The brown-haired boy continues walking under the warm afternoon light, his cheeks still flushed as he recalls the hug he received from the girl. Just replaying it in his mind makes his heart race. He closes his eyes and smiles briefly, then lowers his gaze, uncertain of what to do next. He left home because Gregorio had invited him out, and he suddenly remembers a new place filled with consoles, arcade machines, and video games he had always wanted to visit but never had the chance to. What better moment than now?
Then his mind betrays him, bringing back the unforgettable afternoons spent with his friends—the long, exhausting training sessions, the scoldings from his master, the sound of clashing metal. He shakes his head from side to side and mutters aloud, "I've already messed up too much… I can't make up for my best friend's death."
His subconscious strikes again, echoing the warrior's words: What's done is done—now you must make amends…
Francesca opens the door to Kiryoku, noticing that her two friends are chatting with someone she doesn't recognize. She greets everyone, including the stranger, who simply raises a hand in response. She sits beside the pink-haired girl, with Nya across from Gregorio and Francesca facing the other athlete. Three of them seem to be having a pleasant conversation, but Francesca's gaze stays fixed on the window, looking outside.
She thinks about her teammate. Even after trying to talk to him, being kind, even imitating Emily's approach to get him back—nothing worked. She clenches her fists.
Ty, you're a complete idiot… But you can't give up—especially now. I may not know you completely, but I know enough to say you're brave and strong-willed. Don't be afraid of what might happen to us. The city is in danger—we don't have the luxury of mourning forever.
That thought takes her back to when her master warned her that walking the warrior's path could cost her not only her life, but also her goals. She absentmindedly rubs her shoulder, remembering the storm of needles that once nearly took her arm.
Noah: raising an eyebrow "Everything okay, Francesca?"
Francesca: lowering her hand "Huh? Yeah, I'm fine… Hey, there's something I've wanted to ask you for a while."
Noah: surprised "Sure, go ahead."
The other two listen, puzzled. Gregorio even thinks, Could it be that Fran likes Noah?
Nya simply observes.
Francesca squints at the dark-haired boy and asks curiously, "Sorry, but… who are you?"
The question triggers different reactions. Nya shakes her head in disbelief—how could Francesca not know the name of her best friend's best friend? Noah smiles awkwardly, embarrassed that the girl he likes doesn't even know who he is. Gregorio covers his mouth, trying not to laugh.
Clearing his throat, he says, "He's Noah—my best friend. He also plays basketball on the Celeritas team."
Francesca nods and meets Noah's eyes. "Nice to meet you."
Before the conversation can continue, Francesca nudges Nya with her shoulder and gestures with her eyes—they should leave. The two girls stand and wave goodbye. As soon as they exit, Gregorio bursts out laughing, making Noah blush and slam his head lightly on the table.
"Seriously? You've never mentioned me to her?"
Gregorio can only nod through his laughter.
Outside, Francesca murmurs to Nya, "I couldn't get Ty to come back. We need to investigate what the Director's men are planning."
Nya nods. "Alright. Hopefully that detective friend of yours can help."
The brown-haired boy arrives at a corner building called Hiper Star, a three-story arcade dedicated entirely to video games. Inside, neon lights glow in every color, laughter and shouts fill the air, and teenagers compete on countless machines. He smiles faintly.
He pays for a card and heads to a racing game. The Ferrari engine roars to life. The first lap he struggles, but by the second he's overtaking opponents. Near a sharp curve, he hugs the inside line, fights the inertia, and claims first place. He finishes the circuit and allows himself a small smile—then walks away, feeling an emptiness he can't ignore.
Nearby, Alexa wanders through the arcade, unimpressed by most of the machines. Tamara and Leslie are dancing in a rhythm game, laughing. Alexa sighs fondly—she only came to support her friend, who was here for a confession she already knew would end badly.
Then she spots someone familiar heading toward the exit. At first she's unsure—until she sees the unmistakable yellow tips in his hair.
She rushes after him.
Tyron: leaving Hiper Star, staring at the ground "It wasn't as fun as before."
Alexa: smiling gently "Hey, Ty. How have you been?"
Tyron: surprised "What are you doing here?"
Alexa: laughing "Long story… just tell me—how are you?"
Tyron: looking down "Fine. And you?"
Alexa: "Fine. Why have you been disappearing?"
He turns away. "I just… I don't want to continue. I failed someone who mattered to me. I can't let that happen again—especially when I couldn't do anything to save him."
Alexa: "What about your goal? Didn't you enjoy helping people? Training with the master? Fighting the Director's forces?"
Tyron: "You wouldn't understand." He walks away.
Those words hit Alexa hard. She sprints after him, grabs his shirt, and shoves him to the ground.
"How dare you say I wouldn't understand?! Don't think you're the only one who's watched someone you love die helplessly! Your attitude is disgusting! Stop being a coward! Who cares if you couldn't get revenge?! You can still punish the people who brought your best friend's killer here!"
Tamara and Leslie step outside just in time to see Tyron on the ground and Alexa standing over him. Alexa turns quickly.
"We were just talking—he tripped."
Tyron ignores the offered hand and walks away.
That same evening, a red sports car stops at the Sejuk mansion. A man in a white coat introduces himself as Dr. Jayden Bennett, requesting to see Alexandre Sejuk. Soon, Jerome—blond, headphones on—appears.
"Is he the patient?" Jayden asks, pointing at Jerome.
Jerome scoffs. "Patient? What did you mess up this time, old man?"
Jayden remains calm, producing a CD case. "Is this Gastón Cessabit album yours?"
Jerome's eyes widen. "I've never seen that one—and I own everything!"
Jayden smiles. "Unreleased tracks. Come with us, and it's yours."
Jerome instantly agrees, leaving Alexandre stunned.
"All kids fall for a good treat," Jayden says simply.
Back in Guarly, Tyron finally reaches home, relieved to be away from his former teammates. He unlocks the door—only to find laughter inside. His mother is chatting with Emily, looking through old photos.
"Is this serious…?" he screams internally.
Emily smiles. "I didn't come to change your mind. I just wanted to see how you're doing."
Later, as she leaves, she tells him softly, "If you ever need to talk… we're here."
Her words nearly break him.
"Thank you… for being such a good friend," he says, bowing deeply.
She blushes bright red.
As night falls over Guarly, Francesca returns home, deep in thought about the C4 traces found in a trunk. It can't be that obvious, she thinks. They're planning something else.
Elsewhere, Alexandre confronts Jerome about refusing treatment. Jerome calmly answers, "If I die the same way Mom did, that's my tribute to her."
Alexandre storms outside in anguish, smashing tennis balls through his garden, screaming at the sky.
In the Elkin household, Logan hugs his wife gently.
"Leave Ty to me," he says. "I'll handle it—the Elkin way."
The lights go out, and the night settles in, heavy with grief—but still moving forward.