Narrator's POV

Once on a chilly night of August 24, there were two kids who were together in a kid's playground. The kid with a teal hair yelled at his pink-haired buddy as they both ran around the swings, slides and seesaws.

"Can't catch me Edra!" Raziri, the little boy with the pink hair sheepishly yells at his friend.

E'rald, the teal-haired kid's name, smirks at his remark. He then dashed further, catching up to Raziri's pace. E'rald successfully tagged his friend. "Hah! You're it!"

"Oh man." Raziri then slowly but tirelessly falls down on the ground, admitting defeat.

"Yes! I won." E'rald exclaimed with a delighted tone. "Buy me ice cream tomorrow." He went beside Raziri and sat down.

"You always keep winning. This is the third time you've won." Raziri pouted.

"Well like I said, I'm always faster than you." E'rald replied.

"Yea, yea. What flavor do you want?"

Raziri and E'rald both continued to talk and bicker, back and forth. At times, they'd laugh loudly because E'rald would crack up jokes for Raziri. Their smiles bring them both warmth and comfort, as if the only place lighting up the playground was just him and his friend. But obviously, there are lights around. It's just, surprisingly dim.

"We should head back now." E'rald says.

"Yea, I think we should go - wait, what is that?"

Raziri spotted a tall, dark yet distorted figure across E'rald's back.

"What? What do you mean 'what is - Oh no."

E'rald's eyes looked at the figure in fear. His heart began to pump loudly and fast. He hurriedly grabbed Raziri's hand, pulling him away and making a run for it. Raziri, still in shock at what's going on, asks E'rald.

"Edra, who was that?"

Raziri was not given a response.

They just continued running, and running, and running.

Raziri lets go of E'rald's grasp. He noticed he was completely silenced by him.

"Edra, please, tell me what's going on. I'm - "

"You are the reason why."

Raziri gasped. He covered his mouth and his foot stepped back from what he heard.

"E-edra. . . ."

"You. Ever since I met you, this keeps happening to me."

E'rald looked at Raziri with a menacingly dark look, and his eyes looked entirely in black hue. He stomped towards Raziri. The pink-haired kid began to run, but he tripped.

"I should've never met you. If only I never met you."

Raziri looked at E'rald in fear, and saw him holding a stone. "No, no, no, E'rald! Stop!"

E'rald didn't listen. He stepped on Raziri's leg as the pink-haired lad yelled in pain. Tears started falling from his eyes, while looking at his friend in disbelief. "E'rald. . ."

"We should've never met at all."

Suddenly, E'rald raised the stone, then hastily lowered his hand - smashing the rock onto Raziri. The latter screamed in pain.

"AH!" Raziri's body jolted as he woke up in panic.

It was a nightmare, another one at that.

Raziri took a few deep breaths. "That was, traumatizing."

He then looked around his room. He wore himself in pajamas, the clock was striking at 4:35 in the morning, and the dimmed photo facing him. He took a deep sigh while his hand pinched his forehead.

"Why did I dream of that? A new one at that."

Raziri began to wonder, why is he having this nightmare. And surprisingly, it's the dawn of the same date in his nightmare - August 24.

Raziri's POV

Last night really gave me a fright. It felt so. . . real, which is odd.

Plus, I haven't seen E'rald in a while now.

During my teenage era, he suddenly moved to another place. Wherever he may be, he left without telling me a farewell or goodbye. It was around August too. It's strange how my nightmare is involving that guy, but only that one. The rest were different.

We were good friends though, yea. Maybe I'm the only one who thinks that way but as far as I remember, we had great friendship chemistry. Like, AS IN GREAT FRIENDS, and friendship.

It's just that, he left, as I previously mentioned. Not a word at all or anything.

Since time has evolved at a very surprisingly fast pace, I got my new phone during my 18th birthday. I tried searching his name in every possible social media platform that ever existed, and found none. Like, zero results, which is also strange.

I could think that maybe he changed his name? But it's still not helping me since I don't know his presumably 'new name'.

It's now 7 in the morning. I'm heading to the university despite my sudden headache. I don't like drinking painkillers either, 'cause I believe that when I won't have any classes later, then sleep will be its remedy.

