Black and White - 4

4

That day, I had a morning like any other. When I left my room, I was still struggling to keep my eyes open due to the short time that had passed since I had woken up.

I had a sports bag over my shoulder, but I was missing my water bottle to not die of dehydration during my workout. I went to the kitchen to refill it, and there I found Mom.

She also looked like she had just woken up, yawning and with her hair messy, but no matter how early it was she was there.

As soon as she saw me, she approached me with her arms outstretched, and before I could understand why, I received her warm hug. Without saying anything, Mom placed something in my hand.

Milia: I love you so much.

Twen: Thanks, I love you too… But what about this?

Mom just smiled and walked away, without explaining why she had just handed me a small bag of gummy bears. And I, though I had no complaints, was a little confused. My mask shook accordingly.

The sky was completely clear, but with the cool morning breeze, it did not feel so hot. In fact, the wind was quite strong, and it almost felt like something was pushing me.

Then I thought about the destination I had to walk to and noticed the wind blowing in the same direction. An idea immediately crossed my mind, and I had no reason to refuse to listen to it.

My body and clothes began to flap in the wind as it began to hit me harder and harder, to the point where it even managed to move me from my position.

And finally, as if I had been no different from a leaf, it managed to lift me up and make me fly through the air of Novadía.

So I moved through the city, at high speeds and with postures much less elegant than those of a superhero, until I arrived at the Heart of Gold, right in front of the river.

My body stopped near the entrance, crashing with great force into the pavement and bouncing as if I were nothing more than a test dummy.

I remained motionless for a few seconds after that beating, until I stood up and brushed the dust off my clothes as if that had been the only inconvenience after what happened, although in a way it was.

When I entered the gym, something kind of strange happened again.

Everyone turned to look at me and greeted me with a smile, even some people I did not know. My teammates and the coach also came up to shake my hand.

That meant a lot of greetings and not enough hands for them, but thanks to my mask, missing limbs had never been an issue.

Twen: Good morning everyone, I hope we have a good training.

???: Of course, kid! But don't think that just because it's today we're going to demand less of you. Maybe it's even the opposite!

Twen: Of course… So be it.

Isak: Twen, bro, are you ready for today?

Twen: Yes… Of course! Yes! Come on, you have to train well before the tournament.

Putting aside the fact that something still felt strange and my mask kept shaking, I decided to focus on training.

Isak, for his part, was already completely focused. In exactly one month, there would be a new beginner martial arts tournament, and his name was already entered.

For that and more reasons, that training session had everything.

The feeling of our muscles waking up, our breathing slowly becoming heavier, seeing someone next to us who seemed to have better or worse technique, laughing during pauses but falling silent as we got moving again, our limbs exhausted but continuing until we could not go on.

It was a good training session, so we all felt satisfied at the end.

And the best part was that it was barely midday, so the next few hours of the day were going to be faced with a good mood.

Isak and I left the gym together, taking the opportunity to chat a little before saying goodbye.

Isak: So? Do you have any plans for today?

Twen: I'll go home, take a shower, drink lots of water, and then go to the mall to see my friends.

Isak: Sounds good… But isn't all that traveling back and forth annoying? How are you going to do it?

Twen: Why?

Isak: What do you mean, why, brother?

Twen: I… I'm not your brother.

Isak: What?

Twen: What?

The wind hit me and I was quickly sent flying through the air.

Isak could do nothing but accept the fact that his friend was flying and consequently just kept walking.

I made it home in just a matter of seconds, and this time my landing was much more graceful than before. I landed on my feet right in front of my front door while munching on some gummy bears.

It only took me a few minutes to get in and out again, this time in my comfy black and white clothes, plus the already empty pack of gummy bears.

I folded it here and there like origami, and that is how I managed to give it the shape of a paper airplane. Then I made it grow about twenty times in size, so I could ride on it.

And so, I got a new method of transportation to get to the mall.

I traveled thinking about what awaited me upon arrival, and I was excited about it. I had talked a lot with my friends over the past few days, and to make the most of the remaining vacation time, we agreed to do something that day.

