In the Past

  Two Weeks Ago

  Downtown

  During the Night

  Beatitudo Amusement Park

  Victoria and Téo had won an award at school, allowing each of them, accompanied by a guest, to enjoy the largest amusement park in the city. Upon arriving and entering the park,

  Téo and Victoria were safely allowed to enjoy all the rides suitable for their age of ten and their height.

  As best friends, they shared many moments together on various rides. However, after the roller coaster, Victoria noticed something strange about Téo.

  When he claimed he needed to go to the bathroom and suggested that Victoria meet up with her parents, she sensed something beyond his smile - a hidden pain she could see because of their long-standing friendship.

  [(Victoria - Confused & Attentive Voice) Téo lied to me. Why? (Soft Melodic Sigh)]

  The real reason behind Téo's lie was an intense headache that made him fear being close to people. Choosing to withdraw to a more isolated part of the park, he had a dark premonition about getting too close to others.

  [Victoria - Confused & Worried Voice] I sensed something wrong in his eyes during the last few minutes of fun. He seemed uncomfortable or in pain. (Soft Melodic Sigh) -

  Despite being a ten-year-old child, Téo was not entirely human; he was an Oculi - more specifically, an Oculi Albi.

  He knew that triggering a "mental resonance" near people in the park could result in accidents if he momentarily lost control of his mind.

  [(Téo - Distressed & Angry Thought) Please, I don't want to ruin this first magical outing by her side. (Shaky & Tearful Breathing)]

  Victoria possessed a gift inherited from her mother, granting her the unique ability to see beyond the eyes of those she truly connected with.

  It was as if she could discern the malleable essence of a person, sensing even the subtlest shifts in emotions and feelings.

  [Victoria - Confused & Worried Voice] Where is Téo? I can't find him anywhere near the park rides. Where did he go...? [Deep Gentle Sigh] -

  While searching for Téo, Victoria briefly caught sight of him walking, visibly worried, looking around.

  He wished no one would notice him as he moved toward a secluded section of the park, beyond the chains meant for visitors.

  [(Téo - Distressed & Angry Thought) I want to make her smile every day from now on... and never cry again! (Shaky & Tearful Breathing)]

  Victoria followed Téo's steps and entered the private zone of the amusement park, determined to reach him. She remained silent, longing to understand what troubled Téo so deeply that he felt the need to lie and hide his pain for so many minutes.

  [(Victoria - Anxious & Worried Thought) Why would Téo go so far away from people? Is he feeling sick, or is it something more serious...? (Deep Melodic Sigh)]

  When she finally reached him in one of the alleys of the park's private area, she saw Téo sitting behind one of the rides that had been dismantled due to a malfunction.

  [(Victoria - Anxious & Worried Thought) Wait... what is that faint sound? It sounds like someone crying... (Soft Melodic Sigh)]

  Beside Téo, a patch of denser vegetation could be seen - preserved because it was a far-off area without frequent visitors, used mostly by employees.

  [Victoria - Disbelieving & Confused Whisper] ...Téo? (Unsteady Breath) -

  Téo was sitting on a stone, wearing a sad expression as he looked up at the night sky, illuminated by beams of light above the amusement park, scattered between a few clouds.

  [Téo - Agonized & Angry Voice] Why... why do these damn "side effects" keep getting stronger whenever I'm happy by Victoria's side? -

  [(Victoria - Worried & Confused Thought) ...Wait, what did he just say? (Trembling & Slightly Scared Sigh)]

  [Téo - Agonized & Angry Voice] Why does my mind start becoming more stable... yet my heart feels like it tightens and hurts so much? [Shaky & Tearful Breathing] -

  Téo still hadn't noticed Victoria standing a few meters away, watching him with a worried and frozen expression.

  She saw Téo crying silently, one hand over his head, while around him an invisible force seemed to distort the environment.

  That invisible force seemed to radiate a few centimeters around Téo's body. Victoria once again noticed his eyes - completely white, with no pupils, no iris, no reflection on the surface.

  Just like the last time he used his abilities and vanished to save her during the collapse at Karsurik Mall three years ago.

  [Téo - Agonized & Angry Voice] I only want to control my heart... without hurting anyone who makes me happy anymore. [Shaky & Tearful Breathing] -

  His trembling lips carried tears that accumulated little by little, and at the same time, a strained smile appeared - transmitting so much anger and pain - directed at the only person.

