredients into the bowl, preparing meat for all of them. Eiko got out from the bathroom after taking a shower, before her boyfriend Hakusan finally shows up as well. "Alright, here's the hotpot soup for all of you..." Konami said, placing down the bowl with large helpings.

Shūhei immediately transformed into his human form, making them surprised before Hakusan glared at him. "What the fuck, dude!?" Eiko shrieked, pointing at him with shock. Hyde was looking very unconcerned, while Shūhei showed a shit-eating grin and began to grab a drumstick. "It's fine, Shiro and I took a short time for this date."

The fox shapeshifter replied, as if being in secret as he also grabbed the helpings from the tray on the table. "We haven't eat breakfast yet, so better not fight on food in table," Hyde reprimanded, while Eiko was eating the fishcake on the bowl when Konami placed all of the things to them: meats, vegetables, tofu, noodles and rice. "Hakusan, can you make a comfort food once in a while? You're literally got a high-grade talent in cooking like Konami! Have a special home-cooked meal from your late-mother... urgh, I haven't tried it," Shūhei rambled on, he got the biggest appetite despite being a powerful kitsune yokai but in short: being a lazy and very picky eater with some strange diet like weird orbs for a main meal and random consumables.

"Yeah yeah, but I don't know what to make--like you gotta told me your favorite one or something," Hakusan waved his hand, before Shiro face-palmed his own face upon the unexpected question. "Make a pork noodle so it can be combined with the steamboat soup, we're in the mood for that," Konami requested. Eiko whistled, putting a fist against her palm. "Alright, let's grab the pork then--along with soy sauce, garlic and onions!" she replied. Hakusan nodded, before he sighed. "Eiko, help me out," he added, getting up as he offered his girlfriend to go outside with him to buy the ingredients.

Shūhei huffed, stirring his egg with beef after eating a char siu slice and a slurping the skewered sausage into his mouth. Shiro told him not to mess his food while eating the steamboat, a while ago the fox ended up pissed out a joke during the toilet breaks. "Stop making toilet jokes, not funny!" Shiro yelled. The light orange-haired boy rolled his eyes as he slurps his noodles into his mouth, along with slurping a spoonful of spicy soup filled with lots of chilis and ate a raw spicy pepper--blech!

Konami kept her composure while eating her food, sitting beside Hyde, while Shūhei slurps his chopsticks before stuffing his face with his portion of the foods. "This is sooooo tasty, well done Hyde and Konami--you always manage to feed us so much from your meals like a damn buffet!" he said with his mouth full, making Shiro cringed a bit while eating the fishcake by looking at Shūhei's face. "You're welcome, but CAN YOU SWALLOW YOUR FOOD, PLEASE--god, you keep speaking or doing things with your mouth open and swallowing the things you put into your mouth... it's unsanitary!" Konami added, frowning at him with exasperated manner.

Hyde was looking away from him in disgust, seriously can he fucking respect the table rules or not? Hyde is a gentleman so that's fine, but can he fucking not bring 'that' humor? He was able to put a straw to his blood bag, sipping it until he heard Shūhei's shriek and that made him froze and Shiro had to apologize for his boyfriend. "This is what I live with--" he murmured, shaking his head. Hakusan was busy making the comfort food, while Eiko also cutting the onions and spices to fry the stuff. "Seriously, Shūhei is such a naughty-child..." Hyde commented, while Konami pursed her lips. "He is indeed, we gotta tell him not to make horrible jokes during dinners..."

Eiko sniffed the scent that Hakusan cooked, she tried the meat and tried to think the special ingredient in it when the pork's texture was firm like heaven. "Woah... the texture is soft..." Eiko commented, almost fainted when Hakusan tried to taste-test the meat. "Mmm, that's sweet and tender but salty enough... really, making a marinade pork with all kinds of spices! Did you try spice rub?" Eiko added with a smirk, Hakusan nods as he added another spices and stirred the frying pan, sizzling them with oil. "Woah, you even used corn starch in the meat?! There must be sesame oil in it too. This makes the texture of meat seems a little stiff and tough to chew," she said.