However, as soon as I arrived outside Tower A in the mall, I again encountered a strange occurrence.

Before I could even hit the ground, I heard whistles, clapping, and shouts, all directed at the same person: Me. They were waving at me.

I did not know anyone there, but everyone seemed to have coordinated a show for my arrival.

As I stepped off my vehicle and returned it to its original size, the attitude of the people around me made me feel like a celebrity. It was pleasant, but at the same time, it made me feel very confused.

Confusion:

My mask took on a more oval shape, and its design split into multiple sections of violet, pink and blue, shifting as if unable to accept their own dimensions. The mouth looked like a pile of spilled white paint and, for some reason, gave off a faint yellow glow.

People formed a corridor to guide me to the entrance of the large building and cheered as I walked in front of them.

Once inside, I threw the gummy wrapper into the first trash can I saw, but my powers had begun to manifest. So, as if time had changed just for that pack of gummy bears, it took a few minutes for it to reach the trash.

Another manifestation I noticed was that the noise of the people around me changed in volume with each blink of my eye.

Inside the building it was not as chaotic as outside, as most people would just say hello and then go on with their business, but it still felt unreal that they were doing it.

That was, at least, until I found what felt like a saving light to me.

In front of the large tree growing inside the tower, the sharp eyes of a tall woman met mine, and after showing me her own confusion with a facial expression, she walked towards me.

I went up to her too, and my confusion increased when I saw her smile and raise her arms as if she were going to hug me. I mimicked her movement and ended up getting exactly what I thought I would get.

Noe: Twen… Is everything okay?

Twen: Yes… No… Noe, there's something I don't understand. What's supposed to happen today?

Noe: Today? It's September 6th, it's supposed to be your day... You didn't know?

Twen: September 6th… Oh, right.

That date, in fact, was not just special to me; it was marked on calendars around the world. It is known as "OV Recognition Day", and its significance is self-explanatory.

Although there are no fireworks or carnivals (at least not everywhere), on this day people come together to show respect to those who carry an OV.

Object vinculation is undoubtedly an important phenomenon, but it is also true that those who experience it firsthand always try to maintain their humanity.

That is why, instead of overly flashy celebrations, the most common gestures are to greet with a firm handshake or a hug, although no one would mind receiving a gift...

Noe: Did you really forget that today is OV day?

Twen: Yeah, I guess I've been thinking about other things these days.

Zena: Wow, what a dummy…

Twen: What?!

Lani: And we worked so hard planning something for you...

Twen: Huh?!

The colors on my mask got even more jumbled than before. But Lani, Noe, and Zena laughed at what was happening.

The two who had just arrived greeted me and gave me a big hug, which made Noe look at me with eyes that screamed jealousy. Then they greeted her too.

Zena: We just arrived and were able to see Twen's brilliant entrance.

Lani: We helped with the corridor in front of the entrance and we also clapped a lot.

Noe: I would have liked to be there too…

Lani: Have you been waiting for long?

Noe: Not at all, I just arrived.

Zena: What about Jean? Is he late again?

Noe: I'm not even sure if he's coming or not, he doesn't answer my messages...

Twen: Yeah, that sounds like Jean.

After connecting the dots in my head, my thoughts became organized again and my mask returned to its original design.

Noe: But that's not a good thing, it's disgusting! And I know it's not because he's doing anything important, it's just because he's a lazy bastard.

Lani: Yeah, yeah… But we don't have to wait for it. We already have what we really need, so we can move.

Zena: Well let's go!

Amazingly, Noe was angry with Jean even when he was not there. But, putting that aside, we started moving and left Tower A to reach the Greenway.

We walked for a while, carrying a rather heavy bag in my hands. Noe brought it, but I offered to carry it when I saw her change hands.

Finally, we stopped when we saw a wide, empty space right on the banks of the river.

After unpacking the large bag, Zena helped Noe spread a large square blanket on the floor, while Lani and I placed items like food and drinks in the center. Once everything was ready, we sat around it.

There were sandwiches, fruits, natural juices, and a small plastic box that I knew contained something wonderful inside.

Twen: Lani… Tell me, did you bring what we agreed on?

