Denis' POV

     After a hectic day and night spent convincing my parents of the reality of Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, and Felix, I now lie on the bed, clad in comfortable pyjamas. Beside me, Harris lies, his gaze fixed on the pristine white ceiling. In unison, we contemplate who will break the silence with conversation. Just as I prepare to speak, Harris shifts his gaze towards me, his words flowing forth in a serene and gentle tone.

"Huh, so you're one tough man, courting a lady," Harris told me.

My eyes widened as I was uncertain of how to respond to that statement. "Heh, yeah," I replied timidly.

"Tell me, how long have you been courting her?" Harris inquired.

I looked down momentarily. "...Well, we met at my high school. It turns out we were classmates for twelfth grade. We... uh... you see... we started off as friends, going around the place, like the mall and so on. And somehow, I just felt this feeling I wanted to be with her. So, I asked her out for a courtship, and she agreed. And ever since then, we have hung around often, visiting cafes and amusement parks like Enchanted Kingdom. As of now... I've been courting her for a year and a half," I answered sincerely. But as I gazed into Harris' golden orbs, I noticed the lack of shimmering light reflecting. I felt slightly concerned as I also observed his tightened lips. "... What's wrong?" I asked.

"Oh, nothing," Harris replied as his gaze flew away.

"You sure?" I questioned.

"Yeah," he reassured me. Then, he finally smiled. "Hm, oh, to be like you, Denis. How do you have such courage to ask somebody out?" he inquired proudly.

"Hey, I wasn't always like this," I giggled. "I... I used to be freakishly introverted. Then, I tried getting attention online, which didn't work. But when I got my lesson from your universe, I found out I'm more than that. So, I started talking to others more. I started to gain the confidence... until the day came when I asked out Lyvie."

"Oh..." Harris replied, his eyes lowering.

"Yeah," I smiled.

"Hm, anyways, then. Let's go to sleep. Goodnight," Harris beamed.

"Night," I replied.

     Harris turns to his side and closes his eyes—as if he lacked the confidence to face me asleep. Of course, I cannot blame him, as the feeling is mutual. I turn my head to the opposite side, squeezing my legs shut. Then, I close my eyes, seeking respite from the exhausting hours.

***

     As dawn breaks, casting a golden glow across the horizon and filling the air with the chirping of awakening birds, sunlight streams through my bedroom window, gently touching my closed eyelids. The brightness stirs me from my slumber, nudging me back to consciousness. Still in a daze, I instinctively turn towards a form beside me, enfolding it in a hug, mistaking it for a pillow-like comfort. The warmth it radiates is unexpected, but what truly startles me is the sensation of breath against my skin. Abruptly jolted awake, my eyes spring open in disbelief as the realization hits me like a bolt of lightning—I'm embracing Harris in bed, locked in an unintentional spooning position.

"God, help—" Harris stammered, frozen in embarrassment.

I quickly let go of the embrace, moving away from Harris. "Oh, what in the world!" I shrieked, my voice quivering. "I! I! Harris! I'm sorry! I was—"

"You were spooning me," Harris murmured.

"I know! Gosh, I'm sorry!" I tried to apologize.

"Hehe, hey! Don't worry about it. That's alright," Harris giggled.

Upon hearing Harris' gentle laughter, my humiliation quickly faded away. "Hm," I smiled.

"Hm, what's that smell?" Harris asked, raising a brow as his gaze wandered around the room.

Harris' POV

     Denis and I descended to the ground floor, joining his parents and my family around the dining table. Arrayed before me, a plate of steaming rice accompanied by a fork and spoon, while a generous serving of fried eggs and chicken ham held court at the center. In contrast to our rice, Denis opted for three petite bread rolls. Without delay, we delved into our meal, relishing each flavorful morsel until our plates were pristine.

     Reaching for the water pitcher, I poured myself a refreshing drink, stealing glances at the gathered company. In a moment of quiet, Michaela, Denis' mother, cleared her throat, drawing our collective attention.

