After that fateful night, our relationship resumed back on course. In fact, it was better than what I had initially hoped for. Incredibly happy about the outcome, I could barely sleep after going home and even performed a silly victory dance in the shower.

Is this what youth is all about?

I found out that Irina was suffering from clinical depression, which stemmed from all the expectations she had to fulfill. Her parents expected her to be a top-performing academic student and did not allow anything less than an A. Her friend group expected her to always be that happy cheery gal, no matter what happens. Her sports teammate expected her to carry the team as the all-rounded co-captain.

People forced their idealities onto Irina, glorifying her into someone who seemed to be wholeheartedly special, almost like an almighty goddess. But deep down, she was just another a human being, capable of having faults and making mistakes.

In the onslaught of neverending expectations, stress slowly accumulated. Fear and mental pressure to maintain the perfect girl image was always constant. Endlessly shaping herself to other people's image, Irina broke.

At the very end, she had lost herself. Her self-identity. Who she was as an individual.

What was the next step? Irina had forgotten how to live. Inevitably, a sense of emptiness began to consume her mind, like a contagious virus spreading across her entire body.

But now?

Irina was changing. In fact, she shined more radiant than ever.

There were still some problems here and there like the depressive episodes, tough authoritarian parents and how clingy she actually was, as Irina warned me that night. But, I would not have it any other way.

If she was sad, she told me instead of faking a smile and say I'm fine. In the beginning, I even use my manifestation ability to monitor her mood. Although the past few months have been quite the emotional rollercoaster, our ride together has been a slow and steady climb.

It might be just me but my best friend seemed to be more alive. Like she was truly enjoying life.

I waited at the front entrance while she finished up with her tournament. Apparently, today was an important day as I remember Irina spamming me over text last night to "show up or else );<"

"Yo."

"Check it out, Jan! A gold medal. Hmmm... I wonder if it's real gold."

"Congratulation on winning!"

Irina beamed like the radiant sun, smirking and holding her prize in front of my face.

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"Are you proud?"

I feel like a father trying to pacify an overly-excited teenage girl. Still, Irina deserved this precious moment. After all, she was going to regionals, fulfilling one of her top personal goals.

"Yes Yes," I waved my hand in the air nonchalantly while both of us started walking out of school. Occasionally, we would meet some of Irina's track friends and they would congratulate her on the good run.

"So how about it? Treat me that Supreme Deluxe Premium Sundae again! I heard they have a version number two, this time served with multiple platters of finest dessert such as sponge cakes, cream puffs and..."

Irina drooled at the thought of the ultimate dessert. This scene feels way too familiar as I karate-chop her on the head, snapping her back into reality.

"No thanks! Isn't that like forty dollars?"

"Ehhhh... Please, Jan! Think of it as a victory treat~ Somehow it tastes better when you treat me."

The same familiar pair of innocent puppy eyes appeared on her face as Irina pleaded, this time, she grasped onto my hands tightly. Even the toughest man in the world would have trouble saying no to this face.

It's not fair if you do this...

"Fine fine, but you better finish it. Last time, I ended up with a huge stomach-ache because you left halfway."

"Last time..."

Both of us continued to walk in silence as if we were reminiscing about the various moments that led up to today. That day was the beginning of a new chapter in our story. Up until today, we did not mention much about it since the topic always seemed awkward.

"Why did you agree for me to manifest you, knowing I will feel emptiness? You already know what my manifestation ability does..."

Irina looked at me with a dumbfounded expression.

"Why don't you think again?"

"I thought about it so many times." I scratched my head and sighed. "And I can't seem to reach a logical conclusion."

"Think harder!" Irina stuck out her tongue at me. Then balling her hands into a fist, she hit my back repeatedly and yelled out in a childish manner:

"Stupid stupid! Jan is stupid!"

"Alright alright, I'm stupid for not knowing. Will you tell me then?"

Irina shooked her head and pouted, "Nope! That's something you have to figure out. And if you'll figure it out, then I'll give you a present! Yes, a special present~"

I could sense something mysterious and inscrutable behind those words. Still, I was happy Irina was back to her usual playfulness. She was smiling. It was that signature beaming smile that I loved.

"Are you happy?"

"Of course I am!"

Irina puffed out her chest confidently as if she was a soldier waiting to be presented a medal of honor.

"Don't lie to me," I teased, "I can always manifest you to make sure you're doing okay."

"You know I don't lie to you anymore, ever since that day..."

Unexpectedly, Irina turned her face away. Her cheeks seemed to be bright red but it was probably from the setting sun or exercising earlier. There was no way she was flustered over what I said.

"Jan... if you really want to, I guess I'll let you manifest me so you can see I am not lying."

Irina waited patiently for my answer. As I pretended to contemplate, Irina took a deep breath and mentally prepared herself. With a devious smirk, I casually walked away and said simply.

"Nah."

"Ehhhhhhh come on, I was all ready for it too!!~"

"I'm good."

"No, come back and manifest me!!! Manifest me, Jan!"

"No thanks."

As I sprinted away, Irina started chasing after me. Within a few seconds, the track star caught up to me with ease. She held onto the collar of my shirt, not willing to release me until she hears my answer.

Our faces were inches away from each other as I could practically feel her breath. I noticed the smoothness of her skin and her rosy lips, curled up into a smug expression. Imitating Irina's playfulness, I replied:

"Just watching you run today at the tournament, seeing your eyes sparkle and enjoying life. I don't need to manifest you to know that you are happy, stupid!"

-END-