Hakusan gritted his teeth when he was too absorbed by cooking the secret food, thinking the method and added other spices; but Eiko was scared to see how he added the 'spices' into the preparation. But it turns out, he just secretly used some spicy and sweet spices from her drawers and adding brown sugar that he specifically brought. "What the--?!"

"Hm? What are you expecting, Eiko?"

"N-Nothing! Urgh, I need a taste test so please--!!"

Hakusan stared at her blankly, until she gulped and took one bite. Until, her eyes sparked happily as she loved the spicy and savory, but somehow very 'flavorful' when she tried. "A-AHA! THIS IS FUCKING AMAZING! It's very juicy and fucking fresh for the pork noodle," Eiko exclaimed with joy, her face became red as her boyfriend lean into her and she smiled brightly as she tried to take a break from cooking. "You're always too good at being a food tester, but I know how to improve it with my expertise," Hakusan replied, with a smug look on his face. The two finally got done with the pork noodle and had a breakfast together, calling it a day as he brings it into the refrigerator after being cleaned.

Back to Sadana, he was seen in his mansion with his employees while he played a dice mahjong for fun and waiting for Ren to come. Ruanyi and Sakura were washing the windows, enjoying some normal life as a gods. He was reading some archives about the Ancient Civilization before the first Phantom Eruption happens in the Old World, he wondered if the gods are involved in that cataclysmic event--then he never knew. If the earthbound were aware of what they were up to, the apocalypse might awaken.

"What if Riyanda will change the course of reality? Although he was already a Vidyadhara, I still couldn't deny the chance... we have a limited energy for the next one. The gods aren't idiots, they won't use a whole city to prepare the disaster..."

He muttered, knowing that Ren has the potential to stop these events which was originally planned before their birth since they are the Gods of Heaven and Earth. About the Phantom Eruption, it is considered as a sudden phenomenon when the otherworldly creatures and ether has to feed from the earth like parasites, therefore eroding the earth until nothing was left. Many citizens got terrified of them, as it started from Europe and continues in South Africa, and South Asia is the last target.

At last, two days later--they moved in Hyang Seram Island of Indonesia where there were so many infrastructures and marketplaces. The teenage boy was so excited after arriving in their new location, seeing the view of ocean is always a very satisfying moment. "Woah... it's awesome to see!" he exclaimed happily, as if he have not satisfied. Andini watched her friend being mesmerized, Hyang Seram Island was an enjoyable place where they can see amusement park, water park, infamous franchise hotels and so on. In the previous villages are hotels, luxurious mansions, coffee shop and a lot more places they can visit.

"Apparently, this is going to be our holiday!" he exclaimed.

Ren was aware about this, this is like a chance to have a nice rest and relaxation with his friends. The infamous site is Hyang Seram Grand Colosseum--the arena for martial artists, team sport competitions with large, durable concrete structures for roofing--with rows of spectator's seats around the colosseum with white circular wall. It also serves as a center of spectacle and entertainment, usually with plays, hunting, fighting and festivals (like gladiator fights). The last battle was so wild which ended after there were a draw since there are no winners, making the audiences cheered happily. "Check it out guys, there's a Kumori Restaurant and SAKURA BIYORI Stand! Those are really popular!" Shenlan commented, pointing out at the small shops.

It turned out, Ren get called by Faylan, a Chinese-Indonesian female Scion that was part of the Zetian clan at a nearby Coffee Shop to have a meeting with her. "Howdy, Riyanda!" she greeted him as the teenager smiled and waved at her. "'Sup," he greeted her, before he yelped when she swung her arm around his shoulders. "Ren, are you enjoying a nice holiday or vacation? You just rested in home after the long war right?" Faylan asked him while pulling him into the table, Ren nodded and cleared his throat. "Where's the others?" he asked back, it turns out the others are ordering the milkshakes--before they got involved and sat with them. "This place is filled with spectacular architecture that I couldn't resist!"

