Love Lake

After everything ended, people went their own ways—some home, some just walking, or something else. Michael was one of those who decided to go home. As he walked, people whispered about him. He didn't like it but knew why.

Then, he saw Cherry and Felix ahead, talking."What are they chatting about?" he thought. "Should I follow them?"

Just as he thought that, they started to go somewhere, and he followed, staying out of sight."They're going to my house? But why? I'm not even there."

Michael continued to follow them.

"What? Not my house… but Love Lake!" he accidentally said loud. "Oh no! They heard me! Gotta hide!"

Cherry stopped and looked back."What's wrong?" Felix asked.

"Thought someone was following us… Never mind. Let's go." she said.

They walked on while Michael hid behind a tree. Then he followed again."Huh! That was close. I will be more careful."

He followed them to Love Lake and hid in some bushes. But he was too far away to hear them.

Then, a voice spoke."Spying on them?" said someone.

"Yeah! Wait—who are you?" Michael turned and saw a boy.

He looked Michael's age, wore similar clothes, had scarlet hair, and carried a sword. He seemed calm.

"Oh, sorry we haven't met. I'm Katsu. You're Michael, right?" said Boy 3.

"Yeah. Hi, Katsu," said Michael.

"I saw you at the event today," said Katsu.

"Oh! So, you got your level of magical power too?" asked Michael.

"Yeah, I was there. I hope to see you at the tournament next week," said Katsu.

"That'll be cool," said Michael. "So, why are you here?"

"I train here every day. Perfect place for it," said Katsu.

"I see," said Michael.

Katsu pointed. "Look, they're wrapping up."

"Yeah, looks like it." Michael stood up. "Well, I'm off. See ya!"

"Wait, Michael!" said Katsu.

"What?" asked Michael.

"You know how talks like theirs usually end?" said Katsu.

"No. Why?" asked Michael.

"You'll see in a year," said Katsu.

Michael kept following Cherry and Felix. She sensed someone watching again and guessed who, but she didn't turn, not wanting to ruin the moment. They walked back to the village.

"Where now?" Michael thought.

He followed them to Cherry's house.

"They went inside Cherry's house? Why here?" asked Michael.

Michael decided to look in the window. Just then, Cherry walked up to it.

"Stop following us," she said, smiling at him.

Then, she closed the curtains.

Michael stood there, unsure what to do. Wandering around felt awkward, but staying here was worse.

"What am I even doing?" he thought and walked home.