"So, everybody," she began. "How's our lovely home?"

"Oh, Mrs Ella, we love it," Meredith confessed.

"I truly do!" Chloe grinned.

"Me, too!" Felix added.

"Now, about your unexpected visit into our realm, is your sole purpose to come here to hang out with our son, that's all?" Michaela inquired.

"Yes, Ma'am. However, we won't be able to return to our rightful place if we're not able to connect the bridge between our realms by opening a portal," Philip responded.

"....And to open that portal, you will need a key. And that key is only acquired through a lucid dream," I continued, leaving my thoughts.

"...And I'm certain I'm the one who can lucid dream," Denis ventured.

"Oh, yeah, right, Denis?" Philip called out, catching our friend's attention.

"Yeah?" Denis responded, his eyes locked on Philip.

"Did you find the key in your lucid dream last night?" Philip questioned.

"Oh, uhm, about that... I can only sometimes lucid dream, not the whole time," Denis admitted. "I didn't even have a dream last night."

"Oh, bummer," Felix sighed.

"Don't worry. We'll get that key soon," Philip assured us.

"Hm, while we wait for the night to return, how about you all go to the mall?" Michaela suggested.

"Yeah. I suggest you guys go to the mall to cool off so you won't get bored," Robert added.

"That'd be wonderful!" Denis grinned. "I'd love to show you the mall, guys!" he said, turning to face me and my family.

"Yeah, but we won't be able to buy anything because we have no money," Presley smirked.

"About that," Philip interjected, snatching out a half a hand-sized ruby from his pocket.

Michaela's POV

     Could that dazzling crimson gemstone be an authentic piece? It's a stunning ruby, capturing and bouncing off every ray of sunlight that streams through the window, akin to a disco ball. Its sheer size leaves me momentarily breathless with astonishment. In their world, these individuals must dwell in a realm of economic abundance, given such treasures they possess.

"Heavens, my goodness! Is that—"

"A ruby? Yeah!" Philip confirmed with an exhilarated grin.

"How do you people possess such a gemstone? Are you aristocrats?" I wondered aloud, my curiosity piqued.

"Oh, hehe, nah. We just win these valuable loots from dungeons. But most of our income comes from our real jobs," Philip clarified.

"I see," I nodded. "Well, what are you going to do with that ruby?"

"Possibly pawn this ruby for money," Philip smirked knowingly.

"Great idea," I smiled. "But keep it hidden. You don't want it being stolen when you go out."

"I will. Thanks for the heads-up, Ma'am," Philip replied with a grateful smile.

I returned the grin, happy to find a way to hand advice.

Harris' POV

     Afterward, my family, Denis, and I are chauffeured to the mall by Robert in their car. Upon arrival, I am initially awestruck by the mall's vast expanse, engulfing surrounding fields, its white exterior embellished with a shimmering blue logo under the radiant sunlight. My jaw slackens in amazement as I take in the grandeur, my eyes alight with wonder, a sentiment mirrored by my friends and siblings—save for Denis, who appears unfazed, as if intimately acquainted with this edifice from numerous visits in his lifetime.

"So, here we are! Hehe!" Denis announced, craning his neck to view the mall's towering roof. "SM City Mall!"

     As my family, Denis, and I step into the mall in search of a pawnshop, we finally locate one and venture inside. However, a disconcerting feeling creeps over me as I notice the persistent stares from passersby. Why the intense scrutiny? Is our otherworldly origin too conspicuous or is it our strikingly vibrant hair and pale complexions drawing attention? Our attire, markedly different from the locals clad in mundane shirts, jackets, hoodies, and trousers, further sets us apart in this unfamiliar setting.

     Engaged in conversation with the monocle-wearing middle-aged owner, who scrutinizes Philip's gleaming crimson ruby, a sense of unease prickles at the back of my mind. It is as if I've brushed past a mysterious figure donning a black hoodie and blue mask. Motionless as the shopkeeper inspects the gem, I strain to catch any unusual sounds. Suddenly, a force shoves me aside, and in a flash, the hooded figure with the blue mask snatches the ruby from the owner's grasp.