After the drinks have arrived, Ren beamed. The others were relaxing, taking in the scenery of beautiful ocean and tropical gardens like any other resort, enjoying their cold sundaes and shakes. There's also places for worship for different religions, this place is like a paradise for everyone. Andini was having a date with Prime as they were walking around the city, although it took a longer time than usual to relax and stay in for a weekend because this place is quite further for school and work. "It seems like there's a lot of things to keep us entertained until the meeting starts," the teenage boy said, crossing his arms.

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"Some people are excited, because this place has plenty of things to see and it's also the most peaceful place in the island! We only have time until next Saturday," Andini replied, drinking her marbled milkshake. There was so much facilities they can enjoy; indoor park, waterpark, movie complex, arcade, bar, spa, beach and many restaurants. Prime hummed, the android scanned around the localization and he nods--he have to find a proper hiding spot for when he visits. "This island have so many things to offer--I presume to investigate it for safety purposes," Prime replied, despite having an impassive face, he can be pretty joyful in some point.

Andini agreed, she always wanted to take her android boyfriend Prime for a date like this--and it turns out that her dream has come true, finally. "It's been a long time that we had a bonding in this place, it's kinda fun for me," she said, holding his hand and looking around the view, the place is filled with buildings and lush greeneries around the place and she cannot wait for a new experience. It will change again when there are other battles and war is happening to invade the human life again. "What do you think Athalla?" she asked, Prime's face went comical red when she addressed him by his real name. "G-Glad it is. We may share an experience like this," he said.

Andini brought the German Shepherd puppy as Chiko barked excitedly, she was happy to have the best time. After all, the other places were not free and they had to pay it first by using money from daily job that gives high bonus for hard work, some areas is for VIP clubs and paid holiday (it didn't reveal and shown). "Why are you so cute~?!" Andini teased the puppy who barked loudly, she cooed and kissed her precious little pup who was well behaved. The puppy named Chiko were whining softly as she gave her affection, her heart almost burst because of cute stuff like this.

Prime watched his human Vidyadhara girlfriend as he can see the puppy being playful, sometimes being careless until it drops the toys on the ground. 'She love dogs so much, even her spirit bond with a canine animal. Yet the kittens are a unique one, I didn't predict the animal companions will try to take control when the owners have the same character or trait--it's hard for me to define,' he thought, before he approached the puppy and gave him some treats (after Izayoi taught him how to feed animals).

He giggled to see how cute and excited the little guy was, Prime decided to bring the food because he knew that they will stay over the island for a few days. "Andini, you know what's cuter?" he asked with a crooked smile, something a bit uncharacteristic for him when he found a deep way to tease her to make her embarrassed. "C... Cuter...?" she tilted her head. 'Well, I saw your face!'

"Your adorable face, it's such a mesmerizing thing," Prime commented, smiling softly at the confused girl as he cupped her cheek with gentleness. Andini's eyes widened when the android looked at her straight in the eyes, the crimson look of love at her sparkling yellow-blue eyes with segmental heterochromia with round pupils--making the young female adult gulped but feel mesmerized as her cheeks became warm in fluster, making her flinch a bit. Prime was smirking, but didn't pull his hand from her.

"... Hehehe..."

Prime was able to capture the girl with his gaze of captivating garnet-red eyes, the usual impassive, calm and stoic person until suddenly Andini was blushing. Yayoi quietly snatch the puppy as she told the puppy to be quiet (so they can have their moments) and Andini merely let her do it, before Prime lean closer as they closed their eyes... the distance becomes one, kissing like there's no tomorrow. The android didn't dare to look away and his eyes didn't open, he didn't want to miss this beautiful moment--finally... they achieved a real and proper bonding relationship.