And yes, I say that there might not be classes because sometimes, the professor of the 7:30 AM schedule switches to asynchronous mode, sometimes. Our professor is very busy this week as he's assisting and assessing many teacher-trainees this semester.

Oh did I mention that it's almost the end of classes? So yes, that's prolly the second reason.

We have about, two class sessions left before the final exams week - which is next week - and yea. Everyone's not excited about it, including me.

On the bright side, I get to have the time to work later evening.

My destination is now in sight, and I got off the bus. Already finished paying my fee earlier.

I headed to a nearby convenience store to buy some load or data, in order to access the online learning materials if ever professor had sent some.

Afterwards, I went into the campus.

Walking is a no-probs for me no matter how far the classrooms are. What's annoying is the time scheduled for students to arrive in that certain classroom. Imagine this, have a class on Room 101 located on the first floor. Then, the next class will be at Room 1101 located on the eleventh floor and arrive between 1 -2 minutes.

Okay, my bad if I don't workout daily. Just doing light exercises like walking and stretching.

Sure, we can use the elevator but it's the policy of 'first come, first serve' that happens. The lineup is very long and waiting for your turn to ride takes a lot of time. Luck is never on my side either.

Well, that's 'is' annoying if our professor won't give us an allocation time of like, 5-7 minutes to arrive in class. Some of the students, including me will use the stairs. Some teachers too, which is why thankfully all professors give us around the aforementioned minutes to arrive in class if our class' distance is an extremely breath-taking one.

No pun intended on the breath-taking. I am now at the 5th floor, heading my way up to the 7th floor using the stairs. The elevator lineup is long again.

Occasionally I take deep breaths, like right now.

Hooh!

This is so many steps.

After a few minutes, I finally arrived at my designated classroom - Room 703.

I went inside and saw some of my classmates sitting in their chairs and conversing. Others sat on the table or leaning their back on the wall towards a friend they're talking to.

It is, as noisy as a public market.

Someone then called out my name. I looked at whoever they were and saw Navyx, one of close friends.

Navyx waved at me with a smile. Honestly, he looks weird, which is why I have a crunchy expression towards him.

As I walked my way to his seat, I then sat beside him.

"You know you kinda looked ugly earlier."

"Me?" Navyx pointed at himself. "I only waved at you."

"Yea but whenever you smile at me, it's somewhat suspicious."

"How is that related to me looking kind of ugly?"

"Yea sorry, I meant a weirdo."

"I'll take that as a compliment 'cause I am in a good mood right now."

I raised a brow. "What happened?"

"I bumped into someone earlier and ooh-la-la, he looked so charming."

Oh right, I forgot to state that Navyx is gay, and so am I. The difference between me and him? He's an extrovert, I'm an introvert. He has no shame in expressing his suspicious ideas to me, while I endure the suffering of listening to it. That's only if he saw some handsome guy at his naked sight I guess.

"Who was it?"

Navyx scrolled on his phone while whistling, then showed me a photo of a somewhat familiar guy wearing a basketball attire, facing sideways.

I looked at him with dead eyes. "You gotta be kidding me."

"Oh come on!" Navyx exclaimed. "It's really him! He looks more hot not wearing his glasses."

"Yes 'cause he's a scholar and -"

Navyx cut me off. "Did you just admit that he's hot?"

I pointed at the photo he showed with a poker-face. "He is."

Honestly this is all gossip from my dear gay friend so I'll just 'mute' up the rest of our conversation.

*Ding!*

My phone suddenly notified. I checked what it was and found the professor's message popped up. It's another class announcement with the learning materials for us to read and some other messages.

The most notable message was this :

[Due to my recent schedule, I will have all my class sessions in asynchronous learning mode until the semester break. Please study all the learning materials attached. Contact me through our GC during appropriate consultation hours.]

Majority of my classmates were yelling a loud 'YES!', including Navyx.

"Let's go somewhere~"

Navyx then suddenly pulled my arm. Good thing I did not remove my backpack behind me.

Guess I should cancel my sleeping session. Maybe.

[ Inside a Cafe ]

Nav and I are now inside a cafe near the university. Not many students are here yet so we were able to occupy a seat. Usually this place gets crowded when our seniors finish their class sessions too or during lunch time.

