Lookism: What If

(Saturday, April 27, 2024 – 6:16 PM)

The evening air was crisp as the group strolled through the central mall, laughter and conversation blending into the background noise of the bustling crowd. Neon signs flickered above their heads, and the scent of fresh street food drifted from the food court nearby. The atmosphere was lighthearted, the energy among them buzzing with excitement.

Zoe clapped her hands together as she turned to the two Daniels. "Alright, birthday boys, where do we start?"

Lil Daniel raised an eyebrow. "Birthday boys?"

She waved him off. "You two are twins, which means both of you have the same birthday. So yeah, birthday boys."

Big Daniel chuckled while Lil Daniel just shook his head. "Fine, fine. But I'm expecting double the gifts, then."

"Relax." Zack interjected with a grin. "Jay's paying for everything, so just enjoy it."

Jay, standing silently beside them, gave a small nod.

The group wandered through the mall, stopping at different stores, checking out clothes, sneakers, and accessories. While Zoe and Mira dragged Lil Daniel around, making him try different outfits 'for fun'.

Big Daniel walked with Jay and Zack, chatting about random topics.

At one point, Zack glanced over at Big Daniel. "By the way, how's the webtoon coming along?"

Jay turned his head slightly, also interested.

Big Daniel smiled. "It's going well. I'm building the 3D environments now, using AI to generate backgrounds faster so I can focus more on character art and storyboarding."

Zack scratched the back of his head. "Man, I don't get half the stuff you just said, but it sounds impressive."

Lil Daniel, who had managed to escape Zoe's fashion experiment, joined the conversation. "Yeah, our webtoon is going strong."

Zoe raised an eyebrow. "Our? So Lil Daniel draws too?"

Lil Daniel crossed his arms, grinning. "I handle the smaller details while Big Daniel focuses on the large-scale stuff."

Big Daniel nodded. "Basically, I do the heavy lifting, and he refines everything."

Mira looked intrigued. "So what's it about?"

Lil Daniel smiled. "Modern society. Bullying, gangs, fights, ruthless survival. I'm thinking of putting actual techniques inside."

Zoe gasped dramatically. "So you're basically making a guidebook for delinquency?"

Big Daniel laughed. "Something like that."

Zack snapped his fingers. "Hold up, real techniques? Like actual training methods?"

Lil Daniel smirked. "You'll have to read it to find out."

Zack rolled his eyes. "Tch, whatever, nerds."

(7:30 PM)

After browsing around for a while, they ended up at a steakhouse, ordering a feast. Jay didn't blink at the total bill, casually swiping his black card while the others looked on with varying expressions.

Zoe and Mira? Impressed.

Zack? Jealous.

The Daniels? Used to it.

"Man.." Zack muttered, shaking his head. "Being rich must be so nice."

Jay just shrugged.

The food arrived quickly, thick steaks, sizzling hot plates, and an assortment of side dishes. Big Daniel ate at a normal pace, but Lil Daniel, despite being on a strict diet, couldn't resist the temptation.

"Don't overdo it." Big Daniel warned, nudging him.

Lil Daniel sighed but still ate carefully. "Yeah, yeah, I know."

Mira, sitting across from them, raised an eyebrow. "Wait, you're dieting?"

Lil Daniel nodded. "Trying to lose fat, gain control, and get stronger."

Zack grinned. "Smart. Might even catch up to me someday."

Lil Daniel grinned back. "Won't take much."

The group chatted and laughed, sharing stories, roasting each other, and enjoying the night. By the time they finished, they were stuffed and energized for the next part of the evening.

(8:32 PM)

The arcade was alive with flashing lights, electronic sounds, and the occasional cheers of victory or groans of defeat. The group spread out, each heading to different games.

Zoe and Mira challenged each other to a dance-off, stepping onto the glowing platforms of the rhythm game. Their feet moved in sync with the fast-paced music as they battled for dominance.

