After thinking about what he would do with the second chance he had received for a while, Ryan remembered that today he would start studying in the third year of Mystic Falls High School would begin that day.
He tilted his face toward the digital clock on the counter: there was still a little over an hour left.
Enough time to take a shower and get ready.
He stretched slowly, his well-defined muscles stretching under the golden morning light, and a low sound escaped from his throat, an almost ironic melody that he hummed through his teeth as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Leaving the counter behind, he crossed the room calmly to the hallway that led to the bathroom.
Inside the bathroom, the steam began to spread as soon as he opened the shower faucet. The warm water flowed in perfect lines, hitting against his broad shoulders, sliding down his rigid abdomen that resembled sculpted marble.
Ryan stared at his own reflection in the fogged glass. Fortunately, he hadn't inherited Sukuna's marks on his face and the two extra eyes, but his expression and facial features were identical to those of the King of Curses; he just looked a bit more youthful for being seventeen years old. Only those marks he had on his wrist existed for now, and he could make them disappear if he wanted, which was good; he didn't want to look like a criminal with tattoos on his face in the future; he thought it was ridiculous....
He ran his fingers through his black hair while the water fell, watching the muscles contract and relax under the pale skin. Compared to the worn-out physique, marked by scars from military life, this was like possessing a new weapon in perfect condition, and he appreciated that, silently.
The shower was quick, but more than enough to clean himself.
When he got out, he dried off and dressed calmly.
Gray tailored pants, fitted enough to highlight the line of his legs. A gray shirt as well, simple but elegant. And on top, a light black overcoat that moved with each step, giving him an even more imposing presence.
He adjusted the collar, slid his fingers through his wet hair to toss it lightly back, and, satisfied, walked to the front door with the backpack containing all the necessary materials that his predecessor had bought. He turned the key, crossed the hallway, and went down the elevator to the building's underground garage.
It didn't take long for him to get there.
The underground garage was silent, illuminated only by the cold lamps that reflected on the concrete floor.
And there they were.
On one side, the black 67 Impala, a gift from his parents. The paint shone as if it were new, the dark windows gave it an elegant and imposing air. It was a classic car, drawing attention from anyone who understood the least about automobiles.
On the other, the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34. Black, shining as if it had just come out of a polishing shop.
Ryan stopped between the two vehicles and remained silent for a few seconds.
The memories came naturally to his mind. The Skyline hadn't been handed to him on a silver platter. Every cent had been earned while living in Japan, balancing studies, temporary jobs, and an almost stubborn determination. Buying the car had already been a challenge. Bringing it to Mystic Falls was another even bigger one, full of paperwork, absurd fees, and headaches. But in the end, it was there.
As for the Impala... well, it was a gift from his parents for him coming to live here. A hell of a gift, by the way; they thought he would need a new car because his Skyline would take a while to arrive due to all the import problems, but fortunately, it was faster than expected.
He took the Skyline key out of his pocket and twirled it in his fingers, almost laughing to himself at his own indecision.
"Today it's going to be you...." He said quietly, looking at the Nissan.
In his past life, he had an opportunity to drive a car like that when he was in the army.
In the barracks, cars like that weren't exactly common, even more so in the middle of a desert of dust and the smell of gunpowder. But the colonel was eccentric. He had imported the Nissan just to show off, as if it were a trophy among weapons and medals, and he had earned his trust enough to have the opportunity to drive it.
It was on a stuffy night, during a routine patrol that ended earlier than expected, that the colonel tossed him the keys with a mocking smile; he still remembered those words: "Let's see if you know how to handle something besides a rifle."
Sitting in that leather seat, feeling the engine roar under his feet... that had stirred something in him.
Since then, he had cultivated the desire to have his own.
And in this life, he apparently got it handed to him on a silver platter.
It was somewhat ironic...
He opened the door, settled into the seat, and pulled the door calmly.
The interior had that characteristic smell of new leather mixed with gasoline and an expensive cologne he wore.
