Ch 85 - Telling the Truth

(A Few Weeks Later)

Almost a month has already passed since the second day of school and not much has changed.

Dahsoo, Jinah, Jinho, and Haerin became the focal point of the whole class deemed as the big 4, they made quite the close bonds with each other but the deep dark secret of Dahsoo was still hidden from the other two.

Dahsoo was also consistently the number one of the whole class and made quite the name for himself, he was seen as the kind and carefree classmate who helps others when they are in need.

Jinah became the most normal of the group not entangled in any complicated issues, she was so fast she can outrun her problems in a flash, metaphorically and literally.

Jinho got over his gayness and reinforced his Dao heart to an unbreakable degree that stands tall in the face of hardships.

And Haerin finally made some good progress with Dahsoo as they were already very close with each other.

Soon, the gang was seen walking out of the campus with each other as they had a different air to them compared to before, as if they became more confident of some sort.

"So, I know we've been with each other for almost a month now right?" said Dahsoo who was walking in the middle.

"Yep" said Jinho with a nod.

"And at some times, Jinah and I might act weird" said Dahsoo.

"Yup" said Jinho.

"Well I guess it's time to reveal my little secret with you all, back at my place of course" said Dahsoo.

"Wait, you mean we're going to your house?" said Jinho in surprise.

"Yeah, this secret is really important that we need to keep it as safe as possible, isn't that right Jinah?" said Dahsoo with a serious face while Jinah wore a helpless smile.

"Indeed it is" said Jinah with a sigh.

"So what even is it about?" said Haerin from the side.

"I told you guys, it's a secret" said Dahsoo.

"So, do you guys want to ride along with me?" said Haerin.

"Why?" said Jinho in confusion.

"Well me and Haerin are neighbors you see" said Dahsoo as if it wasn't surprising at all.

"Wait!? You guys are neighbors!?" said Jinho in shock.

"Yeah" said Dahsoo.

"So do you guys wanna ride along?" said Haerin.

"Sure!" said Jinho with a smile as they started to walk towards the luxurious car park along the road as the windows slowly opened.

"Hello miss Haerin, your friends I presume?" said the butler on the driving seat.

"Mmm, I wanted to take them on a ride to Dahsoo's place" said Haerin.

"Mmm, well come along, make yourself feel at... like you are riding your family's car" said the butler as they nodded and entered the car as they were greeted with a cozy interior.

"Ooo" said Jinah as she sat near the mini fridge with some foods and drinks as they all soon entered the car and took their own seats.

"So, this seems like a safe place to tell your dirty little secret" said Jinah with a smile as she sips on some fruit juice.

"No, this secret involves the matter between life and death of millions of people" said Dahsoo in a resolute tone as the duo started to become confused on what the secret is.

"What do you mean millions of people?" said Jinho in confusion.

"You'll understand it once he says what his little secret is to you guys" said Jinah while rolling her eyes.

"Hey! I'm not exaggerating okay!" said Dahsoo while Haerin smiled from the side.

(A Few Minutes Later)

Soon, the car parked in front of Dahsoo's house which is literally just beside the Chae family mansion as they got out of the car.

"Goodbye miss Haerin" said the butler as he drove off towards the mansion and entered the gates, leaving them in front of his little house.

"So, this is your house?" said Jinho as they walked in front of the entrance and took off their shoes as they were greeted with the... cute sight of plushies, cute posters on the wall of some anime girls, and more as they look around in wonder.

"Huh, I never expected this from you" said Haerin from the side with a curious face as she looks at the pile of cute animal plushies on the couch.

"Okay, so I'm just gonna prepare for the big reveal so make yourself feel at home, Jinah knows the place already so just ask her for some help" said Dahsoo as he hastily went upstairs and into his room as they wondered what the reveal is.

"Ugh, he's gonna do the thing isn't he" said Jinah as she slump down on the couch and opened the TV as the duo followed along while looking around in wonder.

"Oi Jinah! Can you also open Metube on the TV and you know, go to the thing!" shouted Dahsoo from upstairs.

"Yes yes yes" said Jinah with a nonchalant smile as she can't believe that Dahsoo will reveal it this way, soon, she searched up Ai on Metube, and soon, one prominent channel was seen with over 6 million subscribers.

"What's that for? Is he related to Ai? The prominent metuber from Korea?" said Haerin with curiosity.

"Have you watched her before?" said Jinah.

"Yeah, I'm a pretty huge fan" said Jinho.

"I watched her from time to time, I do love her work though" said Haerin.

"Do you watch her live streams?" said Jinah.

"Nope" said Jinho.

"No" said Haerin.

"Oh, so that's why you didn't notice it, hmm, do you follow her twatter?" said Jinah.

"No" said the two.

"Ohhh, I guess you're in for a shocker" said Jinah as she opened a video called Living Room Tour.

"What are you doing?" said Haerin in confusion.

"Just watch" said Jinah with a blank stare as soon, they saw Ai wearing a long white shirt that goes down below her waist along with some very short shorts.

"Wha-" said Jinho.

"Just watch" said Jinah as soon, Ai started to speak to the camera.

"Hey guys, just finish redecorating the living room and decided to give a little update on what it currently looks like now" said Ai as they started to see her living room that looks exactly the room they were in.

Soon, with each passing moment, more and more confirmations were given that they were indeed in the same room as Ai as she suddenly pointed the camera at the couch and walked behind the couch.

"So if you are also sitting on this couch watching this video, then it seems like our dear little speedy friend is now showing you this video, I know you're confused, like why is she showing you this? What am I talking about? Well, just look behind you" said Ai as they instantly look behind them to see.

"Dahsoo!?!?" said Jinho in shock as he saw Dahsoo looking like Ai as he saw the tiny little imperfections on his face now gone.

"W- what!?" said Haerin in shock as Dahsoo wore a wide smile.

"Surprise!" said Dahsoo as he walk in front of them.

"So yeah, I'm Ai, told you it's a big secret" said Dahsoo with a smile as the duo was left with gaping mouths.

AN: So the base of the characters are pretty solid right now so I guess its time to advance the plot.

You're probably gonna miss this simplicity in the future because its about time to start the base work of Phase 2, Two Sides, in a couple of chapters, but just know that this is also simple compared to the end of this arc with the biggest plot twist yet that is kinda fucking bullshit to be honest but who cares, Braun is divine and mortals can't comprehend the mind of a God!

The Sword of Damocles hangs above each and everyone one of you with its ever present threat of despair, so send me some power stones with your power of friendship and save the thousands perhaps even millions to come who will read this masterpiece immortalized in the tunnels of time.

(March 6, 2022 - 102nd day of writing)