Lani: Of course! It took me most of the day, but I think it was worth the effort. Please take one.

Twen: Excuse me…

She opened her small plastic box with a smile so bright it made the sun seem dark. Zena, in the distance, watched us with wide eyes, almost drooling.

What was inside was a bunch of small blue spheres with a design that simulated space. I had been waiting to try them out for a while, and the opportunity had finally presented itself.

As I took the first bite, with Lani's expectant gaze glued on me, I was able to experience what that sweet treat was all about…

And I could not stop myself. I exploded into a thousand pieces, right there. I became a huge, powerful ball of destruction covered in fire and smoke. I reduced everything near the greenway to ruin, causing irreparable damage to property and triggering panic in everyone within sight…

Or at least that is how it felt.

The chocolate coating was solid like a good chocolate, the caramel coating outside was surprisingly thin and shiny, the dough was fluffy, and the filling was dense, sweet, and slightly tangy. The flavors were strong and pleasant, making me want to scream with joy.

After a few attempts, Lani had finally managed to replicate her mother's recipe in such a way that she was satisfied and proud of the result, and I believed she had every right to feel that way.

Lani: So? How is it?

Twen: It's awesome, you're awesome, the world is awesome because it has you in it...

Lani: Wow… Thanks!

There was no way I could hide my feelings about trying something like that, so even my mask was shaking.

Zena reached out to grab one of Lani's arms, and then she offered one of the sweets to the others. Eventually, she grabbed one too, and we all enjoyed one of the beauties of gastronomy.

…

Facing the running water and under the midday sun, chatting and laughing together while enjoying our picnic, I felt very peaceful and happy, as if we lacked nothing in life.

But that could not be true, and we were reminded of this fact with the appearance of a new voice among us.

Jean: Hey, how are you? Are you having a good day, Twen?

Twen: Jean? … Well yes, thank you.

As if he had not arrived terribly late, Jean acted completely nonchalantly. After shaking my hand, he sat down next to me, while the other people on the picnic blanket watched him.

Noe punched him on the shoulder and gave him a short lecture, though Jean did not really pay attention to any of the words and just grabbed something to eat.

Zena: You're really living up to your character today, Jean.

Noe: And not just because you were late. I bet you didn't even bring anything to contribute to the picnic.

Jean: Actually, you're wrong about that. I did bring something. Do you want one?

From one of his many pants pockets, he pulled out a pack of gum, big enough to share with all of us even though it was not new. It made me wonder about my breath after eating so much, so I took one.

Noe kept looking at him with angry eyes and seemed to want to fight him (as was usual between the two of them), so Lani, Zena and I decided to ignore them.

We simply resumed the conversation we were having before Jean arrived, because the person at the center of the topic was one of the three of us.

Twen: So you know how to play guitar, bass and sing…

Zena: And I also really like electronic music, so I'm learning how to use controllers with my computer.

Twen: Now it makes more sense to always carry those big headphones with you.

Zena: Although I don't use them when I'm with other people.

Lani: It would be disrespectful otherwise…

Twen: And where does that love for music come from? Does anyone in your family play music?

Zena: Well, that's... It's just that...

Lani: You have to tell him, Zena!

Twen: Yeah? Why? What's up with that?

Zena seemed a little embarrassed by that fact, at least enough to not want to answer me. But Lani, however, seemed to think very differently.

It was a rare interaction to witness, because the roles between the two seemed to have reversed. Normally, I would see Lani being propelled by Zena's immeasurable energy, but this time it was quite the opposite.

Lani: Come on, come on, say it.

Zena: Well… The truth is that I started liking music because of my little sister.

Twen: Your little sister?

Zena: Our school offered a ton of courses to learn about things like sports, art, music… And I tried almost all of them, but the one I stayed in the longest was guitar classes.

Saying that, he took to playing an air guitar, arranging the fingers of her left hand as if trying to play something specific.

Zena: I can't say that I loved it from the start, or that it was very easy to get started...

Twen: But then you got the taste for it, right?

