- "No, I'm telling you, it was cancelled."
I tapped my screen repeatedly, looking for the Reddit post I saw earlier today. Joël watched over my shoulder as I was typing, leaning in closer as I bring the phone up to his eyes.
- "See? They dropped it."
Joël exclaimed in surprise as he read the post.
- "Whaaat? Fuck, that sucks... I actually really liked that one."
- "I know right? What a shame, man. Another peak manhwa gone just like that..." I sighed, my eyes still glued to the screen as I read the post's comments.
Joël joined me in longingly sighing the death of yet another promising comic, before quickly looking up at the sound of an engine fast approaching.
- "Shit, Leon, move-"
Splorch. Wait, splorch? What? What was that sound?
...
Oh, I get it. That was the sound of me and Joël, um, how to put this... fucking dying? I looked up from my phone for a second and the first thing I saw was a 19 ton truck swirving off the road driving right into us. We were on the sidewalk. What the fuck? How is that fair? What happened? Why? Wh-
- "Joël?"
- "...Leon?"
I looked in disbelief at the man I consider my one true best friend, standing right next to me, in the same "Endless summer" T-shirt and khaki shorts he's been wearing today. What are we even standing on? All I can see around me is clear blue sky and clouds. We're standing on air, by the looks of it.
- "Is this heaven?" I muttered incredulously, rethinking my whole life's atheist beliefs.
- "...I guess so..." Joël mumbled in the same disbelieving tone, standing there in awe and confusion, looking down at his hands.
A ray of golden light coming from behind turned both of our heads around. Standing a few feet away from us in our backs, an angel. A mesmerizing, perfect being. Long, flowing golden hair, perfect looks, light Ancient Greek style white drapes and sandals for clothes, and large withdrawn wings of beautiful white feathers.
- "Welcome, Leon and Joël, to Heaven."
Both of us shared an expression of shock and awe, one that seemed to soften naturally, as if the angel's beautiful golden light soothed us by simple proximity. It was like a mother's warm embrace as a small child. A natural feeling of comfort and ease.
- "So... We've died?" I questioned, a somewhat regretful but accepting look on my face.
- "Yes. Quite unfairly at that. The two of you were hit by an inebriated driver, passing away nearly instantly."
I looked at Joël. He seemed even more bitter than me at the thought of dying so young. I could understand why, he had a loving family, plenty of friends, hopes and dreams, and he loved this world more than anyone. I mean, fuck, I feel the same. I might not always have loved being alive, but things were just starting to look up for me in life. I was just beginning to take it into my hands, after finishing college and moving in with Joël.
- "Fear not. Your death may have been unfair, but the gods above are not. Which is why we wish to offer the both of you to be reborn in another world, as heroes."
...There was no need for explanations. This was just like the beginning of any other isekai plot. After a short silence, I grinned, then looked at my best friend again. He seemed to be hesitating. Probably thinking about whether he'd rather live out some anime plot or stay here with his loved ones in Heaven. But my decision was taken quick. If I'm offered another chance at life, in a world where I'll truely be in control of my decisions, of course I'll take it! I held my hand out towards him.
- "Come on, Joël. What's there to think about?"
I knew he wouldn't hesitate for long. Look at him already grinning as well. He quickly grabbed my hand firmly.
- "Alright, man. Let's do it."
The divine being smiled warmly before a flash of white engulfed us both, transporting us to a magical, fantastic realm.