     In an instant, chaos erupts—a thief in our midst. Darting away, the culprit crashes through the pawnshop's glass entrance, evading the security guard's grasp as the shattered door swings open, allowing his swift escape.

"Shit! He got the ruby!" Denis exclaimed.

     With my family and Denis in hot pursuit, we swiftly track the fleeing thief, drawing attention from onlookers as the chase unfolds. The culprit darts into the mall's supermarket, jostling past startled shoppers in a desperate bid to escape. In a split-second decision, I seize a weighty wine bottle, eliciting gasps from nearby sales staff. Heart pounding, I take aim and release the bottle with precision as the thief races towards the exit. The bottle finds its mark, shattering upon impact with the intruder's head, sending him crashing to the tiled floor in a cacophony of broken glass and chaos.

Philip walked towards the unconscious thief and retrieved his ruby. "I believe this ruby is ours," he remarked.

"What happened??" a guard in a white uniform came to us, interrogating us sternly.

"He stole Mr. Philip's ruby!" Chloe explained in a rush.

Denis caught up. "Yeah! He freaking snatched it from us! That's a freaking thief!" he exclaimed.

     The guard immediately apprehends the thief, taking him away from the mall. As I smirk with a sense of deep triumph, watching the thief get escorted away, I feel a finger poking on my shoulder. Raising an eyebrow, I turn around and see the salesman and saleslady glaring at me.

"Sir, you have to pay for that wine bottle you just threw," the salesman told me politely, though I felt a sense of authority in his voice.

Philip interjected, standing beside me. "Don't worry! We'll be sure to pay for it!"

***

     Returning to the pawnshop from earlier, we pawn the lucent ruby and earn two million Philippine pesos. Shock hastens across my body as I learn how much a hand-sized ruby costs in this world. My eyes widen, and a grin spreads across my face as I watch the owner hand us the money from a suitcase.

"A-ha! This is like... two million pesos, based on its quality and size!" the owner grinned, giving us the suitcase. "Here you go! Enjoy it!"

"What the hell... two million pesos... you, guys?? That's like- divide it to fifty-five and that's the amount we get in US dollars!" Denis stammered in disbelief and awe.

"Hehe, but at least, we get to pay for what was broken," Philip smirked, handing one thousand pesos to the salesman and saleslady from the wine section earlier.

"And! We're rich!" Chloe cheered.

"We're millionaires!" Felix leaped in joy.

I quickly covered Felix's mouth. "Shh, you're gonna attract attention," I scolded him.

"...What should we do with all this money?" Denis asked.

"Well, it seems like we have to save some of it as long as we're still here," Philip responded. "But... of course, we have to get some supplies, like clothes, food, etcetera," he added.

"Hmm..." I pondered.

A naughty smirk played on Denis' lips as he said, "You know what that means...?"

Denis' POV

     My friends and I explore the mall, reveling in a day filled with joy and camaraderie. Stepping into the department store, we disperse to browse through the racks of clothing. Amidst the bustling aisles, Harris and I meander together, sharing laughs and suggestions as we select garments. With a grin, I pick out a honey-gold shirt, a chic white sweater, a vibrant top, and a couple of pants, offering them to Harris for his consideration.

     Elsewhere, Meredith, Chloe, and Felix embark on their own shopping escapades, each selecting items that catch their eye. Felix's face lights up as he discovers a bucket hat, his delight evident as he adds it to his collection. Meanwhile, Philip and Presley amble along together, their paths intersecting with a young woman. Caught off guard, Presley blushes furiously as she smiles at him, reciprocating his bashful grin with a wave. Moving on from the brief encounter, Philip playfully nudges Presley, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.

"What—" Presley raised a brow.

