I found myself surrounded by towering trees, the air thick with the scent of fresh leaves and the sound of birds chirping happily around me. Excitement bubbled up inside me, and without thinking, I reached out to pet the small birds perched nearby. They responded by playfully pecking at the sleeves of my shirt, their tiny beaks tugging gently as if trying to lead me somewhere. They took off, flying just ahead of me, and I followed without hesitation.

We ascended a staircase hidden within the forest, each step surrounded by the beauty of nature. The trees were tall and majestic, their leaves whispering in the breeze. Around me, animals went about their lives—some drinking from a crystal-clear stream, others munching on fruits, while a few lounged lazily in the sun. Everywhere I looked, there was happiness, a pure, untainted joy that made me smile. It was as if the entire forest was alive with contentment, a perfect harmony that I could feel deep in my chest.

The birds continued to guide me upward until I noticed a light shining ahead. "What's that light?" I wondered, my excitement growing with each step. But as I approached, the light intensified, becoming almost blinding. "Isn't this a bit too bright?" I thought, squinting as it grew brighter and brighter. It soon became unbearable, like staring directly into the sun. I quickly closed my eyes, shielding my face with my forearms as the light reached its peak, shining as brilliantly as a star at close range.

After a moment of silence, the birds' soft chirping returned, coaxing me to open my eyes. Slowly, I lowered my arms and found myself standing on the edge of a mountain cliff. The scene before me was breathtaking—rolling mountains stretched out as far as I could see, some covered in dense forests, others capped with snow. The sky was a perfect shade of blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds, and the sun bathed the entire landscape in a warm, golden glow. Below, a river wound its way through the valley, sparkling like a silver ribbon.

I stood there, awestruck by the sheer beauty of it all. Dove birds fluttered around, some perched on the edge of the cliff, adding to the serene atmosphere. One of them landed gently on my shoulder, and I reached up to pet it, feeling a connection to this peaceful world. My dad had taught me how to treat animals, and the dove responded to my touch, cooing softly in appreciation.

I took in the view again, unable to contain my joy. "This is just like..." I began, but the words failed me. Instead, I took a deep breath of the crisp, fresh air and shouted, "I've found my heaven!"

As if in response, a loud "Keow!" echoed through the mountains. I looked up and saw a massive peacock perched on a rocky peak nearby. Its feathers shimmered in the sunlight, and with a graceful motion, it spread its magnificent tail, revealing a dazzling array of colors. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the sight—it was stunning, like something out of a dream.

The peacock let out another call, then slowly spread its wings wide, preparing to take flight. I watched, mesmerized, as it soared above me, its wings cutting through the air with ease. It was large and majestic, a symbol of beauty and freedom. As it glided over me, our eyes met for a brief moment, and then it descended into the depths of the foggy forest below.

I stood there, watching until it disappeared, when I noticed something drifting down from the sky. A single peacock feather, delicate and light, floated toward me. I extended my hand, ready to catch it, but then I saw something else—an object falling faster than the feather. It overtook the feather, and I stepped forward to catch it, curiosity piqued.

I opened my hand to reveal... an alarm clock? I stared at it, bewildered. Before I could even make sense of it, the clock started ringing violently, yanking me out of my dream. I blinked a few times, disoriented, as my room slowly came into focus. The serene world of my dream faded away, replaced by the dimly lit walls of reality. I glanced at the clock—5:01 AM.

"Stupid clock," I grumbled, switching it off. "I was just about to grab that feather... Tsk, bad luck, I guess." The lingering feeling of the dream made me sigh. That world—lush forests, happy animals, and that breathtaking view—felt so real, like a slice of paradise. "I just wish I could go back to that dream..." I muttered under my breath.

With a groan, I got up from bed, stretching out my stiff muscles. A yawn escaped me as I shuffled to the window. It was still a little dark outside, but the first light of dawn was peeking through, casting a faint glow on the bustling highway below, where cars zipped by, starting their day as well. The dim yellow light of my room made everything feel strangely calm. I glanced at the clock again—5:02 AM.