Zena: Yes! Dad had a guitar at home, so one day I thought I'd practice with it. I sat on my bed and tuned it, and as soon as I finished, my little sister came into my room. She didn't knock on the door or anything, she just came in because the noise made her curious.

Lani: She was seven at the time, right?

Zena: Yes, seven years old… She was so cute at that age that I couldn't resist letting her watch me practice. And I swear, with the first note I played, her eyes lit up! Her attention was completely focused on the guitar, and she did her best to stay quiet so she wouldn’t interrupt me.

She really seemed to enjoy that memory, because she started laughing as she told it. That made me question her initial embarrassment.

Zena: After that, she stayed to listen to my entire practice session, and when I finished, she happily left my room. The second time I played guitar at home, she did the same thing again, and in fact, to this day, she often goes to my room when she knows I'm playing and sits there listening while she does her homework...

Twen: That's a beautiful story... I can see why you ended up getting interested in music.

Lani: Yes! She really likes making her little sister happy…

Zena: Hey! Don't just say it like that, it's embarrassing!

Lani: But it's true... And then you tried other instruments to see which one she liked best-

Zena: Don't say it!

With her face red from embarrassment, Zena grabbed Lani by the shoulders and shook her from side to side, but her mocking smile did not fade.

Honestly, I did not think her reason for learning music was shameful. Rather, I found it cute and even admirable, perhaps.

Twen: Zena, you make it sound so good to have younger siblings…

Lani: Are you an only child too?

Twen: Yes, and sometimes I'm grateful for that, because I'm not very good at dealing with children.

Zena: Really? But it's so easy, with how simple they are...

Twen: I just don't understand them. I don't know what kind of conversations I can have with them, I can't reason with them, and I often don't know what they want...

As I said this, living proof of this appeared next to us.

A little boy, maybe about five years old, approached us. He looked so confused, as if he had forgotten part of his script. He did not say anything or try to do anything, he just stared at me with his hand outstretched.

I looked at Lani and Zena for some help understanding the situation, but they were both smiling awkwardly because they were just as confused as I was.

Seeing that child's hand, the only thing I could think of to do was shake it as if I were greeting him, and I think that was the right thing to do.

He was so happy he was almost jumping up and down with excitement, and after thanking me, he ran into the arms of a woman (his mother, I assume). With just a look and a smile, she thanked me and then left.

I stood frozen for a few seconds, not understanding what had just happened, or if it had even ended. And when I looked back at them, I saw Lani and Zena trying very hard not to burst out laughing.

Twen: That… I think you get my point.

Jean: Hey, Twen. Who was that kid?

Twen: No idea, he just appeared out of nowhere… He did shake my hand, though. I guess he just saw someone wearing a mask and decided to say hi since it's OV day.

Jean: Things like this have been happening to you all day?

Twen: More or less... Yes, but I have to admit it's the first time I've seen people so excited about this day. In Karima, they really used to limit themselves to simple greetings, but today I got applause and shouts... It's something else.

Noe: That's why you were so confused when you arrived...

Jean: Then, if-

Zena: Well, after all, we have quite a bit of culture regarding object linking in Novadía.

Twen: Yes, that's true! That's why I'm here.

Zena: There's the old man who founded our university, and also all the other OV carriers who...

Jean's dead eyes never left mine. And all of us, noticing this, fell silent because we knew what it meant. We had stolen the word from him, and he had no intention of wasting his energy fighting to get it back.

Jean: Then... If it bothers you that strangers are doing all of this just to say hi today, why don't we go somewhere else? There are fewer people at my house, for example.

Twen: It's not that it bothers me, it's just that I'm not used to-

Noe: Yes, it does bother you. And well, since Jean's offering it, I think it would be nice to go to his house. Don't you think so?

That was a very sudden response and without much intention of hiding her emotion.

That being the case, and since I had no reason to refuse, I ended up accepting. Lani and Zena did the same, so our next stop was decided.

We got up, shook out our clothes, and then quickly put everything away. What we were taking home went in Noe's bag, and what not went in the trash.

While we were at it, I kept thinking about what we would do at Jean's house and why Noe was so excited about the idea. Normally, I would expect the opposite to happen.

