I glanced at my friends, who looked puzzled and wary, before turning back to the girl. "You're born in the Familia organization? Which Familia?" I asked cautiously.

"The Sun Familia, of course. I'm Kiera," she said, her tone filled with confidence.

Ethan stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "What do you want with Tyson?"

Kiera ignored Ethan, focusing solely on me. Her piercing purple eyes never wavered as she spoke. "I've heard a lot about you, Tyson. As the upcoming executor of the Sun Familia, you have a reputation to uphold. I wanted to see for myself if the rumors were true."

"Rumors?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "What kind of rumors?"

She shrugged with a nonchalance that belied the intensity in her eyes. "That you're strong, skilled, and destined for greatness. But I also heard you're late to school," she added.

Okay, this is the twentieth time I'm hearing about my lateness! I exclaimed in my mind, noticing my friends trying to hold back their laughter. These guys! How does she know that? If it's about school rumors, then only one person comes to mind. I shouted, "Oi, Reed!"

Reed quickly raised both his hands in defense. "I swear it wasn't me!" he said, while the others were still holding their laughter. I'll deal with them later.

I kept my gaze on Kiera. She stood with a straight posture, her black hair cascading over her shoulders, framing her angular face. Her expression was calm and composed, yet her presence commanded attention. Her eyes, a striking shade of purple, seemed to see through any façade.

"So, you came here just to see if the rumors are true?" I asked.

"Yeah," she replied simply, her expression unreadable.

Her demeanor remained—stoic, focused, and exuding a quiet confidence. There was no unnecessary chatter, no wasted words. Everything about her seemed precise and deliberate, from the way she spoke to the way she carried herself.

I could feel the weight of her gaze on me, assessing, measuring. "So," I said, trying to keep my tone light, "what now?"

Kiera's eyes narrowed slightly. "I'm honestly disappointed that the Sun Familia chose an outsider as an executor. I can't believe they've become so pathetic that they're entrusting their execution team to a pathetic slowpoke outsider," she said, her words sharp and biting.

Ethan bristled at her words, taking a step forward. "What did you just sa—"

I quickly put my hand out, stopping him. He looked at me, his eyes filled with anger, but I shook my head, signaling him to stop. I turned my attention back to Kiera, keeping my voice calm and even. "May I ask how I am a pathetic slowpoke outsider?"

She crossed her arms, her expression unwavering. "Instead of training yourself or doing missions to help our Familia, you're just playing basketball, wasting your time. And as for being an outsider, you weren't born into the Familia, so I can't trust your strength or skills."

"I never saw you in the Familia, though. How do you know that I'm not doing missions for a while?" I asked, trying to gauge her response.

"I have my own ways," she replied, a hint of mystery in her tone.

Her own ways? Well, one thing is confirmed: she's not an outsider. But I still can't trust that she's born into the Sun Familia. Whatever, I'll inquire about her when I go home. For now, I decided to explain. "Well, the reason I'm not doing any missions for now is because I'm under a temporary ban."

"Temporary ban? For what reason?" she asked, a spark of curiosity in her eyes.

I picked up the basketball lying near my feet and started spinning it on my finger. "Because of completing so many missions in a short time, the members became worried about me. I told them it was not a big deal, but Cedric got wind of it and temporarily banned me from doing any missions to take a rest. And as for the executor part, I completed my training tests, so right now I am just waiting."

"And one more thing—being born into the Familia doesn't mean you are gifted with strength and skills," I said. With a smirk, I tossed the ball behind me without looking. It sailed through the air and went straight into the basket with a satisfying swish. Her eyes widened in surprise.

She recovered quickly, narrowing her eyes and stepping closer. "You think you're superior than me?"

I returned her gaze. "I guess I am, because unlike you, I've been working hard enough to be this confident," I replied.

"Oh really? And how can I believe that?" she challenged.

