I just looked at her, "Tell me."
"Hana suddenly vanished... when I was talking to her last night in my room... just then, when she saw the news of her killer death... she said, 'Finally... I can sleep in peace,' then she was gone..." she said, her face etched with sadness.
I can't do anything about it... seems like they had become friends, huh... I thought.
While still sitting, I patted her hair, "Don't worry, it's better for her to sleep in heaven than to be stuck in this world."
Lenna looked up at me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It's just... I've never had a friend like her before. She was always there for me, even though she was... well, a ghost. I don't know how to say goodbye."
A pang of sympathy hit me. I reached out and gently wiped away a tear that had escaped her eye. "You don't have to say goodbye, Lenna. Just remember the good times you had with her. Hold onto those memories, and she'll always be with you in spirit."
Lenna sniffled, a small smile gracing her lips. "Thank you, Senior Xian. That means a lot."
"Anytime," I replied, giving her a reassuring nod. "If you ever need someone to talk to, you know where to find me."
She thanked me again, then turned and walked back towards the school building, her shoulders a little less slumped than before. As I watched her go, I couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility for her well-being. It was a strange feeling, considering I had only met her a few times, but I knew that I wouldn't hesitate to help her if she ever needed it.
"Xian!" IM's voice yelled from the basketball court.
I looked at him. "What?"
"Come here, we're minus one player!"
"I don't know how to play!"
"Just come!"
I sighed and walked over to him.
I sighed and trudged towards the court, already feeling the heat of the sun on my skin. As I approached, IM grinned and tossed me the ball. "Don't worry, we'll teach you the basics."
I caught the ball awkwardly, its familiar texture feeling foreign in my hands. The other guys on the team looked at me with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. I could almost hear their unspoken thoughts: This guy looks like a jock, but can he actually play?
IM started to explain the rules, but his words were a jumble in my ears. Dribbling, passing, shooting... it all seemed so complicated. I fumbled with the ball, my movements clumsy and uncoordinated. The other guys exchanged knowing glances, their amusement growing.
Then, something strange happened. As I stumbled and nearly tripped over my own feet, a jolt of energy surged through me. It was like a switch had been flipped, and suddenly, my body knew what to do. I effortlessly dribbled the ball past a defender, then crossed over and drove towards the basket. A moment later, I was soaring through the air, the ball arcing gracefully from my hand and swishing through the net.
A stunned silence fell over the court.
Then, IM let out a whoop of excitement, and the rest of the team erupted in cheers. I stood there, panting, a wide grin spreading across my face. Maybe I wasn't so bad at this after all.
As the game continued, I surprised myself with my skills. I blocked shots, intercepted passes, and even managed to score a few more baskets. My teammates were amazed, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of exhilaration. It was like my body was finally catching up to the power that had been dormant within me all along.
By the end of the game, I was exhausted but elated. I had discovered a hidden talent, and I couldn't wait to explore it further.
As I walked off the court, IM clapped me on the back, a proud smile on his face. "Told you you could do it," he said.
I grinned back. "Yeah, maybe you were right."
Everyone headed to the restroom to change out of their gym clothes.
It was awfully stinky; I could even smell their bad armpits.
Geez, do they not even use deodorant? I thought as I took off my shirt.
IM was beside me, also taking off his shirt while fanning himself with it.
"Geez, both of you... jacked," Rayhan said from behind us, looking at our bodies.
Yeah, of course, it would be a spotlight. The boys got closer to us, examining our physiques.
"I have abs too!" Jonathan yelled, showing off his midsection.
Indeed he did, but it was because he was skinny.
"You're just skinny," Marcel interjected.
"Ugh..." Jonathan grumbled.
Roro walked closer, "How long you guys been gym?" the rich kid asked.
"Hmm... can't count, it's been a long time," IM lied smoothly. He had been jacked ever since he evolved, without needing to work out.
I just nodded, playing along with him.
"Yo, any tips?" one of our other classmates asked.
"Any tips... just be consistent," I said, trying to sound wise.
Click! A flash of a camera went off behind us.
It was Marcel, who had taken a picture of both of us with his phone.
"Hmm... don't share that picture, Marcel," I said while grabbing my shirt.
"Don't worry!" he replied with a cheeky grin.
After changing, we headed back to the classroom, the lingering scent of deodorant a welcome change from the previous musk. As we settled into our seats, Marcel couldn't contain his excitement.
"Dude, that pic is going viral!" he whispered, holding up his phone.
My eyes widened. "What? You posted it?"
"Chill, Xian, it's on my private story," Marcel reassured me. "But everyone's freaking out. They're calling you guys the 'Gym Bros' and asking for workout tips."
IM leaned over, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Maybe we should start charging for consultations."
< Chapter 102 > Fin.