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Rue's PoV

"Did you have fun at school?" Dad asks as he steps on the pedal and the car starts to run. Rude Krantz, my dad, is a green fox like me, just that he's better at talking unlike me, and that's he's braver. He picks me up on his way home from work, so he's wearing his business clothes and black rimmed glasses.

"Yeah," I reply. With my parents, I can talk more freely. I trust them because they've always been there for me. When I tried to talk to that blue fox, Varu, I mustered up all my courage and talked to him. It was easier since I kept thinking that we're the same kin, but when we waited for the black furred Husky, Riese, I wasn't strong enough. They all seemed nice, but those nice people I know back then... I gave them my trust yet...

"You shared the onigiri with your friends?" Dad asks.

"Yeah," I reply with a flat tone. I was able to give one to the fox, but not the other one to the Husky. I'm such a scaredy-fox.

"That's great," he says, turning his head towards me. I yell at him to have his eyes on the road. I know he's a bit carefree but I don't want to die because of it. He apologizes and keeps his eyes on the road until we reach home.

"Oi!" Mom yells at the top of her lungs as we get off the car, waving her paws at the front door. She's always been the cheerful type. She is wearing her favorite yellow shirt with the print 'Husbando ->' and blue pajamas. "How's my baby?" she hugs me tightly when we approach her. I tell her to stop because it's embarrassing, but she hugs tighter.

"He was able to give his onigiri to his new friends," I retort at him with a weak grunt. I can tell her myself if I wasn't running out of air to breath.

"That's great!" she yells and hugs me tighter. Eclair Foks Krantz, my mom, a blue Fox with pony-tailed black hair. Her fur and hair color were the same as Varu and her middle name is Varu's last name. I don't know if she's related to Varu's parents, but judging from his fur, they might be. These thoughts escape my mind when I start losing oxygen. I repeatedly tap my mothers arms to tell her I'm running out of air. She lets go of me and apologizes.

I breath in deeply, gratefully letting fresh air through my nostrils, and exhale deeply. "Mom, don't try to kill me again," I jokingly say. She just laughs it off and hugs me again, but more gentle.

"I'm just glad you finally made a friend," she whispers with a tone of relief, like she was about to cry. She lets go of me then claps her paws, "OK, it's time to celebrate!" she announces.

"You mean?" Dad asks excitedly, his tail was wagging in anticipation. I'm excited as well, because celebration usually means food. Mom nods and raises her index finger like she's pointing towards the heavens.

"Pizza and lasagna!" she shouts with full voice. Dad cheers when he hears what Mom said. It's been a long time since we had pizza and lasagna at the same time. Usually we'd have pizza or lasagna when we celebrate, but this time it's both. "I'll make an order right now. Cheese and bacon?" Dad and I yell "Yes, please!" in chorus. Mom smiles and goes inside.

"It's been a long time, hasn't it?" Dad asks. It has been a long time. The last time we had pizza and lasagna for celebration, it was when Mom was promoted, and it was sandwiched with an event on one of our favorite MMOs, so that night was a blast. We stayed up late doing the event, and it was the latest I've ever slept. It was three in the morning, I think? It was so long ago, I forgot, and I was also sleepy. All I remember was that it was on a school day and I almost slept during a class.

"It has," I reply with a smile. But I honestly don't think we should celebrate. I only talked with him a bit. After that, I wasn't able to find more courage. It was like my courage had a time limit, and once it's reached, it'd disappear. Dad walks in and I follow. But tomorrow, I'll do better. I'll add as much time to this time-limited courage so I can truly tell my mom that I finally have a friend.

"Yep, remember, extra cheese. Of course you wouldn't forget, we've been ordering from you guys ever since. Oh yeah, lasagna as well, extra cheesy. It's a secret. You know us too well. Yep, we're celebrating something big!" I can hear my mom talk in the phone as I walk up the stairs and to my room. My room's a bit messy, with a few mangas scattered here and there, some gaming magazines that I read and occasionally laugh at because of its inaccurate review, and a few plastic wrappers on the computer table.