"Guess it's time to start my day," I mumbled to myself, heading to the bathroom. The cold water splashed against my face, snapping me fully awake. I brushed my teeth, took a quick shower, and dressed in my uniform, adjusting the tie with a lazy tug before heading to the kitchen.

"What should I make for breakfast?" I wondered.

I opened the fridge, grabbed some sausages, eggs, and veggies, and set to work. The sausages sizzled in the pan, releasing a mouthwatering aroma. I tossed in chopped bell peppers and onions, their colors bright against the browned meat. Cracking two eggs into the pan, I let them cook sunny-side-up, sprinkling salt and pepper over everything.

In a few minutes, I had a simple but hearty breakfast—sausages, eggs, and blistered cherry tomatoes. I sat at the table, enjoying each bite.

"Not a bad start to the day," I mumbled, feeling the morning energy kick in.

After finishing breakfast, I washed the dishes and glanced at the clock. It was 6:13 AM. "Still got some time," I thought. "Might as well read a book and have some coffee."

I started brewing a fresh cup of coffee and headed to my room, scanning my bookshelf for something to read. My eyes landed on Mind's Edge, a simple yet captivating book about sharpening mental focus and mastering everyday challenges. It was filled with short, thought-provoking insights and practical tips that kept the mind sharp and resilient. "Perfect," I mumbled, pulling it off the shelf.

With my coffee ready, I settled on the sofa in the living room, taking a sip. "Still not as good as Albert's, but it'll do," I thought, appreciating the warm brew as I delved into the book. I lost myself in its pages, occasionally sipping my coffee, until I realized I'd reached the halfway point. I checked the time—7:00 AM on the dot.

"Time for school," I murmured, packing up the book and slipping on my school blazer. Grabbing my bag and keys, I headed to the door. As I put on my shoes, I wondered, "Is Iris ready yet?" Stepping outside, I was greeted by the familiar morning cityscape, still as beautiful as ever.

I locked my door and walked over to the neighboring apartment, ringing the doorbell. After a few seconds, the door opened, revealing Iris's mother.

"Oh, Tyson!" she said with a smile.

"Good morning, ma'am. Is Iris ready?" I asked politely.

"She's still finishing breakfast. Why don't you come in?" she offered.

"That's alright, I can wait outside," I replied, trying to be courteous.

But she insisted, "No, no, come in and wait," making it hard to refuse.

"Um, okay," I said, accepting defeat as I stepped inside.

Inside the living room, Iris's father was absorbed in his newspaper, but he noticed me as I entered.

"Oh, Tyson, heading to school already?" he said, glancing up from his paper.

"Good morning, Mr. Leonard," I greeted him.

"Good morning," he replied with a nod. "Here to get Iris, right?"

"Yeah, is she still eating breakfast?" I asked, glancing toward the dining area.

He chuckled, lowering his newspaper slightly. "Yeah, she's still half asleep. Why don't you go give her a wake-up call?"

"Got it," I said, smirking at the playful challenge.

I made my way to the dining table and found Iris sluggishly eating her bread, her eyes half-closed. She didn't even notice my presence. Smirking, I grabbed a scrap of paper, quickly folded it into a small sound cracker, and lightly flicked it against her hair.

"!!!" Iris jolted in surprise, her eyes snapping open.

"Good morning," I said, trying not to laugh.

"Tyson?!" she exclaimed, staring at me wide-eyed, still processing the abrupt wake-up call.

Iris jolted, nearly dropping her bread as she snapped out of her daze. "Tyson? What the heck was that for?" she asked, blinking rapidly, her eyes still heavy with sleep.

I shrugged, holding back a smirk. "You were practically sleep-eating. Thought you could use a wake-up call."

She rubbed her eyes and yawned, looking more annoyed than angry. "You didn't have to scare me like that..."

"Hey, if it works, it works," I said, grabbing a seat across from her. "You're not gonna make it out the door at this rate."

Iris's father, Leonard, chuckled from the living room, still engrossed in his newspaper. "You've got your hands full with her, Tyson."

I nodded in agreement, watching Iris struggle to finish her breakfast. "Yeah, tell me about it."