"You were born into the Sun Familia organisation, right? So, I guess you have your own ways to know that," I said, giving her the own taste of her medicine

Kiera smirked, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. "I have a really nice idea to find that out," she said, her tone dripping with confidence.

I could tell she was scheming something. I needed to be careful. "And what is that?" I asked cautiously.

"A challenge," she said, her smirk widening.

"A challenge?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, a challenge. It's just a simple game," she replied. "I will hide something, and you have to find it. It can be anywhere, but don't worry it will always be nearby you because the borderline is the whole Astral City."

"That doesn't sound simple to me. What are you hiding?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small yellow chip, holding it up for me to see. It looked like some kind of USB drive.

"This chip," she said. "I will hide it anywhere I want within the city, and you have to find it. Your time limit is three days."

Ethan immediately protested, stepping forward with a look of disbelief. "Whoa, whoa, stop right there. The challenge itself sounds crazy. How the heck is he going to find that small chip in this big city? Hiding it with the whole city as the borderline is insane! Why would he even—"

Kiera cut him off, ignoring his presence entirely. "If you win," she said, "you can order me to do anything, and I will do anything you say."

Ethan, along with the others on Kiera's side, looked shocked and embarrassed at her words. "W-w-what is this girl talking about? Is she insane?" Ethan stammered.

I kept my gaze on Kiera, with calm. "And what if I lose?" I asked.

Her smirk grew even more pronounced. "You will do whatever I say, and you will obey me just like an obedient dog."

Why do I feel déjà vu here? Reed's voice cut through my thoughts. "Don't do it, Tyson. She's definitely cooking something," he warned.

Kiera's eyes narrowed as she looked at me. "Oh, you sure about it, Tyson? There is a rule in the Familia that no matter what, an Executor must face any challenge. If you can't do that, then you are unworthy of such a title."

She was right. In the Familia, it was a rule that Executors had to accept and face challenges. This confirmes it—she really was from the Familia organization. But why wasn't she participating in Familia activities? I decided to ask.

"Before that, I want to ask something. I've never seen your name on the Familia members list. Why aren't you participating—"

She cut me off abruptly. "I'm not interested," she said quickly.

Well that was quick "Why?" I asked.

"I have no intention of contributing to a Familia that is destined to be doomed. It's just a waste of time," she replied.

Well, I couldn't argue with that. It was a fact that the Sun Familia was vulnerable to attacks due to the absence of the previous boss and other strong members. But that didn't mean it was over. Kiera brought me back to reality by saying, "So, what's your call? Yes or no?"

She waited, her gaze fixed on me. After a few moments of thoughtful silence, I said, "Okay, I accept your challenge."

She smiled, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. "Nice. And one more thing—"

"Yeah, I know. No taking help from the Familia," I interrupted.

"Oh, you knew?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course. This challenge is about me proving myself. If I take Familia assistance, there will be no point in this challenge," I explained.

She smiled again, genuinely this time. "Perfect. The time limit is three days. Tomorrow, I will hide the chip. Your search will begin the day after tomorrow. Today is Tuesday, and it's 4:57 PM. We will meet again at the same time on Saturday."

"Okay, I understand. Will you keep your word?" I asked, referring to her penalty.

"How bold of you. Of course, I will. And you should as well," she said.

"Sure, I am the man of my word," I replied.

"Good luck with the challenge, Tyson. I'll see you again on Saturday," she said, then turned and walked away, her companions following her.

I watched her leave, my mind racing with questions. What's her game here? What is she trying to prove? This challenge is more than just a game. It is a test of my abilities, my resolve, and my place in the Familia. But for some reason, I felt like she is—

"Hey, Tyson," Ethan's voice cut through my thoughts.

"Yeah, what is it?" I asked, snapping back to reality.

"You spaced out there. What were you thinking about?" he asked.

"Well, about what just happened just now," I said.

Ethan nodded in understanding. "Oh yeah."

"Well, that was something," Reed added.

Chloe chimed in, "Yeah, who knew there were others from the Familia here?"

