Discord: https://discord.gg/4UWRym4VGb
Enjoy the story!
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---General's POV---
As the days stretched into weeks, the noticeable absence of Asahi from the bustling corridors of the school became a cause for concern among his friends. Accustomed to his vibrant presence and infectious energy, they found themselves at a loss, the void left by his absence weighing heavily upon them.
"It's been too long since we've seen Asahi around. Shouldn't we check up on him?" Maria's voice trembled slightly with worry as she voiced the concern that gnawed at her insides. Her determination remained steadfast, despite the uncertainty that shrouded their friend's whereabouts.
Olivia's expression mirrored Maria's unease, her features drawn into a gloomy semblance as she contemplated the possibility of something amiss. "I can't shake off this feeling that something might have happened to him," she murmured, her voice tinged with apprehension.
However, Alex, ever the optimist, attempted to lighten the heavy atmosphere with a touch of humor. "Knowing Asahi, he's probably off trying to conquer the world or something hahaha!!" he quipped, a wistful smile playing on his lips as he attempted to dispel the growing sense of worry among the group.
Yet, concern etched lines of worry onto their faces as they huddled together, whispering amongst themselves in quiet speculation. Miguel, his brow furrowed with concern, rose from his seat with a determined expression. "I think we should pay Asahi a visit. We need to find out what's going on," he declared, his voice tinged with urgency.
Alex, however, voiced his reservations, his gaze flickering with uncertainty. "But what if we're just inconveniencing him? Maybe he has his reasons for staying away," he interjected, his concern for Asahi evident in his hesitant tone.
Miguel met Alex's gaze with unwavering resolve, his conviction unwavering. "We owe it to Asahi to check up on him. He's been there for us countless times, and now it's our turn to be there for him," he insisted, his voice filled with determination.
Maria, her heart heavy with concern for her friend, nodded in agreement. "Miguel's right. We can't just sit back and do nothing. Asahi needs us," she affirmed, her voice laced with determination.
Olivia echoed Maria's sentiments with a fervent nod, her own worry for Asahi driving her to action. "Count me in. We're not leaving until we make sure he's okay," she declared, her voice filled with resolve.
Seeing this, Alex's worries got the best of him. "Haaaaaa... I don't think this will be a good idea... but oh well... right, what am I thinking ? LET'S GO!"
With their resolve hardened and their hearts united in concern for their friend, Maria and her friends planned to set off to visit Asahi just after school.
...
After the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, the group convened at the school's exit, their minds buzzing with plans for their next course of action.
"How are we going to get there?" Alex's voice carried a note of concern as he voiced his worries.
Miguel, always quick to offer solutions, stepped forward with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, my dad can give us a ride. And Olivia's brother is also available if we need another option," he replied, his confidence bolstering the group's spirits.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the group, Maria's uncle, just about to go to the school's office, overheard the conversation and found himself drawn to the enigma of Asahi's absence. Intrigued by the situation, he walked towards the group.
As Maria's uncle approached the group, his eyes alight with curiosity and concern, he interjected, "Hey there, kiddos. I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. It sounds like you're planning to see that kid Asahi. Mind if I lend a hand?"
Maria's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected offer. "Uncle, what are you doing here?" she exclaimed, a mixture of curiosity and gratitude coloring her tone.
With a warm smile, Maria's uncle replied, "I couldn't sit idly by knowing you're all worried about your friend. Besides, he was supposed to come by my house to get some cooking lessons, so in a sense, I am going to check on my student."
Miguel exchanged a glance with the rest of the group before nodding in agreement. "Of course, Uncle. We'd be grateful for your help, let me just inform my dad so that he doesn't get worried about me," he said, his voice tinged with appreciation.
...
After traversing the bustling streets of Washington, the group finally arrived at their destination.
Stepping out of the car, a palpable sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air, causing their hearts to flutter nervously in their chests.
With each step towards Asahi's doorstep, their footsteps echoed with determination, reverberating through the quiet neighborhood as they approached their friend's home.
As they approached Asahi's house, a somber atmosphere hung heavy in the air. Maria's heart clenched with apprehension with each step.
They knocked on the door countless times, until...
*Creak*
"Who is... it?"
To their dismay, what greeted them was a sight that left them reeling in shock and disbelief. Asahi, once brimming with vitality and spirit, now stood before them in a state of utter desolation.His eyes, once filled with determination, now dulled with despair, spoke volumes of the battles he waged in silence.
Maria's heart shattered at the sight of her friend's suffering, her voice choked with emotion as she struggled to find the words to offer solace. Her friends, equally stunned by the stark contrast before them, stood rooted to the spot, their minds reeling with the enormity of Asahi's plight.
In that moment, amidst the deafening silence that enveloped them, Maria's uncle stepped forward, his presence a beacon of strength amidst the darkness that threatened to consume them. With a gentle touch and a reassuring smile, he asked Asahi, "How have you been?"
"I... I..." Shaken seeing everyone, Asahi couldn't speak properly. He was trying to muster the courage to digest everything that had happened during these days.
Maria's Uncle smiled at him and then rested his hand on Asahi's head. "You don't have to explain yourself, kiddo. Just make sure you come back to school; your friends are worried about you."
Asahi hesitated for a moment before looking at everybody's face, finally relenting to the outstretched hand of kindness. With tears streaming down his face, he poured out his heart, laying bare the struggles that plagued him in silence.
His friends listened in rapt attention, their hearts heavy with empathy as they bore witness to the pain that Asahi carried within. In that moment of vulnerability, they felt closer to him, transcending any kind of moment, thought, or emotions of fear and uncertainty that once stood between them.
As they all greeted each other, they started talking about everything that went through in school. As they were talking happily, Maria's uncle warned them, "Kiddos, it's getting late. It is best to leave now that you have seen him," he said. "Oh, and you," He pointed at Asahi, "Don't miss the opportunity to learn from me; you are my first student, capiche?!"
Asahi nodded and said happily, "Of course! Sensei."
"Huh? What does that mean?" Maria's uncle asked.
"Hahahaaha, nothing hahahaah," Asahi couldn't stop laughing at his own joke.
As they bid farewell to Asahi's humble abode, their hearts heavy with the weight of the revelations that unfolded before them, they all carried with them a newfound resolve. For they knew that in the face of adversity, true friendship would always prevail, a guiding light in the darkest of nights.
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I am back.
For those old readers that are still here, thank you.
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