I drop my bag on my bed and lie down on it. I think about what happened today. I managed to talk with Varu, though I felt like I screwed it up. When was the last time I've talked to someone casually who's not my parents and who's not online? It was way back then. The part of my memory that I don't want to remember. I wish I could delete that memory as I could delete files on my computer. And I wasn't able to talk to Riese. But I think I'm making progress, like I gained one level in this skill called "communication in real life".

"Rue, get changed and come join us! A GM just released a series of Bosses in town! We can get some good loot with this!" I hear Dad yell from downstair. I quickly change to my green shirt and shorts then rush downstairs. I see Mom changed into her blue shirt and short beside Dad who is wearing red. We wear color coded clothes whenever there's an event online for the fun of it. Though we're in different rooms playing, it helps to think we're connected with these colors. "Everyone, formation!" Dad speaks in a military-ish sound and does a salute. Mom does a salute as well.

"Roger that," I salute as if I was in the army and go back to my room, and they did the same. I turn on my laptop, then open the game. I keep tapping the mouse with my index finger as I wait for the game to load. In! I see Mom and Dad's avatar in town surrounded by different boss monsters. As the Cleric, it's my job to support them while Dad, being the Knight, tanks the enemy attacks while Mom, the Rune Fencer, attacks in melee or ranged. There are also other guildmates with us to help, so this is gonna be another hectic yet fun event.

After twenty minutes, the spawn event ends, and we get tons of good loots along with some rare equipments. Overall, it was a very fun and very worth it event. I'm amazed we even get to kill a lot.

"Mission accomplished!" Mom, her female fox avatar named Ekuru, says ingame. Others cheer, others want more, either way we really had fun. Dad, a male fox avatar named YuUKi, joins the "we want more" side while I, a male fox avatar named Ruenix, thank the GM for the event. During our celebration and occasional begging, the doorbell rings. "It's here!" Mom shouts in real life. I can hear rushing footsteps and the door opening. I say goodbye to my guildmates and online friends and logout. I run down the stairs and see mom talking to the delivery guy with dad beside her, holding the boxes of pizza and lasagna.

"Wow, today's such a lucky day, isn't it?" he says without turning to me. Of course, he knows I'm here.

"Yep," I reply. Mom finishes her talk, says goodbye to the delivery guy, and closes the door.

"Yosh! It's time to celebrate!" mom shouts with her fists in the air and squinted eyes. Dad echoes while raising the boxes slightly. I help dad carry the boxes to the dining room where we open them and admire the Italian heaven inside. "Okay, before we eat, let us pray to God for the blessings that we've received today," Mom says. Dad and I nod then bow our heads and make the sign of the cross. As Christians, we should thanks God for all the blessings he's given to us.

After praying, the three of us yell "Celebrate!" with paws in the air. We dig in and help ourselves. I take a slice of pizza and take a bite off it. The cheesiness combined with the crispy texture of bacon, I could never get tired of it. Mom hums as she munches on the lasagna while Dad puts a small bit of lasagna on top if his pizza and eats it. We really love cheese, and when it comes to cheesiness, nothing can really beat lasagna and pizza.

When he have our fill, there are still some pizza and lasagna left. We store them back in their boxes and place them in the fridge for future consumption. We sit on our chairs and stay there in silence. Sometimes, it's best to just lay down and enjoy the silent moments. Mom breaks the silence by calling my name. I turn my head towards her.

"You weren't enjoying it one-hundred percent," my mom tells me. One-hundred percent. The last time I heard that was about that club, High Flyers. "Riese said you can do anything as long as you give your one-hundred percent in doing anything," Varu's words echoes in my mind.

"Of course you'd know, mom," I reply weakly. She knows me so well.

"You'd usually eat one more slice," she walks closer, trying not to disturb dad who manages to fall asleep on his chair. "So, what's wrong?"

