Me: ... I'm dying, so forgive me :D?

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Shadow POV

I opened the window, breathed in the fresh air, and watched the scenery there.

The sun rose, lighting up all the insects, and dispelling the cold night. That light shines through the window, bringing light and warmth to my room. The darkness fades, and the sun peeks out and emerges from the clouds. It looks like the magical night sky is changing to a bright blue sky. Make the stars in the sky look like they woke up late and ran away. A thin mist like a giant veil covered the space. Make the scene blurry.

The sunlight crept through the streets, through the straight trees Fluttering the night dew on the glittering, pure, crystal-like leaves. The breeze blew through the leaves, grazing through my hair. Bring the coolness and a light fragrance of flowers and grass.

The sky was a turquoise blue, rippling with white clouds like a soft foam mattress. That blue color reflected on the river's surface, making it sparkle with blue light. The river is like a mirror, reflecting everything in the sky. Somehow looks like an upside-down world behind it.

-" How lovely. " _ I thought to myself. I would love to sneak out right now. But I guess my body would not let me do that. With the pain that Saiko presents me, jumping off of the second floor is impossible.

I sighed and wondered when I would stop torturing myself. Honestly, I am sick of seeing myself bleed and helplessly fix myself up. I am still a kid, and this is too much for a 13-year-old. But, according to what my uncle told me the past two days, I can be free soon.

- "Forgive him, Shadow. It is okay." _ Remembering what Akuma told me yesterday, I laugh a bit.

-Forgive him? Easier said than done, right Akuma? I do not think I could meet him, not even about forgiving him. _ I hold the guitar tightly in my hands, wondering why I can not acquit my best friend for his dumb mistake in the past. It is not like I have never made that stupid mistake with someone before.

-I need more rest.

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Arashi POV

-"I look so weird." - I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled wryly. I rarely go out and do not care much about my appearance to others. So, I know nothing about how to choose clothes.

Look how stupid I look. I am currently wearing the jacket Shadow gave me, paired with a white cotton t-shirt and dark blue jeans. My outfit is not that strange, but the necklace on my neck right now does look ominous. I need to wear it, not by my choice.

-"You look attractive to me, Arashi." - Taiya said with a slightly sarcastic tone. She is annoying, and now never asks why I have anger issues.

-"Just shut up, Taiya."_ Looking at myself in the mirror for a while, I decided to take off my shirt and tie it around my waist. It is not too cold outside anyway. However, the weather here is unusual. I will still bring this jacket just in case.

-" Why acting so cold to your sister? I am commendating you." _ Taiya smiled a little. I felt like someone was hugging my neck from behind. My shoulder felt like it was being pressed by something. Anyhow, I could feel a little warmth.

I can not figure out why. After meeting Saiko, Taiya changed a bit. She seems to be a bit quieter and kinder to me. Maybe she feels guilty or sorry for her old friend.

I am Taiya's twin brother. I can understand her true character. What Saiko considers her friendship with Taiya is a lie. Taiya - she uses everyone she can to get what she wants. I can guarantee that at that time, Taiya was just bored and used Saiko to entertain. Unexpectedly, Saiko believed her. Maybe Taiya felt pity when she was taken away by the teachers and the cops.

Suddenly, my phone rang, bringing me back to the real world, out of the questions in my mind. I reached for the phone on a nearby shelf. Oh, It's just Aliaa. It looks like Aliaa is excited about the outing. She just got out of the hospital after two weeks. I guess I can understand her feeling right now. But, was not expect her to be so full of life. I am glad that she is happy.

I picked up the phone, turned on the speakerphone, and put it back in place.

-Hello! Are you done, Arashi? _ Aliaa said excitedly, a little urging me.

For some reason, I feel like my best friend is standing in front of my house. Or she is about to kick in, burst into my room to say:" Good morning!".

-Hey, should we give up? If not, you and Shadow can go have some fun. I will stay at home._ I stood in front of the mirror, straightening my hair, and said to Aliaa. The smile on my face slowly fades. It is ridiculous how I want to give up.

