Looking for destiny: A story of an OUTCAST

Helloooo, I'm your Narrator, and from today we are going to dive in the world of "Looking for destiny" together. I hope I'll entertain you. So lets dive in,

***

Below the dark sky on the lonely streets a man whose identity is unknown, was talking to a driver. From afar it seemed like they were doing something which was bound to bring destruction to someone. The man said still being in that dark shadow by the car,

“Have you done the work?" His voice was firm and mysterious.

"Yes" The driver replied, his voice was little scared, "I have... failed the break, a-and took out that box"

The driver tried to ask about the money, the man promised him to give. Then suddenly from nowhere the man pulled out a gun and pointed straightly at the driver. "Looks like, someone's going to be a problem" The man said, while smiling, showing his gold tooth. After hearing that, the driver grabbed the man's feet and started to plead frantically telling him, he has his own family. And begging to be spared. The man lifted his fingers and said before smirking coldly, "Now, reunite with your family in the heaven" A bullet peirced through driver's body. And he fell on the ground while still clutching the man's feet.

***

Meanwhile, at the other side there was a family of three standing beside a car. Talking and laughing with each other below the evening night. By looking at them from afar it seemed as a "perfect family" unknown of the danger waiting for them. Just then Masashi came running toward them and gasped a little before telling Takashi who was leaning toward the car “See you later Takashi”. And bent down so he could match the height of the Koko and said while stroking her head “Safe travels Koko”. In reply Koko smiled softly and gave a hug to Masashi making Masashi to pinch her cheeks excitedly. Everyone laughed at the sight of the Koko's cuteness. Then Satomi picked Koko up in her arms and told the two that Koko is very sleepy so she'll make her sleep inside the car. Both nodded quietly while Satomi sat beside Koko in the car. Looking at them through the windshield. Takashi sighed and asked to Masashi while looking in his wristwatch.

"So, Masashi when is driver coming?" Masashi was still thinking what to reply. When right at the cue Masashi's phone rang and he mumered to Takashi "Speak of the devil" Masashi picked up the call and hmm'd while listening and only replying with "OK!, yes..." In the speaker. After he cut the call Masashi said while putting his phone back into the pocket.

“Driver will not be able to drop you guys home so you have to go by your own”.

"But Masashi your brother is drunk , It might be dangerous”. Satomi said through the window, with a high pitch showing worry on her face. Then suddenly, Takashi joined the conversation and said while raising his voice

“What do you take me for, I am Takashi!!". Takashi stumbled at the car door, struggling to keep the eye level with Satomi. He pulled out a cigarette and tried to light it. But he wasn't able to keep the focus on it. Seeing his struggle Masashi silently helped him. Because he knew someone was very angry right now. Takashi kept mumering to Masashi that how Satomi always keeps a straight face and when she wears makeup she looks like a ghost and he kept going. Masashi tried to stop him but he got silent when Satomi came out of the car and stood in front of Takashi. "What did you just said?" Satomi said, looking deadly in his eyes. Her stare was enough for him to submit. But he didn't instead he said that he doesn't care whatever she said. That was the last string Satomi grabbed Takashi's ear and pinched it so hard that his alcohol wore off.

After everyone got into the car Masashi asked in concern "Will it really be okay, for him to drive?" Takashi told him to relax and said that he is already sobered up. So there's nothing to worry about. Satomi hinted Takashi to stay quiet or Koko will wake up. So Takashi silently expressed his goodbye to Masashi and the car started.

“Takashi don’t you think Masashi has changed before he only talked about money but now he invited us over for dinner at his place this is very Ironic, isn’t it?“. Satomi asked while stroking Koko's head. Takashi looked at Satomi from rear view mirror. And was thinking about what to answer. Because, Masashi's change was also astonishing for Takashi as it was for Satomi. As he was thinking, he caught a faint smell of diesel. But he ignored it because just yesterday his car was sent for servicing, it would've been an small matter but not for Takashi because he didnt know that this ignorance will cost him his life. As they were chatting Koko poked her head out and said,

“Father drive faster I want to meet brother Haru”. Both looked at her unaware when she woke up, Satomi pinched her cheeks asking when she woke up. Where Koko dodged the question with her cuteness. Satomi mumered to herself that Koko can never leave Haru alone if it weren’t for his field trip he would've came with them tonight. Takashi agreed, he felt his throat dry so he put his hand in the cabinet. He got the bottle he was searching for, but when he was putting it back after drinking it. He screiched in disbelief, he searched every corner of the cabinet with his fingers. Because of his sudden yell “What happened ??“. Satomi asked

Takashi took his hand out and froze for a moment before saying "The box" showing dread in his eyes "Is not here anymore" Satomi's eyes darkened for a spilt second she forgot what she was doing. She and takashi started to search for the box enormously as if their life depended on it. The scene was something terrifying for Koko because she never saw this much frightness in her parents eyes. Koko started to cry, and they both kept searching, but in the search they almost forgot that takashi was still driving then suddenly koko pointed at the front and yelled, "TRUCK!!!"