Iris shot us both a glare, though it lacked any real heat. "You guys are the worst," she muttered, taking a big bite of her bread.

"Oh really" I teased, leaning back in the chair. "You said lets go to school togerther remember? Don't tell me you forgot."

She paused, her expression softening. "No, I didn't forget. I just... didn't think I'd be this sleepy already."

"Well, better wake up fast. We've got a long day ahead of us."

Iris sighed but nodded, her resolve slowly returning. "Yeah, yeah. I'm coming." She got up, quickly finishing her breakfast.

As she hurried off to grab her things, Leonard glanced at me over his newspaper with a smile. "Thanks for looking out for her, Tyson. She's lucky to have a friend like you."

I scratched the back of my head, feeling a bit embarrassed. "It's nothing, Mr. Leonard. I'm just doing what I can."

With Iris finally ready, we both waved goodbye to her parents and stepped out into the morning sunlight. It was a fresh start to the day, and despite the early chaos, it felt like everything was falling into place.

As we walked towards school, Iris suddenly glanced at me and asked, "Tyson, do you ever think about what you want to do in the future?"

Her question caught me off guard. I looked at her, surprised by the sudden shift in conversation. "The future, huh? Where did that come from?" I asked, curious.

She shrugged, looking ahead with a thoughtful expression. "I don't know... I was just wondering. I mean, we've been so busy with everything lately, but sometimes I feel like I'm just going with the flow without really knowing where I'm headed."

I nodded, her words resonating with me more than I expected.

I thought about her question as we walked, the morning breeze brushing past us. "You know," I began, "I've been more focused on the day-to-day right now. But I guess it would be nice to have a clearer vision of where I want to end up."

Iris glanced at me, her eyes reflecting curiosity. "Really? I thought you always had a plan for everything."

I chuckled softly. "I guess I do tend to plan things out, but sometimes it feels like I'm just reacting to whatever comes in my way instead of actually choosing my path."

Well now that i think about it I said that i would find the goal of my life but i still dont know where to begin with. for now i have agreed to be sun familia's executer so let's see where it takes me to.

She nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, I get that. It's like we're so busy dealing with the present that we forget to think about where we're actually headed."

We reached a crosswalk, and I paused to look at her. "So, what about you? Have you figured out what you want to do?"

Iris hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. "I have some ideas, but nothing concrete. I guess I'm still trying to figure it out."

"You're not alone in that. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is take things one step at a time and see where it leads and make sure you don't regret those decisions." I replied

She returned my smile, looking a bit more at ease.″ Your right ″ she said.

As the light turned green and we continued walking towards school...

--

We reached the school, and the hallways buzzed with students rushing to their classrooms, lost in lively discussions. As we made our way through the corridors, a group of female students greeted Iris warmly. Well, it's no surprise—she's the student council president, after all. She's been working hard to make a name for herself, and it shows. Compared to that...sigh... look at me—a lazy, unsociable introvert. But that's fine by me. I've got a few friends who are genuinely worth my time, and that's all I need. No need to chase popularity.

"Hey, Tyson," Iris called, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Y-yeah?" I replied.

"I'm heading to the student council room to submit some papers," she said.

"I see. I'll head to my classroom then," I said, starting to walk away.

"Wait," she called after me. I turned back to face her.

"When are you coming home after the picnic?" she asked.

"I don't know. It might get late. Why?" I asked, curious.

"Nothing," she said, pouting slightly before heading to the student council room.

She must be angry that she can't join well I guess I should grab some ice cream while coming home to cool her down. and then I made my way to my classroom. As I entered, I saw Ethan and the others gathered around, deep in discussion.Must be about the picnic,I thought. They noticed me, and I approached them.

"Morning, guys. What's up?" I asked.

Ethan, clearly excited, jumped in. "Tyson, did you—"

"Calm down, dude. Let him put his bag down first," Reed interrupted, causing everyone to chuckle.

I gave a nervous laugh and placed my bag on my seat before sitting down. The group huddled around me, with Ethan clearing his throat theatrically.