     As the others engage in their activities, Harris and I wander through the mall, on the lookout for more clothing treasures. My excitement bubbles over when I spot a delightful coral hoodie, my eagerness to share it with Harris palpable. To my surprise, Harris takes a step forward, gently grasping my hand before presenting me with the coveted hoodie. Wide-eyed with realization, I am overcome with the significance of this moment, as it marks my first ownership of a hoodie—a garment I have long desired to call my own.

     Subsequently, our group ventures to the mall's supermarket to stock up on household essentials. Amidst the aisles, Presley and Chloe gleefully ride two shopping carts, filling them with necessary provisions. A sense of satisfaction washes over me, knowing that these purchases will bring a smile to my mother's face—a smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth.

     Following our shopping spree for clothes, supplies, and groceries, Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, Felix, and I push our laden carts towards my favorite Japanese restaurant, its oriental allure beckoning us inside. There, we indulge in a leisurely afternoon meal together. Today has been a truly splendid day, one that fills my heart with warmth, joy, and deep contentment.

     After our day at the mall, Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, Felix, and I rendezvous with my dad in the parking lot, where we consolidate our purchases into the car. The sight of the loaded shopping carts brimming with carton boxes and paper bags elicits a surprised reaction from my father, Robert, his eyes widening at the sheer volume of our acquisitions. We make our way back home, all of us yearning for a well-deserved rest after a tiring day.

     Upon crossing the threshold to our house with our arms laden with bags and boxes, my mother greets us at the entrance, her expression a blend of shock and delight. Eyes widening in astonishment, her lips part in silent amazement as she takes in the array of items we have brought home. With a subtle smirk playing on my lips, I lift my chin and wink mischievously at her, knowing that our haul has certainly left her pleasantly surprised.

"What are these things you bought?" my mom inquired curiously.

"Clothes for us! And, hehe, also food and supply for all of us," Philip replied.

"Oh," my mother nodded, looking like she couldn't comprehend everything.

Meredith stepped forward and reiterated, "For 'all' of us."

"Dear... oh, dear! You shouldn't have!" my mother gratefully said, her voice choked with appreciation.

A smile graced Harris' face as he stated, "Well, we're happy to provide for our friend and his family."

I glanced at Harris, beaming at him and nudging his arm.

***

     Exhausted but content after a long day, I bask in the joy of these moments, wishing they could be a regular occurrence in my life.

     Post-shower, clad in my comfortable white tank top and black shorts, I stretch my tired limbs and let out a satisfying yawn, relishing the familiar routine. Collapsing onto the welcoming softness of my bed, enveloped by the cool embrace of my pillows, I can't help but giggle as I gaze up at the ceiling. Beside me, Harris settles in, dressed in a cozy white long-sleeved cotton shirt paired with orange plaid sweatpants, as we both unwind on the mattress, ready to embrace the tranquility of the night.

"Hehe! What a tiring day! Yet, I just wish I could do this over and over again!" I chuckled softly.

"Me, too," Harris replied with a smirk.

"Wow... think about it, when I was a child, I used to hate shopping. But now, I love it. And with you guys, it's even better!" I admitted, giggling.

"Hey, same here. I never like going out that much. But if it's with you, it's like, let's say... an exception, heh," Harris grinned.

I turned my head and glanced at Harris. "...You're one of the best people I've ever met," I confessed.

     A peculiar sensation sweeps over me as I gaze into Harris's radiant eyes, stirring a wild mix of emotions that I've never encountered before. The rapid thumping of my heart and the fluttering in my stomach in his presence are entirely new and unfamiliar, perhaps a response to the deep bond we share as friends.

     In this fleeting moment, an urge to draw closer to Harris and hug him like never before tugs at my senses, a desire that feels both exhilarating and unnerving. Yet, the reality of our shared space in bed swiftly reminds me of the potential awkwardness such a gesture might evoke. Suppressing the impulse, I offer Harris a beaming smile, hoping to convey my warmth and affection in a more subtle manner, to which he responds in kind.