  This entire scene made Victoria look at Téo's expression in a way that made her world feel as if it were collapsing under the pressure in her chest.

  Instinctively, she brought a hand to her heart, trying to calm herself, pressing her chest as her heartbeat grew stronger and stronger, almost too intense to endure.

  [Victoria (Past, 7 years old) - Happy & Playful Whisper] ...Hey, Téo! I'm so happy you're my best friend, you big dummy! (Joyful & Proud Laughter) -

  At the same time, Téo's heart tightened with emotions and feelings he couldn't control or understand - all at once - amid the darkness of his turbulent mind.

  He remembered Victoria smiling and teasing him playfully, before the three long years in which he disappeared when they were seven.

  [Téo - Trembling & Regretful Voice] I did so many bad things to finally be here... by her side... after three long years away, but... [Deep & Tearful Breath] -

  [Victoria - Slightly Trembling, Deeply Emotional & Shocked Sigh] Now, at age ten, a few weeks after Téo's definitive return to the physical world - no longer partially - he remembered the recent dark memories. -

  Memories in which he carried the guilt of what he had done to finally become physical again... at the cost of several Oculi victims along the way.

  [Téo - Trembling & Regretful Voice] Deep down... I'm so afraid of imagining the day she discovers all the terrible things I've done... [Heavy & Angry Sigh] -

  [Victoria - Completely Emotional Whisper] ...Téo. [Deep, Unsteady Breath] -

  Seeing this scene before her eyes, Victoria saw Téo crying in a way that was painful and agonizing - tormented by himself in that moment.

  Without him knowing that she was there, watching and hearing everything from only a few meters away. She observed Téo looking up at the sky of the amusement park and speaking to himself:

  That Victoria was the only person he would do the impossible to reach, even if it were for the last time before he fell into darkness forever.

  [(Victoria - Trembling & Failing Thought) This tightness in my chest when I look at Téo right now... it's that "unknown feeling" again, the one that... (Deep, Emotional Breath)]

  [(Victoria - Trembling & Failing Thought) My older sister, Mia... she told me about it a few days ago during that video call... (Deep, Emotional Breath)]

  Victoria then recalls, before her eyes, several happy and fun memories of the two of them playing at seven years old in school and also at her family's country house, before Téo disappeared after the events three years ago, after he saved her during the earthquake.

  [(Mia's Past Voice - Genuinely Happy & Affectionate) ...Little sister, I think you're experiencing the burn of a very special and "Mysterious Feeling." (Deep, Happy Sigh)]

  [(Victoria's Past Voice - Curious & Confused) "Mysterious Feeling"? (Light, Faltering Sigh)]

  [(Mia's Past Voice - Genuinely Happy & Affectionate) Yes. And because I believe that, I... I will let you discover on your own what this "Mysterious Feeling" is, little sister. (Gentle, Sweet Laugh)]

  The happy and playful smile Victoria remembered from Téo was something that made her feel a soft burning sensation in her chest.

  Added to that was a tightness that only grew during the time Téo had disappeared for three years of her life, before returning just a few weeks ago in the present day.

  [(Victoria's Past Voice - Curious & Confused) Sister! But what if it's some deadly disease? I could drop dead on the floor, and it'll be your fault, do you hear me? You big nuisance! (Ironic & Cheerful Laugh)]

  [(Mia's Past Voice - Genuinely Happy & Affectionate) Don't worry about the tightness in your chest that you told me you also feel whenever you think "about him." (Sweet & Nostalgic Laugh)]

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  [(Victoria's Past Voice - Curious & Confused) Mia, do you promise this "Mysterious Feeling" isn't actually dangerous? (Shy & Curious Laugh)]

  After remembering the many memories that appeared like flashbacks in her mind, Victoria in the present begins moving forward step by step, drawing closer to Téo, who stands only a few meters from her.

  [(Mia's Past Voice - Genuinely Happy & Affectionate) Yes, I promise, little sister. But... (Nostalgic & Happy Laugh)]

  [(Victoria's Past Voice - Curious & Confused) "But" what, Mia? Enough with the mysteries, you nuisance! (Light, Worried Sigh)]

  It was as if her body, instinctively, was guiding her toward Téo, while the continuation of that conversation with her older sister, Mia, echoed through her mind-words spoken a few days earlier, when Victoria had called her through video, confused and afraid.