Takashi looked at the front and was immediately taken a back by his fear but he managed to have a sudden turn. He sighed in relief that they have escape the danger but as the car was turned he saw a big tree approaching. He hit the brake in no time, but his fear took over him — The Brake was failed. He pressed the brake as fast as he could thinking some miracle would happen but the miracle which happened was their death. And in less than a minute they faced an unexpected car crash in that car everyone unfortunately died except koko that little girl, koko was saved by her mother Satomi. A simple act of mother saved the little girl’s life. Its a pity that Koko is very little to understand anything but in future when she’ll get to know that her mother sacrificed her own life to save koko, koko will be very moved. After a minute time crowd starts to gather.

***

(6 yrs later)

A Luxury car from a wealthy family was going, in that car there was a girl named Midori wearing an ordinary high school uniform but her tone was like a spoiled brat she said rudely, "You may drop me here". Driver looked at Midori from rear view mirror and took a deep breath before putting a pleasing smile and told her that they haven't arrived yet. She popped a bubble and let it crack of her gum. And met with the eyes of the driver from the mirror, tilted her head and asked "Are you new?" Driver forced an enthusiasm and did his best to not make her angry and nodded with a plastered smile.

"What again.." Midori sighed, She rolled her eyes to the side. Crossed her legs. And leaned back "Here... I'm the boss. If you dare to disobey me, you have to forget about your job" She said with the kind of haughty authority that only rich girls who've never heard 'no' have. Driver remained silent. The air inside the car became so awkward that She pressed the button, the window slid down, and she leaned her head out into the morning light. The wind rushed against her skin, tangling her hair, cold and alive. Then the car stopped at a place where no one could see that Midori came from that car midori cautiously steped out of the car and said, "Don't come to pick me up in the afternoon" Driver tried to refuse but Midori didn't gave him a chance. Midori decided to take a walk to the school. She took some steps, but she stopped. She ran back to the car. And bent down to look at the driver from the window, she told him to work on his acting and left while giggling at her cool.

While walking to school. Midori kept thinking that why she's still sucking at this poor garbage school. She deliberately took slow steps, so she will not have to deal with the poor students who made her feel lonely. She reluctantly entered the school gate.

When she entered, her face instantly changed, she saw Rika and her group laughing very loudly while they sat in a group. Their faces was just like a canvas, painted all over with makeup. Their hair was styled, and they had that confidence which an ordinary girl could desire for. "Disgusting" Midori's face said, before her mouth could. The disgusting face Midori made wasn't jealousy or judging someone. It was as if she — hates them, she hates the thought of being like them. She didn't pulled them much further, and marched to her way.

After a few steps, she saw a boy getting drag by his classmate. A chill ran through her. For her, staying lowkey was everything, and that was exactly what made it hard — the part of her wanted to help, but an heiress in a poor school can't afford to be seen. She dug her fingers into her fist — it was hurtful, but it was enough for her to calm down. She hung her head low, and kept walking.

Her feet stopped in front of achievement board. But, she wasn't the only one who stopped there. Many students were also there. She got curious about who is this person, who made this much students stop and take a look at her. She made her way through the crowd, and saw a bunch of students photo there, but Rika's photo was the biggest on the board. "Congrats! Rika — Winner! Face of the school 2026-27" Midori felt utterly disgusted. She looked at Rika's bright smile thoroughly. By, looking at her gaze, it felt like she'll burn Rika from her eyes alone. The crowd was disturbed by the sudden arrival of Rika. Everyone ran to her, congratulating Rika for winning the contest. Where Rika thanked them with a great smile. But, Midori stayed unfazed. Until their eyes met. They both looked at each other, with the same fire in their eyes. But, Rika instantly changed her expressions when her friends noticed, Midori was there. They passed comments to each other, while mocking Midori. And left — showing dissatisfied face to Midori.