"That was intense," Lucas said, breaking the silence.

Ethan clapped me on the shoulder. "Looks like your reputation precedes you, Mr. Executor."

I sighed, shaking my head. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just get to Mr. Albert's Café. I need a break."

As we headed off, I couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter with Kiera was only the beginning of something much bigger. The challenge she presented was not just a test of my skills, but also a measure of my worthiness to hold the title of Executor. It was a challenge I couldn't afford to fail.

We made our way to the café, the conversation shifting to lighter topics, but my mind kept drifting back to Kiera. Her sharp eyes, her confident demeanor, and her cryptic words all hinted at something deeper. This was not just about the challenge; it was about proving myself in the eyes of the Familia and, perhaps, in her eyes as well.

"Tyson," Chloe's voice broke through my reverie. "You sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, I am fine. Why do you ask?"

"Why? Because I'm worried, of course. How are you going to find that tiny little chip in this massive city without a clue?" she asked, her concern evident.

"Don't worry, Chloe," Ethan said confidently. "She doesn't know what is coming."

"You heard him," I said reassuringly.

"Well, if you say so," she replied, still looking a bit uneasy.

"Let's enjoy the café for now. I can't wait to drink some coffee," I said, trying to lighten the mood.

As we entered Mr. Albert's Café, the familiar warmth and aroma of coffee greeted us, providing a comforting contrast to the tense conversation we had just left behind. The cozy atmosphere and the friendly chatter of other patrons started to ease my mind, even if just a little.

Mr. Albert, the owner of the café, noticed us and waved warmly from behind the counter. "Hey Tyson, you brought your folks today!" he called out with a smile.

I nodded, returning his smile. "Yeah, we had a long day today. We're a little tired, so we thought to stop by and relax a bit."

"I see," Albert said, his eyes twinkling with understanding. "Take a table, and I'll prepare some refreshments for you kids."

"Thanks, Mr. Albert. I'll tak—"

"Yeah, yeah, I know," he interrupted, already turning towards the kitchen. I couldn't help but smile. Albert always knew exactly what we needed. Well he knows his stuff

Reed pointed to an empty table near the window. "Hey, there's a table free over there. Let's grab it."

We made our way to the table and settled in, the soft cushions of the chairs providing immediate comfort. The café's ambiance worked its magic, the stress of the day slowly melting away as we sat down. The table, with its dark wood and slightly worn edges, felt like an old friend welcoming us back.

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"Nothing beats taking a break here," Reed sighed, leaning back in his chair.

Chloe looked around, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Hey Tyson, do you always come here? Mr. Albert seems to know you well."

I nodded, taking a sip of the water Mr. Albert had already brought to the table. "Yeah, I always come here with Iris, and sometimes with Ethan, Reed, and Lucas too. So, he knows us well."

Chloe pouted, crossing her arms. "Wait, you guys always come here without me? No fair!"

I laughed, realizing this was her first time here. "Oh yeah, I guess we've never brought you along before."

Chloe's expression softened, but she still looked a bit miffed. Now you must be wondering who this girl is and what she's doing in a boys' friend circle. Chloe was different from most girls. She was the only one who talked to us like a normal friend, and I liked her company. Before I realized it, we became close friends. The thing I liked most about her was that she didn't care about what others thought.

It's funny, really—how people let themselves be shaped by the opinions of others. Society's expectations act like invisible chains, binding them to roles they never chose. They act according to what people think, molding their identities to fit into neat little boxes, suffocating their true selves in the process. If you live like that, you're not really living for yourself; you're living for everyone else. Your decisions aren't your own; they're the product of countless external judgments and pressures. Freedom, in its truest sense, becomes a distant dream.

Chloe, though, was different. She didn't let those invisible chains dictate her actions. She did whatever she felt was right, unapologetically and without hesitation. In a world full of people eager to conform, her independence was like a breath of fresh air. I really respected that about her.

