To begin with, Ethan was never a straight-A student. Yes, he had good grades, but they didn't serve him well in the future, except for getting into college. Ironically. But in any case, this is not a story about his childhood. ──────.𖥔 ݁ ˖˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ────── 2026. Ohio. Late at night, Ethan pulled into the garage in his Streetfighter. He hoped he hadn't woken up any of his family. As he quietly opened the garage, he was surprised to see his sister standing there, staring at him with a disapproving look on her face.

Nicole: "Are you out riding late at night again? Mom doesn't like it, you know."

Ethan: "Yes, yes. In any case, I'm wearing protection." He tapped his helmet for emphasis. "Besides, my mom can't stop me from riding. I'm 21 years old."

Nicole: "And yet, you're acting like a rebellious teenager. Ethan... It's time for you to start taking responsibility."

Ethan: "Pfft. You sound like your father." he rolled the motorcycle into the garage.

Nicole: "Brother. I want what's best for you. About Hayley-"

Ethan: "Don't you dare. Don't even mention her." he said seriously. He hated his ex-girlfriend with every fiber of his being. "Just... go to sleep, okay? I'll pick you up from college tomorrow." ──────.𖥔 ݁ ˖˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ────── Yes, you'd think life doesn't treat him well all the time. He was cheated on by his ex. He was betrayed by his college basketball team. He sometimes fights with his father.

It seemed like he would never find his purpose in life. Until one day... ──────.𖥔 ݁ ˖˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ────── As usual, I picked up Nicole and waited for her in the parking lot. It was at this moment that Nicole came out. She came up to him and high-fived

Nicole: "Are you waiting for me, hmm?"

Ethan: "Very funny, Lisa. Hop in."

Nicole: "I have a request"

Ethan: "It's starting..." he sighed. "what else?"

Nicole: "A girl has transferred to our class. She turns out to be a neighbor on our street. Miss Gracia lives there. Can we give her a ride?"

Ethan: "...okay. Where is she?"

Just then, a girl came out of the college. Ethan froze, looking at her through the visor of his helmet. She... was his type. Damn...

Nicole: "There she is! Hey, we're here!!"

Ethan was simply frozen in amazement and admiration. His heart started beating involuntarily.