Twen: Jean, do you have anything planned to do once we get to your house?

Jean: Why?

Twen: I'm just curious.

Jean: Well, no, no idea. Can you think of anything?

Lani: What about watching a movie? I recently heard about a new one that everyone's really into.

Zena: Really? Which one?

Lani: I have no idea what the name is… I just know it's good.

Zena: Enough for me!

Jean: Well, that's what we're going to do, Twen.

Noe: Oh, should we get some popcorn then?

Jean: But you just ate at a picnic…

Noe: And…?

Jean, without answering, turned around and started walking away from us. Then we realized we had already packed up everything and were just wasting time standing there, talking.

From his point of view, since we had already decided what to do and what not to do, the only thing that made sense was probably to stick to what had been decided, and nothing else. He was not even going to bother explaining it to us.

That was how he was, and after all, we were all used to it.

We just kept up with her, so we ended up walking in a two-three formation, with Jean and Noe in front, and Lani, Zena, and I in the back. That way, it was easy to keep talking with the two of them by my side, and if I wanted to say something to the people in front of me, I just had to shout a little.

As we were about to leave the greenway and enter the streets of Novadía, a possibility crossed my mind and I wondered what the others would think.

Twen: Hey... Do you know how far his house is from here?

Zena: It's like five or six blocks, maybe. Why?

Lani: Did you... Think about using your powers to get us there faster?

Twen: Lani, you got me.

Zena: Teleportation again?

Twen: Exactly.

Lani: You really like doing that, don't you?

Twen: I've said it before, but it's definitely the most effective. And once you learn how to do it, it becomes a habit.

Lani: That's a weird way to put it... I don't think I'll ever learn it, honestly.

Twen: Ah, sorry…

Lani: Don't worry, I'm just kidding...

She said this with a subtle smile, which made me question whether it was real or not, although I hoped it was. And right after that, she raised her hands and moved her fingers as if she were performing some kind of spell.

Lani: So, you want to do it?

Twen: I guess I could, but I don't think there's much point anymore. If it's only a few blocks, I'd rather walk then.

Zena: Really? But that wouldn't be as effective~.

Twen: Hey, not everything in life is efficiency…

We walked and chatted for about twenty minutes until we finally arrived at Jean's house, and although making comparisons might not be the best thing to do right away, I could not help but make them in my head.

It was not huge, but it was noticeably larger than the ones in my neighborhood, in the residential area. It had a second floor and a nice garden, too.

Upon entering, Jean took off his shoes and tossed them aside. Noe also took off hers, though she took care to leave them neatly, and then grabbed a pair of sandals that were already there.

Lani, Zena, and I did the same, although we had to stay barefoot afterwards.

That was not a problem, though, because Jean did the same, and in that condition led us to his garden. The grass looked like it had been recently cut, there were lots of flowers along the walls, and in one corner, there was a small shed.

Without giving a reason, Jean went to that shed to look for something, and when he came out, he threw it at me without warning. It was a volleyball.

Lani and Zena locked eyes with me, and the saying "a look is worth a thousand words" came true. I hit the ball, and Lani received it perfectly, as did Zena on the next shot, and then I received it again.

My mask quickly transformed into a striking black eye mask.

We played in a triangle formation, since Jean and Noe did not join us. They sat in some chairs near the entrance and just watched.

Noe: Aren't you going to play?

Jean: Nah. And you? You know you can do whatever you want here.

Noe: Whatever I want... Well, I'll stay here for a while.

And so she did. She sat there as if she had melted into the seat, her back hunched and her knees apart. She was staring up at the sky, seemingly thinking about something.

Then, as if she had not noticed, she started making noises with her mouth. I did not turn around to understand what she was doing, as I was locked in the game, but I noticed that her noises transformed into a melody at some point.

She was humming a song that was stuck in her head, and I have to admit, even if it was just that, she did a pretty good job. In fact, when she stopped, the place felt a little quiet and empty.

Twen: Who stopped the music?

Noe: Huh?

The volleyball fell to the ground, and while Zena picked it up, I turned to see what had happened to Noe. She was watching something Jean was showing her on his cell phone.

