ã€ŠMiss Deathã€‹


 Episode 1: A Slice of the Apocalypse

    before

    Nova soared through the skies atop a colossal dragon, its scales a gradient of deep black to a shimmering light green. The dragon¡¯s head was as dark as midnight, with eyes that burned a vivid fire-green, crackling with electric energy that sparked from its maw. As the dragon descended toward the ground, where Cascadia clung to a young boy, its immense form began to shrink, the once solid scales becoming translucent. The creature¡¯s wings, once mighty and powerful, faded to a ghostly green as it glided closer, until finally, as Nova neared the earth, the dragon dissolved completely, its essence flowing back into Nova¡¯s hair in a wisp of shimmering light.

    Nova landed softly beside Cascadia, his now human form radiating the faintest trace of the dragon''s energy. His gaze shifted to the young boy at Cascadia''s feet¡ªbattered, bruised, and barely conscious. The boy''s T-shirt, once white, was now a filthy rag, stained with dirt and blood appearing to haven¡¯t changed in a year. The sight tugged at Cascadia''s heart, despite all her power as the Goddess of this realm.

    Nova knelt beside her, his presence steady and calm. He placed a hand gently on her arm, his voice low but firm. "You have to kill him," he said, the words heavy with the weight of necessity. "You have to let him reset. It¡¯s the only way."

    Cascadia''s heart wavered. She knew Nova was right¡ªthis was the way of their world, a painful but necessary rebirth. Yet, despite all her power and wisdom, she couldn''t bring herself to let him go. She hesitated, her eyes locked on the boy, knowing that in this moment, even as a goddess, she was just a person who didn''t want to lose someone she could save.

    Nova knelt beside Cascadia, watching as she cradled him in her arms, gently rocking him back and forth. The boy''s breathing was shallow, his face a mess of bruises and cuts. Cascadia''s eyes were filled with sorrow.

    ¡°Cascadia,¡± Nova began softly, trying to reach her through the storm of emotions.

    ¡°You know this is what¡¯s best. If you let him reset, he can start anew, without the weight of this suffering.¡±

    Cascadia looked up at him, her eyes wet with tears. ¡°Look at this baby, his face, Nova. You expect me to just end this?¡± She tightened her hold on the boy, her voice trembling with emotion.

    ¡°How can you ask me to take away the only life he has left?¡±

    Nova''s gaze softened, understanding the depth of her pain.

    ¡°I understand, truly, I do. But he¡¯s not lost forever. If you let him reset, he will be reborn¡ªhe¡¯ll have another chance. He won¡¯t carry this pain with him.¡±

    Cascadia shook her head, her voice breaking.

    ¡°We don¡¯t know that, Nova! Because they took his orb! He¡¯s more than just a body. They¡¯ve taken something from him, something that resetting I don¡¯t think will be restored. I can¡¯t let him go knowing that!¡±

    Nova¡¯s expression grew more urgent, yet he remained calm. ¡°Cascadia, you¡¯re right¡ªthey¡¯ve taken a piece of him. But saving him now, with these memories, will leave him with scars that may never heal. He¡¯ll live, but he won¡¯t be whole. You can¡¯t heal him completely, not like this.¡±

    Cascadia¡¯s grip tightened, her voice filled with a desperate resolve.

    ¡°I can¡¯t just stand by and let him be lost to this! I refuse to let him go!¡±

    With a sharp motion, she snapped her fingers. The lantern flared, bathing the area in a blinding light. Nova¡¯s silent human form began to disintegrate, the wind carrying the dust of his being away. As the last traces of him vanished, Cascadia looked down at this fading boy, her heart heavy with the weight of her choice, the world around her eerily silent, as if holding its breath.

    prolog

    <h2></h2>

    Mal¡¯s room was what one might call a ¡°solid nerd cave,¡± a fortress of video game, manga, and anime greatness. Sure, it was a pretty good-sized room for any normal house, but let¡¯s be honest: compared to his sisters¡¯ rooms, it was practically a broom closet. Each one of them had bigger rooms, because of course, the universe liked to remind him that he was, in fact, the baby of the family.

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    Still, his room had everything perfectly organized on custom shelves, manga color-coded and alphabetized. Neatly stacked rows of action figures from various anime series keeping watch over him. His prized possessions. The shelves weren¡¯t just a collection¡ªthey were a masterpiece, a tribute to him and the things that brought joy.

