As dusk settled over the city, casting a warm, golden glow on the streets, two men strolled leisurely side by side. The air was filled with the gentle hum of conversation, punctuated by the clink of ice cubes.
They sipped their drinks, savoring the taste as they exchanged stories and laughter. The fading sunlight danced on the surface of their beverages, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow.
"Michael, what would you do if you were to find yourself transmigrated into a magical medieval world?" Jonas inquired, taking a leisurely sip from his drinks.
"Kill myself." Michael replied with no hesitation.
Jonas halt his stepped, as if struck by lightning and rendered immobile.
Michael glanced over his shoulder at his friend shocked expression and said, "Hey… don't look at me like that."
Jonas stared at him in disbelief, "You shouldn't say something like that so casually."
Michael just lightly chuckled, "Pfftt… Hahahaha I'm just kidding. I don't have courage to do that."
As they meandered their leisurely stroll, Michael pondered for a few moments before responding, "I would likely seek out extraordinary landscapes and breathtaking vistas to feast my eyes upon. I have a deep appreciation for nature and probably study the diverse flora and fauna. And what about you?"
Jonas' smile stretched from ear to ear as he playfully challenged, "Can you guess?"
Michael scrutinized Jonas, taking a moment to ponder his words. He then thoughtfully stroked his chin and ventured a playful guess, "So, your ultimate goal is to create a magnificent kingdom and surround yourself with a bevy of beautiful women?"
Jonas raised a single eyebrow, his expression poised and self-assured. "The ordinary simply won't do," he declared. "I intend to etch my name in the annals of history by conquering uncharted territories, braving the most perilous oceans, uncovering the secrets of hidden labyrinths, amassing an unparalleled trove of mythical relics, and founding a resplendent kingdom the likes of which the world has never before witnessed."
'Should I add some Pirates of the Caribbean theme music?' Michael thought to himself, amused by Jonas' grand ambitions.
Michael exclaimed "Damn, that's hardcore, but it's also…" He paused for a moment before continuing, "pain in the ass. I'd much rather lounge in bed than engage in such an endeavor."
He then elaborated, "The towering stacks of paperwork on the desk, the ever-present dangers lurking within your realm, the demands of the populace, and the complexities of international relations. Opportunities for leisure are practically nonexistent."
Jonas adjusted his glasses and replied with a lighthearted tone, "Come now, don't be so pessimistic. It's not all that terrible."
The corner of Michael's lips twitched as he thought to himself, 'Not all terrible, my ass! Yet, I deeply respect his ambitions.' He then asked, "So, we're talking about a Sinbad-style adventure?"
Jonas grinned and affirmed, "Yes, precisely. A Sinbad-style escapade."
The two men paused and gazed at the picturesque river before them, its surface reflecting the warm hues of dusk. A gentle breeze caressed their necks as the approaching night signaled the end of the day. Children reluctantly made their way home after a day of play, while passersby strolled along, some enjoying a snack, others engaged in lively conversation.
Michael's eyes softened as he took in the tranquil scene. "But…" he mused, prompting Jonas to tilt his head in curiosity. "I'd rather be born in the future, you know. Why visit just one world when you could explore countless others?"
Jonas pondered his friend's words before responding, "Ah, are you referring to the Virtual World?"
"Exactly," Michael replied, his calm enthusiasm growing. "With the help of artificial intelligence, it's not far-fetched to imagine that we could create and explore multiple worlds within machines in the future. And… you could even marry your beloved Nino Nakano there." He flashed a playful smile at Jonas.
Jonas considered the idea and mumbled to himself, "That doesn't sound too bad… You are brainwashing me aren't you?"
"You must be imagining things," Michael dismissed with a shrug as he strolled towards the river.
"You're smiling, Mr. Itsuki Fan!" Jonas retorted playfully, following his friend's lead.
***
The silvery moon cast its gentle glow upon the night sky, accompanied by a dazzling array of stars that seemed to stretch on infinitely. Illuminated buildings stood tall in the vicinity, their lights reflecting off the windows of passing cars. Amidst this urban backdrop, two men faced each other.