He inserted the key into the ignition and turned it.
The engine woke up with a deep rumble, vibrating through the car's body and echoing through the garage.
Ryan rested his hands on the steering wheel, letting his fingers trace the texture of the leather. He gave a light rev, just to hear the noise louder, and a smile escaped; he then put it in gear and left the garage.
The engine's rumble reverberated off the walls of the underground parking lot until it exploded in a metallic echo when he exited onto the street and turned left, leaving the city center and heading toward where the Mystic Falls school was...
The asphalt, still damp from the morning dew, reflected the headlights like a broken mirror.
He drove the car calmly through the roads of Mystic Falls.
The streets were still half empty, only a few residents tending their gardens or leaving for work.
The fresh wind came in through the open window, mixed with the internal smell that always lingered in the car.
There was no rush. Every now and then, he accelerated a bit more just to feel the engine's response, but soon returned to the normal pace. Driving through those narrow, tree-filled streets had its charm, quite different from the hustle of big cities.
Soon, the Mystic Falls High School sign appeared, surrounded by tall trees and the typical movement of a school morning. The main building rose right ahead, with red bricks and wide windows, the same traditional American style he had seen in movies and now faced in real life. The lawn was well-maintained, and some groups of students scattered across the parking lot and the main entrance, chatting animatedly before the bell.
He guided the Skyline to one of the more distant spots, but it didn't help much. The deep rumble of the engine had already turned some heads toward him even before parking. As soon as he turned off the car, he noticed the whispers starting, mixed with curious giggles.
He opened the door and got out calmly, slinging the backpack over his shoulder. The black overcoat contrasted with the sunny morning, but matched his demeanor perfectly. His black hair, still damp, fell in a rebellious way, and his young, handsome face in an almost impossible-to-ignore manner seemed sculpted to draw attention.
It wasn't intentional, but as soon as he stepped out of the car, some conversations simply stopped. The girls, in particular, were the first to stare. Their eyes scanned not just the car different from any other there, but mainly the way Ryan moved: firm, confident, broad shoulders, physique marked by the elegant cut of his clothes. He didn't look like a simple high school student; he looked older, almost like an idol straight out of a stage in Tokyo or Seoul.
A group of girls near the entrance exchanged glances and muffled laughs, trying to disguise their blatant attention. Others just followed with their eyes, without hiding the interest. Some boys, on the other hand, frowned, already uncomfortable with the involuntary comparison. All that went through their minds was that by the car, the guy was rich, handsome, and possessed a natural body that every man would aspire to just by looking. In other words, he was simply perfect; all that was missing was having a big tool, and that wouldn't be too unfair? How would they compete...?
Ryan slung the backpack over his shoulder and, with a dry click, locked the Skyline. The key twirled between his fingers for a moment, in a simple, almost distracted gesture, before being tucked into his pocket.
He took a few steps, feeling the eyes on him. The campus had that typical start-of-class air: mixed conversations, the distant sound of laughter, the noise of sneakers against the cement. The sun filtered through the treetops and reflected on the windows of the main building, illuminating part of the red brick facade.
He followed the paved path that cut through the well-maintained lawn. On one side, a group of athletes already dressed in school jackets followed him with their eyes, some with arched eyebrows, others just exchanging low comments. On the other, some girls who were sitting on the grass stopped fiddling with their phones to watch him walk, laughing among themselves as if they had just gotten a topic for the rest of the morning.
It was then that he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"I can't believe it... Ryan?"
He turned and came face to face with Tyler Lockwood, walking hurriedly beside Matt Donovan. The two had expressions of genuine surprise, but smiled right after.
Those two boys with whom he had spent afternoons playing ball and chatting, now they were there, almost adult men, but still recognizable from what they were as children; Matt's blond hair and blue eyes were unmistakable, and that look of Tyler's like he wanted to cause trouble too.