    Right now, though, Mal wasn¡¯t paying much attention to the organized glory of his room. Instead, he was focused on the intense dungeon on his screen. He was playing with his normal crew Momo, Mika, Evan and Robbie all on voice chat, when his door creaked open.

    Aurora, the oldest, slipped in, giving him the patented mom stare.

    ¡°Don¡¯t stay up all night playing video games, Mal. Tomorrow¡¯s your first day of school. You need sleep.¡±

    She said it like it was a legal obligation. Aurora was always the responsible one¡ªcurrently juggling her doctorate program, the entire family¡¯s sanity, and apparently Mal¡¯s bedtime, too.

    Mal sighed dramatically.

    ¡°I know, Aurora. I¡¯m not a kid anymore, I¡¯m going to college just like you, ya know!¡±

    From his headset, Momo chimed in, ¡°Your mom goes to college.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Mal rolled his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t need commentary from the peanut gallery.¡±

    Aurora shook her head, doing that thing where she looked disappointed but in a way that still made you feel guilty, even though you hadn¡¯t done anything wrong. ¡°I¡¯m serious. School¡¯s important. Don¡¯t let this stuff distract you.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Mal said, fully intending to play another two hours minimum. As she left the room, his friends snickered in his ear.

    ¡°She¡¯s like, your second mom, dude,¡± Robbie chuckled.

    ¡°Shut up.¡±

    ¡°Aww did I hurt your feelings silver spoons?¡± Robbie responded jesting to his arguably enviable home life.

    Before Mal could make a comeback, the door creaked open again.

    Riko, his second-oldest sister, stepped in holding a small bag of gummy vitamins, her eyebrows raised like she was delivering some world-shattering gift.

    ¡°Here,¡± she said, ¡°Aurora thought you might need these sleepy-time gummies.¡±

    Mal stared at the gummies, blinking slowly.

    ¡°I know,¡± Riko said, way too calmly for someone offering a bag of children¡¯s sleep aids to an almost 19-year-old.

    Another voice through the headset. ¡°Bro, your mom really goes to college.¡±

    ¡°I will break your controller,¡± Mal grumbled, while Riko just smiled knowingly and left the room, closing the door with eerie politeness. His friends were cackling on the other end, and Mal sighed, tossing the gummies into a drawer in his desk.

    Just as he was about to settle back in, the door opened once again, this time quietly.

    Elara slipped in like a ninja, holding a perfectly folded stack of clothes. She dropped it on his bed and gave him a mock bow, sweeping one arm grandly across her chest.

    ¡°There you go,¡± she said with a wink. ¡°Freshly folded by yours truly.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s nice, I guess,¡± Mal muttered, not even sure how to respond. Was this¡­sisterly kindness? From Elara?

    His friends, unsurprisingly, had more thoughts.

    ¡°At least that¡¯s helpful,¡± Robbie commented.

    Within minutes of Elara¡¯s departure, the door was thrown open like a battering ram had just been applied to it.

    Sumi, the youngest sister, burst in with all the subtlety of a tornado. The door handle slammed into the wall, directly on top of a dent from repeated entries she made like this.

    Sumi glanced around the room like she was doing some kind of impromptu inspection.

    He sighed. ¡°Can I help you?¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± she replied with zero interest in whatever he was doing. She spotted the neatly folded clothes on the bed, snatched a hoodie from the bottom of the pile (sending the rest tumbling to the floor), and turned on her heel.

    ¡°That¡¯s my hoodie!¡± He snapped, flabbergasted.

    Sumi glanced back over her shoulder, smirking. ¡°Duh. I¡¯m wearing it tomorrow, idiot.¡± And with that, she sauntered out, slamming the door behind her.

    Mal threw up his hands in exasperation. ¡°She¡¯s a piece of work, that one,¡± he muttered aloud.

    From his headset, Robbie chimed in, ¡°Yeah, but she¡¯s so hot.¡±

    ¡°Totally,¡± Momo added.

    Mal shot them both a dirty look through the screen. ¡°Could we not talk about my sister like that?¡±

    Before either of them could defend themselves, Robbie yawned. ¡°Sorry, my dad needs me in the caf¨¦ tomorrow. I¡¯ll see you in the morning.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Momo added, ¡°and besides, Mal¡¯s gotta go to bed, or Aurora¡¯s gonna ground him.¡± They both snickered.

    ¡°Goodnight, you clowns,¡± Mal said, shaking his head.