     Unexpectedly, Harris breaks the unspoken barrier, defying all expectations as he leans in closer, his head tilting towards mine, the warmth of his breath grazing my skin, setting my senses ablaze with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.

"...Maybe you can get that key for the portal tonight?" Harris whispered with a grin.

A deep sense of relief washed over me as Harris stopped leaning closer. I thought he was about to do something suspicious, and man, it was actually me the whole time who had a suspicious mind. "Oh! Heh, yeah! I'll try," I replied.

     Soon, in the quiet of the night, Harris and I drift off to sleep on the bed, our bodies resting a few inches apart. As slumber envelops me, a sense of peace and tranquility settles over my being, offering a rare moment of solace and introspection. Despite my attempts to immerse myself in dreams, I find only darkness enveloping my mind, a void of profound blackness that feels like a blindfold obscuring any hint of light, until suddenly, visions begin to form, and I find myself dreaming.

     In this dreamworld, I discover myself amidst a sea of lush greenery, transported to the familiar realm of Asbranne, where I stand within its vast grasslands that seem to stretch into eternity. Above me, a canopy of somber gray clouds conceals the sky, while the wind whispers through the grass, causing it to sway like graceful dancers. As I wander, my gaze fixates on a tree consumed by ethereal white flames—a sight so mesmerizingly strange, defying the norms of conventional fires.

     Intrigued by the mysterious allure of the burning tree, I am drawn closer, only to be swiftly transported to a new setting—a perpetual passage enclosed by walls of deep blue. Adorning this corridor are paintings that come to life before my eyes, each canvas depicting memories and moments that have shaped my existence: from traversing realms to encounters with Harris and his family, engaging in heartfelt disputes, reconciling, and forging lasting friendships, to finally returning to my own reality, each scene unfolding like a vivid tapestry of my life's journey.

     As I continue my journey through this dreamscape, reminiscing on the echoes of the past, a sudden misstep sends me tumbling forward as an unstable floorboard gives way beneath me. I lurch towards a painting that seems unfamiliar, and in that split second, a blinding flash of white engulfs my vision, momentarily disorienting me. As the intense brightness recedes, a new and unfamiliar scene materializes before me.

     Before my eyes stands a grand and desolate gothic church, its towering spires piercing the night sky veiled in swirling clouds of a raging blizzard. The landscape is blanketed in a pristine white shroud of snow, compelling me to seek refuge within the eerie confines of this imposing structure, despite the unsettling architecture and ambiance that sends shivers down my spine. With no other option but to seek shelter from the storm, I hasten inside, the massive wooden doors closing with a resounding thud behind me.

     Taking a moment to collect myself, I close my eyes and release a calming sigh, only to be startled as a familiar voice reverberates through the vast, shadowy expanse of the church, its timbre echoing with a sense of haunting familiarity.

"A wonderful evening, isn't it?" a voice echoed.

"Huh?" I stammered, gazing around the endless darkness, trying to scan the area for the source of the voice. Then, as I stared ahead, I saw an alternate version of me, clad in a black robe with a hood, revealing himself from the dark.

"Might I say, this midnight hour, it's splendid, don't you agree?" my alternate version asked calmly.

"W-who are you? I mean, I am you... you are me... but... why are you here?" I inquired.

"...I'm here... to... let's say... guide you," my alternate version smirked. "You're here for the key, aren't you?"

"...Mhm," I nodded timidly, hesitant to reveal the information.

"Well, I won't be able to tell you where the key is right now, let alone give it to you," my alternate version disclosed.

"Oh," I murmured.

"But I can give you some advice on how you can find it," said my alternate version.

"Hm?" I opened up my ears, attuned to hearing his advice.

"If you want to find the key, you should seek one space and close every door from other sentiments, for you will be safer in one belief, no matter how narrow you see things. Remember, the truth shall set you... free..." he advised.