"Tyson, did you pack your stuff?" he asked.

"Yeah, but why are you so fired up?" I replied.

"Isn't it obvious? We're going to the waterfalls! It might be just another day for you, but I never thought I'd actually see one in real life," he said, his excitement almost contagious.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Well, I've never seen a waterfall before either. I usually go camping in forests and mountains, which never disappoints.

Chloe chimed in, "It seems like we've added another spot to our picnic list."

"Another place?" I asked, curious.

Reed nodded. "Yeah, after the waterfall, there's a beach nearby. We're thinking of going there in the evening. How does that sound?"

"Hmm, a beach at sunset? Sounds like a perfect way to end the day." I nodded. "Yeah, I'm in."

Everyone's faces lit up, especially Ethan, who was acting like a kid on Christmas morning.

"By the way, how are we getting there?" I asked.

Ethan grinned. "Don't worry; I've got us covered. I'll bring a van, and we'll all go together."

"Wait, do you even have a driving license?" I questioned.

He turned to the others, ignoring me. "Alright, guys, after school, go home, get your stuff, and be ready. I'll pick everyone up in the van."

"Oi," I called out.

"Yeah, yeah, I heard you," he said, pulling out a card from his pocket. "I've got Provisional License," he added with a smirk.

Lucas glanced at Ethan, smirking. "Wow, dude, you got your license? Must've been easy for you."

Ethan rolled his eyes. "Shut up! You don't know how many retakes I had to do to get this."

Reed raised an eyebrow. "How many, exactly?"

Ethan sighed dramatically. "I literally took 58 test drives and failed the final test 20 times. You guys have no idea how much I worked my butt off for this."

"Oh, that sounds rough," I said, trying to keep a straight face, but my lips were twitching.

Ethan noticed immediately. "At least pretend you're not about to burst out laughing!"

I couldn't hold it any longer and finally laughed. "Sorry."

He pointed at me, exasperated. "See!?"

Just then, the bell rang for the first period. Ethan waved a finger at everyone. "Alright, remember, after school. Don't forget."

We all nodded, and everyone returned to their seats. As I sat down, I heard a voice nearby.

"Seems like you guys are going on a picnic somewhere," Sophia said without looking up from her book.

I turned to her. "Yeah, near the waterfalls. I heard it's a pretty amazing spot."

"I see," she murmured, not looking up from her book. She was always like that—reserved and absorbed in whatever she was reading, but still somehow aware of everything going on around her.

I turned my gaze to the window, letting my thoughts drift as I watched the scenery outside. The sky was a perfect blue, the sun casting a warm glow over everything. Students were bustling in the courtyard, chatting and laughing, while a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees. It was a beautiful day—one of those rare moments when everything just felt... right.

But then I heard a soft voice.

"Um... Tyson."

I blinked and looked around, trying to find the source. My eyes landed on Sophia, who was still engrossed in her book. She seemed like she hadn't moved an inch, but her cheeks were tinged a light shade of pink, as if she was embarrassed about something. Did she just called me? I wasn't sure.

"Hey, Sophia," I said, a bit hesitant. "Did you just call me?"

She glanced up at me briefly, her eyes quickly darting back to her book. "Y-yeah," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

I tilted my head, curious. Sophia rarely spoke to anyone, let alone called out like this. "What's up? Is something wrong?"

She fidgeted with the corner of her book, clearly nervous. After a moment, she finally looked up at me. "I have a favor to ask," she said quietly.

After school, the once lively campus had quieted down, the hallways now almost empty.In the student council room, however, the atmosphere was anything but calm. The members were still hard at work, their focus unwavering. A sudden knock on the door interrupted their concentration.

"Come in," Iris called out, not looking up from her work.

The door creaked open, and Serena stepped inside, holding a juice can. Iris glanced up, surprised. "Serena? School's over, you know," she remarked.

Serena sighed and held up a juice can. "Hit the brakes for a second," she said, drawing Iris's gaze to the can. Realizing what Serena was pointing out, Iris nodded. "Alright, everyone, let's take a short break." The members relaxed, grateful for the pause.

