As James and Lucy continued playing their video game, outside the house stood a purple ghost-like figure flickering from side to side with golden eyes staring into the house as if able to see through the walls. The being stood there for a good minute before vanishing—not that anybody noticed.
In the following years, James and Lucy continued hanging around each other, slowly developing feelings for one another. They never admitted it, but to everyone else it seemed clear. Every time they interacted, there was always a certain sense of intimacy. It got to a point they hadn't noticed: they always seemed to be sitting too close, holding hands in class. Occasionally, when Lucy was chatting with James, she found herself caressing his hair, and James was guilty of the same thing. He found himself holding her hand, playing with her hair almost every time he made physical contact with her.
One time, Lucy and James were at the movie theater watching a horror movie they both wanted to see.
James, in a lowered voice, whispered to Lucy, "Hey, look, a jump scare is about to happen. I'm telling you, horror movies are getting more and more cliché as the time goes by. It's like they stopped trying to be creative and just went with what worked. I mean, look—"
As James said that, a monster jumped into the film. They both let out giggles.
"I can't imagine being scared of that."
As if on cue, James heard a gasp to his left. Taking a look, he saw a woman clutching the man next to her, who seemed to be her boyfriend. The man had a smile from one dimple to the next, showing a full set of white teeth. James, glancing at this, laughed even more, nudging Lucy's shoulder.
"Hey, Lucy, look, I think the jump scare got someone."
Lucy, at the moment, couldn't see much because earlier her mom had found out about her going to the movies and told her that wearing glasses while being exposed to a single direction of light would ruin her already poor vision. Listening to her mother's advice, she left her glasses back home, so she had a hard time seeing almost anything that wasn't right in front of her face or large enough.
"Where? I don't see them."
James tried pointing to their left using his left hand. Just as he was about to point, he realized they were holding hands—more specifically, their fingers were interlocked. He froze at that moment.
"Huh?"
"James, where are they?"
"You know what, never mind, they just left."
Lucy clenched her eyes, looking around, seeing nothing. They went straight back to the movie. Throughout the film, Lucy commented on things happening, and James just nodded or occasionally agreed with her.
Realizing something was wrong, Lucy took glances in James's direction, noticing he was stiff as a board, forcing himself to stay focused on the movie. Curious, she thought, Why is he like that? The movie can't be that bad, right?
Soon after the movie ended, they quickly went out of the theater, standing on the sidewalk. Lucy was waiting for her mom to pick her up. Soon after, her mom's car slowly came to a stop. Lucy was still talking to James, not even noticing her mom staring at her. Then a bright smile spread across her mother's face. She pulled out a camera, taking pictures of them.
They soon heard a few whispers about them. James and Lucy were confused about why people were whispering, until Lucy glanced forward and spotted the problem. Engrossed in conversation, she hadn't noticed her mom snapping pictures at a rapid rate, almost like she might as well take a video.
Lucy walked up to her mom with an embarrassed look. "Mom, what are you doing?"
"Obviously keeping memories."
"Mom, me and James are always hanging out. There's nothing new about this." Lucy covered her eyes with her hands, peeking through the slits.
"Oh my, I didn't know the youth of today was so broad."
Confused by this, Lucy turned toward James, taking a look at his overly proportional face with a defined jawline and bright, clear eyes that pierced one's soul. Slowly turning her head downward, she realized what both of them were looking at. A slight blush made its way onto her face.
Wait… since when was I holding his hand? And on top of it all, we're locking fingers!
Quickly, she shook his hand off. "Oh, that—James was just helping me walk. It was pretty dark in the theater, and I tripped a few times. He offered some help on the way. Isn't that right, James?"
Lucy wrapped her arm around James. James felt a soft sensation on his face before quickly agreeing.
"Yeah, Ms. Amber, Lucy just needed my help."
James wrapped his hand around Lucy's neck and rubbed her hair as well. Squinting, Lucy's mom could see both of them blushing from being too close.
"Well, as much as I'd want to watch you two, sadly I do have a shift tonight. Anyways, James, I'll see you tomorrow. Lucy, I'll see you tomorrow too. You know, James, I could give you a ride home. I mean, what type of person would I be if I left my son-in-law—I mean, daughter's friend—here all alone?"
James just let out an awkward laugh. "Don't worry, Ms. Amber. I don't live far from here. I should make it."