     My gaze meets the intense stare of my alternate self, and it seems as though an invisible force binds our eyes together, making it impossible for me to look away, my brows knitting together in a perplexed frown. Initially, his words eluded my comprehension, leaving me puzzled and uncertain. Yet, as moments pass, a glimmer of understanding begins to dawn, shedding light on the cryptic messages being conveyed.

     With clarity slowly seeping in, I grasp the significance of his words, unveiling a path that stretches ahead, a route that beckons me to tread with unwavering determination. However, amidst this revelation, a seed of doubt takes root within me—should I place my trust in the guidance offered by this enigmatic alternate version of myself? The question lingers, casting a shadow of uncertainty over my newfound clarity, prompting me to question the true motives behind his cryptic counsel.

***

     As I awaken from the dream world, my eyes snap open, finding myself seated on the edge of my bed. Nestled into the softness of the mattress, I find myself lost in a deep moment of reflection, my gaze drifting to my surroundings shrouded in darkness, the absence of sunlight signaling the early hours of dawn. Outside, the wind howls through the stillness of the neighborhood streets, a solitary wanderer in the night. Glancing to my left, I see Harris, still immersed in slumber, his presence a comforting anchor in the quiet room.

     Inhaling deeply through parted lips, I exhale slowly, a gesture that eases the lingering ache in my chest. Mindful of not disturbing Harris's peaceful rest, I carefully edge towards the bedside, retrieving my phone from the nightstand. Checking the date, I realize it's Tuesday—a day that brings both college classes and the prospect of seeing Lyvie, a thought that stirs a mix of anticipation and warmth within me.

     Descending the stairs, I find my father diligently preparing breakfast at the dining table, a spread that includes five succulent pieces of chicken hotdog and a plastic bowl brimming with pan de sal. Seizing the opportunity, I quickly grab my meal before retreating for a refreshing shower. Emerging from the bathroom, clad in nothing but a green towel snug around my waist, I make my way back to my room, only to come face to face with a newly awakened Harris.

     Initially groggy, Harris's eyes narrow in the dim light, his expression a blend of sleepiness and confusion. However, as his gaze falls upon my shirtless form and damp hair, a sudden shift occurs—his eyes widen, his jaw clenches, and a flush of crimson tints his cheeks, prompting him to swiftly avert his gaze, his hand instinctively moving to shield his face from the unexpected sight.

"Woah! God! Denis!" Harris shrieked bashfully.

     For some reason, a surge of unease washed over me as my eyes met Harris's gaze, not triggered by his unexpected glimpse of me shirtless, but by the subtle shift in our dynamic that I couldn't quite pinpoint. In their universe, moments of casual shirtlessness between us had been common, particularly during our jacuzzi sessions, without any hint of discomfort or awkwardness. So why did this instance feel so different, so charged with an unspoken tension?

"Oh! H-Harris!" I gasped. Quickly, I covered my chest with my arms, my face flushed with redness.

"Why you up so early??" Harris asked, still not turning to face me.

"Oh, uh! I have school today," I explained.

Harris finally broke his bashfulness and turned around to face me. "Oh? You have school today?"

"Heh, yeah," I replied. "I'll also be able to see Lyvie at campus."

"Oh... nice," Harris sighed. Apparently, he didn't seem to have the enthusiasm to beam a smile upon learning that I'd be seeing Lyvie today. What's up with that?

"I have a whole day ahead. My class dismissal is at five in the afternoon," I added.

"And it's barely six in the morning," Harris mused, crossing his arms.

"I know... Filipino schools, I know!" I giggled. "We just have long break times in college!"

"Well, can we come?" Harris asked.

"Ow, sorry, but..." I hesitated, brushing my elbow.

"...Can I come?" Harris inquired with a sense of hope glistening in his eyes.

"Oh, uh, but you're not a student there," I denied.

"I mean, I can blend in," Harris reasoned. "Like, isn't my thing blending in the society the whole time?"

I peered deeply into Harris' eyes, contemplating his reasoning. "...You make a good point, sir," I remarked with a smirk.