Ethan snapped me out of my thoughts by saying, "Hey Tyson!"

I blinked, coming back to the present. "Y-Yeah?"

"You were glaring at Chloe. What's up?" He teased with a smirk

"Oh, nothing," I said, shaking my head. "Just thinking about how this is her first time here."

Chloe smirked. "Don't worry, Tyson. I'm not offended. But you owe me a few more visits here to make up for it."

"Deal," I said with a grin.

Just then, Mr. Albert returned with a tray laden with drinks and snacks. "Here you go, kids. Freshly brewed coffee and some of my special pastries. On the house today."

"Thanks, Mr. Albert," we chorused, our spirits lifting even higher.

Ethan grabbed a pastry, taking a big bite. "Man, these are the best."

Chloe giggled. "Slow down, Ethan. No one's going to steal your food."

I took my regular coffee and took a sip. The coffee was brewed perfectly, and the flavors hit the spot. To put it in one word: perfect. I turned to Albert and said, "Your coffee is perfect as always, Mr. Albert. Nobody can beat this."

"Thanks for the compliment, as always, Tyson," he replied with a warm smile.

Just then, the café bell rang, signaling the arrival of more customers. I glanced towards the entrance as a few new patrons walked in. "Seems like more customers," I remarked.

Albert nodded, wiping his hands on a towel. "Yeah, I better get back to work. You guys carry on," he said, excusing himself to take the new orders.

As we were enjoying our time relaxing and talking to each other, a voice interrupted us. "Excuse me." We all turned our attention to see what was going on. A man in a brown jacket was talking to Albert at the counter.

Albert replied, "Yes, sir. How may I help you?"

The man, with an irritated tone, said, "I ordered a coffee. Why is it taking so long? I think I said to make it fast."

Albert, ever polite, responded, "Sorry, sir, but those customers over there ordered sandwiches first before you. Please wait a little bit," he said, glancing at the couple seated near the window.

The man in the brown jacket scowled. "I think you're not understanding my urgency."

Albert maintained his composure. "I apologize, sir, but we follow the policy of serving in order."

The man cut him off with a sigh. "And here I thought this was the best café around the city, but it turns out it's just an old man running a café who can't even provide simple customer service."

Albert's expression changed, and he looked down, clearly disheartened by the harsh words.

"Okay, that's enough," I thought, unable to contain my irritation. I stood up, my chair scraping against the floor, drawing the man's attention. "Hey, Mr. Albert, looks like you're having trouble. Need a hand?" I said with a slight smile.

Albert looked at me, trying to deny, "No, it's alright, Tyson."

I gave him a determined look, which he understood. He sighed and said, "Are you sure? I thought you guys were here to take a break."

"What are you talking about? All I needed to recover was your coffee, which I just finished. Don't worry," I said with a smile.

Albert chuckled a little and threw an apron at me. "I'll handle the sandwiches; you make the coffee," he said, heading towards the kitchen.

"Roger that," I replied, tying the apron around my waist.

The man in the brown jacket looked even more irritated. "And who are you supposed to be? Some sort of café superhero?"

I turned to face him, keeping my voice calm. "Just a regular customer who appreciates good coffee and respects the people who make it. Unlike you," I muttered the last part under my breath.

"What did you say?" he demanded angrily.

By looking at his body language, I could tell he was stressed out. I decided to address it directly. "By the looks of it, you seem stressed out from work, am I right, sir?" I asked.

He looked slightly surprised. "How did you—" he muttered.

Looks like I hit the nail on the head. I continued, "Seems like I was right. But don't worry, I'll make a great coffee that will remind you why this place is so great."

The man sighed in defeat. "I came here because I heard the coffee here is really good, so don't disappoint me, kid."

"Just look forward to it," I said, turning to start making the coffee.

As I prepared the coffee, I recalled the times Albert had shown me his secrets. "The key is patience and precision," he had said. "First, start with fresh, high-quality beans. Grind them just before brewing to preserve the flavors."

