Harrith was more beautiful at night. It was a sight to behold with all the city lights twinkling and the people lazily goofing around or just having a moment.
Savvy took me to this carnival. We enjoyed the rides. Some of them were terrible, while a few of them were bearable enough.
I tried to enjoy the moment, but I couldn't help thinking about Savvy and what she would feel if she ever found out the truth.
She might not believe it, but I could prove her otherwise.
Exo would be dead.
And so was I.
But in my case, Nirvana had other plans for me.
I think I should skip that part. It would make matters even worse than it already was.
So, as it happened, while Savvy dragged me from one ride to another, I was left to look at her and laugh when she did.
Back when I was at this age, I could only imagine what it was like to have fun and be with someone with who I'm comfortable hanging around.
I don't personally know Savvy. Yet she made me feel like I've known her for years. She was warm, and though I couldn't easily read women, she was alright.
Truth be told. I wasn't into carnivals or rides. But seeing how it made Savvy thrilled to be there, I set aside my indifference and chose to be a man.
Still, sooner or later, I need to tell her the truth.
Hopping off the caterpillar we just tried, Savvy turned to me. Her eyes replaced the stars.
They were shining.
She was seemingly happy.
"Thanks for coming with me today."
I smiled.
"Let's say it was like that, and you didn't force me."
Thwack!
I should remember that this girl had brute strength. I think the part she hit with her book bag had sprouted the biggest bruise one could imagine.
Rubbing at the throbbing pain, I chuckled and ruffled her hair playfully.
She seemed to have liked it; her cheeks reddened a little before turning away with a harumph.
"You owe me ice cream," she mumbled.
This time, I made an effort to grab her hand and gently ushered her away. We walked hand in hand to an ice cream stand where Savvy ordered five scoops of chips delight. It was a vanilla ice cream with chocolate chips, toppings, and some cookies.
I ordered the same, and we sat by the corner. She also has a big appetite.
Earlier, she bought two corndogs and ate them all. I took photos of it and would send them to her later when I bid her goodnight.
That was how I wanted to express gratitude for what she did for me today.
Licking her lips, Savvy turned to me. The twinkle in her eyes was a constant gleam. I didn't know someone could be as happy as she was.
"Would you tell me what happened to you lately? You've distanced yourself."
I stopped short.
This was probably a question only Exo himself could answer. But that gave me something to ponder right now.
Exo died without anyone knowing.
Was that on purpose?
So the kid decided to stop communicating and put a space between him and those who cared.
Did he know what was coming?
Was he warned?
There were so many loopholes.
I wish I had the answer to Savvy's query myself. If so, I could at least help her understand what happened and why it happened.
Unfortunately, certain pieces of information were not disclosed to me. It was frustrating, but I think if I wanted to find answers to such questions, I would need to find them myself.
"I…" I trailed off, staring at the distance. My skin prickled, vibrating with unnatural energy. "Duck!"
"Huh?"
Bolting out of my seat, I dragged Savvy and threw my body over her, shielding her by forming a cocoon as an oncoming blast from a nearby stall created chaos.
Screams of panic and people suddenly running frantically in all directions made me open my mouth in disbelief.
[Exo!]
"Fifi!" I replied. Her timing was perfect, or maybe she was the one who caused my skin to prick a while ago, warning me of the danger coming from the sky.
Thunder rumbled, and a few minutes later, a black void appeared on the once star-filled horizon.
"What's going on?" Savvy inquired.
I gave her a quick assessment for any physical injuries. Gratefully, she was unharmed.
"I don't have time to explain, but I need you to get out of here as fast as you can, Savvy."
She looked at me, her brows furrowing in confusion.
"What about you?"
"We'll talk later," I promised. "Go home."
Savvy stared at me for a long time before she sighed.
Another explosion erupted from the other stall, causing people to start screaming again. The void that appeared above didn't seem like it was going away anytime soon.
"You better keep your promise," Savvy mumbled. I nodded.
For a minute, she just stood there, contemplating I had no idea what, but I couldn't leave her there, nor could I let her see what would happen to me next.
It wasn't the right time, and maybe there was no right time for it.
"Go," I said after a while.
Savvy surprised me with a hug. She pressed her body against mine, leaving my mind to go blank for a minute.
When she released me, she said nothing and started running.
I watched her disappear into the crowd and wondered if it was fitting that I whisked her away. What if something happened?
My heartbeat accelerated, and unwanted images flooded my mind. I had to shake them off and make it as fuel to the annoyance building in my chest.
"Fifi?"
[I hear you]
[Fire dragon activated]
The warmth began to spread in my body. While the rest of the people around me panicked and frantically tried to run away, a red aura engulfed me.
I think, if the mental image in my head was right, I looked like a freaking burning torch at the moment.