He smiled in the kiss as he let the girl wrapped her hands around his neck, as they're enjoying their special moment. As he pulled her close and wrapped his hands around her waist, his fingers trailing her light blue strands before they pulled away. They froze when Izayoi snapped a photo from his phone, causing both of them to shrieked as Kushinada snickered at them with a smirk on his lips. "Aww, you two are really adorable together! Andini, you got pretty lucky on him," Izayoi said, showing her the picture on his phone. "IZAYOI YOU LITTLE FUCK! DO YOU WANT A BRAIN WASH?!"

Prime yelled to see his reaction, Andini's anger can only attract her closer and Prime chuckled to see a strong side of her like always. It made Kushinada grinned, showing how many pictures they've taken from that moment. "Catch me if you can, asshole," he remarked, laughing happily to see his android friend chasing after him in amusement when the female martial artist chased after him in anger. Prime followed their tracks, but stopped when Izayoi tripped as he pouted while Andini grabbed his phone while cackling in laughter, then running away while putting his smartphone away. "Hey...!"

"Hah! Try harder to catch me, genius!"

Konami was having a date with Hyde, while Shiro is going with Shūhei around the city--lastly Eiko was walking beside Hakusan as they were in the forest--with the field of flowers around them. Eiko was holding hand with him, as the wind began to blow their hair as they stared at the view. He sat down on the flower fields, before Eiko lean her back against his chest as he ran his hand through her orange blonde hair. "This is relaxing... to see the winter sky in peace," she said, smiling softly at the view. "After everything... we finally have the chance to have a break. I thought... being a student is already tiring but I didn't expect to find other things that are much harder for everyone," Eiko murmured.

Hakusan listened to her closely, while they're bathing in the atmosphere of flower fields. "Yeah, I guess... I get a bit frustrated when I have to let Konami handles my fights, especially Shiro has some more advanced tools for a battle..." she added, closing her eyes with sad expression on her face when she remembered those hard times. "Right... after my conflicts with my entire life and my entire family, I finally gain my peace through reborn... it made me and my father reconnects again--even my twin sister Hakuren," he said.

Eiko nodded, before she look forward. "Perhaps... we can play some game here, do you like game?" she asked. Hakusan raised his eyebrows, before he smiled. "Sure," he said, before wrapping his arms around her--pulling her back close to his chest which made her blushed. "What kind of game is it?"

"Wha-- W-We're just gonna start now?" she asked back in flustered, turning her head to see Hakusan chuckling upon her reaction. "Alright, describe the game. Go on," he requested as she sighed, before smiling broadly. "It's called 'Hide and Seek'."

Hakusan didn't know what's wrong with the game, until Eiko closed her eyes and counted down to ten seconds. After the short time she reach at zero, she open her eyes and turn around--seeing that he already left. "What," she replied, standing up to search around the vast area to find Hakusan; and she already been searching around the area as a whole. Until, she heard a bark from above and she turn around to see a white Arctic wolf--she noticed the signature crystal blue eyes and she smiled happily. "There you are!" she pointed out, before she yelped when the wolf jumped on her--pinning her down on the grassy ground with wolf growl as he nuzzled his nose and licking her cheek.

Eiko hugged the wolf in adoration, as she keep chuckling and feel tickled by the wolf's nose to smell her scent as well. "You know, Hakusan... I'm gonna stay by your side forever, I know you haven't fully moved on from Akane... but," Eiko murmured, burying her face to Hakusan's fur while the wolf whimpered softly. "I will stay and willing to stay beside you, I understand what happened to us is also troubling you. So, let's try our best until the end, okay?"

Hakusan's ears pinned back, feeling bad for have done terrible things to her--even though she forgave him and giving him the chance through his rebirth. He transformed back into his human form, before he hugged her back. "Eriko... I promise you, I will pay the things for making you suffer for me... you and everyone," he said with guilty look on his face, making her surprised but she smiled as she hug him back. Eiko is too good for him, Hakusan didn't want to forget a sacrifice for someone who did this to her--what kind of a real love she had towards someone she admired.