Outside, Iris and Serena sat on a bench near a vending machine. Iris took a sip from the juice can Serena had given her. "Ah, nothing beats a drink after hard work," Iris said, savoring the moment. Serena, meanwhile, enjoyed her hot chocolate.

"You shouldn't push yourself so hard, you know," Serena advised.

"Don't worry, I'm not overdoing it," Iris replied, though she sounded slightly uncertain.

Serena narrowed her eyes. "Really?"

Iris gave a nervous laugh. "Yeah, really."

Serena sighed. "If you're having trouble, just ask that idiot for help."

Iris chuckled. "Yeah, if only he were the vice president. It would be awesome."

"But he's a third-year now. He can't help," Serena pointed out.

"Damn it! Why is he one year ahead of us?" Iris said, frustration evident.

As they continued chatting, Iris suddenly asked, "Hey, Serena, do you think I'm doing a good job as student council president?"

Serena looked thoughtfully at her friend before glancing outside. "You're doing great. I'm not just saying that to encourage you. I've seen how hard you've worked, and it shows. Everyone respects and admires your dedication—from students to teachers. So, have some confidence in yourself, okay?"

Iris beamed, touched by Serena's words. "That's why you're my best friend," she said, hugging Serena tightly. Serena, caught off guard, gasped. "Too tight, Iris. I can't breathe."

Realizing her mistake, Iris let go and apologized. "Sorry," she said, sheepishly.

"Just don't overwork yourself," Serena added, before grinning slightly. "Maybe that idiot might help you."

Iris laughed. "You really think so?"

They returned to the student council room, where chaos reigned. "What happened, guys?" Iris asked, noticing the frantic search.

One member said, "We can't find the surveys or the important budget documents. What should we do? All the students have already left, and we need to discuss the budget with the principal."

Iris's face fell. "Wait... No way," she muttered.

"President, you had those surveys, right? Where are they?" someone asked.

Iris nodded guiltily. "I forgot about them."

A collective sigh of disappointment filled the room. Serena asked, "Are those surveys really that important? Can't you just do it tomorrow?"

The members exchanged worried glances. "Actually, the submission date is tomorrow, and they're crucial," one of them explained. "We don't have the budget papers either, and we need to discuss those with the principal for the clubs. All the students have already left."

Iris's face turned pale. "I guess I messed up," she said nervously, laughing but her hands were shaking with guilt.

Serena noticed Iris's distress and mumbled, "Iris is feeling sad..."

Just then, someone knocked on the door. "C-Come in," Iris said.

Sophia entered, handing over a stack of papers. "Excuse me, is the student council president here?"

"Yes, that's me," Iris replied.

Sophia handed over the documents. "Tyson asked me to deliver these."

Iris's eyes widened as she recognized the surveys she thought were lost. "These are the surveys..." she whispered in shock.

The members quickly gathered around, checking the papers. "Everyone filled them out! We're done!" one of them exclaimed.

"And look, the budget plans are here too," another pointed out, flipping through the documents.

One of the members looked at Iris, smiling. "President, this budget plan is fantastic. It's different from what we had, but it's perfect. All the clubs will be happy."

Iris stared at the plan, realizing how much better it was than her own.This isn't my plan...she thought, but the relief was overwhelming.

The room erupted in cheers. "Way to go, President!" "As expected of our leader!" "Finally, we can go home!"

Iris looked over the plan and noted it was different from her own. "Wow," she said, feeling a wave of relief. "You're all set to go home."

As the members cheered and packed up, Iris felt a deep sense of gratitude. Serena and Iris headed home together. Iris took out the letter from her pocket and read it aloud. "'You're doing a great job, but don't push yourself. My ears are always open to hear you out. - Tyson.'"

Serena said. "See, I told you that idiot would help."

Iris smiled. "You were right. You really know him well."

As they walked home, the sun began to let up, and Iris felt a renewed sense of determination and support from her friends.

The van sped down the Astral City highway, music blasting and spirits high. Tyson and his friends were packed inside, with Ethan confidently behind the wheel.

"You sure know how to drive, Ethan," Lucas said, glancing over at the road with a nod of approval.

