I walked into the gym with my usual confidence.
I lifted the weights.
Ten kilograms…
Alright. Let's make it fifteen on the next set.
The difference wasn't just in the number.
It was in my chest, my arms, and in that brief moment where I felt like I was moving forward—even if just a little.
The last rep burned, but I smiled through it.
On my way back from the gym, I lifted my head and looked at the sky.
The stars seemed to shine brighter than usual…
Or maybe it was just me seeing them that way.
I smiled like a madman.
I'm completely crazy… my God, hahaha.
All I need now is food. Just food—to recover from this legendary workout.
⸻
At Home
I opened the fridge.
Tomatoes.
I closed it.
Opened it again.
Still tomatoes.
"Mom?"
I called out.
"Yes?"
Her voice came from the other room.
"Where's the food?"
"I didn't go shopping today."
A short silence.
"…Whaaaat?"
I said dramatically.
"Go buy something."
I looked at myself.
At my chest, still burning.
At my chronic laziness.
"No,"
I said firmly.
"There's no way I'm wasting more energy."
I sighed.
"My chest workout is ruined…"
I chopped some tomatoes, sprinkled salt on them, and ate like I was performing a sad ritual.
Then I went to my bed, turned on the anime I usually watch… and fell asleep.
⸻
A Day Off
I woke up in the morning.
Same routine.
I checked my phone.
Low battery.
I plugged it in.
While it was charging…
I opened the fridge.
Closed it.
Went to the TV.
Nothing.
Turned it off.
Back to the fridge.
Open.
Close.
Bathroom.
Back out.
The fridge again.
I did a few stretches on the floor.
Stood up—and on my way to open the fridge again, I suddenly stopped.
"…How many times have I opened this thing?"
I looked inside.
Nothing.
Thirty minutes passed.
My phone was fully charged.
I put on my Bluetooth earphones and started an anime episode.
The moment it began, I told myself:
"Ahhh… this is it. These are the best moments in life. Who could possibly ruin this?"
My phone rang.
Kaito...
I bit my mustache before answering.
"What?"
Video call.
His face appeared, laughing.
"You won't believe what I found."
"What?"
"Kenji. At the mall. With Sakura. I think it's a date."
I burst out laughing.
"No way."
He zoomed in and filmed them secretly.
I looked.
Then laughed even harder.
"You paused the best anime episode for something this stupid, Kaito? Hahaha. I'll call you later."
I hung up.
Paused the episode.
Let out a short mocking laugh.
Then continued watching.
⸻
At School – The Next Morning
Sakura and her friends were already in the classroom.
As I passed by, I unconsciously slowed my steps.
I heard them.
"Why didn't you answer my call yesterday?"
Ayano asked.
"I was busy,"
Sakura replied.
"With what?"
She hesitated.
"…I went out with Kenji."
"What? No way!"
They laughed.
Then Mizuki said,
"What about Takahashi? Haven't you been talking to him lately?"
Sakura's tone changed.
"No, no… it's not like that."
She laughed.
"He's just serious about studying. It's useful to stay close to him… in case I need help."
She paused, then added mockingly,
"Did you really think I'd be in a relationship with that ghost?"
They laughed.
I was looking at the floor.
Then… I smiled.
I raised my head.
Not because it didn't hurt—
but because I'm a little crazy.
When I'm supposed to feel sad… I laugh.
Yeah. I really am messed up.
I went to the bathroom.
⸻
In Front of the Mirror
I looked at my reflection.
Smiled like I always do.
"Life will corner you one day,"
I said calmly.
"Just wait."
I imagined invisible points on my shoulders.
Glory Points.
They were red.
-300
"We fell because of that idiot…"
I muttered.
"I need to raise them."
I went back to class.
Studied.
As if nothing had happened.
⸻
Evening
In my room, I was wearing what I call my homeless outfit:
my favorite black shirt—
I've probably owned it for a year and a half—
and my favorite pants.
I only wear them at home.
They make me feel comfortable…
but I should never go outside in them.
I looked at the mirror again.
Glory Points were still red.
-300
"Damn… how am I supposed to raise them?"
I thought.
"I have a black belt."
I smiled.
"That's an achievement."
Then I stopped.
"But I earned it before… it doesn't count."
I sighed.
"Fine."
I lifted my head.
"Glory starts today."
At that moment—
someone knocked on the door.
"Open it,"
my mom said.
"I think it's the pizza delivery."
I grabbed the money and walked to the door.
I opened it.
And froze.
Glory Points dropped by another 100.
Yes…
It was Akari.
And I was wearing…
the homeless outfit.....