  [(Mia's Past Voice - Genuinely Happy & Affectionate) But that same tightness in the chest always happens to me, and it will keep happening to you from now on. (Sweet & Nostalgic Laugh)]

  [(Mia's Past Voice - Genuinely Happy & Affectionate) Even after I understood what this "Unknown Feeling" really was years ago, once I discovered who makes my heart beat stronger. (Sweet & Nostalgic Laugh)]

  Along with the growing tightness in her heart-one that intensified with every instant she saw Téo silently crying while looking at the park's night sky-Victoria felt as if his heart were calling to hers somehow.

  As if he were a magnet in that painful, fragile moment for him. He was, in that moment, so distant from the real world, completely lost in his own darkest and most painful thoughts.

  [(Mia's Past Voice - Genuinely Happy & Affectionate) Little sister, this feeling changed my life forever, and I hope "he" changes your life too, for all eternity. (Sweet & Nostalgic Laugh)]

  [(Mia's Past Voice - Genuinely Happy & Affectionate) You're still too young to understand it completely, the way I do now. (Sweet & Nostalgic Laugh)]

  [(Mia's Past Voice - Genuinely Happy & Affectionate) But I'm happy that this "mysterious" feeling is for someone so unique and special in your life, my dear little sister... (Sweet & Nostalgic Laugh)]

  While Téo tried to calm his restless heart and mind by staring at the night sky in the park-and while his Oculi abilities were being released involuntarily around him due to his gradually destabilizing emotions-Victoria.

  In a matter of seconds, surprises him with a single, extremely emotional shout calling his name. And just moments after her voice echoed across that otherwise silent place.

  Victoria finally reaches him, wrapping her arms around him in a strong embrace. She leaves him speechless after hearing that deeply emotional cry of his name.

  [Téo - Whispering, Shocked & Unresponsive] ...Victoria! What are you doing here? [Emotional Breathing] -

  [Victoria - Tearful & Happy Voice] Téo! Listen to what I'm about to tell you, and may your stubborn head never dare forget it again... [Deep, Trembling & Emotional Sigh] -

  Simultaneously, with that gesture that might seem simple to everyone else, his world slows down, and his destabilized abilities gradually begin to normalize.

  His mind, once so agitated, returns to calm, and his Oculi eyes shift back to appearing like normal human eyes. Faced with all this, Téo becomes alarmed at the thought that Victoria may have heard something he had just said.

  Words that had been spoken aloud to himself as a painful outburst, an attempt to calm both his heart and his Oculi abilities.

  Téo hears from Victoria's own mouth her saying something that leaves him stunned, his eyes widening momentarily.

  As tears begin to fall from his eyes and run down his face toward the ground.

  [Victoria - Tearful & Happy Voice] Never you dare think that I will hate you forever, if... [Deep, Trembling & Emotional Sigh] -

  [Téo - Whispered, Incredulous & Numb] Victoria... [Breath Slightly Shaken] -

  [Victoria - Tearful & Happy Voice] ...you tell me what you had to do during those long three years to come back to me again! [Deep, Trembling & Emotional Sigh] -

  At the same time, Victoria seems not only to become a safe haven for Téo and his heart, but Téo also becomes the greatest safe haven for her.

  After his own family, marking a significant moment for both of them from that point onward. Pulling back a few meters reveals the invisible force that emanated from Téo.

  [Victoria - Tearful & Happy Voice] My world lost its colors and became unbearable without you during those three years! [Deep, Trembling & Emotional Sigh] -

  [Téo - Whispered, Completely Emotional] Forgive me, I... I didn't want to lie to you or make you cry again, it's just that... [Broken, Regretful Sigh] -

  [Victoria - Angry & Affectionate Voice] Please... shut up, Téo! [Very Tearful & Emotional Sigh] -

  Once gradually more intense, now becoming calmer in the simple, tight embrace from Victoria.

  After those words ring out, the expression of anger on Victoria's face is obvious, still holding Téo so tightly that she won't let him see her face.

  She is completely embarrassed to be crying at that moment, her heart an ocean of complex feelings that are at once so unique and so special.

  [Victoria - Angry & Affectionate Voice] I will never accept your forgiveness, you big idiot! Even if you beg and beg, and keep doing it for several days, hear me? [Deep, Happy Sigh] -

  One can see that invisible force slightly distorting the environment a few inches around Téo, also enveloping Victoria.