She really wanted to see him happy and truly love him as he was, Hakusan turned around as he let her rest her head in his shoulder, whispering sweet things in her ear while kissing her forehead to reassure that he will protect her. "Eriko Amane... my dear, I..." Hakusan started to mutter something in soft whisper, his face went completely serious, stern and guilt-filled upon his face.

"... You mean everything to me, even the old me before Akane left me after our feelings aren't in mutual. Remember? I never left you when you were suffering because I love you since we first met... since that day... your feelings for me truly matters, something I lacked of and can't show my feelings after getting hurt... I hurt you several times in the past, yet you never hated me and told me that you forgave everything. You really care about me... so much... I love you so much, I don't want to lose you as well."

It felt like a long wind of breeze that swept over their whole, as Eiko was too stunned by his speech--before she looked at him sadly but gently, while Hakusan tried to smile after it turned out bitterly. "I guess I sounded melodramatic, isn't it?"

"N-No, it's just--"

"Ever since then, all the things I've sacrificed are truly for a reason and never changed for Akane. But... I understood as well, she never go back. While you were there... facing my fears, despite I kept hurting you--no, no that's not correct. I shouldn't force my problems into my own hands... maybe, I'm the one who could be happier when I just want you to be mine again after I recover for a long time. Thank you, Eriko... you made me realize that even some things are over, it doesn't mean I have to worry about this things. Who cares? I just... love you so much, not as a burden but the dearest one to me after all."

Eiko smiled brightly when Hakusan's face turns gentle with a brightest smile that he was capable to form, then leaning his head against his. Their fingers intertwine together, warm red blush that showed upon their cheeks--until their lips collided into a soft kiss, causing their cheeks flushed harder as they fell. "I... really love you," she murmured. Hakusan laid his head on her lap, enjoying the moments. His cheeks got flustered but eventually relaxed as he sat up properly, before leaning his head to her again--their breath tickled to each other. "Eriko... no, Eiko... will you... be my girlfriend?" he murmured, before the girl blushed heavily as her mouth stuttered in attempt to reply--making Hakusan sighed upon her. "Is that so adorable of you?"

"Please... I'm not used to this, okay?"

The female teen rolled her eyes when he was teasing her, Hakusan got up and pulled her up as he smirked at her. "Stop. I'm not a kid," she reprimanded. "Your cheeks are too soft when you're blushing... just like the shade of wild strawberry," Hakusan pointed his finger to her round, cute cheeks. Eiko crossed her arms in vexed matter, until she giggled with sparkles and sweet smile on her face. 'He's such a funny man, alright,' she thought. "Hakusan, can I ask you something important?" she asked.

He looked back at her, taking a deep breath in relief. "Sure," Hakusan responded, she hummed and think the things to say it to him as if she was ready to ask. "Uhm... what do you choose to become when you were reborn into this world and what do you think if you got... well, a reborn one that loves you instead of Akane or... something else?"

Hakusan stared thoughtfully, putting his index finger to his chin and closing his eyes to think the suitable responses while Eiko watched him carefully--with full interest and almost became curious on him. "Well... it may start everything is brand new, yes... but if it was possible that everyone can see their 'other selves', I will always end up with you. We're always like a twin pair, unlike those cliché counterparts and some same story plots. So, I became Hakuren's twin brother, my father still... you know," he said, referring to Reoh as his and Hakuren's father. "I choose to have supernatural ability like shapeshifter or something, even controlling elements of winter. The reason because... I wanted to stay with you no matter what, I don't want to have Akane back, not when I'm the last spirit to come back from the spiritual realm in cycle to cycle because my regrets being piled up. No matter how much I tried to convince Akane to change, it will always be useless in the end."