    ¡°You gonna snatch me up on the way tomorrow?¡± Momo asked

    ¡°Fo sho, I¡¯ll grab you at the bridge meeting spot.¡±

    ¡°Bet¡±

    As his friends logged off, Mal collapsed onto his bed, still fully clothed. He sprawled out on top of the comforter, staring up at the Anime figures that decorated his walls¡ªcreatures from games and shows he loved.

    He draped an arm over his eyes and let out a long breath.

    Living with four sisters was bad enough.

    But living with these four sisters? That was a whole new level of chaos. These weren¡¯t just any ordinary siblings. No, no, these divas¡ª were the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. You know, world-enders, cosmic balance-restorers, and the kind of ladies who had paved their way with the ashes of fallen empires. All packed into a penthouse suite and somehow still managing to argue about laundry and who drank the last cup of coffee.

    It wasn¡¯t exactly what you¡¯d call ¡°normal.¡±

    But then again, normal was overrated.

 pg.01 - Song: Waiting Room - Fugazi

    Aurora kicked the heavy door with a thunderous crack, splintering the wood as it slammed against the wall. The two henchmen on the other side barely had time to react before she was upon them, her speed a blur. A vibrant white cloud swirled from her hands, and from within it, the elegant shape of twin scythes emerged. Pearl shafts gleamed as the mirror-like blades appeared with a smooth, effortless motion, almost too fast for the eye to follow.

    ¡°Take a right after the hall,¡± Sumi¡¯s voice crackled through the earpiece, calm and precise as ever.

    Aurora didn¡¯t respond; she was already moving, gliding through the dimly lit hallway. Rounding the corner another henchman lunged toward her, her angelic scythes lashed out, slicing through the air with a sharp hiss. The blade connected, and a scream tore from the man¡¯s throat. His veins lit up with the same ghostly white hue as the cloud from which her weapon was born, pulsing beneath his skin before his body crumpled. As he collapsed, Aurora¡¯s hand darted forward, snatching a small white orb that was ejected from his chest¡ªa shadow of what he once was. He wouldn¡¯t remember any of this when he woke.

    Another henchman, a hulking brute wielding a steel pipe, charged at her. Aurora pivoted, her gaze snapping toward him. In one fluid motion, the pearl scythe in her hand extended, its golden shaft growing to full length as the shimmering blade sliced through the air. A flash of white lit up the man¡¯s veins as he gasped, his consciousness slipping away. As he collapsed, Aurora¡¯s hand closed around a small white orb, and without hesitation, she continued.

    ¡°Three more,¡± Sumi warned. ¡°One behind you, two down.¡±

    Aurora spun just in time to block a strike from the henchman behind her, her left scythe intercepting his blade with a metallic clang. The man barely had time to react before her right blade came down in a swift arc, grazing his side. His body convulsed as his veins lit up white. She caught his orb mid-fall, her hand already reaching for the next opponent.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got stairs behind the next door,¡± Sumi instructed.

    Aurora reached the wooden door tucked beneath the stairway and ripped it open. The scent of dryer sheets and mold clung to the air as she descended the narrow staircase, the dampness pressing in from every side. Her weapon swirled around her, its cloud-like form drifting through the humid gloom. Each time she summoned it, the vibrant smoke curled and twisted, moving in perfect sync with her swift motions, always appearing where her hand needed it most, poised to strike.

    Another voice through her earpiece¡ªit was Mal this time. ¡°How¡¯s it going down there? Riko is two minutes away.¡±

    ¡°Effortless,¡± Aurora whispered, her voice steady as she stepped off the last stair into the large dimly lit basement.

    ¡°You¡¯re moving too slow,¡± Riko¡¯s voice teased through the comms. ¡°Want my backup or nah?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need backup,¡± Aurora her voice quiet.

    Aurora stepped lightly onto the cold stone floor of the basement, her scythe dissipating into a swirl of smoke before reforming in an instant, ready in her hand. The space was dim, illuminated only by a few flickering bulbs hanging from the low ceiling. Crates and rusted metal shelves lined the walls, but her focus was drawn to a large iron door at the far end of the room.

    ¡°Stay sharp,¡± Sumi¡¯s voice chimed in her ear.