"Hey Nav, I had a weird nightmare again."

He sips his iced coffee with a worrying look. "You've had several nightmares already. Like yesterday, you dreamt of puppies and kittens getting eaten by a giant snake. You also had the shadow stalker thing, the kitchen burning down, the car crashing at you. Man."

My friend sighed. "It's crazy how you have those nightmares. Did you watch or read something horror everyday?"

"No." I replied sternly, sipping my iced tea. "I never watch those horror stuff."

"Yea, I tried influencing you." Navyx pouted.

I raised my middle finger at him with another stern face. He just laughed.

"So, my nightmare was this. I was with my childhood friend when I was a kid. We hung out at this kid's playground while playing tag. Then we both talked until my friend saw this dark distorted figure." While I was telling him this, my index finger kept pointing left and right alternatively.

"Did you see it too?" He asked.

"Yea, right after he pulled me away and ran. Surprisingly, I can't remember its exact form. It's all a blur now." I scratched my forehead.

"It's a good sign that you don't remember, so let it be now." Navyx then raised his hand. A waiter arrived and took notes of the new order Nav instructed at him.

As the waiter went off, Nav gave me 'the' look. "He looks cute."

"Oh please. You say that to every man you compliment as that." I waved right in front of his face to shoo those thoughts away.

After that, I continued with the dark transformation of my childhood friend and him smashing a stone on me. Nav looked terrified and asked if maybe I should see a psychiatrist or something. I told him I'll be fine, maybe one day the nightmares will go away.

Nav offered me to chat with him when I needed someone to talk to. I feel grateful that he's my friend.

We just continued talking about other stuff.

Not long, we parted ways then headed home.

I waited for the commute to arrive when I noticed a familiar figure from the distance.

This guy was wearing a gray sweatshirt and sunglasses, grayish-black denim pants and very expensive-looking shoes. However, I paid most attention to what strike him out the most, his light bluish teal hair.

That might be. . .

E'rald?

Sadly, the moment I was about to take a dashing step to him, the commuting bus suddenly appeared and stopped right in front of me. I immediately went inside and sat by the window to see if it was really him.

Surprisingly, he vanished.

Was I daydreaming then? That can't be right. It really looked like he was there.

Whoever that was, I must find him. I have to talk to E'rald.

Narrator's POV

"Sire, we've located your friend. He is in this university."

A young male adult with his hair mixed with light blue and teal glances at the university. He's now riding in a black-windowed private vehicle.

"I went outside a bit to check if he was there but I guess I didn't found him at the right time huh."

The young lad ordered the driver to go as he had to come back to his residence soon.

"Will you come back here sire?" Lei, his butler asked.

"Yes. I must find Raziri. I hope he's doing alright. Those nightmares will continue to make him suffer if I don't help him."

The young lad sighed.

"Escort him if anyone sees Raziri. Bring him to me outside the premises."

The driver and the butler nodded.

Raziri's POV

"Manager, I'm heading out!"

"Take care on the way Raziri."

I smiled at the manager and closed the door. Then I cautiously looked left and right to cross the road.

Thankfully, there were not many vehicles at this late evening hour.

Oh right, where am I right now? Let's just say somewhere in the 'heart' of the city, who's also heading home after finishing my shift. Yes, I am a part-timer in a cafe-slash-flower shop.

Currently I am heading towards the mall to buy a bit of groceries. Looks like some of my supplies ran out.

And, there's the mall in view! Oh wait, what should I buy again?

Narrator's POV

Raziri went to the side before he placed his bag on his chest and opened it. He found his notebook, skimmed a few pages 'til he found what he needed.

"Not that many ey? Nice."

As he was about to walk inside, a sudden strong breeze arrived. He shivered. Some of Raziri's hair covered his glasses.

"Didn't check the weather today." He clicked his tongue. "Should've brought my jacket."

He headed towards the mall's entrance and entered.

Around 12 minutes later, Raziri went out of the mall with some tote bags containing his groceries and other necessities.

"I may or may not have been distracted at the stationary and winery aisle. Oh well."

He smiled. "I got what I needed."