I took the beans and ground them, enjoying the rich aroma that filled the air. The sound of the grinder was almost therapeutic, a reminder of the craftsmanship behind every cup.

"Next, the water temperature. It should be just right—neither too hot nor too cold," I remembered. I heated the water to the perfect temperature, watching the thermometer closely.

"Now, the brewing time. You can't rush this part. Let the water and coffee interact, bringing out the best flavors." I poured the hot water slowly over the coffee grounds, letting it seep through the filter.

As the coffee brewed, I kept an eye on the man in the brown jacket. His body language had softened slightly, curiosity replacing some of his earlier irritation. This wasn't just about making a cup of coffee; it was about proving the worth of this café and the people who worked here.

Finally, I poured the freshly brewed coffee into a cup, the rich, dark liquid steaming invitingly. I carried it over to the man and placed it in front of him. "Here you go. Enjoy."

He took a sip, and his expression softened. "Not bad," he admitted grudgingly.

I smiled. "Glad you like it."

He nodded and took another sip, seeming to genuinely enjoy the coffee. Well, who wouldn't?

Albert came out of the kitchen with sandwiches and served them to the couple who had ordered first. They thanked him and glanced at me, giving an appreciative nod. I returned it with a small smile, They must have admired that Albert stayed loyal to his principles, and I was glad to have helped maintain that integrity.

Albert seemed relieved that no further scene was caused. He looked around the café, his expression softening as he saw the satisfied faces of his customers. He approached me, a grateful smile on his face. "Thanks, Tyson. I appreciate your help."

Then someone called out to me. "Uh, hey kid."

I turned to face him. "Yes, what is it, sir?" I asked.

He hesitated for a moment before speaking. "What's the recipe behind this coffee?"

That caught me off guard. Oh, so the coffee was better than 'not bad,' I thought with a smirk. "Not bad, huh?" I said.

He stammered, "Wh—no, it's not like that," clearly flustered.

I chuckled, enjoying his discomfort. "Come on, sir, let the cat out of the bag."

He sighed in defeat. "Okay, fine. That was great coffee. Happy now?"

I grinned. "Yep, that's more like it." I then shared the recipe that Albert had taught me. "Though I can't make it as perfectly as he does," I added with a modest shrug

We talked for a bit, and I learned that his name was Walter. He talked about his job and how much it annoyed him. He even went as far as telling me to never join their company because they make you work like slaves without a break. Well, I wouldn't join anyway because I'm already dealing with Familia, but I thanked him for the advice. He also talked about his life and his family. It seemed like he had no one to talk to about his problems, and that's why he was opening up to me. I decided to keep him company, and we had a little chat.

After a while, Walter was about to leave. "Well, I should be going," he said.

As he reached the entrance, I called out, "Mr. Walter."

He turned around. "What is it?"

"Don't you think you should apologize to Mr. Albert?" I asked.

Albert became panicked and quickly interjected, "Tyson, there's no need for that—"

Walter interrupted him. "No, the kid is right. I'm sorry, Albert. I took out my work frustration on you. Seeing you kind of reminded me of my father; he's the same age as you. He's retired now and is taking it easy. After saying those harsh words and taking a breather, I realized my mistake. I apologize, Albert."

Albert replied, "It's okay. I also have a son around your age, so I understand. Well, I can't do anything about your job, but you can always come here to relax and take a breather. And I'll prepare the coffee, probably much better than Tyson's," he said, glancing at me playfully.

"Oi," I said, feigning offense.

Walter smiled. "Yeah, will do. I didn't have your coffee yet, so I'll come tomorrow."

Albert said, "Yeah, you're always welcome here."

Walter turned to me and said, "Hey kid, I didn't catch your name."

"Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Tyson," I said.

"Tyson, huh? Well, it was nice talking with you, Tyson. For some reason, I feel better now. I guess it's thanks to you," Walter said.

"It's okay, Mr. Walter. It was the least I could do. I'm just glad that I could help," I replied.

