Artemis sat on her bed, staring blankly at the wall. The events of the past few days swirled in her mind like a storm, refusing to settle. She had faced a monster, met her real father, and learned that her entire life had been a carefully constructed lie to keep her safe. Now, she was expected to leave behind everything she knew to attend a school for people like her—people who were reincarnations of gods.
Her fingers traced absentmindedly over the pendant resting against her collarbone—a gift from her mother, given years ago. It had always felt like a comfort, a tether to something familiar. But now, it felt heavier than ever.
The house was quiet. Her mother and Daniel had gone downstairs to talk, leaving her alone to process everything.
Her hand drifted lower, brushing over the birthmark on her skin. A warmth pulsed beneath her fingertips—subtle, yet unmistakable. But something was different. A strange unease coiled in her chest as she glanced down. The familiar brown mark was gone, replaced by a shimmering silver crescent. It looked almost like a tattoo, etched into her skin as if it had always been there.
“What the...”
The sharp ring of her phone shattered the silence, making her jump. She exhaled, glancing at the screen—Minjun.
A lump formed in her throat. How was she supposed to tell him? That she was leaving? That her life had changed in ways he could never begin to understand?
She drew in a slow, steadying breath and answered.
“Hey, Min,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
“Arty! Finally, you answer!” His voice was a mixture of relief and frustration. “Do you have any idea how worried I was? Andrea and I thought something happened to you after what went down at school. They said it was a wild animal attack, but that’s total garbage, right?”
Artemis hesitated. “I’m okay, Min. I promise.”
There was a pause on the other end before he sighed. “You don’t sound okay. Talk to me, Arty. What’s going on?”
She squeezed her eyes shut. She wanted to tell him everything—about the battle, about the creature, about the truth of who she was. But she couldn’t. The more he knew, the more danger he would be in.
“I…” she started, choosing her words carefully. “I have to leave Aurora Falls, Min. I’m transferring to another school.”
“What?” The hurt in his voice was clear. “What do you mean you’re leaving? What school?”
“It’s… an academy in Athens, Georgia that scouted me for my archery skills,” she lied, forcing a small chuckle. “I guess all those years of practice finally paid off.”
Minjun was silent for a moment before speaking again, quieter this time. “So, you’re really leaving?”
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She swallowed the guilt rising in her chest. “Yeah. In two days.”
“Damn,” he muttered. “That’s… really soon.”
“I know,” she whispered. “I didn’t plan for any of this, Min. Everything just happened so fast.”
Another silence stretched between them, heavier than before. Then, Minjun exhaled sharply. “Well, I guess I don’t have a choice but to be happy for you, huh?”
Artemis’s heart clenched. “Min…”
“No, it’s okay,” he cut in, forcing a laugh. “You’re gonna be amazing. Show those rich, fancy archery kids what you’re made of.”
She smiled, despite the ache in her chest. “I’ll visit when I can. And you better keep Andrea from burning down the art room.”
Minjun chuckled. “No promises.” His voice softened. “Just… take care of yourself, alright?”
“I will,” she promised.
Another pause. “Andrea and I will be alright,” he said, as if sensing her unspoken worry. “But we’re gonna miss you.”
“I’ll miss you guys too,” she admitted, blinking back tears.
They stayed on the line a little longer, neither wanting to say goodbye just yet. But eventually, Minjun sighed. “I should go before I get all emotional. Love you, Arty.”
“Love you too, Min,” she whispered before ending the call.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next day, Artemis met Minjun and Andrea at their favorite café, a cozy little place tucked between a bookstore and a record shop. The scent of fresh coffee and baked goods filled the air as she stepped inside, spotting her friends at their usual corner booth.
Andrea was the first to notice her, waving excitedly. “Arty! Over here!”
Minjun gave her a smaller, but no less genuine, smile. “Hey.”
Sliding into the booth, Artemis took a moment to soak in their presence. This would be the last time she’d see them for a long while, and the thought made her chest tighten.
Andrea pushed a cup toward her. “I got your usual. A farewell present.”
Artemis smiled gratefully. “Thanks, Andrea.”
Minjun fidgeted with something in his lap before clearing his throat. “I, uh… actually got you something too.” He reached into his backpack and pulled out a neatly wrapped package, placing it on the table in front of her.
Artemis blinked in surprise. “Min, you didn’t have to—”
“Just open it,” he interrupted, crossing his arms to mask his nerves.
Curious, she peeled back the wrapping paper and pulled out a soft, black hoodie. Turning it over, she realized it was a BTS hoodie, one of the ones she had gushed about months ago but never bought.
Her breath hitched. “Min… this is…”
He scratched the back of his head, looking away. “It was supposed to be for your birthday, but, well… now it’s a farewell gift.”
Andrea cooed. “Aww, that’s so sweet!”
Artemis held the hoodie close, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the fabric. “Thank you, Min. Really.”
Minjun shrugged. “Figured you’d need something comfy for all that archery training.”
She laughed, shaking her head. “I’m going to miss you guys so much.”
Andrea huffed. “You better text us. And call. And send us updates. I want to hear about all the cute guys at your fancy school.”
Artemis grinned. “Deal.”
They sat there for hours, reminiscing and making promises they weren’t sure they could keep. When the time finally came to leave, Artemis hugged them both tightly, lingering just a moment longer than necessary.
As she walked away, hoodie in hand, she made one final silent promise—to never forget the people who made leaving so hard.