Ethan smirked, gripping the steering wheel with a bit of swagger. "Told you, I've got this. We're almost there," he replied, his confidence evident as he navigated the winding roads.

As the van turned off the main highway, the scenery changed, revealing dense forested areas. Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the trees, creating a dance of light and shadow on the van's windows. Everyone pressed their faces to the glass, captivated by the serene beauty around them.

Ethan pulled into a small parking area, and everyone piled out, grabbing their bags and supplies. They began their hike through the forest, the excitement of their destination pushing them forward. The group chattered along the way, enjoying the break from their usual routines.

After a while, Reed started lagging behind, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Ugh, how much farther is it? Hey, Ethan, you sure we're going the right way?"

Ethan looked over his shoulder, a bit unsure but still trying to maintain his confident facade. "I mean... I think this is the right path," he said, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly.

Lucas and Reed exchanged a look before shouting in unison, "YOU THINK?!"

Ethan just laughed it off, scratching his head. "Hey, relax! We're not lost—probably."

Lucas sighed, rubbing his temples. "This isn't funny, Ethan. What happens if we actually get lost out here?"

"Yeah, take some responsibility, dumbass!" Reed chimed in, glaring at Ethan.

"Who the hell are you calling a dumbass?!" Ethan snapped back, but before their argument could escalate, Chloe stepped in.

"Shhh!" Chloe put her finger to her lips, signaling for silence. She turned her attention to Tyson, who had stopped walking and closed his eyes, trying to focus amidst the noise.

After a moment of quiet, Tyson's ears picked up the faint, soothing rush of water in the distance. He opened his eyes and pointed ahead. "This way."

The group followed him, and after a few more minutes of trekking, they finally broke through the dense foliage. They were greeted by the sight of a stunning waterfall cascading into a clear pool below. The sunlight reflected off the water, creating a shimmering rainbow in the mist.

"Whoa... this is it!" Ethan shouted in excitement, his earlier worries forgotten. The others stood in awe, taking in the breathtaking view.

Finding a perfect spot near the water, they spread out a picnic blanket and set up their things. The sound of the waterfall and the calm of nature filled the air as they settled down.

"Wow, I didn't expect we'd find a spot this perfect," Reed remarked, looking around in awe.

"Told you, that's why I suggested we come here," Ethan said with a satisfied grin.

"Let's eat—I'm starving already," Lucas chimed in, rubbing his stomach.

"Yeah, me too," Reed added, and Ethan nodded in agreement. "I'm totally hungry."

"Don't worry, guys, I made some sandwiches," Chloe said, revealing a neatly packed container of sandwiches.

Their eyes lit up with excitement as they each grabbed one. "Delicious!" Ethan, Reed, and Lucas said in unison, taking hearty bites.

"Thank you," Chloe replied, pleased with their reactions. She glanced at Tyson, who was quietly taking a bite of his sandwich. She waited, watching him closely.

"These are really tasty, Chloe. You have a bright future as a chef," Tyson said with a rare smile, causing Chloe to blush.

"T-thank you," she stammered, feeling a warmth spread across her cheeks. They continued eating, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

After finishing their meal, Ethan pulled out his camera and began taking pictures of the waterfall. Meanwhile, Reed and Lucas exchanged a mischievous look before sneaking up behind Ethan and tackling him into the water. Ethan quickly resurfaced, checking his camera.

"Good thing this is waterproof, or else—" Ethan began, but Reed cut him off by splashing water in his face.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Ethan shouted, but Lucas quickly joined in, laughing as he splashed more water.

"Oh, you're going to get it now!" Ethan retaliated, and a playful water fight ensued.

Tyson, sitting on a nearby rock and leaning against a tree, watched them with a content smile. Chloe approached him, offering a cup. "Here, your favorite coffee," she said with a soft smile.

"Thanks," Tyson said, taking the cup and sipping it slowly.

"You know, you were the one who suggested coming here, so why not join them and have some fun?" Chloe suggested.

"Nah, I'm fine here. Looks like they're having enough fun for everyone," Tyson replied, his gaze still fixed on the playful chaos in the water.