He smiled and asked, "Do you always come here?"

"Yeah, I told you, I'm a regular customer here. Right, Mr. Albert?" I said

Albert nodded. "That's right. Tyson's practically a part of the café."

"Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow," Walter said.

"Yeah, see you tomorrow, Mr. Walter," I replied.

As I watched Ben leave, I couldn't help but reflect on the situation. This encounter reminded me of the importance of empathy and understanding. Walter wasn't just a rude customer; he was a stressed-out individual dealing with more than he could handle. In that moment, he didn't need reprimand or judgment—he needed understanding.

Albert, with his calm demeanor and open heart, showed me the value of patience and compassion. He could have reacted defensively or even kicked Walter out, but instead, he offered kindness and a safe space for someone in need. It made me realize how powerful small acts of kindness can be and how they can turn a negative situation into a positive one. though it will not work always, yep, not all people will accept the kindness you offer because of trust issues they have, well i am not saying they are wrong but is it really right thing to do, if things go on like this then one day kindness will die...

I think about how we all carry our own burdens, and sometimes, those burdens spill over into our interactions with others. If we can pause, look beyond the immediate behavior, and try to understand the person behind it, we can create moments of connection and healing

I returned to my friends, who had been watching the exchange with varying degrees of interest and amusement. "Making new friends already, Tyson?" Ethan teased.

I shrugged, taking a sip of my now slightly cooled coffee. "Just helping out a fellow human being."

Chloe smiled warmly. "That was really nice of you."

"Yeah, well," I said, feeling a bit self-conscious under their praise, "sometimes people just need someone to talk to."

"You know how to make coffee? ″Reed said. ″What is so shocking about it″ I replied don't tell me that you don't know how to make one

Lucas added, "Maybe you'll make a good café superhero after all."

We laughed at this remark and continued our relaxing session with a few more conversations. Slowly, the customers began to leave as closing time approached. The sun was setting, casting a beautiful red hue across the sky during the golden hour.

Inside the café, the sunset light filtered through the windows, bathing the room in a warm glow. My friends were engrossed in their conversations, while I found myself sitting opposite to the reception desk at customer seat where customers usually sat. The café was now empty, and I was talking to Albert.

I took a sip of my coffee and sighed contentedly. "Yep, nothing beats this coffee. I could drink this forever."

Albert chuckled. "Well, I don't think I can make it forever," he said, catching me off guard and drawing the attention of my friends.

"What do you mean?" I asked, a hint of concern in my voice.

Albert sighed, "I'm getting too old, kid. I guess it's about time I also take my retirement and take it easy."

"N-no, that's not true at all! I mean, look at you. You still look young. I'm sure some girls will even fall for you, right guys?" I said, turning to my friends for support.

They all nodded and chimed in, "Yeah," "True," "He's right."

Albert laughed heartily. "Nice try, kids. You brats just want my coffee and pastries, don't you?" he teased.

We all laughed a little from embarrassment, and I scratched the back of my head. The thought of Albert retiring hit me harder than I expected. Then I remembered something. "But there was a signboard I saw this morning. You are shifting, right?"

Albert came out of the kitchen and served me chicken sandwiches as a token of gratitude. He nodded, "Yeah, about that. Remember when you said the café's location should have been in the city to attract more customers?"

"Yeah, I remember," I replied before taking a bite

"I thought about it. Then I got a call from someone who had the same idea. They said I should take a rest and leave everything to them. So, I'm leaving everything in their hands."

"Someone is going to take over? Who is it?" I asked, intrigued.

"My grandchild, Emma. She's about your age," he said.

"Wait, if she's our age, she should be in her third year of school. How is she going to take over in a few months?" I asked, puzzled.

"Don't worry, she just graduated. She's one year older than you," he clarified.

I sighed in relief. "Then say that earlier, would ya and Why are you making it sound like a suspense?"