She was listening to him, until he kissed her lips when he's done for the explanation and her body felt soft all over, yet she didn't move but accepting the kiss and leaned towards him while he was pushing her down. "Enough talking now, my dearest Eiko..." he purred after pulling away from her lips. Hakusan breathed out when he stared down at her, her mouth was opening slightly and slowly to catch a breath. "What...?" she murmured in a shaky manner. As she was moving her hand to his cheek, Hakusan kissed her fingertips upon her skin... before touching her arms to her hands.

Their noses and foreheads touched, lightly breathing.

"Hakusan! Eiko!"

Shit, it was Shiro and Shūhei--it made them snapped out of their kissing and get up upon the call. "Goddammit, why is it the two," Hakusan swore angrily and gritted his teeth upon the interruption. Eiko was still red-faced, before she glanced at the two friends of theirs are here. "We were looking for you guys, Konami and Hyde invited us to the viral restaurant that stood like a tower--might be like those famous-sponsored building!" Shūhei said happily, but Eiko and Hakusan's face darkened with glares aimed to him. "We're fucking busy! Why are you two always trying to mess with our moments?!" she hissed, making him shrieked while Shūhei whistled upon her words. "Also, don't fucking yell so loud--this is a forest you know."

Hakusan added, pointing out--as they know, the forest would not have anyone inside. Eiko snorted in sarcastic manner, rolling her eyes while Shiro laughed nervously. "Well... she gets moody after you two are together... too good to see a couple bonding together--you guys still look young," Shiro said. Eiko sighed, nodding at his response. "Well... thank you."

In the viral restaurant, there were so many foods served for large groups of people as the place was designed to fancy with luxury--the restaurant was considered of high class. This can only be accessed by 'booked' individuals and rich people, despite being one of the expensive restaurants with the most special food. They can see the view of the arena from above, then the teenage boy grinned to know that he can reach there... maybe. "AAHHH!!!" Konami yelled as she was hoisted up by the straps around her waist, while Hyde was already above with the staff who hoisted her up in the air--Konami kept screaming with closed eyes, afraid of heights and had fear over her insecurities. "WHY DID WE HAVE TO EAT UP HERE?!"

"W-Who knew you were afraid of heights?! Fuck, calm down!" he yelled, trying to hold her hands. "YOU SAID IT WAS JUST 'A LITTLE BIT TO THE TOP'!" she yelled back.

"Look who's talking! C'mon... just tighten your grip," Hyde yelled back, trying to calm her down from panicking or freaking out. Konami nodded as she trembled a little, before she hugged him when she was lifted up with the strap that hung on the railing for safety. As she got arrived on top, she didn't let go of him and clung to him for safety. "It's okay, it's okay... don't cry. You got me..." Hyde murmurs softly, hugging her in gentle matter when his finger softly stroke her back in attempt to calm her down. "Hey... you didn't leave me, okay? We will fall together if we're careless," he murmured.

She looked up, already calming down with tears that flowed freely in her eyes as her fingers dig into his back. "Thank you," she whispered, a sob coming out of her throat. As she gathered up her courage to fight against her fears, until Konami embraced him back while their lips pressed together softly. It made her face reddened when they pulled away, smiling brightly at his hazel eyes. "I think this restaurant reminds me of the mountain," she said, chuckling at the memory when both of them stared at the overview. Although she have overcome half of her fears, she still have many more to face. "AAAHHH!!!" Shūhei yelled as he got hoisted up when the staff came in with the wheeled-pulley system.

Everyone was panicking and worried that he might fall, but surprisingly Shūhei have overcame his fear a little so that was good news, then eating some foods offered to them and having lots of fun while Shiro was eating as well. Hakusan and Eiko having a lunch date when he ordered a platters for his girlfriend, her eyes sparkled upon her first bite at the sliced, lean pink meat—there were thin red stripes of fat running throughout the cylindrical block, a piece of seaweed of black nori sheet underneath and a dash of soy sauce and grated ginger. Eiko is fascinated, it's too delicious for her to taste. Hakusan always ordered a sea items dish because he wanted a special treatment of variety of seafoods, Eiko nodded while grinning in agreement.

