Ever since I became friends with Ren, I gained many new friends.
My life started getting better—I had almost forgotten the times when I used to be bullied.
I couldn't even remember the last time I had suffered or cried.
— "Hey, Yumi! How are you?" (Miko)
— "Hi! Everything's great!" (Yumi)
— "Listen… Have you played that new game that just came out?" (Miko)
— "A game? No…" (Yumi)
— "You should download it! We can play together." (Miko)
Games? My phone is only for calls.
I don't even have a console or a computer.
— "Hey, Yumi, did you do the homework?" (Angélika)
— "Yeah, I did!" (Yumi)
— "Can you tell me what's in the fourth exercise?" (Angélika)
— "Sure!" (Yumi)
I only have two close friends—the ones who helped me even before Ren.
I trust them with all my heart.
— "By the way, why do you have such an old phone?" (Angélika)
— "What kind should I have?" (Yumi)
— "Yumi, are you serious? So many new smartphones have come out!" (Angélika)
— "Well… I don't really have much money…" (Yumi)
— "Oh, I see. Well, it's fine without one, I guess." (Angélika)
— "But a new phone would give you so many more options!" (Miko)
— "I don't know…" (Yumi)
— "Alright, guys, I gotta go home. See you later!" (Yumi)
— "See you tomorrow!" (Miko)
— "Bye!" (Angélika)
I left school and took a shortcut.
I usually avoid this path because it's creepy and sketchy—it feels like a den for thugs.
But I wanted to get home quickly—my parents were supposed to visit today!
As I walked, two guys suddenly grabbed me and tried to snatch my bag.
— "C'mon, just give us the bag." (Thug 1)
— "What's the holdup? Is it that hard?" (Thug 2)
— "Oh, a phone? And a cheap one at that!" (Thug 1)
He took my only phone and smashed it against the wall.
— **"Haha, say goodbye to your phone! Don't cry now!"** (Thug 2)
I started crying and screaming for help, but people just walked past—either they didn't hear or they were too scared.
Then, Ren showed up!
— "What the hell are you two idiots doing?" (Ren)
— "What did you just call us?" (Thug 2)
— "We'll turn you into dust!! (Thug 1)
A moment later, my friends arrived.
— "Yumi, are you okay?" (Miko)
— "Oh, they're gonna regret this!" (Angélika)
— "Finally, some fun!" (Angélika)
The thugs weren't happy about the situation and attacked Ren first.
But Ren—apparently skilled in martial arts—fought back with precise strikes.
I watched in awe—his movements were graceful, his hits calculated. He made sure they focused only on him, protecting me and my friends.
Eventually, the thugs realized they were outmatched and ran away.
— "Are you okay?" (Ren)
— "Yeah, I'm fine! But my phone…" (Yumi)
— "They broke it… Well, it's okay." (Ren)
— "Whoa, where did you learn to fight like that, Ren?" (Angélika)
— "Yeah, I'm curious too!" (Miko)
— "That's… a long story." (Ren)
— "Ah, whatever. We should probably go—we'll leave you two alone." (Miko)
— "Yep!" (Angélika)
Ren offered me his hand and said:
— "Let's go somewhere. You're gonna love it!" (Ren)
He took my hand and led me to the mall.
— "Wait here. I'll be right back." (Ren)
He told me to stay near the entrance—maybe he went to buy ice cream or something.
The crowd thinned, the streetlights flickered on, illuminating the spot where I stood.
But Ren still hadn't returned.
Then, someone placed their hands on my shoulders.
I turned around—it was Ren, holding a shopping bag.
— "Here, take this. It's for you." (Ren)
— "Can I look inside now?" (Yumi)
He nodded, and I peeked in.
My jaw dropped.
Inside was the latest, most expensive smartphone released this year.
— "Why would you spend so much on me?" (Yumi)
— "Because I want to!" (Ren)
He smiled at me, and I smiled back.
— "Alright, let me walk you home." (Ren)
— "I'd love that!" (Yumi)