Now Tyler seemed like the typical popular boy. He was tall, with an imposing physical structure, an athletic body that reflected an active lifestyle often focused on sports. His hair was dark brown, slightly messy, with a casual style, but with a certain "bad boy" vibe; his clothing seemed to add even more to that label—he wore a black leather jacket that complemented his "bad boy" style, with a tighter-fitting t-shirt underneath, and dark jeans that accentuated his posture.
On the other hand, Matt had a more calm and kind vibe. He had a clean and more discreet appearance, with light blond hair and blue eyes that seemed to reflect his more sensitive nature. His body, although athletic, wasn't as muscular as Tyler's, but still strong; he was the type of guy who stood out more for his personality than his appearance, with a more accessible and less pretentious way, always willing to help others. He was dressed in a red polo shirt and dark jeans, with a simple but well-cut style.
"Look who decided to show up," said Tyler, lightly patting his shoulder. "When did you get back, man? We didn't even know."
Ryan sketched a side smile, adjusting the backpack.
"It's been a short time."
Matt approached, visibly excited. "We thought you weren't coming back anymore. Mystic Falls isn't exactly the most fun city in the world."
Ryan gave a light laugh. "Yeah... although it's not the most fun city in the world, I still like it. There are things that never change.."
Tyler crossed his arms, studying him from head to toe. "Well, some things have changed. Just look at you... you can't even compare to the kid we knew."
Matt laughed, agreeing. "You're more like a magazine model than a third-year student."
Ryan shook his head, still smiling, but preferred not to comment. Instead, he let out a: "And you guys? Still the same?"
"Practically," said Matt, shrugging. "I still work after classes to help at home, and Tyler still thinks he's the king of the school."
"Hey," protested Tyler, but in a joking tone. "It's not thinking, it's being. Now, come on, man... let's catch up..."
At the end of his words, he motioned for them to go to the shade of a tree near the parking lot. Ryan followed them, and as soon as they moved away from the bustle,
Matt got straight to the point:
"So, how was life out there? It's been a while since you disappeared."
Ryan leaned against the tree and adjusted the backpack on his shoulder.
"It was good. I worked a lot, studied even more. I managed to save enough money to buy that machine over there." He pointed with his chin to the Skyline, which shone from afar.
The two followed his gaze, and Tyler let out a low whistle. "You're kidding... that's a Skyline R34?"
Matt widened his eyes. "I've only seen it in movies, like Fast and Furious. I can't believe you have one of those."
Ryan laughed, almost enjoying the reaction. "Yeah, but it's not like Brian O'Conner's; his was silver with blue details, this one's all black. I customized it to be more discreet... as much as possible."
Tyler still seemed hypnotized. "Man, what's this got? About 280 horsepower stock? Twin-turbo, inline-six, RB26DETT engine, right?"
"Almost right." Ryan shook his head, correcting. "The original is that, but I changed the engine. Swapped the turbo, tinkered with the ECU, reinforced suspension... today it's running with way more power than the stock 280. It can easily pass 500 horsepower."
Matt let out a nervous laugh. "Five... five hundred? That's racing stuff."
"Yeah." Ryan shrugged, with a half-smile. "But I like the feeling. It's not just the noise, it's the control you feel on the wheel."
Tyler slapped his arm, excited. "It's decided, you're gonna have to let me take it for a spin after class."
"Me too," added Matt, a bit awkwardly, but clearly thrilled.
Ryan just raised his hand in surrender.
"No problem. Just don't crash it, because no insurance covers the emotional value of this machine."
Tyler laughed loudly, and without missing a beat, pulled a football from his backpack. "So let's do this: warm up our arms before class. Twenty minutes is still enough time."
He tossed the ball to Ryan, who caught it easily. The gesture brought a strange sense of nostalgia, memories of carefree afternoons on the neighborhood lawn.
"You still remember how to do it?" Tyler teased.
Ryan smiled sideways. "Wanna bet?"
