JR.GOD

Shan arrived home, his steps heavy but filled with purpose. As he entered, he called out, "Mom, I'll become a god soon! Master says I'll fight him in three days."

His mother turned to him with a warm smile. "You will do it, Shan. I know you will."

Shan rubbed his eyes, exhaustion evident on his face. "I'm so tired, Mom. I think I'll skip dinner tonight. I'm heading to bed."

"Alright, rest well, my son," she said softly, watching as Shan made his way to his room.

Once the door to his room closed, her smile faded slightly. She whispered to herself, "I hope that man won't interfere in your dream" Her gaze shifted to the floor, her voice laced with quiet determination. "You have the power to destroy the seal he placed on you, Shan. Prove yourself a worthy god for this world."

With a deep breath, she extinguished the light in the room and retired to her bed, her mind filled with silent prayers for her son's future.

The next morning, Shan sat at the table, devouring his breakfast with urgency. His mother, noticing his hurried pace, said, "Slow down, Shan! Why are you eating so fast?"

"I have to meet a friend who invited me for a treat, Mom," Shan replied, barely pausing between bites.

"Oh, alright then. Enjoy yourself," she said with a smile.

"Thanks, Mom!" Shan said, grabbing his things and dashing out of the house.

As he sprinted toward the marketplace, he muttered to himself, "I'm so late today! Rosy's going to kill me!"

A shop owner nearby shouted, "Hey, kid! How many times have I told you not to run around here?"

Shan skidded to a halt and turned toward the voice, scanning the marketplace for Rosy. The shopkeeper, still yelling, added, "Don't you hear me? Stop running, or you'll trip and break something!"

Annoyed, Shan shot back, "Stop blabbering, old man. That's why I hate talking to elders like you—always lecturing people!"

The shopkeeper bristled. "You little brat! I'm just looking out for you, but now I see why I shouldn't bother with kids like you."

"Kids? I'm not a kid, old man," Shan retorted, crossing his arms.

"Oh yeah? Then who are you?" the shopkeeper challenged, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm... uh..." Shan faltered, realizing he had no witty reply.

The old man smirked triumphantly. "See? You don't even know who you are!"

Shan glared. "You're way too good at trash-talking, old man."

"Trash-talking? I'll show you respect!" The shopkeeper grabbed a stick from behind the counter, pointing it at Shan.

Shan laughed, backing away. "You think you can catch me? Good luck with that, old man!"

He took off running, leaving the shopkeeper shaking his stick in the air. "You'll have to come back this way to go home, kid! I'll catch you then!"

Shan finally spotted Rosy sitting at a nearby restaurant. Grinning, he shouted, "Hey, Rosy! I'm here!"

Rosy turned toward him, her face instantly annoyed. "Don't shout, you idiot! This is a public place. And, in case you forgot, I'm a god. Show some respect!"

Shan smirked as he sat down across from her. "Respect? You're younger than me, after all."

Rosy raised an eyebrow. "Still better than you in every way, Shan."

"One day, I'll surpass your power!" Shan declared confidently, his voice rising.

Rosy leaned back, crossing her arms. "Let's see if that day ever comes."

"It will!" Shan shouted again, his excitement echoing through the restaurant.

The nearby diners turned to stare, their conversations falling silent. Rosy flushed with embarrassment, leaned forward, and slapped Shan lightly on the cheek. "I told you not to shout in public places! Don't you know what that means, or are you just that dumb?"

Rubbing his cheek, Shan muttered, "Sorry, Rosy. Let's not waste any more time. Let's have fun!"

"Fine," Rosy said, rolling her eyes.

The two entered the special room reserved for private gatherings. Shan's face lit up as he looked around. Reaching into his pocket to check for money, he pulled out... nothing. A few flies lazily buzzed out of his empty pocket instead.

Shan gave Rosy an awkward grin. "So... I don't have any money."

Rosy sighed, shaking her head. "Of course you don't. Fine, I'll pay this time. But next time, you better not embarrass me."

Shan chuckled nervously as they settled into their seats, promising to make it up to her someday.

Rosy sat across from Shan, her mind racing. I need to tell him. It's the only way.

Shan noticed her distant expression and asked, "What are you thinking, Rosy?"

Startled, Rosy shook her head. "Nothing, Shan."

Just then, the waiter approached their table and asked, "What would you two like to eat?"

Shan eagerly replied, "I'll have some white rice with curry!"

The waiter blinked, looking confused. "That's on the lunch menu, sir."

"So what?" Shan said nonchalantly.

Rosy groaned and smacked Shan lightly on the head. "Waiter, just bring us two melon juices."

The waiter, clearly intimidated, nodded quickly. "Of course, ma'am." He scurried away.

Shan rubbed his head, frowning. "You slapped me in front of the waiter! I'm so embarrassed!"

Rosy smirked. "You're embarrassed? 

Shan quipped back, "yeah "

A sly smile crossed Rosy's face. "You know, I actually like your attitude and behavior."

Shan's eyebrows shot up. "Really?"

"Yes," Rosy said, leaning forward. "I love you, Shan."

Shan froze, staring at her in disbelief. "Wait... what did you just say?"

"I said I love you, Shan," Rosy repeated, her voice steady.

Shan slapped himself on the cheek, muttering, "Is this real?"

Rosy laughed. "Yes, it is, you idiot."

"Are you super sure?" Shan asked, still incredulous.

Rosy nodded. "I'm super sure."

Unable to contain himself, Shan shouted, "Yeah!"

The waiter returned at that exact moment, carrying their drinks. "Sir, please don't shout here."

Shan sheepishly nodded. "Okay."

Rosy quickly apologized. "Sorry about that."

The waiter set the melon juices on the table. "Here you go. Enjoy." Then he hurried away.

As soon as the waiter was gone, Rosy smacked Shan again. "You're embarrassing me! Why are you always shouting?"

Shan raised his hands defensively. "You're the one shouting now!"

"I'm not shouting! I'm just speaking to you," Rosy retorted.

"Fine, fine, it's all my fault. Let's drink this juice. I'm exhausted," Shan said, waving her off.

The two clinked their glasses and started sipping their melon juices, the tension easing into an oddly comfortable silence.