He walked across the road safely arriving the other sidewalk.

As he turned to a side, he suddenly halted out of reflex.

A black expensive-looking car stopped right beside him.

He should've ran away.

He did attempt to run, but it was too late. Someone blocked him from leaving.

"Greetings, Mr. Raziri."

Raziri slightly jolted in fear, tightly gripping his groceries. He turned to face the person who addressed him.

He saw a man dressed in a butler attire, looking like in his 40's or 50's. The rest who were with him, about 3 more people, were bodyguards.

The butler cleared his throat. "This is not what it looks like. However, we kindly request that you come with us."

Raziri couldn't hide the fear expressed on his face. He knew running away while holding his groceries is most likely impossible to escape, as he doesn't run fast.

"What will happen to me if I come with you?" Raziri asked with hesitation.

"You won't be harmed, and my master will be very delighted to see you." The butler responded.

He looked at his watch. "We can't keep him waiting. Please head inside."

Raziri sighed. He eyed one of the bodyguards with a stern look before he entered the vehicle. The bodyguard who blocked him entered next and sat right beside Raziri. He closed the door.

The butler also sat beside Raziri, while two of the bodyguards sat at the front seats — one is the driver.

Engines on, the car drove off. Raziri closed his eyes while gently getting slammed on his back due to the sudden speed. He still tightly held his groceries.

"Pardon us for doing this unexpectedly." The butler spoke again towards Raziri. "We are, however, delighted for your cooperation. The young master will also be very delighted. He's been looking for you."

Raziri raised a brow and looked at the butler. "May I know who is your young master?"

"You'll meet him soon as you arrive sir." The butler smiled at him.

"I understand your wary, but fear not. He won't harm you, nor do we." The driver suddenly responded too which gave Raziri another slight jolt.

"I'll pretend I take their word for it." Raziri thought. "Just to be safe."

The butler clears his throat. "My apologies for not introducing myself. I am Mr. Lei."

"Lei?" Raziri looked at him questioningly. "I think I've heard that name before. . ."

Lei, the butler smiled at him. "It's an honor to finally meet you, Mr. Raziri."

The butler thought that despite him not meeting Raziri, he knew how great of a friend he is towards the master he serves. The young master was, and still is, quite fond of him.

It did raise Lei a question; what of Raziri has the young master found himself fond of him?

Meanwhile Raziri, now looking at the front, tries to discreetly reach his phone in his pocket. His attempt failed as he heard a hum from the bodyguard beside him.

The bodyguard was looking intently at Raziri even if he was wearing shades. The young lad concluded that every move he tries to or he does so, he'll have to face the consequences through this bodyguard and the rest who were with him.

In mind, he heavily sighed. He still wonders who this young master is, and why is Mr. Lei's name familiar to him.

He focused his attention again at the front.

[ Premises of the Mansion ]

After passing through a ton of eerie-looking trees, the car arrived in front of a ginormous metal gate, with some slight rust and hanging vines on it.

Raziri softly yet discreetly gulped. He was anxious. He tried to calm himself down by breathing slowly yet deeply.

Not more than a minute, the gates slowly opened with a creaking sound. The car drove forward as an opening was enough to make it pass through it.

"We've arrived." Mr Lei gleefully says.

Raziri only continued to watch what appears to be the greatest mansion he's ever seen in his entire life. He questioned himself about its location, but it was disregarded as the car suddenly halted.

They arrived at the mansion's main entrance.

"Woah." Raziri couldn't hold back the awe escaping from his lips, although he was still terrified.

"This way sir." Mr. Lei said.

Raziri blinked, then watched the car drive off. He then followed Mr. Lei who walked ahead into the mansion. He also saw the two bodyguards on his sides, guarding him.

Their presence is intimidating. Raziri thought. I think their young master is, too.

Mr. Lei led them all in the living room. A shadow of a young man staring at the fireplace was seen, and he appeared to be as young as Raziri's. Just the height that's different, and their hair length.

Raziri nervously picked up the rhythm with his eyes glistening towards the young individual right in front of him. How could he not remember that reflective bluish-teal hair?

"We've finally meet again."

