FLUX: "O-OK… you can give me your answer whenever you want."
MINEKO: (blushing, stuttering but finally bold) "I-I… I love you too."
FLUX: "…Alright then. Let's go down, class is starting in like 2 or 3 minutes."
MINEKO: (softly) "Mm, o-okay."
---
FLUX (narration): It was my first decision… the first one I regret the most in my life.
---
In class, Flux sat by the window, blanking out, lost in his own thoughts.
Flux (thinking): Is it good… or bad? Did I make the right choice, or the worst mistake?
Teacher: "Flux. …Flux. …FLUXXX!!"
Flux: (snapping up) "Y-yes teacher!"
Teacher: "Then answer this question!"
Flux: "O-okay…"
He answered instantly—his voice a little shaky, but his words perfect. He had memorized the entire book five times.
---
After School
Mineko: (approaching shyly) "F-Flux… a-are you okay?"
Flux: "Yeah… just worried. Am I doing a good thing or a bad thing?"
Suddenly, Mineko stepped closer, her eyes soft, her hands trembling.
Flux: (panicking) "Ugh—w-wait, wh-what are you doing—"
Without hesitation, Mineko wrapped her arms around him.
Mineko: (gently, warmly) "It's okay, Flux. Don't push yourself too hard. I know you're shy when it comes to the ones you love… right?"
Flux froze, heart racing… but slowly, he hugged her back.
Flux: "…Mmh… o-okay."
For a moment, the world felt still. A very sweet silence hung in the air—until a loud cough broke it.
Mike: "Uhm uhm… we are inside a school, you lovey-dovey couple."
Flux & Mineko: (blushing furiously) "W-we know that, jackass!!"
---
The day ended without any trouble. The trio walked home together, laughing.
At home—
Flux's Mom: "So… how was it?"
Flux: (confused) "What? Just a normal day. What do you mean, Mom?"
Mom: (facepalming) "Not that, son. I mean your girl."
Flux: (blushing hard) "S-she… she accepted it."
Mom: "Oh-hooo… well then, what's the name of my future daughter-in-law?"
Flux: "MOM!"
Mom: (laughing) "Haha, okay okay! What's her name?"
Flux: "…Mineko."
Mom: "Sweet name. Alright, go do your homework. I'll bring snacks and juice."
Flux: (relieved) "Okay."
---
Elsewhere
In the darkness, a mysterious being stood, speaking to his servant.
Unknown Being: "Did you find his vital point?"
Servant: "Yes, my lord."
Unknown Being: "Good. What is it?"
Servant: (hesitant) "…It's a human."
Unknown Being: "…Human?"
Servant: "Yes, my lord. Her name is—"
The name echoed like thunder.
MINEKO.
---
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Readers, to clarify—this unknown being is not Rank 1, Rank 2 (Alicia), nor from Flux's memorable fragments (A, B, C, D). They are completely unknown.
So for now, I'll use placeholder names like Z, Y, X (opposite of ABC) until their true names are revealed.