What is the best feeling in life? Is it love or the satisfaction of accomplishing something? Some might say it's spending time with family or loved ones. But they're wrong. The best feeling, in my opinion, is lounging on the couch in complete relaxation after exams are over—a life free of stress and responsibility, even if only for a while.
Yes, the moment you finish a test, the chains of confinement break—no more being trapped in a room, separated from PSP games, light novels, manga, and RPGs.
"You look excited, Ark. Got big plans for the summer?"
"Not really," I replied. "Just the usual—playing PC games, my shiny new PS5, a late-night movie marathon, and maybe finishing five or six anime series. Nothing too special."
Rhian laughed. "Seriously? You call that nothing? Why not go out? Visit somewhere—your grandparents, maybe?"
"Absolutely not! Wandering the city in 45-degree heat? No, thanks. And as for the grandparents—no way. The village doesn't even have decent Wi-Fi. Plus, the bugs at night? Ugh. So creepy. I hate going there in summer."
"You must've had a terrible experience there."
"You have no idea. Anyway, what about you? I remember you mentioning a trip with your girlfriend."
Rhian smirked. "We're heading to a private beach in the south. I rented a resort, so it's just us—no distractions. Perfect, right?"
"Ha! Your thoughts are written all over your face. Don't do anything naughty, okay? You don't want trouble later."
"What?! It's a family trip! Don't make it weird."
"Sure, sure," I teased. "Still, having a girlfriend must be nice. Keeps the loneliness away."
"She's the best," Rhian admitted with a smile. "She gets mad sometimes, but being with her is fun. She's so cute. Speaking of girlfriends, why don't you have one yet?"
"I'm not interested. If I meet someone I like, I'll ask her out. Simple."
"You've been saying that for three years, Ark. Just confess to Alceria already. I know you like her."
"What I feel for her isn't love. It's… something else. Not sure what, though."
Rhian sighed dramatically. "Pitiful. Truly pitiful."
"Oi! Don't pity me!"
The train slowed as my stop approached. "Anyway, I've got to go. Make sure to update me on all the juicy details from your trip when we meet back in college."
"You got it. And you? Enjoy your 'hibernation' this summer."
"Shut up, idiot. I'm not a bear!"
With that, we parted ways, and I headed home.
Love? Confession? All nonsense. Love doesn't last forever. People move on—it's how the world works. I'll stick to my plan: grind to Platinum rank in the first week of vacation and aim for Mithril the next. Perfect.
At home, my mother greeted me. "How was your test, Ark?"
"Easy. I'll be in the top ten, no problem."
"Good to hear. What are your plans for the next two months?"
I explained my "ultimate summer plan." To my surprise, she smiled and said, "Okay, good luck with that."
Her response was unnervingly calm. A bad feeling crept over me, but I shook it off. Freedom awaited.
By nightfall, Dad came home late. He also asked about my plans, and his reaction mirrored Mom's.
Something wasn't right.
The next morning, I woke at 1 PM, groggy after binging three anime overnight. Unusual noises came from the living room.
"Geez, what's all the racket? Can't a guy sleep in peace?"
Mom looked up from packing. "Good timing. Your father and I are leaving for Germany on a business trip. Take care of the house while we're gone."
My heart soared. Yes! A whole week of freedom!
"I'll take good care of the house," I assured her, grinning ear to ear.
Mom smirked. "Oh, you misunderstand. You're going to your grandparents' place. They'll take care of you."
My world crumbled.
"No! I refuse! I'm staying here!"
Mom's eyes narrowed. "Fine. But I'll lock up your consoles, cut the Wi-Fi, and cancel your allowance for four months. Your choice."
"You can't do that! It's cruel! Inhumane!"
"Then pack up. The taxi will be here soon."
Defeated, I took a long, sulky bath. By the time I was done, my bags were already in the car. Dad handed me extra money for the trip, softening the blow slightly.
As I climbed into the taxi, Dad said, "Oh, one more thing. There's an ancient temple near the village—rumored to be over 5,000 years old. I used to search for it when I was your age. Maybe you'll have better luck."
"Hmm. Sounds interesting. I'll look into it if I feel like it."
"Good luck on your adventure," he said with a wink.
Adventure? More like exile. As the train pulled away, I couldn't shake the feeling that my uneventful summer was about to become anything but.
"Haah.... What a dragg..."