We indeed had a perfect plan today. But for some reason, I am still nervous. Last night Aliaa talked to me and encouraged me so much, and it made me feel so relieved. On the way around I also bought him a present. A small gift, but I hope Shadow will like it. At that point, everyone must think I am confident enough, right?

Sorry to say this, but you are wrong. No matter how much Aliaa encouraged me, I was still bothered that Shadow would not come. Indeed, as I guessed yesterday, he stayed at home instead of meeting me at the riverbank, which made me even more concerned about it. Last night I saw him playing the guitar leisurely, then he looked like he had removed all the burdens on his shoulders. It seems like he is better at that moment and ready to forgive me.

But I am still afraid that the other person will not show up at the door or even pick up the phone.

-No! Why are you giving up already, Arashi? We made a perfect plan yesterday. Are you still scared?

-I am anxious, Aliaa._ I sigh. - I can not get rid of the idea that he does not want to see me.

- Buddy, we already talked about this the other day. Arashi, you are the one who understands him the most. You know that Shadow will let it go.

-Haha, who knows him?_ I forced a smile.

- Come on, cheer up. I have a surprise for both of you, so both have to come.

-What do you mean surprise? - I asked in wonder. Why don't I remember talking about that yesterday?

-If I say it out, then how can it be a surprise? Hurry up buddy, I will be right there in about 30 minutes._ Before I could say anything, Aliaa hurriedly hung up the phone. It is also quite fortunate for me. I can now let go of my previous suspicion that she will burst into my room.

-I wonder how you are so cheerful all the time. _ I sighed but smiled lightly. I put the mirror away, tidying up the clothes I threw around while trying on. Of course, do not forget to take my wallet, phone, and gift that I bought for my best friend before turning the doorknob to leave the room.

On the stairs, I smelled a faint aroma. It felt like someone was cooking in the kitchen.

-" What am I thinking? I am the one who cooks in my house. The neighbors must be cooking breakfast for their kids. "_ I thought to myself, there is no way anyone is cooking here except me. And if there is one, it must be theft or some superhuman phenomenon that I can not explain, or this is a dream.

I gently walked down to the first floor. The closer I get to the kitchen, the stronger the scent becomes. There is one possibility, but I believe that is impossible - my mother cooking breakfast.

Even if my theory is true, my mother probably just cooked breakfast for herself, not me.

-"There is no way." _ I laughed a bit; that is impossible.

-" Well, I think you should be less suspic ious. Mom is cooking breakfast for us." _ Taiya said to me. My mind seems to picture her grinning with a slight smile. Something rather unusual for you, but what am I supposed to worry about? Taiya is not here. It is just my imagination.

I slowly peeked out the kitchen door, and as Taiya said, my mother was there. Her silver hair, neatly tied up in the back, glittered in the sunlight streaming through the tiny window on the wall. I didn't believe my eyes when I saw my mother wearing an apron and cooking.

On the table were two plates full of pancakes scented with a cup of hot coffee with milk next to it. The cakes are moderately golden, stacked in a high stack, with some butter and syrup. The smell of coffee seems to mesmerize me, a great breakfast to start a new day.

It reminds me of when I was a kid. I saw Mom and Taiya sitting at the table happily eating while I was on the floor eating a small piece of bread.

I always wished I could try the cake my mom made once, but now I think I don't have the nerve to do so.

-"They look so delicious."_ I thought, but then decided to turn away and resist my hunger. I'll hold off until I get to the picnic. I will have my breakfast later. I have done that a lot before, and I will get used to it.

-You finally wake up, huh?_ I was stunned. My mother's voice startled me back.

-M-Mom. I am sorry that I look_ I stammered.

-Sit down and eat._ My mother said, wiping her hands. I looked at her a little brighter than usual. Or was it just that we haven't talked for so long?

Although her eyes are still a little dark, it seems that she had a good night's sleep last night.

-Hey, do you hear that?_ My mother sat down at the table, took the plate, and prepared to eat. She looked at me with sharp eyes, which made me shiver a little. I don't know if my mother is angry at me. After all, I forgot to cook her breakfast, or because my clothes are so weird.

