Chapter 1.0
The sound of laughter and music filled the small rooftop garden, where a group of teens celebrated their hard-earned graduation. Strings of fairy lights swayed gently in the evening breeze, casting a warm glow over the gathering. Johnny leaned against the railing, a soda in hand, watching his friends dance and joke around. The skyline of the city stretched out before him, its lights twinkling like stars. For a brief moment, everything felt perfect.
"Johnny! Stop sulking and get over here!" called Mia, her voice cutting through the chatter. She was the loudest of the group, her vibrant energy reminiscent of Shiemi's unwavering enthusiasm. Her long, messy curls bounced as she waved him over. "You're not getting out of dancing tonight!"
"I'm not sulking," Johnny replied, smirking as he took one last sip of his soda. He cast a glance at Mia, who was grinning mischievously as she leaned against the snack table. "I'm just… enjoying the view." His eyes flicked meaningfully in her direction for just a second before turning back to the skyline, the corners of his mouth curling into a sly smile.
Mia raised an eyebrow, catching his subtle hint immediately. "Oh, is that so?" she teased, sauntering closer with exaggerated confidence. "Well, Mr. Secret Agent, don't let the view distract you too much."
Johnny chuckled, trying to play it cool even as his cheeks warmed. "Don't worry, Mia. You're hard to miss."
"Uh-huh," teased Grant, the quiet, analytical one of the group. He sat cross-legged near the makeshift snack table, scribbling something in his notebook. His dry humor and calm demeanor always balanced out Mia's chaotic energy. "The view of us embarrassing ourselves?"
Johnny laughed, shaking his head. "No, but that's definitely a bonus."
"Come on, Johnny," Mia urged, grabbing his wrist and pulling him toward the center of the group with a playful tug that nearly made him stumble. "This is a celebration! You're officially a graduate, and you're… well, whatever it is you're doing next! Secret agent something on dooty." She wiggled her fingers dramatically, her exaggerated movements earning a round of laughter from everyone.
"Secret agent something on duty?" Johnny repeated with a laugh, raising an eyebrow. "That's the best you've got?"
Mia grinned, not missing a beat. "Hey, if the mysterious shoe fits, wear it." She spun him toward the center of the group, where the others were clapping along to the beat of the music. "Now quit dodging and join us before Eric tries to start one of his two-step tutorials again."
"I'll have you know my two-step is flawless," Eric chimed in, pretending to be offended, which only made everyone laugh harder.
"Come on, Johnny, no excuses!" Mia said, practically bouncing on her toes. "You're not weaseling out of this one."
Johnny felt his face heat up. He'd told them as much as he could—that he'd been chosen for an important job, one he couldn't talk about. The truth was far stranger than any of them could imagine. Top-secret guard duty for some mysterious program? It sounded like something out of a movie.
"Something like that," Johnny said with a grin, trying to deflect the attention.
"Whatever it is, we're proud of you," said Eric, clapping a hand on Johnny's shoulder. Eric was the dependable one, always looking out for everyone. He'd been Johnny's friend since they were kids. "But don't forget us when you're all famous and stuff." he teased
"Yeah," Mia added, puffing out her chest dramatically. "You better send us tickets to all your fancy secret-agent events."
"I'll send you all postcards," Johnny said, playing along. "From… wherever it is I'm going."
As the group erupted into laughter, Johnny felt a pang of guilt. He hated keeping secrets from them, but it wasn't like he had a choice. The exorcist program was hidden for a reason. Besides, this was his moment to celebrate, to soak in the warmth of friendship before stepping into the unknown. He promised himself he'd hold onto this feeling for as long as he could.
"Alright, enough talking!" Mia declared, grabbing her phone to queue up another song. "It's dance time, and no one's allowed to sit out—not even you, Mr. Mysterious!"
"Yes, ma'am," Johnny said with mock seriousness, letting Mia pull him into the impromptu dance circle. The laughter and movement around him were infectious, and before he knew it, he was swaying to the rhythm, his usual shyness melting away. Mia cheered loudly, twirling dramatically before bumping into Grant, who groaned but couldn't hide his grin. Eric joined in, clapping along to the beat and encouraging the group to form a messy conga line that snaked through the rooftop.
Johnny couldn't help but laugh, the tension in his chest loosening with every step. For a moment, it felt like nothing could touch them—as if this rooftop, with its fairy lights and music, was a world separate from all his worries. As the night deepened, he let himself soak in the joy of being surrounded by friends, their faces glowing with happiness. He allowed himself to forget—just for a little while—what lay ahead.