April 15th, 2024.
The park was quiet, only the rustle of leaves and faint chatter of children in the distance. On a bench, James and Rey sat side by side.
James unfolded the letter with deliberate slowness, but instead of reading, his eyes darted around like a wannabe spy.
Rey grabbed his arm and tugged him down. "What are you doing? Just read it already. You're drawing more attention than the letter itself."
James adjusted his collar, whispering like a secret agent. "I'm checking if anyone's watching us."
Rey gave him a deadpan look. "We're not smuggling state secrets. It's just a letter. If anyone stares, it's because of how ridiculous you look right now."
A flicker of realisation crossed James's face. He cleared his throat and held the letter higher. "Fine. Don't interrupt me. I'm reading now."
Letter:
Hello guys, I hope you're the ones reading this. If Aunt Rossy is peeking, close it right now.
...Alright, then.
If it's truly you two, I'm sorry. By the time you read this, I'll already be far away. I found my real parents. They reached out after getting my number from the orphanage where I once lived—The Heaven's Garden.
At first, I thought it was another scam. But they knew things no one else could, even the little mole in a place I've never told anyone. I confirmed it with the director. It's real. They're real. And for the first time... I feel like I belong.
But they asked me to leave in secret. If anyone knew, it would ruin my chance to be with them. They live in a distant kingdom, so don't ask where. I won't tell you. I can't.
James. Rey. You're my best friends. I swear we'll meet again. Even if ten years pass, I won't forget. When I can, I'll call. Just wait for me.
James, don't bully Rey too much. And Rey, keep our clumsy brother alive, will you? You both know how hopeless he is, even in games.
Don't miss me too much. Don't cry too much either, James. And yes—throw Rey a party for me.
Thank you for everything. I was blessed to have you both in my life.
Goodbye for now.
Your friend and nerd,
Evan, over and out.
__
Rey lowered the letter slowly. A weight pressed against his chest, the reality sinking in. Evan wasn't here anymore. Whether he'd ever return… was uncertain.
Beside him, James sat motionless, head bowed, shoulders tight.
"Hey. You alright?" Rey leaned in.
"Just… thinking," James muttered, his voice rougher than usual.
Rey reached out, gripping the back of his neck, and forced his head up. James's eyes widened at the unexpected strength.
"Let me see if you're crying."
James's face was flushed, his lashes wet. He jerked Rey's hand away, rubbing his eyes with the back of his sleeve. "It's just dust."
Rey's lips curved faintly. "Sure it is."
James inhaled, forcing a grin. "Enough moping. Let's celebrate. Our nerd finally got his family back."
He grabbed Rey's wrist and pulled him along.
They ended up in a café, ordering too much—burgers, pizza, soft drinks, and even a small cake. James suggested the game center, but Rey shook his head firmly. Too many enemies still lurked there.
So they settled for a gaming café instead. Hours passed as they battled through ranked matches, their characters climbing to Lv. 78 and 86.
By the time they logged off, it was past five.
Outside, James stretched and turned away. "Guess this is goodbye for now. See you on exam day."
"Don't forget—April 21st," Rey called after him. "And this time, actually study."
James raised a thumbs-up before disappearing into the distance.
Rey sighed, muttering to himself. "He's definitely going to forget."
He adjusted his bag and started home, but a voice echoed beside him.
"Don't you think the way Evan left the letter… and then vanished… connects too neatly?"
Aiden walked alongside, his gaze sharp.
Rey frowned. "You're saying it was planned?"
Aiden nodded. "Yes. His story is puzzling. And his fate value… It's almost enough to qualify as the Destined One."
Rey froze mid-step.
"What did you just say?" His voice tightened. "Destined One?"
Aiden winced, palm smacking his forehead. "Great. Now I have to explain."
He glanced around. Strangers were staring at Rey, whose expression had darkened with curiosity.
"This isn't the place. Let's get home first."
To be continued…