CHAPTER 163: BLURRY FRIENDSHIP LINE (II)

The space for cars and bikes was just outside the academy building.

He drew a few glances due to the way he carried Rosa, but he didn’t mind.

Even after he had walked past, several people glanced back, sensing they knew him from somewhere.

"I... I can walk now," Rosa said after she got to the space where the bike was parked.

’This will be a good time to throw her on the ground,’ Everlearn thought evilly, but he decided to force that down, lowering her gently.

Tapping on a button, the bike came out, the engine rumbling quietly.

He wore his helmet, expecting her to be the rider, but she remained standing, saying:

"I’ve taught you how to ride before, so... I, uh, think you should ride this time," she said as Everlearn switched up the glass area of the helmet, staring at her.

"You really want me to ride?"

NOD!

"You really, really sure? Just so you know, I’ve never practised before."

NOD!

NOD!

"You really that confident, or you really ready to... ride and die with me..." Everlearn added, watching her brow quiver.

"I’m not so sure about the die part. Just ride like normal. You’re a slow croach, anyway."

"Oh. Oh. Oh, I wouldn’t say that if I were you," he said, covering the helmet before taking his seat on the back.

The first time he had sat like this, he had felt the bike heavy.

But now, with his current strength, it was lighter than a feather.

Rosa climbed behind him, and they were off.

He was already aware of the spot, so he sped there directly.

The world had always been blurry on a Tron powerbike, but for some reason, it was so slow, making Everlearn go faster.

Unknown to him, he was going incredibly fast, faster than even Rosa dared to go.

Her heart raced loudly, fully aware that one crash and it might be over.

Yet she said no words, simply hugging him tighter and tighter.

It was a weird feeling being a passenger and trusting the rider to drive you forward.

A feeling she detested ever since she could remember, but today, she felt... safe with it.

The ride, though incredibly fast and dangerous, was peaceful.

So peaceful, she wished she could remain like this forever.

But... nice things, of course, never last forever.

The bike soon slowed, and she opened her eyes, finding them having arrived in the snow alley.

It was a special place in the academy where it snowed every time.

She loved it, and since Everlearn’s favourite season was also winter, he enjoyed it too, making this their spot.

She got down from the bike, looking forward:

It was like a long valley of snow that extended far down.

It was also a bit dark, giving things this cold yet equally cozy aura.

Hmmmmmm.

Huuuuuuuuu.

The sound of a deep inhale and exhale came as she turned, finding Everlearn, who rested on his back, inhaling and also exhaling deeply.

"Good to be here again."

He said quietly with a soft smile that was quickly thawed when a snowball slammed into his face.

"You little twerp!" he cursed, turning to the side to find Rosa sitting by the side, moulding a ball of snow in her hands.

"You deserve it," she whispered without smiling, and he could only sigh in the end, replying:

"Yeah, I think so."

Silence extended for a while before it broke

"Hey, you still mad?" he asked quietly. Rosa turned to him, her face scrunched in anger, but when she met his quiet gaze, a flash of realisation crossed her eyes, and she looked away without saying a word.

Still, Everlearn got his answer.

"I’m sorry. I was just—"

"Busy?" she completed, continuing, "Yeah, you say that many times."

"You don’t believe me?" he mused.

"I did once." She replied, "Until every call became shorter and every time I ask for an outing... you’re busy."

"I know if you want something, you’ll make time for it. There’s no such thing as a busy excuse that lasts more than dozens of times."

"Sounds more like a way to say... No, I don’t want... yo—" her voice broke, rendering her unable to complete things.

She folded into her knees, and Everlearn stared silently for a while before he sat up.

He looked around.

There was nobody in this snowy area.

It was just too early, and the last place anyone would be in was the snow area.

’It’s safe.’

The cane slipped from his sleeves and landed on the snow, catching Rosa’s attention.

She lifted her head, eyes fixed on the blue walking cane.

"You know, Rosa, I can’t really deny..." he mused quietly, gripping the staff.

"I really told you off many times, saying I’m busy, and now that I think of it, that does sound like a dumb excuse."

"Even some of the second years are free enough to come out and bully the Newcomers sometimes."

"How could I be busy morning, evening, and night, not even able to go on an outing that doesn’t even last two hours once in two weeks, with a friend?"

"Am I not a second year just like the rest?" he mused, reciting out loud the thoughts she thinks about anytime she gets turned down.

"That’s why the only thing I can do now is to show you why."

He said, and in the next moment, she watched as he rose before raising the cane, then stabbing the tip onto the ground.

SHATTTTEEERRRR!

The sound was like glass shattering, strange and unnatural, especially since the staff was clearly metallic. Rosa’s shock deepened when she saw the staff split into hovering fragments, which swiftly began to reconnect.

She rose to her feet, eyes widening as the pieces continued forming. Soon, an object stood before her, casting a large shadow.

It was a Mech.

The sleekest and most beautifully designed Mech she had ever seen.

The blue triangular lines on the Mech’s face appeared, resembling eyes as it stared down at Everlearn.

"Hello Everlearn..."

"Hi, Ever."

"Ever?"

Rosa called out in disbelief.

"I thought it was a fun name?" he said, and she rolled her eyes.

"What is this anyway?"

"Hey Ever, this is Rosa. A good friend of mine," he introduced, and the Mech turned its gaze to her.

...