  She feels no discomfort or pain being wrapped by that invisible force. Instead of pain, she experiences the gentle burning of an unfamiliar feeling in her chest that leaves her speechless as she begins to understand what it truly means.

  [Victoria - Angry & Affectionate Voice] You are very, very important to me... you big idiot... [Tearful & Slightly In Love Sigh] -

  Victoria, having confessed this so directly and sincerely, becomes completely embarrassed. However, instead of crying, Téo reveals a happy, slightly trembling smile, deeply moved.

  Simultaneously, Téo looks up at the night sky above the amusement park, feeling his heart warm in a way he understands can only be Victoria.

  She does this for some reason he still wants to understand, because it is such a unique sensation. The lights that had been on throughout the amusement park begin to go out.

  Including all those belonging to the rides that are now empty, for some reason still mysterious to Téo and Victoria, who are there alone in a more secluded part of the park, still embracing.

  [Téo & Victoria - Whispered, Surprised & Confused] ...What's happening to the lights around the park? [Slightly Frightened Sigh] -

  Téo and Victoria, taken by surprise, witness the beginning of what will be the big fireworks show, which occurs one hour before the park closes.

  This is the most beautiful and anticipated moment for those who visit the park during this time of year. The perspective pulls back, focusing on the two of them, admiring the previously dark sky together.

  They hear a high whistling sound of something shooting quickly into the sky, revealing itself as one of the first fireworks that finally explodes into a large luminous pink sphere.

  [Téo & Victoria - Whispered, Impressed & Amazed] How nice, it looks like it's started... [Happy & Excited Sigh] -

  Téo and Victoria, amazed, smile simultaneously at the beauty not only of the explosion in the sky but also at the sparkling embers that continue to glow for a long time, enhancing the spectacle's beauty.

  [Victoria - Whispered, Happy & Embarrassed] Téo, I have to tell you something... [Slightly Broken Sigh] -

  [Fireworks Explosions, Faintly Echoing]

  [Téo - Whispered, Confused & Attentive] ...Yes, what is it? [Happy Sigh] -

  [Fireworks Explosions, Faintly Echoing]

  [Victoria - Whispered, Happy & Embarrassed] Téo... I think my heart has a "certain problem," and I think I know why now... [A Small, Embarrassed Laugh] -

  [Fireworks Explosions, Faintly Echoing]

  [Téo - Whispered, Confused & Attentive] What do you mean your heart has a "certain problem"? [Breath Slightly Worried & Confused] -

  As more and more fireworks rose into the sky, now illuminating the entire park, the visitors-happy with their families-watched in awe, capturing photos of such a beautiful display of lights.

  Victoria's lips formed a smile so timid and, at the same time, so innocent that Téo couldn't fully see it, because she stepped forward once more to hug him again.

  [Victoria - Happy & Embarrassed Whisper] It's like a tight squeeze in my chest... something I feel only when I think about you or when I'm beside you... [Deep Sigh]

  [Fireworks Exploding, Slight Echo]

  [Victoria - Happy & Embarrassed Whisper] I think I finally understand that mysterious "Unknown Feeling" my sister Mia didn't want to tell me about a few weeks ago. [Deep Sigh]

  Victoria gently turned her face to the side, her cheeks taking on a faint pinkish tone, showing just how embarrassed she was about what she was about to say for the very first time.

  [Téo - Confused & Attentive Whisper] "Unknown Feeling"? What are you talking about, Victoria?

  [Fireworks Exploding, Slight Echo]

  [Téo - Confused & Attentive Whisper] Wait-don't say anything else! I'm taking you to the park's infirmary right now, Victoria! [Very Worried Breathing]

  [Fireworks Exploding, Slight Echo]

  [Victoria - Whispering, Very Shy & Embarrassed] Calm down, you big dummy! It's nothing dangerous... [Gentle, Hesitant Breath]

  Victoria then recalled every moment in class-where she and Téo shared the same classroom-and how his smile, his silly jokes.

  And those goofy faces he made just to make her laugh made her feel not only like the luckiest best friend in the world. But also the most important person to him

  Even if he himself didn't realize how meaningful each simple, trivial moment between them truly was-moments filled with affection, attention, and, above all, happiness.

