"Hey, Xian, you're here?" Jonathan from the opposing team called out, a hint of surprise in his voice.
I nodded, taking my position at the end of the rope. "Yeah, just be careful," I taunted, a playful grin spreading across my face.
The student council member acting as referee placed his foot on the middle of the rope to prevent any premature pulling. "Okay, everyone ready? If this middle marker crosses to one of your sides, it's a win," he explained, his voice booming across the field.
Everyone nodded, their grips tightening on the rope. I glanced around, noticing the crowd's attention focused intently on our team. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. It wasn't just about winning the game; it was about proving that we, the so-called underdogs, were capable of greatness.
Imagine... super strength, I thought, visualizing my muscles bulging with superhuman power.
"Ready... set... PULL!"
The referee's whistle pierced the air, and the tug-of-war began. The opposing team, fueled by their initial arrogance, pulled with all their might, their muscles straining and their faces contorted in effort. The rope stretched taut, the marker inching closer to their side.
But then, I activated my imagined strength. My muscles rippled with newfound power, my grip on the rope tightening like a vice. With a mighty heave, I pulled back, the rope snapping taut and the marker reversing its course with surprising speed.
My teammates, surprised by the sudden shift in momentum, rallied with renewed energy. Their cheers echoed across the field as they pulled in unison, their combined strength now bolstered by my superhuman contribution.
The opposing team struggled to maintain their grip, their confidence crumbling as the marker inched closer and closer to our side. Their faces, once smug and self-assured, were now etched with disbelief and desperation.
I, on the other hand, remained almost stationary, a smirk playing on my lips as if they were all pulling a mountain with their feeble hands.
"Kyaa! Senior Xian~" a chorus of girls' voices squealed from the sidelines, their admiration evident.
I couldn't help but chuckle at their enthusiasm. It seemed my display of strength had earned me some unexpected fans. But my focus remained on the task at hand. With one final, powerful pull, we yanked the rope across the line, securing our victory.
The referee blew the whistle, signaling the end of the match. Our team erupted in cheers, their faces alight with joy and triumph. We had proven the doubters wrong, showcasing the true meaning of teamwork and determination.
"Yeahhh! We win!" Marcel yelled, and the others started jumping around in celebration.
Well, technically, it was mostly me... but sure, they can share the win, I chuckled to myself, a warm feeling spreading through my chest.
As the celebrations died down, we gathered our belongings and headed back to the main festival area. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the sounds of music, laughter, and the enticing aroma of food stalls. Students milled about, enjoying the various games and activities on offer. The vibrant energy of the festival was infectious, lifting my spirits and reminding me of the simple joys of being a teenager.
"Hey Xian, let's go check out the food stalls!" Marcel suggested, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
I nodded, my stomach rumbling in agreement. "Sounds good. I'm starving."
We joined the throng of students, navigating our way through the crowded pathways. The food stalls offered a tantalizing array of treats, from savory grilled skewers to sweet cotton candy and colorful shaved ice. The air was thick with the delicious smells of cooking food, making my mouth water.
We sampled various delicacies, our laughter echoing through the festive atmosphere. It was a welcome respite from the challenges and dangers of my double life, a reminder of the simple joys that made life worth living.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the schoolyard, the festival reached its climax with the announcement of the play competition winners. The anticipation was palpable as the judges took to the stage, their faces serious as they prepared to announce the results.
Many classes received prizes from the student council and were given a champion cup for each sport they won, just like IM and I, and others.
Finally, the moment of truth arrived. The head of the student council raised their voice, capturing everyone's attention. "Okay, after everything we've seen today, the MVP of this entire festival is... Class 11-4!"
A wave of cheers and applause erupted from the crowd, the students of Class 11-4 jumping and hugging each other in celebration. I couldn't help but grin, a sense of pride swelling in my chest. It was a team effort, of course, but I knew my contributions had played a significant role in our victory. The thrill of competition, the satisfaction of pushing my limits, and the joy of sharing this moment with my friends - it was a feeling I wouldn't soon forget.
Marcel slapped me on the back, his grin wide and infectious. "We did it, Xian! We're the MVPs!"
I laughed, returning his high-five with a hearty slap. "We sure are," I agreed, my gaze sweeping over the jubilant crowd. It was a moment of pure joy, a celebration of friendship, teamwork, and the indomitable spirit of youth. The energy in the air was palpable, a testament to the power of shared accomplishment.
IM, beside me, leaned back on a chair, a tired but contented smile on his face. He had given his all on the basketball court, and his exhaustion was a badge of honor.
"Both of you, take the MVP cup and prize," Monica suggested, her voice soft but firm. She leaned her head on my shoulder, her gesture a silent acknowledgment of our shared victory. "You guys worked harder than anyone else."
I felt a warmth spread through me at Monica's gesture, a subtle reminder of the bond we shared. It wasn't just about the powers and the missions; it was about the connections we forged, the friendships we nurtured amidst the chaos. Even in the midst of battling evil and facing unimaginable threats, there was still room for laughter, camaraderie, and the simple joy of being together.
"Hmm... should I?" I asked, turning to IM, a playful glint in my eyes.
"Let's go take it, Xian, together," he said with a grin. "The cup can't walk alone."