I don't want to tell her, but that would mean I'm not trusting her. We have a code to trust each other, both in game and in real life. "I'm too weak."

"THEN WOMAN UP!" Mom yells, waking up Dad in the process.

"Geez, you almost gave me a heart attack, woman," Dad tells Mom who teasingly sticks out her tongue in reply. "Well, I'm gonna go hit the hay. You guys need to talk on something?" Mom nods. "Okay. Goodnight," Dad waves goodbye and goes to their bedroom.

"Sorry, just wanted to make your father leave," Mom winks at me and continues, "You forgot to give one onigiri. I cleaned your lunch box," she adds before I could tell her.

"I'm sorry... I guess I'm still a scaredy-fox," I see Mom shake her head and hugs me.

"You were able to give one. That's what matters more. In spite of being afraid, you managed to give one, and that's better than none. But if you need an extra bit of courage--" Mom lets go mid sentence and produces something from her pocket. It's a strap with a yellow feather attached to it. "this might be able to help."

"Isn't that your lucky Boko feather? You always bring that with you."

"I'm letting you have it. You need the courage more than me," she places it on my paw and curls my fingers, "make sure you keep special care of it." I'm starting to get teary-eyed. I look at Mom, her eyes filled with gentleness.

"Thank you," I place the charm near my chest as I start to cry. Mom gently pats my head, comforting me.

The next day, I bring the lucky Boko feather with me. I know it seems a bit silly because it's just a game merchandise, but I actually feel like it's giving me courage. Having something to believe in, it really helps.

Varu and I have lunch together, Riese already went out along with Tabitha, the orange Tabby Cat who introduced herself to me on my first day of school and reminding me of the memories back then. That's why I ran away from her. Though Riese may not be around, I'll try to join the club this club hour. I'll do it with this lucky charm in my possession to give me courage.

Club hour starts, and I wait for the three to leave so that I will just follow them. They leave, and my plan to join them starts. First, I'll find the club room, following them without getting seen. Riese and Tabitha might go scouting, so Varu will be left in the room. Once I've found the clubroom, I'll think of what I should say. Then, I'll slowly open the club room and peek in, check if he's not busy. If he's not busy, I'll introduce myself and join the club; if he is, I'll wait for the proper time, then introduce myself and join the club.

Plan complete, now to put it into action. Problem is I was thinking for too long that they're not in sight anymore. Uh... where is their club room. Think. I rub the sides of my head to think of the possible conclusion. Walking while thinking, I shouldn't do that next time because I accidentally bump into someone, making me lose my balance and fall down.

"Are you okay?" a white rabbit with long, gold hair stretches her paw to me. "I'm sorry, I was lost in thought."

"N-no, it was my fault. Sorry," I accept her help and she helps me up. A chill runs up my spine but I ignore it. This isn't back then.

"Let's be careful next time," she smiles and shakes my paw. I nod in agreement and smile as well.

"Um, I'm gonna go now. Thanks," I grab the nearby stair rail and go up. I exhale deeply, shaking off the anxiety. I look left, then right. I seem to have lost them. Plan failed. A silver Akita passes by me and goes up the stairs to the third floor. Out of curiosity, I follow him stealthily. He goes left and there I see Varu in front of the door who's now casually talking to the Akita.

"Is that their clubroom? So they've recruited a fifth member already? Or is that their third and Tabitha being fourth," I take my time on thinking about it, then I see them enter the room. "Okay, as long as I have my--" I search through my pockets and can't feel it. The feather, the charm, it's gone! Where did I last put it... maybe I let it go when I bumped her.

I check the place where I bumped with that girl. I can't find it. What should I do? That was mom's lucky charm, and without it, I can't feel any courage. I know it's silly, depending on something that's superstitious, but I can't help but need it. Why am I so weak?

"THEN WOMAN UP!" I hear mom's voice inside my head. But how can I? I'm not a woman, and I'm scared. I... I'll try finding it. Maybe it's still here somewhere. Please, please be nearby.