  [Victoria - Very Shy & Deeply Embarrassed Whisper] You're the best friend in the whole world... and I... I feel like everything becomes happier when I'm with you, I... [Soft, Emotional & Affectionate Laugh]

  [Fireworks Exploding, Slightly Echoing & Muffled]

  Victoria replayed in her mind the last few hours inside the amusement park. When she held Téo's hand, that mysterious feeling began to bubble up even more strongly.

  [Victoria - Very Shy & Deeply Embarrassed Whisper] My chest tightens more and more whenever I think about you during class... and even when I'm at home, Téo... [Shy, Trembling Breath]

  [Fireworks Exploding, Slightly Echoing & Muffled]

  Even though Victoria tried to understand what she was feeling-despite being only ten years old-that tightening in her chest kept growing, making her world appear more colorful on such a fun night.

  [Victoria - Very Shy & Deeply Embarrassed Whisper] It's just that... I think it's like in that show "Between Two Worlds." [Anxious, Trembling Breath]

  [Fireworks Exploding, Slightly Echoing & Muffled]

  [Victoria - Very Shy & Deeply Embarrassed Whisper] The one we used to watch so much on TV when we were younger, I... [Anxious, Trembling Breath]

  Téo, always staying by her side-not only having fun with her, but also cheering her up and wanting her to feel truly happy-never realized there was a reason behind his actions.

  It was the same mysterious feeling that both Victoria and Téo wanted to understand better, even though they were still so young-both only ten years old in the present moment.

  A feeling that clearly made them experience that subtle tightening in the chest growing stronger with every new genuine smile, with every joyful look they shared as they enjoyed their time together side by side.

  After everything they had lived through and endured over the last three long years-years that had forever changed their hearts.

  The focus then turned to the shadow on the ground of Victoria and Téo, still embraced, watching together that display of vibrant lights born from the many explosions of the fireworks.

  They both felt simultaneously a unique sensation coursing through every part of their bodies, as if a bolt of light originated in their hearts.

  [Victoria - whispering, very shy & deeply embarrassed] I'm going to say the very same words that were spoken at the end of the cartoon by the heroine, Harumi. The person she felt to be her great "idiot." [Deep breath] -

  [A gentle echo of Victoria's embarrassed, genuinely happy laugh]

  [(Téo - thought, slightly confused & nostalgic) Wait a moment - those words Harumi said in the cartoon were those three words... (tremulous breath & involuntary catch)]

  Up until that exact moment, that uniquely intense feeling had never been experienced even once by either of them; it was something so intense and, at the same time, so comforting, something like a synchronization between them.

  But in reality it was not a mere synchronization of two hearts; it was something deeper and more meaningful, which made them feel the essences behind their existences join together.

  They fell into the same frequency of vibration in response to the feeling they were experiencing for each other, without even being able to fully understand it.

  Amid the sudden, momentary silence of all the fireworks' explosions around them, the two looked into each other's eyes.

  Victoria smiled in such a sweet, tender way, their bodies and clothes lit by the sky and the beautiful colors coming from the fireworks.

  [Harumi (character from the cartoon) - whispering, very timid & very embarrassed] ...I love you, my great idiot. [A shy, passionate little laugh] -

  [Victoria - whispering, very shy & very embarrassed] ...I love you, my great idiot. [A shy, passionate little laugh] -

  After Victoria's words echoed, it seemed as if the world around them had abruptly slowed down to watch one of them - which proved to be Victoria.

  After breathing deeply, as if gathering all the remaining strength she had while still deeply embarrassed.

  She moved again toward Téo. At first it seemed like she would give him another hug, but in a few moments it revealed itself to be something different.

  Victoria gently leaned forward, her face still flushed and ashamed, until she reached his. You could see her rise onto the tips of her toes for a few instants to complete the movement, which left Téo stunned.

  When she finally finished the movement, for a few moments the shadows of their two faces on the ground seemed to merge into a single shadow.

  [Echoing & softly muffled fireworks' explosions]

  The long, beautiful hair of Victoria seemed to dance in the air as a stronger, yet fleeting, breeze swept through the place.

  It stirred the leaves of the trees and brought back the fireworks' explosions in the sky as the normal flow of time was fully restored.

  This made the moment between Victoria and Téo even more magical and meaningful from then on - not so much because of the fireworks but because of what they were discovering together, still innocent and na?ve.

  They were nothing less than the small embers of what would become a new, complex feeling beginning to blossom in their hearts.