The morning sun cast its gentle rays upon the city, signaling the start of a new day. Ginger, still nestled in his bed, was roused by the sound of his brother's footsteps. Stretching his limbs, he reluctantly rose and tidied his bed before following his older brother's lead.
"It's pretty early for you to be awake," remarked Ginger, his voice laced with sleepiness.
"Well, it wouldn't be if you didn't turn on the light," chuckled his taller brother.
Ginger glanced at himself in the mirror, taking in his tousled black hair that fell longer than the average boy in their town. His black eyes, deep and contemplative, stared back at him as he adjusted his hair. Joining the rest of his family in the dining room, Ginger realized that with his parents at work and his brother out with friends, he was left alone in the house. Boredom tugged at him, prompting him to venture out for a walk around the neighborhood with his loyal canine companion. Eventually, he found solace in the tranquility of a nearby park.
"Walking your dog this early? You must be really free," a familiar voice interrupted Ginger's thoughts.
Turning his head, he recognized Chika, one of his neighbors who had been living there long before his family moved in.
"Yeah, I guess I am. Just feeling a bit bored all by myself at home," Ginger replied with a hint of melancholy.
Chika's words carried a weight of understanding. "You haven't moved on since then, have you?"
Ginger remained silent, his emotions stirring within him.
"It's written all over your face," Chika continued, sensing his unease.
Lost in his thoughts, Ginger contemplated the past and the rejection he had faced from Chika's daughter during his second year of high school.
"Well, I'm not forcing you, but you're always welcome to visit us. It's been a while," Chika offered, sensing Ginger's conflicted feelings.
"Okay, I'll come by at least once," Ginger replied, grateful for the invitation.
After exchanging a few more words, they bid each other farewell, and Ginger continued his journey. He returned home briefly before venturing out again, this time to a nearby mini-market to grab some snacks. As he approached a crossroad, he noticed a group of high school students, clearly skipping classes, harassing a woman. To his surprise, it was none other than Chika's daughter, the very same person who had rejected him.
Meanwhile, Diana, having just finished her shopping at the mini-market, found herself confronted by a group of rowdy students. They attempted to flirt with her, their behavior dripping with disrespect. Braving their advances with a grimace, she tried to fend them off. However, before the situation escalated, a familiar voice called out to her.
"Hey, Diana, long time no see," Ginger intervened, his presence a welcomed relief.
"Who the hell are you?" one of the students jeered.
"Just someone who got rejected by her," Ginger retorted, his tone tinged with wry humor.
Their exchange quickly caught the attention of the largest student in the group, standing at an imposing 185 centimeters. Instigating further trouble, he stepped forward, a menacing glint in his eyes.
"I don't want to resort to violence against a bunch of cowards who only know how to intimidate a girl," Ginger stated calmly, his voice carrying an undertone of determination.
With a swift, well-practiced karate chop, Ginger incapacitated the largest student. As his assailant crumpled to the ground, the rest of the group rushed to his aid, while the remaining students scattered, their cowardice exposed.
"Thanks," Diana breathed, her gratitude evident in her voice.
"It's okay," Ginger replied nonchalantly, his modesty shining through.
"Where are you heading?" Diana inquired, curiosity piqued by Ginger's unexpected intervention.
"To the mini-market, the same place you're from," Ginger replied, pointing at the plastic bag Diana held in her hand.
A sense of surprise flickered across Diana's face. "How did you know?"
Ginger shrugged, offering a playful smile. "Your plastic bag gave it away."
Realizing the conversation was reaching its end, Ginger bid Diana farewell and turned to leave her alone. Just as she was about to cross the road, a truck careened toward her, its driver half-asleep at the wheel. In a split second, the realization of imminent danger flooded Diana's mind. Yet, before panic could fully consume her, Ginger, her unexpected savior, appeared by her side, pulling her away from the oncoming vehicle.
Breathing heavily, Diana felt a mix of relief and deep remorse wash over her. She knew that her distracted state had nearly cost her life. Gratitude overwhelmed her as she looked at Ginger, her eyes reflecting a profound sense of mourning for what might have been lost.