I still remember the last time we were together.
It was my last year of high school; an emotional farewell that I will cherish and keep forever in my life. Although it wasn't a complete goodbye; many would go their separate ways, while others would support each other to walk a path together. In the end, the world is small, sooner or later we might meet again.
My best friend, Renka Selene, was by my side. I really wouldn't know what to say about her: she was cheerful, absent-minded, and distracted, but she always spread her positivity to everyone else.
It wouldn't be long before we saw each other again. I wish with all my soul that she never loses that smile that is so uniquely hers. I am eager to look each other in the eye again and laugh endlessly.
It is Friday morning. It is a splendid day.
I can truly say that today won't be one of those days where, suddenly, everything goes wrong. I can feel it! Today is going to be a spectacular day!
I jump out of bed. This feeling won't let me calm down; I'm acting very nervous. I was actually feeling scared and couldn't stop wondering what we would talk about on the train. My mind was overwhelmed by nonsensical thoughts that clouded my head.
I brush my teeth and look at myself in the mirror. That smile on my face left me over the moon. I try to think logically about the things I need to take on this trip, when suddenly, without warning, my phone rings.
I jump in fright. I was so deep in thought that the sudden noise startled me. Even though I always say I should change that ringtone, I never get around to it. I check who is calling; it came as no surprise that it was Renka. I answer without hesitation.
—What a pleasant surprise, my dear lady. Are you ready for this exciting journey? Remember, there is no turning back.
—Dear companion, you are so polite when you speak to me like that —she replied—. Remember that you must be my knight and protect me at all costs in this adventure with no return.
—Affirmatively. Although I don't recall agreeing to be your knight... so why do you usurp my reputation?
—You promised me on the last day that you would watch over my safety. If I were in trouble, I only had to shout my knight's name and you would come to rescue me, defying even fate itself.
I smile slightly.
—You're right, Renka. I promised I would support you in everything I could, and I won't break that promise for any reason. You have to keep yours too.
—I see you haven't forgotten. Thank you so much, Kael, for being my knight —she says with a mischievous smile—. I can't wait for our trip together.
—Same here. I'll see you at the station entrance, I'll be waiting for you, don't worry.
—See you later, thanks.
I feel very relieved knowing that she is okay, but my nervousness returns. I can't calm down. With no other choice, I have to get ready and have breakfast with this feeling inside me.
I check my things once more, making sure I haven't forgotten anything. I take a deep breath and tell myself that today is going to be a wonderful day.
I stop overthinking it and open the door of my house with great force and enthusiasm. I look at the shining sun, the wind blowing past my ears, people walking peacefully... indeed, it is a magnificent day. I close the door and head towards the station with my suitcase.
—That's strange... she should have been here a long time ago. The train leaves in 30 minutes.
I look around but I don't see her. Although at first I think she is just running late, other thoughts invade my mind, and they aren't exactly positive. I try to call her but she doesn't answer. With no other choice, I can only sit down and wait.
I look around again and again, but there is no sign of her. I really wasn't expecting this; although I knew how she was, I got a huge scare when she jumped on me. It felt like someone was trying to suffocate me.
I couldn't help it, I jumped terrified. Although at first I got angry, seeing her smile and realizing that the person trying to suffocate me was Renka, I was stunned, but filled with an indescribable calm.
—Don't ever do that again! And besides, what were you trying to do to me?
—It's a very special greeting —she replied laughing—. It's my way of telling you that I love you very much, Kael. You are my best friend, you only deserve the best.
—You really know how to make reunions unforgettable.
She smiles with her eyes closed. She is very beautiful. Deep down, I'm glad nothing bad happened.
—Well, Kael, don't just stand there or the train will leave without us.
—I forgot about that! Hey, don't run, be careful!
We hurry down the stairs. We run non-stop, weaving through the crowd. There are too many people, it's impossible to move through such a mass of bodies. Just as I was about to lose sight of her, she grabs my hand, holds it tightly, and pulls me forward.
Her hand was so warm, it was very soft. I couldn't process these thoughts popping up in my mind, I just wanted to hold her hands a little longer. We finally made it to the end of the crowd.
—Kael, you are so clumsy. You mustn't get separated from me, understand?
—Sorry, it's just that... I was surprised you held my hand. Did you get bold all of a sudden? —I reply blushing, covering my face.
—W-what!? I-it's not what you think —she says stuttering—. I did it because we were going to be late and we wouldn't have made it on time. Don't get the wrong idea, you pervert! Hmph!
She turns her face away angrily. Just then, the final boarding call for the train is announced.
—We are departing now, final call!
We completely forgot about getting on the train because of this embarrassing situation. Although I want to deny it, I can't stop thinking about what happened. We board the train.
I never thought my trip with Renka would be so awkward. Although I must admit that at first I suspected she wanted to play another prank on me, I quickly dismissed the idea because when we headed to our seats, she wouldn't turn her face and just stared out at the train. I tried to talk to her but she didn't answer. I tried to take her hand, but...
—What do you think you're doing!?
I looked at her face; she was breathing heavily and seemed to have a fever, or maybe she was just blushing intensely. She turned away again and refused to look at me. Without further ado, the train began to move. I feel so happy about this trip, I'll be able to talk to Renka and...
—Kael, you are such a ladies' man!
I felt a spark run through my entire body. It was a horrible sensation, I felt like I was going to faint at any moment.
—Zareck, if you come any closer like that again, you're going to feel my full force in one hit.
I couldn't be alone for a single moment, the nosy guy who sticks his nose into everything had to show up. I have to calm down, Renka is looking at me, I have to show her that I am her ideal knight. I won't fall for such provocation. I am a knight worthy of praise... right, sure.
—Renka, don't you think he's already daydreaming? —asked Zareck.
—And you just realized that? —she answered.
I am very proud of myself, but they keep looking at me with skeptical faces. Do they think I'm one of those crazy people who stand on the streets talking nonsense for no reason?
I feel like my whole body is full of energy. I can't deny it, I'm glad Zareck is here. Even though he and Renka greet each other in rather... terrifying ways, they are unique people whom I can confidently say would never betray you.
—Well, I'm off. I don't want to stand around the whole time, I want to rest too so I arrive with all my energy at maximum capacity.
—If you come back, make sure to bring a helmet because I won't hold back! —I shouted—. You are disturbing my lady's space, she just wants to enjoy her trip in peace.
She looks at me blushing, but then gets even angrier. It's a headache trying to figure out what women want.
—My knight failed in his mission to protect me from this dirty vandal who entered my quarters without fear. Kael, you have failed me.
I look at her with great surprise. This is my chance to make this trip not awkward anymore.
—You must know, my lady, that I am your only knight. Do not misunderstand, that was all a dirty trick by that vandal.
Zareck hears from a distance: —I heard that!
I look her defiantly in the eyes and say: —Fear not, dear Renka. He will not be able to lay a finger on you as long as I am here, I assure you.
—Umm... —she makes a gesture—. You are forgiven just this once. And let it not happen again.
—I thank you for your forgiveness. I swear I will not allow an incident like this to happen ever again.
—Then... allow me to comfort you, my knight.
She raises her hand and as she strokes my head, she says:
—It's okay, it's okay, it's okay... you are the most special person to me and I would never trade you for anything.
My body can't help but react to those words. My shoulders tense up, I feel my heart beating very fast as I look at her in embarrassment. I want to tell her something, but this lump in my throat won't let me express what I feel...