Aric pulled his coat tighter around him, the storm’s intensity mirroring the turmoil inside him. Each step was a challenge against the gusts of wind and the relentless downpour, but with the enchanted umbrella seemingly repelled the water effortlessly. However, the wind was still its bane. Aric was making sure that he didn’t let go of it like last time.

As he navigated the treacherous streets, the storm seemed almost alive, the thunder rumbling like an angry beast. Aric glanced at the pink heart on the umbrella handle, a reminder of his past. His sister had drawn it there when they were younger. It was a simple, sweet gesture, but it meant the world to him. When his sister had left home, she had tucked a note inside the umbrella folds, creating his third debt. Even after she was told that he had murdered someone — a crime he didn't commit — she had still left it there. It told him to only do one thing, to never lose his humanity again.

He remembered the day he had thrown his emotions away in despair. But it had been returned to him, repaired and whole, by a girl that had cared for him in his darkest moments. He vowed never to let it go again. As the storm raged on, Aric pressed forward, the umbrella shielding him from the worst of the rain. Despite the wind threatening to tear it from his grasp, he held on tightly, knowing that it was more than just an umbrella. It was a symbol of his connection to his sister, even if he wouldn't see her again.

As he walked home, he touched the bag he got with all of the new weapons and wondered if he could infuse his magical energy into all of them. Once he graduated, he was planning to complete a few tasks and settle down anyway. But first, he would have to figure out why Mendaciti was harnessing power from their users.

As the twilight hours were being buried by the approaching night, Aric realized he was a bit lost. He stopped, looking around to get his bearings, and then began walking backward the way he had come. Retracing his steps, he soon found himself on the right path. The familiar sights of the night market came into view, its vibrant stalls and bustling energy a stark contrast to the stormy skies.

He wandered through the market, the colorful lights and lively chatter temporarily distracting him from his thoughts. The aroma of street food mingled with the scent of rain, creating a nostalgic blend that reminded him of his…date.

Leaving the market trails behind, Aric’s eyes landed on a small bench tucked away in a quiet corner. His heart skipped a beat.

Someone wasn’t wearing an umbrella in such a downpour, in an area known for thieves. He rushed towards the twitching figure and gasped when he saw long, drenched hair. He immediately sat next to her, telling her to get under his umbrella, but she didn’t respond and instead swayed in the wind. He placed a hand on her shoulder, but she remained unresponsive.

Concerned, he looked up and saw a tear-streaked face. The girl’s eyes were distant, lost in some inner turmoil, oblivious to the world around her. Aric extended his umbrella to cover her, trying to coax her to stand, but it was futile.

Instead, he just sat on the bench next to her, holding the umbrella over both of them. He could hear her soft sniffles amidst the pounding rain. He felt a pang of helplessness, unsure of what to do or why she was crying. The storm continued to rage around them, but in that moment, Aric’s focus was entirely on the fragile figure beside him.

For a while, they sat in silence, the only sounds being the rain and her occasional sobs.

A few minutes later, she looked up and saw his umbrella, then turned to him, her eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and recognition. "He... he did the same thing," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aric looked at her, puzzled. "Who did the same thing?"

She sniffled, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "There was a man... he found me in the rain like this. He shared his umbrella with me too.”

Aric nodded, understanding dawning on him. "Him."

The girl nodded, her eyes distant again as she whispered. "I loved him. But he's gone now."

She began to reach out, her fingers trembling as they brushed against his face. "You look just like him," she said, still sniffling.

Aric felt a lump in his throat. He took her hands in his, his touch careful and comforting. Slowly, he raised his hand to wipe away her tears, his thumb brushing gently against her wet cheeks.

“I’m right here.”

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Her eyes widened in sudden recognition that was before marred by the water in her eyes. The distance and sorrow vanished, replaced by a flood of memories and emotions. She gasped, her breath catching in her throat, and then, with a cry, she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Tears flowed freely as she buried her face in his shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably.

Aric held her close, the warmth of her embrace seeping through the cold of the rain. He stroked her back soothingly, whispering words of comfort as she cried. Aric thought it was all of his fault. He had fallen off a building after all. Everyone probably thought he was long gone.

She pulled back slightly, just enough to look into his eyes, her own filled with a mixture of disbelief and overwhelming joy. "I thought I’d lost you," she said, her voice trembling. "I thought you were gone forever."