Albert chuckled and said, "Sorry, but you see, ever since she was a child, she always had a love for this place. She grew up here, after all. She's got a good head for business and a passion for this café. She called me out of the blue, saying it was high time I took a rest and let her take over."

"When she heard that I was thinking about retiring, she jumped at the chance to carry on the legacy." he said.

"Well, whoever takes over will have big shoes to fill," I said, feeling a bit sentimental.

Albert nodded. "Indeed. But life is about change, and sometimes change can bring new and wonderful things."

"Do you think she'll keep the same recipes?" I asked, half-jokingly.

Albert chuckled. "Of course. She knows better than to mess with perfection."

"Then I think she'll do a great job," I said.

Albert nodded. "I believe so too. She's got a lot of new ideas, and she's eager to bring a fresh perspective to the café. It's hard to let go, but I know it's in good hands."

I then asked, "By the way, where is the location you are shifting to?"

Albert rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well, I don't really know the exact address, but it's near the Astral Shopping Mall and the subway. Also, that building which was recently constructed... it's close by," he said, trying to give me a clearer picture.

My mind immediately went to the Sun Familia head office. "By building, you mean that black building connected with the riverside bridge, right?" I asked for confirmation.

Albert nodded. "Yeah, that's the one. It's just opposite that building."

Yep, that confirms it, It's near the Sun Familia building. It's not far, huh? Lucky.

"Yeah," I agreed, looking around at my friends and then back at Albert. "A new chapter for the café. We'll make sure to visit and support Emma just like we did with you."

Albert's eyes shone with gratitude. "Thank you, kids. That means a lot."

As the sun finally dipped below the horizon, casting the café in the warm, fading light of dusk, I felt a sense of closure and anticipation. This place had given us so much—friendship, comfort, and countless memories. And now, as it prepared for its next chapter, we would carry those memories forward, creating new ones along the way.

I realized that change, though often daunting, was a natural part of life. It brought growth and new opportunities.

Then I looked at my watch. 6:40... well, it's getting late, I said. "Hey guys, it's getting late. I guess we should head home." Then Albert said ″yeah it's almost closing time too.″

They nodded and started gathering their things. "Yeah, you're right," one of them said, stretching and yawning. "It's been a long day with studies."

We all stood up, making our way to the door. Albert walked us out, a warm smile on his face. "Thank you for coming, everyone. And Tyson, thanks for the help today. I really appreciate it."

I smiled back. "Anytime, Mr. Albert. We'll be back soon."

As we stepped out of the café, the cool evening air greeted us. The sky was a beautiful canvas of oranges and pinks, the sun dipping below the horizon.

Walking with my friends, we chatted about our plans for the next day. Ethan, with his characteristic excitement, was the first to suggest an idea.

"Hey, guys, how about we go for a picnic at the mountains? I heard there's a waterfall there," he said, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

I nodded. "Yeah, I've heard about it too. Sounds like a great idea."

Chloe, always the voice of reason, interjected, "That sounds good, but don't you think going there all by ourselves without any outdoor experience is quite dangerous?"

Ethan, ever the optimist, waved her concerns away. "Don't worry about that. We have Tyson, after all." He slapped my back playfully, and Reed and Lucas nodded in agreement.

Chloe looked puzzled. Reed took it upon himself to explain. "Yeah, Tyson always goes camping in the Astral Forest all by himself. He's got loads of outdoor experience."

Chloe's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I didn't know that."

I shrugged modestly. "Yeah, I enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Don't worry, Chloe. I'll make sure we're safe."

She smiled, reassured by my words. "Alright, then. If Tyson's coming, I'm in."

The group shared excited looks, and the decision was made. As we continued walking, the conversation shifted to what we would need for the picnic. Everyone was brimming with excitement for our little adventure.

As we reached the point where our paths diverged, Ethan waved enthusiastically. "Alright, guys, see you tomorrow morning. Don't forget to pack everything you need!"

"Got it!" we all replied in unison.

-To be continued-