Zena: She sings very well, doesn't she?

Twen: That wasn't even singing, but I'd like to hear it.

Lani: It's easy to tell you were in chorus.

Noe: I… Thank you.

She blushed a little at the compliment. Jean, for his part, looked back at his phone and, after reading for a few seconds, looked at Lani.

Jean: I think I found the movie you mentioned…

Lani: Really? And I could only give you a few details to look for it...

Jean: The thing is, like you said, a lot of people are talking about it. Before it came out, people thought it was going to be just another run-of-the-mill movie, but it turned out to be much deeper than they expected… In fact, from what I've read, I'm already starting to get interested.

Lani: Right? That's exactly what happened to me.

Jean: So, should we see it now?

Noe: Yes! I'm interested too…

Zena: Me too!

Twen: And me!

Jonah: And you should…

We all turned our heads toward the sliding glass door that connected the house to the garden. From there, Jonah joined our conversation as he walked over to greet his brother.

Twen: Jonah! Have you seen the movie we're talking about?

Jonah: Yeah, and I think it's the best thing that's come out in the last few years...

Jean: He knows about these things, so he might be right…

After saying that, with no intention of continuing to join us that afternoon, Jonah left. In fact, he even left the house, as he had plans to meet up with other people (including Many, of course).

So, with a plan already discussed and agreed upon, we began organizing everything to see that movie. Jean took care of searching for the film online, and Noe appeared after disappearing for a few minutes with a bowl of popcorn in his hands.

When we were all sitting on the couch in front of the big TV on the first floor, we finally had a chance to check out what Jonah and a bunch of other people in the world were saying about that movie.

…

After so many changes my mask went through during the two-hour duration, I could not say when it returned to its black and white design.

In short, the film was about an ordinary man who was forced to murder a stranger, an elderly man much loved at work. The protagonist, of course, flatly refused to kill him, but he had no other choice.

The most interesting moment was undoubtedly when someone told him he was trying to kill the wrong man, and no one knew if that information was true (not even us).

It was an impressive film, full of suspense and very depressing moments. And, just as Jonah had said, it was possibly one of the best movies to come out in recent years.

Added to this was the fact that Jean and Noe kept trying to scare each other, even though Zena was the one who ended up screaming. Lani and I also bet on how the movie would play out, but there were no winners, as it turned out to be very unpredictable.

Without a doubt, that one went down as one of my all-time favorite movies. When it was over, we were all satisfied, because it was even better than we expected.

However, there was one fact that could not be denied no matter how good the movie was. Lani and Zena, as if they had practiced before, stretched their backs at the same time and then looked at each other.

Zena: You look tired, Lani. Didn't you like it?

Lani: I loved it. And what about you? Were you able to keep your eyes open?

Zena: I think so...

They were both fighting the urge to fall asleep right there, not out of boredom, but from having done so much that day. And the day before, too, at least in Lani's case, as she stayed up late preparing those blackberry-flavored galactic spheres.

I was starting to feel burned out too, and it seemed like Jean and Noe were going through the same.

Jean: I'm going to assume this means I can kick you all out of my house now. So, you know...

Zena: Ok, ok…

Noe: Jean, what do you find more annoying? Having to walk me home or making me a bed to sleep here?

Jean: Ah… I'll get some blankets and set up the couch. You decide if you'd rather sleep there or in my bed.

Noe: Ok! And what about you two? How will you get back home?

She said this looking at Lani and Zena, who were struggling to keep their eyes open and gather their things. Seeing them like that, and also the first stars through the window, worried me about their journeys home.

Twen: I can take you, if you want.

Zena: That would be great…

Lani: That's true... Please.

Noe: Who would have thought that one day I would have the opportunity to see Twen coming home, at night, with two women by his side...

Jean: That’s the way!

Twen: No, no... No, no, no... Everyone will get to their own homes and be completely safe, that's all. Please don't make me regret being kind...

They both looked at me laughing as I answered, in a way that made them look strangely similar to each other.

