Two months.
That was how long Jalen had trained under Tom Lee brutal, focused, and real. After school, it was straight to the White Tiger Job Center. The missions varied bodyguard work, information gathering, high-stress retrieval jobs. He was constantly moving, learning, adapting. His strength, once overwhelming for his peers, now felt like it belonged to another league entirely.
He walked down a quiet street near the school, hands in the pockets of his hoodie, his frame casting a long shadow in the evening light. The air was cool, filled with the faint hum of city traffic.
As he turned the corner, he saw her Mary Kim. She stood outside a small café, sipping a drink, earbuds in.
"Mary," he called, calm as always.
She looked up, pulling out an earbud with a surprised glance. "Jalen. You're out of school early."
"Yeah. Thought I'd enjoy a quiet walk." He stepped closer, a slight grin tugging at his lips. "Wanna come with?"
"To where?"
He pointed casually across the skyline. "There's an amusement park nearby. Thought it might be fun. My treat."
Mary tilted her head. "You're randomly asking me out?"
He shrugged. "Maybe. Or maybe I just think you deserve a break."
She gave him a long look, then smirked. "Fine. But I'm choosing the first ride."
Jalen chuckled. "Deal."
They walked together, conversation light, occasionally filled with laughter. At the park entrance, Jalen paid for both without hesitation, and the moment they stepped through, the buzz of lights, rides, and voices surrounded them.
They rode a ferris wheel that gave a perfect view of the city. Mary's hair flowed gently in the wind while Jalen sat calmly beside her, quietly admiring the view and her. They played shooting games, shared snacks, and when she nearly tripped during a running ride, Jalen caught her with ease, earning a flustered glare and a soft "thanks."
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the lights of the park began to shine brighter, they sat on a quiet bench with ice cream.
"You've changed," Mary said quietly. "You're more... grounded."
Jalen gave a small nod. "I've seen what real strength looks like. And what it costs. I'm just trying to keep up."
She looked at him thoughtfully. "You're not like the others."
"I'm not trying to be."
For a moment, silence passed between them.
Then Mary stood up and dusted herself off. "Thanks for today. I had fun."
Jalen rose beside her, hands still tucked into his pockets. "Anytime."
And together, beneath the glow of the park's lights, they began the walk home, step by quiet step, as the world briefly slowed down for the phantom reborn.