"Yes." I answered her, relaxed a little, and then sat down at the table across from her. I took the fork, slowly cut it into small pieces, and brought the cake to my mouth.

-"It is so good." _ I widened my eyes in surprise. I knew it was delicious but did not expect it to be so tasty. The piece of cake is soft, not too sweet, Strong aroma of buttermilk. I grabbed the coffee cup beside me and took a sip. The richness of milk mixed with the bitterness of black coffee makes me satisfied. It was an enjoyable breakfast.

-How what it?_ While I was enjoying the first plate of pancakes my mother cooked. I did not notice that she was looking at me all this time. I looked up and saw that she was slightly smiling.

- It was delicious, thank you, Mom.

- Well, good that you enjoy it._ My mother said, then turned away. I could see that her face was a little red from embarrassment. I feel so relieved to see that on her wrist is the bracelet I bought for her yesterday. It feels like the distance between us has narrowed a bit.

As soon as I finish my plate, I hear someone shouting my name from the outside in excitement. With no suspicion, I knew that it was Aliaa. She came here 10 minutes early. I can feel that she ran with all of her energy to get here.

-Who is calling you?_ My mom looks at me in astonishment.

-Aliaa is a friend of mine. I will go answer her real quick excuse me, Mom._ I stand up and walk to the front door.

-Stop shouting, Aliaa. You are annoying the neighborhood with your voice screaming my name at 7 am. Also, if you keep doing that, Shadow will hear us. _ I open the door, helplessly saying to my best friend - Aliaa.

-Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot that Shadow's house is near. Well, It's about time for us to go. And what a surprise! You look pretty handsome, Arashi!_ She looks at me and puts on a smile. I can feel my face get warmer because of my embarrassment. Now how can I even get mad at her?

-Thanks, It feels a bit weird, but I'm glad you like my outfit. Wait for me a bit; I have to go ask my mom before I go. You can come inside if you want.

-It's okay, I'll stay here. Did you and your mom get along a bit? My idea to buy her some gifts works out, huh?_ Aliaa chuckle

-Yeah, at least that's what I think. Something happened yesterday, but we grew closer this morning.

-That is nice to hear. Okay, now hurry, bud.

-You can go and have some fun with your friends._ Before I could go back inside and clean the dishes, my mother was standing behind me, leaning against the next wall with the same expression on her face. -You have another friend, don't you? The one you always sneak out at night with.

I was so surprised, I couldn't say anything, but then I saw a slight kind smile on her face.

-Thanks, Mom. I'll be back soon. I will cook today, take some rest, Please.

-Yes, yes. Now go and leave me alone._ My mother gives me all the stuff I need for today's picnic, waves her hand, and pushes me out the door.

"Why do I feel like she just want to get rid of me" _ is the question that comes to my mind. And to be honest, it hurts me a little bit, but I know she didn't mean that. At least, that is what I tell myself to make me feel better.

-Wow, your mother is beautiful, Arashi. Like mother like son, I see.

-Okay, okay, stop that. Let's go now, Aliaa._ Once again, my face turned red from embarrassment. I quickly grabbed her hand and headed to Shadow's house. Hopefully, this plan will work and will give Shadow some comfort. I want to apologize for my mistake and also don't want to lose my best friend.

    "Have fun with your friends, Arashi. Keep that wonderful smile on your face."

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Me: Hello everyone! I'm back from death! I will die again after this but only a week to finish all my exams at school.

As I said from the beginning, I am dying so please forgive me if this chapter wasn't good enough for you and the time you have waited for a new chapter. Someone stole my motivation and they won't give them back to me :)

But I am having exams which are stressful for me. I can not handle all of them, I'm staying up late and having lots of nosebleeds. Also, right now is 11 pm and I am exhausted :)

Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. I might edit this again after a couple of days. 

Thank you for reading and hope y'all have a wonderful day/night/afternoon! Happy Halloween too!

(Something I would love to share: )

                           I love y'all so much!! THANK YOU ♥♥