"I see," Chloe murmured, understanding his need for peace.

After playing for a while longer, Ethan called out, "Okay, guys, it's time to head to our next destination."

Everyone nodded and made their way back to the van, heading towards a nearby beach. By the time they arrived, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow across the water. The sight was breathtaking, and the group paused to admire the view.

Lucas wasted no time, running straight into the water to swim. Tyson chuckled, shaking his head. "He literally just swam at the waterfall—how much does he want to swim?"

"Maybe you'll be joining him soon," Chloe teased, causing Tyson to look at her in confusion.

Suddenly, Reed and Ethan jumped on Tyson's back. "Reed, you got him locked?" Ethan asked, holding on tight.

"Yeah, but he's struggling!" Reed laughed.

"What are you guys—" Tyson started, but Ethan cut him off by shoving them all into the water.

As they resurfaced, Reed taunted, "That's what you get for zoning out!"

"Oh, now you've done it," Tyson grinned, splashing water at them.

A full-on water fight broke out, with Tyson splashing water at Chloe, dragging her into the fun as well. Laughter echoed across the beach as they played, enjoying the carefree moment.

Afterward, they used towels to dry off. As Tyson wiped his arm, he noticed his watch had stopped working. "Wait... did the water mess this up?" he wondered aloud.

Ethan and Reed, noticing the watch, looked concerned. "Did your watch break?" Ethan asked.

"Wasn't that your favorite watch?" Chloe added, her tone worried.

Tyson shrugged, trying to downplay it. "It's not a big deal. It just needs some servicing, that's all."

Ethan frowned, feeling guilty. "But it's our fault—I think I should—"

"I told you, it's no big deal," Tyson interrupted with a reassuring smile. "Now, let's just enjoy the evening."

Ethan sighed in relief. "Alright, fine. But how about we have some barbecue and a campfire tonight?"

Reed raised an eyebrow. "Wait, you brought a barbecue set?"

"Of course, I brought everything we need. Why do you think I got the van?" Ethan replied, puffing out his chest.

"Nice idea, Ethan. Even your brain works sometimes," Tyson teased with a smirk.

"What do you mean 'sometimes'?!" Ethan retorted, prompting everyone to burst into laughter, Tyson included.

Unbeknownst to Tyson and his friends, from a nearby cliff overlooking the beach, Kiera observed the group through her binoculars. "They sure are enjoying themselves," she muttered, her gaze fixed on the group below.

Her brother, standing beside her, scoffed. "Even after you challenged him, he's still taking you lightly, sister."

Kiera lowered the binoculars, her expression hardening. "Let him enjoy himself while he can. I'll make sure he regrets going up against me." She glanced back at Tyson, who was sitting with his friends, laughing and chatting. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed the binoculars to her brother, who fumbled to catch them. "Let's go. There's no point in watching them anymore."

He quickly followed as she walked towards their car parked nearby. "But where are we going?" he asked, confused.

Kiera got into the car where their driver was already waiting. As her brother climbed in, she smirked. "I know the perfect place to hide the chip," she said confidently. Without another word, the car sped off, heading towards their next plan.

Meanwhile, on the beach, Tyson and his friends were busy setting up their barbecue. The sun had set, and the warmth of the campfire illuminated their faces. As they prepared the food, Ethan approached the group, looking uncharacteristically hesitant.

"H-hey, guys," Ethan said, his voice slightly awkward.

I glanced up, curious. "What's up?"

He scratched his head, clearly trying to find the right words. "Actually... I wanted to take a group photo."

'So he didn't brought his camera just to take pictures of the waterfall. No, this was about something deeper. It was about us, about capturing these moments because he knew, just like the rest of us, that things were changing. The conversation we had yesterday about going our separate ways—it must've stuck with him. And here he was, trying to preserve a memory of our time together, you really are a nice guy, ethan.'

Ethan looked a little surprised when I said, "Sure, why not?" Everyone else nodded enthusiastically.

"Yeah, let's do it!"