Before Lucy's mom could say more, Lucy quickly dragged her mom, throwing her into the driver's seat.
"Bye, James, I'll see you tomorrow. Don't mind what she said—she's a bit weird."
James lightly smiled. "Bye, Lucy."
Lucy and her mom shortly left. James, noticing how dark it was getting, took a look at his clock, realizing the time. He frowned. I should probably leave. Alfred might be getting a little worried.
As James walked through the streets, he couldn't help but notice a strange feeling—an itch that couldn't be scratched. Someone was watching him. He didn't know from where, but it was clear. Frowning, he looked around before the feeling just disappeared.
"Huh. I swear someone was just watching me."
Taking another look around, the feeling was gone. Walking away, James glanced back before running off. That feeling had definitely been real. He wouldn't be sticking around.
In an alley just behind James was a ghost-like figure shaped like a ball of fire, flickering back and forth, watching him. The figure's name was Zi Ming. Looking at its supposed arms, it frowned.
"I wish I could give you more time, considering you're still young, but I need to leave this place. There's barely any form of energy on this planet, just remnants of chi from long ago, and yet life still thrives. It's almost like… hmm, interesting."
The figure looked at its arms again. A strong purple and green light glowed, beating like a heart.
"This thing needs a place to grow and may be my only chance of leaving this place. I will not die on this backwards planet."
During the next few months, their school was preparing for graduation. Lucy and James continued as normal. Then came the final month of school. The school had prepared a party as a farewell gift to the seniors. Lucy and James reluctantly came, thanks to the persuasion of their friends. Those same friends seemed to abandon them as soon as the music started.
"Yo, James!"
"Yes, Jackson?"
Jackson was a friend James had made during his last two years of school.
"I've been thinking of asking Angela out for a dance. Do you think she'll say yes?"
"I don't know, dude. It's the last month of school. You might as well ask her out. The worst she can do is say no."
As the music started playing, Jackson's eyes lit up.
"You know what, you're right. If I don't ask her out now, I'll end up in my 30s reminiscing about what could've happened if I had. You're right—I should ask her out."
"Wait, I didn't even say all that… and weren't we supposed to—never mind." James shook his head. "I'll just go see what Lucy's up to."
As James walked around, he saw Lucy standing by a pillar. He went around and blew into her ear.
Feeling the warm breath, Lucy jumped back. "James, what the hell was that for?"
James leaned against the pillar. "Oh, I thought I could mess with you a little. You looked bored."
"Well, yeah. I was supposed to be hanging out with my friends, but it seems like they all got dates last minute."
"Oh yeah? I was just here with—"
"Please go out with me, Angela!"
James and Lucy turned back, hearing a guy shouting at the top of his lungs.
"Uhh… well, umm…"
"Jackson, someone already asked me out."
"Oh. Well, thanks for listening. I hope you and your date have a good time."
"Well, Jackson, I never said yes."
"…Oh? What does that mean?"
"It means I like you too."
"Oh really? Well—" scratching his head "—do you wanna dance?"
"Sure, I'd love to dance with you."
Seeing this, Lucy and James laughed along with everyone else watching.
"You wanna grab some punch, James?"
"Sure. I heard it was made by Mr. Fletcher, the new principal."
Mr. Fletcher had replaced their old principal in their first year, shortly after the previous one had left without notice. Fletcher was a very strict principal, but he could be kind when needed. He wasn't everyone's favorite, but most admired his work ethic.
After walking around and chatting for 10 minutes, an announcement came from the DJ:
"Everyone, may we please have your attention?"
Everyone stopped in their tracks, wondering what was going on. Mr. Fletcher stepped forward.
"It has come to my attention that someone decided to pour alcohol in the punch I bought you."
Suddenly, everyone started talking.
"Wait, what? No wonder I've been feeling funny."
Someone else looked at the speaker and asked with a drunken gaze, "Funny in a good way or a bad way? 'Cause I feel great."
Cough, cough. "Everyone, please pay attention. I know most of you are drunk, but you are all about to graduate and become adults. Please try to control yourselves. Anyways, because of the actions of that one person, the party is canceled."
"Wait, what? No! Come on, Mr. Fletcher, this is the last party of the year!"
Mr. Fletcher shushed them. "I know you all feel that way, but blame the person who decided to add alcohol to the punch. I'm aware most of you have vehicles. Me and a bunch of teachers will be testing whether you're fit to drive tonight. But as of now, the party is over."
