Dick's mind was still foggy from the surreal events he had experienced. His body felt heavy, as though it had been through something exhausting, and he struggled to come up with an explanation. The strange events were still fresh in his mind, but he had to keep up the pretense. He had no idea what to say, and no real excuse ready to explain his absence or the strange things he had been through. His father's gaze was unwavering as he waited for a response.
He had an idea of what he had to do. Already he was late before getting up to prepare for school, so he had to make up something in that direction. Dick got out of bed and rushed to the little box where he kept his uniform. He opened, took his clothes and made his way to the bathroom, leaving Alex on the spot. Soon water was pouring.
As the door clicked shut behind him, Alex's voice floated through the crack. "When you get back from school, grab your hammer. We need to fix the door."
Pleased, with what he said, he was sure the next interrogation would be later in the day.
As the water poured over him, Dick closed his eyes, trying to wash away the confusion and frustration that clung to him. His thoughts drifted back to the bizarre experience—the transformation, the strange feelings that had surged within him, and the overwhelming power he had felt coursing through his body. What had caused it? What had triggered the transformation? His mind kept replaying the moments over and over though knowing it could be as a result of his new found relationship.
He had nearly forgotten about the wreckage he'd caused the previous night. He felt a twinge of guilt as he thought about the damage to the house. His transformation had been a terrifying experience, and the aftermath had left a mess behind. But right now, he didn't have time to dwell on that. He had to focus on what was in front of him.
After thoroughly scrubbing himself clean, Dick stepped out of the shower, feeling a strange mixture of clarity and dread. His hands instinctively reached for the book he had been obsessing over for days. As he picked it up, his fingers trembled slightly. The leather-bound tome felt unnaturally cold and heavy in his hands, as though it were a vessel for some unspeakable secret.
He stared at it for what felt like an eternity, his thoughts swirling with questions. There was no doubt in his mind—the book was connected to his transformation. The power he had felt coursing through him had been too vivid to ignore. He couldn't explain it, but the pieces of the puzzle seemed to align, albeit in a way that eluded his full understanding.
"You did this magic, huh?" he whispered to the book, his voice tinged with both curiosity and apprehension. Of course, the book didn't respond. It never would.
Dick exhaled sharply, slipping the book into his bag. He couldn't keep it forever—it felt like a dangerous burden that didn't belong to him. Someone was bound to come looking for it. The mere thought sent a shiver down his spine. But what worried him more was the undeniable truth that he was entangled in something far beyond his comprehension or control.
Dick looked out for Mikey as he had planned. He stood beside the road to make sure he didn't miss him. While he waited, a car showed up and approached him. On motion, someone popped out his head and that was Mikey himself. Happily, he waved down but the car didn't stop. Instead of stopping, the driver accelerated towards him on high speed. Having seen the way he behaved he had the premonition of danger. As the car almost get to him, he lifted himself and somersaulted over the top and landed on his two feet at the back of the ride.
Poure, the driver came with reverse to crush him while Dick ran towards the other end. They thought he was scared and was trying to save his head but he was going to save the two students he sighted. The car was getting to his heel and he then found out he could not rescue the two students at a go. Reaching them, he stretched forth his hands in the opposite directions to push each of them asunder. He succeeded in giving them a push each but he fell ahead, thrusting his head in the wall. He his neck gave a crack sound. He felt it was broken.
He had no time to check what had really happened to himself. He got ready in preparation for defence. When Poure discovered they could not get him as planned, they ran away.
"Are you okay?" one of them stammered, but Dick didn't reply. He brushed himself off and quickly fled the scene, embarrassed by the attention.
At the school gate, he finally spotted Homa waiting for him. Her presence was like a balm for his frazzled nerves. She stood near the entrance, her radiant smile lighting up the otherwise dull morning.
"I want to thank you for the other day. You know I haven't seen you since then," he said.
Dick was trying to express his thankfulness in response to how she checked on him while in coma.
Homa laughed. Homa's laugh was light and melodic.
"Hero," she teased, "Let's meet at closing time. I'll be waiting for you."
Her words filled him with a quiet joy, momentarily drowning out the chaos of his life. As they parted ways, Dick felt a sense of normalcy he hadn't experienced in weeks
Homa was a beautiful young girl of sixteen. Her look was impressive because she was the daughter of Dr Bin and she attended the girls section of the same school as Dick. Her hair was packed to the back with a ribbon attached. She had an endearing smile which could infiltrate the heart of any boy she gave it to.
For Dick, he was only fortunate to attend the same school. Alex had to pay through his nose to make his son shine like others. He did this because of the promise he made to his mother. When Dick was born, Alex was the manager of the company which he established. He had been doing fine until tragedy occurred which claimed the life of his wife. But before her death, he vowed to give him the best. It's been eight years since she died, that fire was still burning within him. This was what brought him to the place which made him appear to be competing with the likes of Dr Bin, Lao and Kathryn.
Yet, as he walked to class, his mind returned to the danger that seemed to shadow him everywhere. Sagas and his crew were still out there, and Mikey's betrayal weighed heavily on him. Dick's life had changed irrevocably, and he wasn't sure he was ready for what lay ahead.
Inside the classroom, Bret approached him, his face clouded with worry.
"I've been waiting for you," Bret said, his voice low and urgent.
"What is it this time?" Dick asked, already bracing himself for more trouble.
"Those guys from yesterday—they stopped me. They're looking for you," Bret replied.
Dick sighed heavily. "Why me? What do they want now?"
"They said their boss wants to talk to you," Bret explained. "I don't know what it's about, but it sounds serious."
Dick frowned, his thoughts drifting back to Homa. He couldn't let this interfere with their meeting. "I'll figure something out," he muttered.
Ms. Caul entered the classroom, her usual energy replaced by a somber demeanor. Her lesson was brief and uninspired, though she delivered it with her usual clarity. Dick barely paid attention, his mind preoccupied with the looming threats.
When the final bell rang, Dick headed toward the school gate. As expected, Sagas and his accomplices were waiting for him.
"The boss wants to talk to you," Sagas said, his tone less aggressive than before.
"I'm not interested," Dick replied curtly.
"Look, it's not what you think," Sagas pleaded. "He has an offer for you."
Before Dick could respond, a familiar voice called out.
"Hey, where are you going?" Homa said.
Homa approached, her presence scattering his tension like leaves in the wind. Dick turned to her, a smile tugging at his lips.
As they walked together, Dick couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. He glanced over his shoulder but saw nothing. Still, his instincts told him that the danger wasn't over.
Homa's voice brought him back to the present. "Are you okay?" she asked, her concern evident.
Dick forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a lot on my mind."
Homa didn't press him for details. Instead, she offered him the comfort of her presence, and for a while, it was enough. But deep down, Dick knew that this fragile moment of peace wouldn't last.