Ethan's face lit up, and he quickly set his camera on timer mode. We all gathered together, striking silly poses as the timer counted down. The flash went off, freezing that moment in time—a snapshot of us, laughing and carefree.

We spent the rest of the evening eating, talking, and just enjoying each other's company. There was something comforting about sitting near the campfire, eating barbecue, and drinking cold drinks with friends. It made everything else—the missions, the training, the constant pressure—feel far away.

As I glanced over, I saw Ethan staring at the group photo on his camera screen. He seemed lost in thought, almost like he was trying to etch the moment into his memory. I nudged him, trying to snap him out of it. "Did that picture really come out that well, or are you just that into it?"

He looked up, a bit sentimental. "Yeah... it came out really well," he said quietly.

"What are you getting at?" I asked, still not quite understanding why he seemed so... emotional.

Ethan sighed, turning his eyes back to the photo. "The main reason I wanted this picture... it's because of you."

I frowned, confused. "Me? What are you talking about?"

He glanced at me, his expression serious. "You finished your execution training, right? So, any day now, you could become an Executor. When that happens, you'll be busy with your team and Familia stuff. You won't have much time for... us."

His words hung in the air, heavy and true. I looked around at my friends—Reed, Lucas, Chloe—they were all wearing those same worried expressions. It hit me then, hard. Once I became an Executor, my responsibilities would take over. This carefree time we were having now? It wasn't going to last.

I realized I'd killed the good mood. Everyone was thinking about how things were about to change. I forced myself to smile, determined to lighten the mood. "You guys are getting way ahead of yourselves. It's not like I'll be an Executor tomorrow. Besides, even if I do, I'll still make time for all of you. I promise."

Slowly, the tension eased. They smiled, reassured by my words. I raised my drink and said, "So until that day comes... cheers!"

They followed, clinking their glasses with mine. "Cheers!"

We spent the next few hours talking, laughing, and enjoying every second. But eventually, it was time to pack up. Ethan drove us back, dropping off Chloe, then Reed, and Lucas. Finally, it was just me and Ethan left in the van, cruising through the quiet streets.

We passed by a row of shops, still open despite the late hour. I spotted the familiar sign of the watch repair shop. "Hey, stop there," I said, pointing.

Ethan parked the van. "Shopping?"

"Kind of. I need to give my watch for repairs. Wanna join?"

He nodded, but before he could follow, his phone rang. "Parents," he sighed. "Go ahead. I'll catch up."

I left him to it and went into the watch shop. Mr. Leo greeted me with a familiar smile. "Tyson! Long time, no see. Watch trouble?"

"Yeah, it got wet, and now it's not working. Can you fix it?" I handed him the watch.

Mr. Leo inspected it closely. "Some parts are shot, but I can replace them. Though you might want to consider getting a new one."

I shook my head, my grip tightening on the counter. "This watch is important to me."

Mr. Leo chuckled. "I figured you'd say that. Don't worry; I'll have it fixed. Come back tomorrow morning."

"Thanks, Mr. Leo," I said.

As I left, I noticed an ice cream shop. Remembering Iris, I bought a box of blueberry ice cream—her favorite. She'd wanted to join us today, but her student council duties kept her busy. I figured this might cheer her up.

When I got back to the van, Ethan was still on the phone, looking more frustrated than before. "Parents?" I guessed.

He hung up and sighed. "Yeah, they want me home, but it turned into a lecture."

I laughed, shaking my head. Ethan noticed the ice cream and raised an eyebrow. "For you?"

"Nah, it's for Iris. She was pissed she couldn't join us today, so... peace offering."

"Smart move," Ethan said with a smirk.

He drove me home, and after a quick goodbye, I watched him drive off into the night. I entered my apartment, feeling the quiet settle in. It was 10:30 p.m.—late, but not too late. I put the ice cream in the fridge, already knowing Iris was probably asleep. After a quick shower, I fell into bed, my mind drifting back to the promises I'd made.

I'd told them I'd find time, that this wouldn't be our last. But lying there in the dark, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was changing—that tonight was the last time we'd enjoy each other's company like this.

-To be continued-