Michael presented the back of his clenched fist to Jonas, his expression earnest. "Be careful on your way home," he advised. Jonas reciprocated the gesture, nodding solemnly. "You too, bro," he replied, and with that, they went their separate ways.
As Michael ambled homeward, he retrieved a one sleek, wireless earphone from his pocket and carefully inserted it into his ear. With a gentle tap on his smartphone, he summoned a symphony of melodies.
'You're just too good to be true ~ ♪… Can't take my eyes off of you ~ ♪… You'd be like Heaven to touch ~ ♪… I wanna hold you so much ~ ♪… At long last, love has arrived ~ ♪…'
*Ting!*
Michael glanced at the message on his cellphone, his eyes narrowing as he read the text.
Chuckie: Hey, brother! Would you mind picking up some midnight snacks for me? ( ꈍᴗꈍ)
Michael's eyebrow twitched involuntarily in response to his elder sister's request. With a sigh, he made his way to the nearby store, determined to fulfill her whimsical demand.
As he strolled through the aisles, he carefully selected an assortment of treats that he knew would satisfy Chuckie's cravings. With his purchases in hand, Michael exited the store, only to find that the sky had turned a foreboding shade of gray.
A gentle drizzle began to fall, prompting Michael to retrieve an umbrella from his bag. As he unfurled it, the scent of fresh rain permeated the air, filling his nostrils with the earthy aroma. Shielded from the droplets, he continued his journey home, the rhythmic patter of rain accompanying his every step.
"Meow~…" The sound caught Michael's attention, causing him to halt abruptly.
He spotted a brown box nearby and approached it with curiosity. As he lifted the lid, he discovered a shivering, soaking wet gray kitten inside. Without hesitation, Michael placed the snacks in his bag and pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket. Gently, he picked up the trembling kitten.
"Meow~…" The kitten gazed at him, still shivering.
Michael sighed, "Looks like someone abandoned you, huh?" He tenderly wiped the kitten dry. "I'm not really good at taking care of things, but I'll do my best to look after you." Cradling the kitten in his arms, he resumed his walk home.
***
Upon arriving home, Michael rang the doorbell and stepped inside. He carefully placed the umbrella in the stand, taking care not to jostle the delicate creature cradled in his arms.
"Michael," his mother said, her eyes softening as she regarded the small creature nestled against him. "What have you got there?"
"An abandoned kitten," he replied, bowing slightly and extending his arm to hold the back of his mother's hand. He pressed it to his forehead in a gesture of respect.
"How pitiful," his mother murmured, her eyes reflecting her empathy.
"Ma, may I please keep this kitten?" he implored.
His mother offered a tender smile. "All right, but you must take responsibility for its care."
"Of course, I will do my utmost," Michael assured her.
"Meow~…" the kitten purred, still shivering from the cold.
"I need to dry it off first," Michael said as he made his way towards his room. His mother called out to him in a gentle tone, "Once you've dried the kitten, come downstairs. Dinner is nearly ready."
"Yes, Ma," he replied, ascending the stairs to the second floor and his room.
***
After drying the kitten, it suddenly became lively, playfully wrestling with Michael's hand and nibbling at his fingers.
*Clink!*
The door to his room swung open, revealing a woman with a black cream mask on her face. "Brother, where's my snack?" she inquired.
"It's in my bag, Chuck-... Sister Ashley," Michael replied, pointing at the bag while continuing to play with the gray kitten.
His sister arched an eyebrow but let the matter slide. She retrieved the snacks from the bag and, upon noticing the kitten, exclaimed, "How adorable! I'll wash my face first, and thanks for the treat, Michael." She then retreated to her room.
A vein bulged on Michael's forehead as his sister left the door ajar. Shaking his head and sighed inwardly, he refocused his attention on the kitten. "I'm not particularly skilled at naming, but you have gray fur..." he mused, then decided, "Your name shall be Grey."