He tossed the ball to Matt, who grabbed it firmly and laughed. The trio started playing right there, between passes and casual taunts.
They were just three old friends, laughing and playing ball as if nothing had changed.
For Ryan, that had a curious contrast. Sukuna would never stoop to wasting time with a simple game like that; he would feel offended to be among "mortals." But he, no. Playing ball with Tyler and Matt was just... normal. It didn't awaken arrogance or great enthusiasm.
After a few passes, Tyler tucked the ball under his arm and shot a suspicious look.
"Okay, but now tell the truth, man. How did you get that Skyline? Don't give me an easy story, because that car costs a fortune."
"Besides normal jobs. I worked as a model for a while. Made some right investments too. Nothing too glamorous, just... it worked."
Matt laughed softly, shaking his head.
"That explains a lot. The clothing style, the hair always in place... man, you look like you just came from a photoshoot."
"Don't exaggerate." Ryan shrugged.
"Oh, come on." Matt insisted, with a amused smile. "With that appearance, I bet you've dated half the girls in Japan."
Ryan let out a brief, almost ironic laugh. "I dated a few, yeah. But nothing serious. I never stayed in one place for long, so it didn't make sense to tie myself down."
Tyler raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile appearing: "Oh... I see our big guy hasn't forgotten the girls from Mystic Falls. Which one were you in love with again? Bonnie? Caroline? Or Elena? You still like one of them?"
For a moment, Ryan stayed silent. The smile faded as he shook his head slowly, remembering his predecessor's memories of that night when everything had gone off the rails with the three...
"No, Tyler. That's in the past."
Tyler twirled the ball between his hands and looked at Matt with a half-provocative smile.
"Good, I think if you went after Elena, Matt would be sad. Since she dumped him not too long ago..."
Matt's face closed immediately, his blue eyes shifting to the ground as if he wanted to end the subject right there.
Ryan arched an eyebrow, staring at him with curiosity. "Really?"
Matt let out a short, humorless laugh, shaking his head lightly. "Yeah, but it didn't work out. Thanks for reminding me, Tyler...."
"Sorry, man." Tyler grumbled.
Matt took a deep breath and turned his gaze back to Ryan, trying to resume the mood. "Anyway... let's leave that talk behind. We have better things to talk about, like catching up with you. How long has it been since I last saw you? Almost... four years?"
"Three and a half, around there." Ryan adjusted the backpack on his shoulder and gave a half-smile. "Enough time to seem like a whole lifetime."
Tyler nodded, tossing the ball back to Matt. "Yeah. A lot has changed around here in that time. But some things stay the same... and you'll notice quickly."
Ryan received another pass from Tyler, twisted his body, and tossed the ball back to Matt. The gesture came out light, without effort, but firm. After a few minutes, he stopped, breathing deeply, and lowered his head in a half-smile.
"Okay, that's enough for today. I don't want to enter the classroom sweaty on the first day."
Tyler laughed. "You're afraid of messing up your hair, admit it."
Ryan just shook his head, ignoring it, and walked to where he had left the backpack, hung on the low branch of the tree. He slung the strap over his shoulder and adjusted the overcoat.
It was then that his eyes caught a blond figure passing by the steps of the school's main entrance. The golden hair reflected the morning sun, and even from afar, he recognized her immediately. Caroline Forbes, animated as always, chatting with some friends while walking into the building.
Ryan stayed silent for a few seconds, observing, before letting out a short breath. Then he turned to Tyler and Matt.
"I forgot to take care of something before class. See you later."
He didn't give many explanations. He just walked away with firm steps, crossing the lawn in the opposite direction from the main entrance.
Tyler twirled the ball between his hands and looked at Matt, raising an eyebrow.
"Did you understand any of that?"
Matt shook his head, without taking his eyes off Ryan. "Not at all."
The two exchanged glances for a moment, divided between curiosity and the fear of asking. But in the end, they just let the subject die there.
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