The school bell rings, and I still haven't found it. I go home and keep the lost charm a secret and try not to converse about it. But being asked what happened in school is inevitable, so I lie. My second lie to them, and they believe me. I lie about joining the club, and we-- they, celebrate. I fake a smile and fake enjoying it. I never knew it hurts so much to lie to the persons, my parents, I trust so much.

The day ends, and the next day, Thursday, follows. There is no club hour today because of an emergency meeting of the faculty and staff. Maybe it's because they don't want noise during their meeting. Nevertheless, I still continue to look for the lost charm. I already told Dad that I'll be riding the public bus and he doesn't need to pick me up.

"What are you doing here?" someone asks from behind, which made me yelp and jump a bit. I turn around and it was our adviser, Mr. Kelt, the cougar. "Shouldn't you be going back home?"

"Um, I, uh, lost... something," I stammer.

"Oh, I see. Well, just don't stay late. Au revoir," he waves goodbye and goes downstairs to the first floor.

I continue my search for the charms, but to no avail. It's already quarter to five, and if I get caught, I'd get punished. It's no use. It's lost and can't be found anymore. It probably got thrown away or something. It's hopeless.

I leave the school, go to the nearby bus station, and ride back home. Thinking about it, that Akita is probably the fifth member already. They won't need me anymore because they already have their fifth, and it's enough for the club to not disband. There's no need for me to be part of their life. I can be happy with just my parents, and my online friends. I don't need to. But I want to. But I can't. I'm weak, no matter how much my parents encourage me, I'm always weak.

I arrive home, and I see a note. "Had to go early for work. Dad probably going overtime. Dinner at the fridge. Love, Mom" This is great. I don't need to lie to them today. I go inside, place my bag near the door, then check what's in the fridge. Chicken wings. Not in the mood, but okay. I heat it up with the microwave, staring at it while waiting. The doorbell rings, and my heart starts beating faster, but it couldn't be them because we have our own keys.

I hesitatingly open the door that reveals the delivery guy holding a medium-sized box. "Package for Rude Krantz. The complete collection of albums of... sorry, can't remember the name."

"Oh, hey Matthew," I reply flatly. The brown bear is Matthew, our neighborhood delivery guy. He's forgetful at times but he's a really nice guy, according to Dad. "Dad ordered a complete collection?"

"Yeah, is he here?" I shake my head. "Well, can you sign this for me instead?" I nod and write my signature. "Thanks. Do you want me to put it inside?"

"No, I can handle it," he gives me the package then closes the door. I slowly go to the living room and put the box on the table. I hear the microwave ding, meaning the chicken wings are already heated up.

I managed to talk with him casually. When did I learn to do that? I remember that I always stammer and my voice keeps fading while talking to him. Is it because I'm depressed or something? I don't know. I don't wanna think today. After I finish eating dinner, I pick up the bag I left near the front door and go up my room. I place my bag near my bed and sit on my bed. Shouldn't lie down after eating.

"Who cares, anyways..." I say to myself. I forget that I haven't logged in to my games and claim the daily gifts yet. I do so, but only claimed the daily gift because I wasn't in the mood to play. Why am I not in the mood? What's wrong with me? Before I know it, a tear runs down my cheek. Why am I crying? I wipe away the tears and rub my eyes.

"I should sleep now," I lie on my bed and put the blanket over me. I hear the door open. It's probably Dad. I pretend to fall asleep so that I won't have to answer them if ever they'll ask how's school again. I don't want to lie to them again.

The next day, Friday, the last day of the week. The day when they need to have a fifth member otherwise they'll be disbanded. During lunch time, Varu sits beside me and we eat our lunch together.

"We still haven't found a fifth member," he says depressingly. My ears perk up. I want to join, I really do, but I... I'm scared, "Well, you're not planning to join any club, right?" I am. I'm planning to join your club! Why can't I voice out these thoughts?