Aric smiled gently, his eyes softening. "I’m here now. I’m not going anywhere."

She laid her head on his shoulder, pulling one of his arms around her as if trying to ensure he wouldn’t disappear again. Aric held her close, allowing her to find comfort and reassurance in his presence. They sat like that for a few minutes, the storm still raging around them, but it felt distant, almost insignificant compared to the emotions swirling between them.

Finally, Aric gently pulled back, looking at her with a mix of tenderness and concern. “You need to get home,” he said softly.

She nodded, her tears beginning to subside, though the relief in her eyes remained. “You’re alive,” she whispered, her voice still shaky but filled with gratitude.

Aric nodded, still holding her close. "Yes, I am. But why are you out here? Shouldn't you be studying for the final exams in two days?"

She sighed, wiping away the last of her tears. "The exams are tomorrow, but I couldn’t bring myself to study or even move. Everything feels so overwhelming.”

“Tomorrow?”

Maki nodded, her expression puzzled. “Yes, tomorrow. Why?”

Aric’s heart sank as he pieced together the missing day. “I... I woke up today,” he admitted slowly, his voice barely above a whisper. “It’s only been a day for me, but… I can’t apologize enough.”

Maki’s eyes widened in realization, and then she started laughing softly through her tears.

Aric nodded sheepishly. “Yeah... I can’t apologize enough.”

Maki shook her head, her laughter tinged with relief. “You’ll have to tell me the story later,” she said, still chuckling.

"You know," Aric began softly, "why don't you come over to my house for the night? It's safer there, and you can relax before your exams tomorrow."

She looked up at him, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "Is that okay?" she asked, her voice still fragile from her earlier tears.

Aric nodded reassuringly. "Of course. There are separate beds anyway, so you don't need to worry."

Her face lit up with a faint smile, and without another word, she grasped onto his arm, holding on tightly as they continued through the storm. Aric was surprised by her sudden clinginess, but then he remembered that she had thought he was dead not long ago. Her need for closeness was understandable, given the emotional turmoil she had just experienced.

Aric stood, offering her a hand to help her up. Together, they made their way through the storm, Aric keeping the umbrella steady over them. The journey was quiet, the only sounds being the rain and the occasional distant rumble of thunder. Aric’s mind raced with thoughts and memories, but he focused on the task at hand, ensuring she was safe.

As they approached an intersection, a car's headlights suddenly illuminated them, the engine roaring aggressively. Aric's heart skipped a beat, recognizing the familiar face of the driver, one of the bullies from his past. The vehicle swerved towards them with menacing intent, its tires screeching on the wet asphalt.

Instinct kicked in, and Aric pulled Maki close, shielding her with his body as the car came to a sudden stop just inches away. The driver leaned out, sneering with malice. "Watch where you’re going, freak," he spat, his voice dripping with hostility.

Before Aric could react further, shadows emerged from the mist, figures stepping out from alleys and doorways, surrounding them. The same classmates who had tormented him in the past closed in with predatory grins, their faces twisted with malice.

The tall boy with the scar across his cheek stepped forward, cracking his knuckles menacingly. "Thought you could get away, huh?"

Instead of fear or panic, he burst into laughter, a wild and unrestrained sound that echoed in the night air. His laughter was filled with a strange mix of amusement and disbelief, as if the absurdity of the situation had finally overwhelmed him.

He banged his hand on the ground, still laughing uncontrollably. "You guys... you guys are hilarious!" Aric managed to choke out between fits of laughter. His eyes gleamed with a manic light, his laughter mingling with the patter of rain around them.

They exchanged confused glances, uncertain how to react to Aric's unexpected behavior. The tension in the air shifted, confusion replacing their initial aggression.

"Are you... are you okay?" the girl from before asked cautiously, his tone betraying a hint of uncertainty.

Aric pushed his wet hair in front of his face, his manic grin widening. "Do you remember me?" he asked, his voice edged with both amusement and something darker.

The bullies hesitated, unsure how to respond. Then, recognition dawned on their faces, and they started to grin.

Seeing their smiles, Aric's laughter took on a more unsettling tone. He smiled back at them with manic intensity, his eyes flashing with a strange light.

Maki, standing beside Aric, shook his arm, her voice filled with concern. "What's happening to you, Aric?"