Midori then headed to the washroom. Where — while she was opening the door to enter in the washroom she unknowingly knocked someone from the other side. When she entered inside she saw the boy who just got knocked was repeatedly apologizing to her. Midori instantly recognized those Greasy, unwashed mop like hair. She understood who the person was. And she just stood there, as if she was expecting this. He lifted his head. His face was full of swollen red acne, old scars, and blackheads, his skin so oily you could fry something on it. His hair was a greasy, frizzy bird's nest, thin in some places and sticking up in others, like he had just rolled out of bed after a month. His whole face was covered with that black glasses he wore.

His attitude suddenly changed when he saw the one who bumped into him was Midori. He acted as if he was tying his shoelaces. And swooped his hair at once. Trying to gain aura. And said while brushing off the dust from his shoulder.

"Midori why do you keep getting bump into me don't tell me you are in love with me".

When Midori heard that she made her face like she wanted to throw up. Then she pulled up her sleeves hinting for getting ready to throw insults at him,

"Haru, how do you know I'm obsessed with your ugly face? And those glasses — I'm in love. Where did you even find them? Thrift store's uncle section? You look like a topper nerd but we both know you fail everything. Anyway, I love everything about you. Clear enough you idiot?"

"Very funny" Haru gave her a bitter smile where Midori was laughing at him. Midori cheerfully gave Haru an enthusiastic pat on his back. And declaring that this time also, she won. Midori then asked him while showing doubt on her face that what is he doing in a girl's washroom. Haru frantically tried to explain his situation. So Midori will not think of him as a creep. But, Midori didn't believed in him at all. Until he told her the name of his situation "Goro". Midori gave him a big Ohhh...like she understood his pain then Midori gave him a idea to let him figure out what to do meanwhile Midori will see if Goro is coming or not. Haru agreed. As decided Midori stepped out of the washroom to guard but she saw that Goro was coming straight to the girls washroom.

Midori wasted no time to slip Haru in one of the bathroom, but she saw that Haru's ID card was lying on the floor then she hastily tried to slip the ID card on some corner too while she was trying to do it she accidentally fell on the ground at that moment Goro entered, but when Goro saw her in a weird position on the floor he couldn't help but to laugh. Midori stood up. Where Midori saw Goro was checking on every bathroom by banging on it. Midori found herself thinking rubbish. She tried to move toward him, but her legs were stiff as rock. The tension on her face kept rising, as Goro was approaching toward Haru. In fluster she even tried to reach to her wallet, so she can buy Goro off. But, early enough she got a hold of herself. As she was still thinking she saw Goro just one cubicle away from Haru's one. She screamed loudly in a panic.

"Gorooo!!!"

The banging suddenly stopped — the washroom fell silent. As if the dispenser was also wishing Midori "All the best" for showing bravery. Haru's hand reached to his mouth, by hearing Midori's sudden yell or you could say invitation to get bullied. Goro looked at her with his iconic "deadly stare" and also the reason why he's recognized as the school bully. Midori got so scared that she forgot what she wanted to say. She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. Only the fear.

Goro smirked. He approached her. His every step was louder than the courage Midori was holding. He stood close to her. So close that Midori sensed his breath and his burning rage. A sarcastic sneer spread across his face before loudly calling out the lousy plan of Haru and Midori.

And he left.

When he left, Midori's legs gave out completely. She collapsed on the floor. Seeing Midori in a devastated situation Haru came running to her... and comforted Midori.

(Haru's inner monolog)

*I was 10 years old when I lost my parents. One day I was on my school trip playing with my friends then suddenly principal came and took our homeroom teacher with her for some time. When they came back they both were looking at me like I have committed some mistake. My teacher called me out and gave a heart warming hug, looked me in the eyes and she just said only 2 words, "Take care" I shared a special bond with her at that time I didn't quite understand what she wanted to say but not until when I found my parents body lying on the ground my world broke into pieces I remembered every last things done by my parents, the way my mother said, "Don't forget to finish you're lunch" or "Haru..come here how dare you play after 7:00". My father's last hug or the pat done by him on my back flashed in my mind but I snapped back and saw my sister crying beside my mother's body, bathed in blood I saw at that time no one even dared to step in to wipe the blood of the little girl crying thats when I walked toward my sister and hugged her and said, "I'm here... I will protect you no matter what". My uncle came running, the sweat covered his whole body and he sat in front of my father's body and hugged me and my sister and said, "Brother you're so evil you leaved me alone here. I thought we were best bros for life".*