Afterward, Jean went to find what he had already mentioned while Lani and Zena showed me the places we needed to go. It was not hard to find my way around since they both lived near the X-Café, so I could use it as a reference.

While I was creating a portal to Zena's house, Jean returned with a pile of blankets in his hands and threw them over the sofa to say goodbye. We thanked him for his hospitality and for lending us his volleyball.

We then said goodbye to Noe and thanked her for bringing her picnic blanket. She thanked us in return for making her day more fun, though she kept her mischievous smile on.

With everything ready, we crossed the portal. Zena went first, with a jump, and then Lani and I, walking calmly.

Once on the other side, Zena thanked me for the help and then walked to the entrance of her house, but she took Lani with her. While I changed the destination of the portal, the two of them talked to each other.

Zena: It was a really fun day, I had a great time… Too bad our classes are starting again soon.

Lani: That's true... But we should at least see each other again at lunch every week, right?

Zena: Although I could see you every day if I wanted to.

Lani: Yes, that's true.

Saying that, Zena gave her best friend a big hug, and Lani happily returned it.

However, after that, I could not hear anything they were saying anymore. I knew they were still talking because I could hear their murmurs, but I could not understand a word.

When I finished the portal for Lani, I turned around and found two pairs of eyes staring at me intently. Before I could react in any way, they both stopped staring at me and ended their conversation.

Zena: Well, Twen, it's about time I go to bed, so we have to say goodbye.

Twen: Yes, of course…

Zena: We'll see each other again when I find you walking through the halls of the university!

With a final wave of her hand, Zena waved and walked through the door of her house, leaving me alone with Lani.

The next step was to get her home, so I had already turned around to go back through the portal… But something stopped me, grabbing onto one of the silver bracelets on my left wrist.

Lani, with a slightly scared look, as if she had acted before fully deciding to do so, had something to tell me.

Lani: Twen…

Twen: Lani, what's wrong?

Lani: How was your day?

Twen: Pretty good. It was one of the most exciting OV days I've ever had. And what about you?

Lani: Yeah, it was really fun…

Why was he talking like that? It was obvious something was going on. She had already stopped me to say it, but for some reason she had not done it yet.

What was I supposed to expect? What was I supposed to prepare for? I did not know, and while I waited for her to let it out, I began to overanalyze the situation.

I believed that could be a request, a confession, or a trap…

I thought about things Lani had said and done during the day, and about what she said to Zena a few seconds ago that I could not hear...

In things I had said and done that day, and in her right hand that tightly gripped her left wrist.

In the stars that were beginning to cover the sky, the orange lights that illuminated the streets, the cool breeze that surrounded us…

Lani: Twen… There's something I have to tell you and I don't think you're going to like it.

Twen: Go ahead.

Her voice sounded very shaky for a few seconds, so she had to stop for a few seconds to calm down and start again. And as she did, her gaze filled with determination.

Lani: Lately, I've been thinking a lot about something you've mentioned more than once... When we were inside the dining room at Novadía, for example.

Twen: Me? What did I say?

Lani: You…

Twen: Lani…

Lani: When you wanted to teach us about your powers, you mentioned that there was the possibility of partially delegating your powers to other people …

Twen: Yes, that's true.

Lani: So… I want to know if it’s possible to do that with someone who isn’t an OV carrier, for an average human to use the powers of object vinculation…

Twen: That... It is possible, yes. But this means you...

Lani: Maybe I'm being selfish and asking for too much, but I can’t stop the curiosity and doubt from taking over, and if there's anyone I can discuss this with, it's you.

Twen: How long have you been thinking about this?

Lani: Since you first mentioned it. The thought sometimes pops into my head, but I try to forget about it...

My mask shook a little, but her eyes did not waver and remained fixed on mine.

Twen: I hope you know there are risks, because too many things could happen… Are you sure what you're asking for?

Lani: Please, Twen…

Twen: I need you to say it clearly.

Lani: … Please, let me use your powers, even just once, just to experience that feeling…

She looked me straight in the eyes as she said this, attentive to any response I might come up with.

Twen: Lani… Really… I thought you would never ask!

With a smile hidden beneath my mask, I decided to change my next destination that night.