Konami was eating the best-known traditional cuisine for Chinese-Indonesian peoples; from sweet spicy flaky rolls that are wrapped around some bits of sugar-glazed squid, shrimp, pork, chicken meat, mushrooms, to noodles. "Sooo good!" Shūhei said happily, licking the parfait he and Shiro bought from the nearby hawker and 'stamp card' the receipt to cut down the payment that gives 5%-35% discount, all of the paper receipts are unique and numbered specifically while stored by the staff of restaurant. "Hey guys, you're here too?"

Ren greeted them as he and his friends also in the restaurant, which Konami greeted him back. "Riyanda, there you are! Andini, I saw you too," she said. Andini hugged Konami in sudden burst of excitement, they were being best friends in heart and soul--Eiko also got hugged by Andini. "Eiko!" Andini chirped. They started hanging out together like buddies, having a laughter filled on their bond. "It was fun in here! And I also brought the little one," she pointed her finger to her precious pet that barked. They can watch movies after this, choosing to go to mall or play theme park after this.

Shiro also having fun as well, despite they got separated again. Hakusan, meanwhile was watching the moon in silence without Eiko around to notice that he was actually thinking about his current life and struggling to keep moving forward with this reincarnation. He didn't know why, but he smiled when he saw his friends playing with them, as if he was very happy for a reason. "Maybe this is what happiness is... this is... the true meaning of it," he muttered, not forgetting the feeling. Chiko was barking happily, Prime fed the pup with the snacks and Andini laughed. They hung out until it's midnight and it's nearly closing time for the said restaurant, so everyone was going back to their hotel.

Kaizo watched Ren plops into the bed in exhaustion, he tilted his head when his teenage friend laughed in joyful manner. "FUAAAAH! That's awesome! But it was so tiring at the waterpark, ouch... can you give some massage after this, my back hurts after that slip!" Ren shouted, looking at his back when Kaizo was typing on his laptop. "So, what did you find about this island, Kaizo...?" Ren asked.

"... Nothing. This isn't a resort or spa islands, even the sea of tropical plants here are entirely real. The strange thing here is that is the forest area and jungles of this island aren't marked, despite every single location as residential and business areas."

"Huh?"

Kaizo clicked the mouse to open another programs, showing him the complete map and details of the island. Ren blinked in curiosity, seeing a few places are 'protected' and were inaccessible for humans. "Those places aren't reserved or private owned, but it's better to know because... this is Hyang Seram Grand Island and nobody expects certain things," Kaizo replied, closing his laptop and crossing his arms. "Guess I didn't predict certain things, yet... this place is a tourist attraction except for the weird unmarked things which obviously marked as nature," the amber-brown haired teenager added, adjusting his glasses.

Ren whistled, making Kaizo let out a grunt. "Are you bored to figure out everything? Why don't you go rest?" the young leader asked back to the violet-black haired friend of his, laying back and looking at the ceiling until Kaizo scoffed. "No way, I'm busy typing the projects right now... this research and project are so painful to get assigned, and I don't like doing unnecessary shit when there's war," the Vidyadhara replied before flipping the mouse in attempt to access data or information once more. "Chill, bro. Just take some break for today, it's relaxing for us to have a holiday or vacation!" Ren replied, getting back up to sit properly--minding about his sore back due to exhaustion.

"Vacation or holiday is good for soul, I guess," Kaizo muttered.

Ren tilted his head, scratching his cheek. "B-But... won't it a trouble for you to be stuck with someone like me?" the teenage boy murmured as if he was wondering something to his head, but Kaizo huffed with a smirk. "You're my best friend, Ren. What kind of best friends didn't catch a moment to bond in the most relaxing moment?" he replied, grinning in attempt to find peace. "Besides, it's a chance to stick together in times of peace, at least we're not bickering and fighting," the amber-brown haired teenager said with relief, but couldn't deny to find an annoyance that got attached to his mind.

After all, they're still teenagers.

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