Jay played the claw machines, effortlessly winning a small plushie, which he casually handed to Zoe. She blinked in surprise before grinning and hugging it.

Zack, meanwhile, was locked onto his target, the boxing machine.

He cracked his knuckles, stretched his arms, then unleashed a devastating punch.

The machine lit up. 896.

"Not bad." Big Daniel said, stepping up beside him.

Zack smirked. "You think you can beat that?"

Big Daniel didn't reply. Instead, he simply copied Zack's stance, his movements were exactly similar. He took a casual breath, focused, and struck.

896.

Zack's eye twitched. "Oi, you copying me?"

Lil Daniel stepped up next, rolling his shoulders. "My turn." He adjusted his stance, copying Zack's form perfectly, then swung.

896.

The group burst into laughter as Zack groaned, rubbing his temples. "Nah, this is rigged. You two are messing with me!"

Big Daniel chuckled. "Nah, we just learn fast."

Zoe smirked. "Face it, Zack. They're just built different."

Zack crossed his arms. "Fine. Then let's settle this with a real competition."

(9:00 PM)

They lined up for the basketball hoop challenge, where players had one minute to score as many points as possible.

Jay went first. Smooth, calculated, consistent. Score: 38.

Zoe followed. Surprisingly good form. Score: 34.

Mira tried next. Decent but not great. Score: 22.

Zack? Competitive beast mode activated. Score: 42.

Big Daniel took his turn. Calculated movements, excellent aim. Score: 40.

Then Lil Daniel stepped up. He wasn't athletic like his bigger self, but he had precision. He adjusted to the timing, focusing purely on efficiency.

Score: 43.

Zack's jaw dropped. "Oi. Ain't no way!"

Lil Daniel grinned. "Looks like I won."

Zack snorted. "Man, you two are annoying."

(9:28 PM)

The group gathered near the arcade entrance, finishing up their last games and getting ready for the next activity. The energy was still high with laughter filling the air.

Zoe stretched her arms. "Alright, what's next?"

Big Daniel looked at the time. They still had plenty of night left.

Lil Daniel glanced at Zack, then at the others. "Whatever it is, I'm down."

Zack nodded. "Then let's make it fun."

(10:27 PM)

The group stood near the train station, the cool night air wrapping around them as the energy of the day finally settled. The streets were still alive with cars passing by, the occasional pedestrian walking past, and the hum of the city in the background. It had been a long day, filled with laughter, competition, and good food, but now it was time to go their separate ways.

Zoe stretched her arms, letting out a small sigh. "Alright, this was fun, but I need my sleep. Can't risk losing my natural glow." She flipped her hair dramatically before glancing at Mira. "You coming?"

Mira nodded, adjusting the strap of her bag. "Yeah, I should head back too. Thanks for today. It was nice to just hang out."

Zack had his hands stuffed into his hoodie pocket, he nodded. "Yeah. Happy birthday but next time, I'm winning at the arcade."

Lil Daniel rolled his shoulders, looking at him with a small smile. "You can try, but I'll still be ahead."

Zack exhaled through his nose, shaking his head slightly. "We'll see."

Jay, as always, remained silent, but he gave a short nod to both Daniels before turning toward the direction of his home. His quiet presence had always been enough.

Big Daniel glanced at the others. "Seriously, thanks for today. It was good to just chill for once."

Lil Daniel nodded. "Yeah, really. Appreciate it."

Zoe waved them off. "No need to get all sentimental. We'll see each other soon enough."

Final farewells were exchanged before the group split, their figures disappearing into the night. The air felt a little quieter now, the excitement of the day fading into something calmer.

Big Daniel and Lil Daniel remained standing for a few moments, letting the stillness settle in. It wasn't often he got to just enjoy a normal day like this, without worrying about fights, training, or what came next.

Without saying anything else, both Daniels turned and began walking home.

----

End of the first arc, see you soon.