The lad turned to face the people he was waiting for, most especially his one awaited guest.

"Raziri."

His eyes so earnestly landed on Raziri's, to which he noticed the expression of shock onto the pink-haired lad's expression.

"E'rald. . ." Raziri muttered.

"It's been a while. I've been looking for you."

Raziri was at a loss of words. He could only look at him with surprise and disbelief. His best friend whom he always looked forward to hanging out with when they were teenagers and suddenly disappeared without a trace nor a goodbye, is now standing right in front of him.

A slight heartache was what Raziri felt in his chest. Still, he was relieved to see his old best friend.

"Let's head to the table. I'm sure you're very hungry, seeing you with those groceries you bought."

Raziri looked at the bags he held. He sighed. "I can't throw these away you know,"

"Never said you have to." E'rald chuckled on Raziri's reasoning. He walked closer to Raziri and grabbed his grocery bags. "Let's have them placed in my fridge. Shall we go now?"

Raziri looked at him again with a neutral face. He took back the grocery bag E'rald held. "Lead the way."

E'rald only smiled, then turned his way towards another door in the room. Mr. Lei went beside him, and Raziri followed.

Raziri noticed the two guards standing still at the entrance. "Guess that place was their assigned spot." He thought.

A few minutes later, the three individuals reached the dining room. A large table was in the middle of the room with a couple of well-designed chairs. E'rald sat on a chair facing back a window, while Raziri sat at the opposite side of him. E'rald ordered Mr. Lei to put Raziri's groceries in the fridge and serve the meals. The butler nodded, then walked away.

"I hope my presence isn't making you uncomfortable." E'rald talked to him.

"Why would I be?" Raziri responded neutrally while looking down at the table. "I am surprised though. To think I'd see you again. . ."

Raziri thought that he was indeed looking for him and he should feel at least a bit of happiness, so why did he only feel disappointed?

"Forgive me if I left without a word." E'rald said with his sad tone while looking at Raziri. He noticed the lad not looking at him.

Raziri nodded. "You had your reasons. I'm just glad to see you're alive and well."

He then drank the water in a glass cup placed beside him. He then looked at E'rald."So, how have you been and why am I here?"

"I'm doing well, thank you for asking." E'rald softly smiled at him, then he sighed. "As to why you're here, you will stay and live in this mansion with me."

Raziri's eyes widened. "Say what?"

E'rald chuckled. "I could repeat what I said if you badly want to hear it."

Raziri glared at him. "Sorry, I thought I misheard."

"Not at all." E'rald smiled at him with reassurance. "You are wondering why I said such a thing, but it'll benefit the both of us."

"How exactly will me living together with you, benefit the both of us?" - Raziri

"Have you had nightmares lately?" - E'rald

Raziri fell silent a bit before responding. "Yes, I've had."

"Every August, isn't it?" - E'rald. Raziri nodded.

"Yea, and?" - Raziri

"I can erase your nightmares, temporarily." - E'rald

Raziri blinked. "How can you do that?"

"Pardon my intrusion sire." Mr. Lei then appeared with a cart full of meals. Raziri couldn't help but look at the dishes with a delightful look as they seem very tasty.

"When it comes to food, your face softens up." E'rald thought while looking at Raziri. "And it's been the cutest thing I've never forgotten about you."

Mr. Lei gracefully lifted up and placed all the dishes accordingly, only putting the dishes to where the two young lads are sitting. He then bows down. "Please do enjoy your meals sire." Then, he pushes the cart and walks out of the room.

"Back then, have you met my butler, Ri?"

Raziri was about to feed himself but he instantly halted. "No, I don't remember seeing him back then." He was surprised to be called by his old nickname but he disregarded nonetheless. He proceeded to do what he was doing.

"Right. He only heard about you from me." E'rald responded while also scooping a spoonful of his meal.

Raziri almost choked at what he said. E'rald noticed so he quickly came over to Raziri's side, asking him if he was alright.

Raziri took a few coughs, then glared at E'rald as he noticed the lad softly laughing at him. They had a friendly bickering afterwards.

Mr. Lei who was listening to them both discreetly smiled. "I see why you're fond of him young master." Then in his mind, he wishes his young master good luck.