"Riese and Tabitha are still scouting. I didn't think that I'd actually care about this club, but after just a few days, I do now. Weird, huh?" I shake my head, then nod my head slightly. Why did I do that? He giggles slightly at my gestures. After eating, he goes back to his seat, ears drooped and a frown on his face. I want to help you guys, but I can't. Why am I so weak? Why do I keep saying I'm so weak? Why... when...?

Club hour starts again, and I go back to the second floor. Maybe there's still hope of finding it? "What am I talking about, there's no way it's still here," I say to myself after forty-five minutes of searching. I aimlessly wander the corridor when I accidentally bump into someone, lose my balance, and fall. Again.

"Oh, sorry again. I wasn't paying attention." Again? I look up and see the white rabbit with long, gold hair and her paw stretched.

"Sorry," I accept her help, then I notice something on her arm. A blue bracelet, and it has the same feather as Mom's lucky charm. I didn't realize that I was staring at it intently, and it made an awkward atmosphere around us.

"Um, is something wrong?" she asks.

"Oh, uh, it's nothing," I shake my head. It's just coincidence that she has the same feather. She seem to have noticed that I stared at her bracelet, and she raises her arm.

"Oh, this? I found it on the floor the other day. It's been giving me good luck the past few days." It couldn't be, right? "This must be yours?" she takes off the bracelet and extends her paw, holding it. "I'm sorry if I took it. I should've given it to lost and found."

"Th-thank you very much," I accept the bracelet and place it near my chest. It's the same feather that gave me courage and hope. The same feather that I needed to be brave. "Thank you, thank you," I'm on my knees crying. This is it, it's here, I got it, I've found it.

"I-I'm sorry," the rabbit pats my shoulder, comforting me. "I didn't mean to--"

"There's... there's still time," I compose myself and stand up, "I can still join," I smile my widest smile and hug the rabbit, "Thank you,"

"Uh, sure?" she says awkwardly. I let go and, holding the charm with a tight grip, I dash upstairs to the third floor. I can join them, I can finally join them. This charm that gives me courage will help me go through.

I am standing in front of the door with my paw just centimeters away to the handle. This is it, I want to join them. I want to have fun with them. I want to know what real life friends are again. This warm feeling I got from my heart just talking to the Fox, Varu, was enough to persuade me. Even if my parents didn't want me to have friends, I'd still join. And with a slide of the door, I'm introduced to four people.

The black Husky is leaning beside the window. The blue Fox is sitting beside the silver Akita. The orange Tabby Cat is lying on the floor, staring emptily at the ceiling. Their faces look depressed as they all turn their heads towards me. With a wide smile, I ask, "May I join the club?"

Their ears perk, eyes widen, and wide smiles start to arc across their faces except for the Akita. The Husky, Riese, first jumps towards and hugs me, followed by the Cat, Tabitha who does the same, both their tail wagging in joy. Varu, who stands up, says "I'm glad you decided to join us." The Akita shows a slight smile with both his eyes closed.

"Welcome to the club, man! I'm so glad you decided to join. It was hell going through everyday and not getting a new recruit. You're an angel, a lifesaver!" Riese hugs me tighter, which reminds me of Mom's tight hug.

"Same," Tabitha says, also hugging tighter, making it hard for me to breath.

"He'll die before he gets the chance to even join," Varu mocks the two who lets go afterwards. "And welcome to the High Flyers Club," he adds, his attention towards me.

"We have our fifth member. Let's go tell--" the bell rings, signalling the end of club hour. We all freeze for a bit, thinking that it's too late, then Riese says, "We can still make it. Come on, let's go!" he dashes outside, and Tabitha also follows.

"Let's go. Come on, Ken," Varu says. The Akita stands up and follows him. I watch as they smile and laugh as they go to the teacher's office. I smile, thinking about how fun it will be in this club and follow them.

I managed to join the club I wanted to join. This charm, it really works. It gave me courage when I needed it the most, and now, I'm with my new friends. I place the charm near my chest as I follow them. Thanks Mom, Dad, you guys really know me so well.