After saving up enough money, I traveled to MCU, determined to find Scarlet. I asked numerous students if they knew her, and finally, after a long search, I found a group of students who recognized her.
Ash: "Excuse me, do you know this girl?" (shows a picture)
Student 1: "That's Scarlet! We call her Ms. Beauty Secretary."
Ash: "Ah, haha. Thanks for the info. Where can I find her?"
Student 1: "She's in Building 3, 2nd floor."
Ash: "Thanks, I appreciate it."
As I arrived at the 2nd floor, I spotted Scarlet at the end of the corridor. But just as I was about to call out to her, a man emerged from a classroom and took her hand. I stood frozen, tears streaming down my face.
In that moment, I felt a mix of emotions: sadness, yet happiness seeing her so carefree. The girl I once knew, plagued by insecurities, was now radiant with joy. But it pained me to realize I wasn't the reason for her happiness. Regret washed over me for not confessing my feelings when I had the chance.
Returning home from MCU, tears continued to fall as I grappled with regret. Would things have been different if I had confessed my feelings to Scarlet when I had the chance? That evening, as I cried myself to sleep, a sudden thought occurred to me: Did Athena know about Scarlet's engagement all along? Was she trying to help me find closure?
The next morning, I woke up feeling unusual - refreshed and energetic, despite the previous day's emotional turmoil. As I got ready for school, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something had shifted within me.
(6:00am Alarm clock)
Ash: "Ahhhh, morning again... but something feels off."
Ash: "Why don't I feel tired or drained like I used to? How did I manage to get a good night's sleep after everything that happened? And why do I feel so energized now?"
Ash: "Never mind, I'll think about it later. Time to get ready for school."
(As I walked to school, I felt transformed, like a new person. Ken greeted me with a knowing smile.)
Ken: "Hey, Ash! Looks like you've finally found some clarity."
Ash: "Hey, Ken. What makes you say that?"
Ken: "You look like you've had a good cry."
Ash: "Huh? Could that be why I feel so different today?"
Athena chimed in, "Looks like you've finally found the answers to your questions. No more overthinking?"
Ash: "Hahaha, I guess that's it! I had a good cry, and now I'm free from all the pain I've been holding onto."
Athena: "Let's just get to school before we're late."
Ken: "Wait, when did we become a group?"
Athena: "Don't worry about it, let's just go."
Ash: "Hahahaha, alright, let's go!"
Ken: "Huh?? Okay..."
That day marked a turning point. The pain I'd experienced had made me stronger. I felt fortunate to have friends like Ken, who always knew how I felt, and Athena, who helped me solve my problems.