I chuckled and stood up, the warmth of Monica's touch lingering on my shoulder like a comforting embrace. Together, IM and I made our way to the stage, the cheers of our classmates and the admiring glances of the crowd following us every step of the way. The spotlight bathed us in its warm glow, a symbol of our achievement and the recognition we had earned.
As we stood on the stage, the student council president handed us the gleaming MVP cup and a certificate of recognition. The applause grew louder, the sense of accomplishment washing over us like a tidal wave. IM and I exchanged a triumphant grin, a silent acknowledgment of our shared victory and the bond we had forged through our adventures as the Unveiled Family.
In that moment, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for my friends, my family, and the extraordinary abilities that allowed me to make a difference in the world. I was The Imaginary, a superhero, a protector of the innocent. But I was also Xian, a teenager, a friend, a son. And in that moment, both identities merged seamlessly, creating a sense of wholeness and purpose that filled me with a quiet joy.
***
Back home, we settled into a comfortable routine, taking a much-needed break from our superhero duties. With Elang now part of the team, we had an extra pair of hands to help with missions, allowing us to enjoy some downtime.
[Dove: @Xian, @IM, are you both coming or not? I've heard about your school festival and that you guys did a lot there]
I looked at the message on my phone and nodded, starting to type a reply.
[Me: I'm taking a few days off]
[IM: Me too, I am tired now... I want to sleep all day]
I chuckled, shaking my head at IM's predictable response. He had always been the one to prioritize rest and relaxation, a stark contrast to my own restless nature.
[Dove: Alright, then. Enjoy your break, you two deserve it!]
Ting! Another notification popped up, this time from Hanna.
[Hanna: Xian Xian, are you ready for tomorrow?]
[Me: To Singapore? But should I really go with you guys?]
[Hanna: I already forced you, and yes you should!]
I sighed, a smile tugging at my lips. Hanna's enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn't deny that the idea of attending her concert in Singapore was exciting. It would be a chance to see her perform live, to witness the culmination of her hard work and dedication.
[Me: Okay, okay. I'll be ready.]
[Hanna: Yay! I'm so excited! I'll see you tomorrow then!]
[Me: See you.]
I put my phone down, a sense of anticipation building within me. Tomorrow, I would be stepping into Hanna's world, a world of music, lights, and adoring fans. It was a far cry from my usual life as The Imaginary, but I was looking forward to the change of pace.
IM, who was sitting on his bed beside me, looked over and chuckled. "Don't worry, I'll take care of the Unveiled while you're gone. You can go enjoy your time, Mr. Imaginary," he said, a playful glint in his eyes.
I laughed, nudging him playfully. "Thanks, IM. I appreciate it. But don't get into too much trouble while I'm gone."
"No promises," he replied with a mischievous grin. "But I'll try my best."
The next day arrived, bringing with it a mix of excitement and nerves. I woke up early, eager to start my journey to Singapore. After a quick breakfast and a heartfelt goodbye to my mom, I headed to the airport, my suitcase in tow.
Arriving at the airport, I spotted Hanna hiding behind her mask, surrounded by her fellow idol group members. They were waving excitedly towards me, their smiles visible even from a distance.
I walked towards them, my own smile widening in anticipation.
Cherry, a girl with bright pink hair, greeted me with a smile that reached her eyes. "We meet again.... um..."
"Xian," I supplied, filling in the blank.
"Yeah, Xian!" she exclaimed, her smile widening. "But seriously, should you really be going with us...?" she asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Well... Hanna really wanted you to go, so... yeah, why not?" Charlotte chimed in, her tone light and encouraging.
Hanna just chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Heheheh."
Bonk! Charlotte playfully slapped Hanna's head.
"Hey!" Hanna protested, rubbing the spot where she'd been hit.
"Don't laugh," Charlotte admonished, though a smile played on her lips.
Annie walked closer, her eyes glued to her phone. "Come on, the private jet is already there. The manager's waiting."
Private jet... I raised my eyebrow, a mix of surprise and curiosity swirling within me.
I followed the group through the bustling airport terminal, my suitcase trailing behind me. The prospect of flying on a private jet was both exciting and slightly intimidating. I had never experienced such luxury before, and I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like.
We reached a secluded section of the airport, where a sleek, black jet awaited us on the tarmac. Its polished exterior gleamed under the bright lights, a symbol of wealth and privilege. A uniformed crew member stood at the bottom of the stairs, greeting us with a polite smile.
"Welcome aboard, ladies and gentlemen," he said, his voice smooth and professional. "Please follow me."
We ascended the stairs, stepping into the luxurious interior of the jet. Plush leather seats, polished wood paneling, and ambient lighting created an atmosphere of refined elegance. It was a world away from the cramped commercial flights I was used to.
As we settled into our seats, Hanna turned to me with a wide grin. "So, what do you think?"
I nodded, impressed by the opulence. "How fast is this jet?" I asked, curiosity piqued.
Hanna looked at her friend Cherry and asked, "How fast is this one?"
"Umm... I don't know?" Cherry replied, shrugging.
"500 miles per hour," Sophia added confidently.
500 miles per hour... that's slow. I can fly at the speed of light... I thought, a hint of amusement flickering across my face as I gazed out the window at the world below.
< Chapter 169 > Fin.