The DJ quickly shut everything off. The colorful lights stopped.
"Oh damn. Looks like the party's over. I guess we should be heading home."
"Hey Lucy, are you alright?" James asked.
He looked at Lucy only to find her staggering back and forth.
"Uhh… Lucy, are you drunk?" James teased, grinning.
"What, me? James, there's no way I'm drunk, buddy." She waved her hand in a drunken stupor, trying to touch his shoulder but missing by a mile before nearly hitting the ground. James caught her.
"Okay, buddy, you really are drunk. Let's get you home."
On their way out, they saw all sorts of things—couples making out, Jackson and Angela dead drunk, holding each other by the waist. Jackson noticed James and winked, giving him a thumbs up.
James just shook his head. "This guy…"
As Jackson and Angela left, a teacher asked them a few questions before letting them go. When it was James and Lucy's turn, the teacher just glanced at them before waving them out.
"Huh? Are they not gonna ask us anything?" James muttered.
"Why would they? You two are always together. I think everyone knows you're dating. I don't think the teacher wants to waste their time."
James glanced down and realized—he was carrying Lucy in a princess carry. A blush crept across his face.
"For the last time, we're just friends, okay?"
Jackson and Angela, overhearing, laughed.
"I'd have to be five years old to believe that. You two have fun. Don't do anything too crazy now."
James sighed. "How many times do I have to say it? Jeez."
As James headed to the parking lot, he remembered what the principal had said.
"He's definitely not letting anyone who's had a drink drive. I'll probably come back tomorrow to get my stuff. Damn, I hate coming to school on a Saturday."
He caught a cab, told the driver Lucy's address, but soon his vision blurred. He felt himself losing balance, struggling to form a clear thought.
Shit… why is it acting up now? I haven't even told this guy where I live yet.
Before long, James passed out.
Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at Lucy's house.
"Ma'am? We've arrived at your destination," the driver called, looking back at the two heads resting on each other.
He called again. This time Lucy stirred. "Wait… where am I?"
"You're at your house, ma'am."
Still drunk, Lucy looked around, then let out an "Ohhh." She opened the door and staggered toward her house.
"Uh, ma'am? What about the payment?" the driver asked.
"What? Payment?"
"This young man back here seems to have passed out. I don't think he'll be paying."
Lucy grumbled, stomped back, and handed the driver a fifty.
"Uh, ma'am, this is too much. I don't have change."
"It doesn't matter. Just keep the rest."
"Well… thank you, ma'am."
As Lucy walked away again, the driver called out once more.
"Uh, ma'am?"
Lucy turned with an angry gaze. "What is it now?"
"What should I do with—well, with him?"
She peeked through the window and saw James.
"Oh, it's James. Don't worry, I'm taking him with me."
When she opened the car door, James fell onto her, landing against her chest.
"James… wake up. You're too heavy. I can't carry you."
James slowly lifted his head and looked at her. Their eyes met.
"James… I don't know why I haven't told you this, but I like the way you look."
For a moment, no response came as they stared at each other. With what little consciousness he had left, James managed to stand. Lucy grabbed his hand and helped him toward her house.
The driver shook his head. "Wow. Such a young age and drinking this much. Back in my day, I hadn't had my first beer until I was 28." He drove off.
As Lucy reached the door, she looked around.
"Where did I put my key again?"
James lifted a nearby rock and handed it to her.
"Oh, thank you."
Unlocking the door, Lucy looked around. "Right… Mom's probably not going to be here until tomorrow. They called her in."
Drowsy, she walked upstairs with James. When Lucy opened her door, James laughed at the sight.
"This is the first time I've seen your room this messy."
Lucy pouted. "I… I usually clean it."
"Do you only clean it when I come over?"
"No! Maybe… sometimes. Okay, yes, I do."
James laughed even harder, and Lucy grew annoyed—until James quickly grabbed her shoulders.
"Lucy, listen. I'm not laughing because it's weird. I'm laughing because I think it's cute."
He twirled her hair in his fingers. The atmosphere grew intimate.
"Hey, Lucy…"
She looked up, seeing James twirling her hair, his eyes on her.
"Can I kiss you?"
Lucy blushed, then suddenly jumped into his arms and kissed him.
All that could be said was—it was an eventful night.