    Aurora smirked seeing two suited men with machine guns arrogantly staring at her.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t be any fun if it wasn¡¯t cliche.¡±

    Without a word, the two henchmen¡¯s guns rattled in an attempt to level Aurora, their hands vibrating as they fired. Without flinching, she snapped her fingers. In the same instant, sleek, silver armor burst from beneath her skin, covering her body in a gleaming set of plate and mail, reminiscent of a Valkyrie¡¯s regal battle gear. The intricate detailing of the armor shimmered with gold and pearl tones, her shoulders adorned with sharp pauldrons, and her breastplate etched with the symbol of death. It all materialized faster than the bullets could reach her, deflecting the gunfire with a metallic ring as she stood unharmed.

    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Her cold amused gaze turned toward the men, who were now frozen with fear. Another snap echoed through the dim room, and the very air seemed to grow colder, thicker¡­ The once vibrant cloud greyed with the color of the oncoming storm.

    The Pale Horse emerged.

    Its skeletal face twisted into an unnatural grin, with sunken eyes that glowed faintly of a sinister evil lurking within. The horse¡¯s body, powerful and sinewy, gleamed a ghostly white its body sculpted from pure light. The unnatural sheen seemed to melt and drip like candle wax, a spectral substance sliding off its form and evaporating into the air. Black mist curled from its hooves with every step, thickening the air around it¡­ a suffocating energy¡ªan aura of death so heavy it pressed against the soul, a silent reminder that this creature was not of the living world. Its presence flickered between solid and ephemeral, an illusion of life unraveling before the eye.

    Even before it charged, the terror had already settled deep in their minds. They would never escape the memory of this creature¡ªnot even in their dreams.

    With a roar of unearthly energy, the Pale Horse charged. It moved with terrifying speed, its blackened hooves barely touching the ground as it raced forward. The air pulsed with dark power as it reached the men. In one violent motion, the horse¡¯s spectral jaws ripped smoking shadow orbs from their chests, feeding on their very life force. The men collapsed, convulsing on the ground, their faces contorted in terror, their minds shattered by what they had witnessed.

    The shadow orb had possessed them, weaving its dark tendrils through their very souls. When they finally awoke, they would find themselves in a dim, damp basement, disoriented and hollow, with no recollection of who they were or how they had come to be there. The details of their past lives would be nothing but a fading echo, swallowed by an all-consuming void. The haunting image of that ghostly steed would flicker in the recesses of their minds, a relentless specter that tormented their dreams, leaving them to wander the darkness with only the chilling awareness of their lost identities.

    ¡°I hate leaving ones like this,¡± Aurora said her voice now its natural tone.

    ¡°Sumi, I¡¯m at the door,¡± she said, eyeing the lock.

    ¡°Give me a second,¡± Sumi replied, the sound of typing in the background. ¡°There¡¯s a security panel to the left. It¡¯s linked to the door. I¡¯ll override it.¡±

    ¡°Did you loot the bodies?¡± Mal joked over through Aurora¡¯s earpiece he was trying to lighten the dark mood.

    ¡°Eat it noob¡± Sumi retorted knowing the joke was targeted at her. His joke was understood by his sisters, as Sumi¡¯s instructions often sounded the same as when she was streaming first-person shooter(FPS) games online.

    ¡°There,¡± Sumi said. ¡°You¡¯re clear. But be careful, Aurora. This door leads to something deeper. Don¡¯t let your guard down.¡±

    Aurora placed her hand on the cold iron, and with a sharp push, the door creaked open, revealing another dark staircase descending even further below. She couldn¡¯t see what lay at the bottom, but whatever it was, she was ready.

    As she stepped forward, the grey cloud began to swirl once more.

    ¡°I never do.¡±

    ¡°10-4 Command out¡± Mal continued mockingly.

    Aurora stepped into the dim, damp room, her armor faintly glowing in the low light. Her sharp eyes immediately caught sight of the children huddled in the corner, barely visible through the shadows. They were trembling, wrapped in ragged cloths, their faces pale with fear¡ªnot just from their surroundings but from the sight of Aurora herself, a radiant figure of war and death. Their wide eyes reflected the iridescent glow of her armor, unable to believe what they were seeing.

    "I¡¯m here,¡± Riko announced.

    Aurora¡¯s gaze remained on the children, her expression softening slightly, though her tone stayed firm. "Come down here, Riko. There¡¯s too many to run back up through this building."

    "You sure?"

    Aurora nodded to herself, scanning the narrow exits. "Let¡¯s port them out from here. It¡¯s safer."

    The children whimpered as Aurora stepped closer, her scythes dissipating into faint wisps of white smoke. "Don¡¯t worry," she said in a low, steady voice, her golden eyes meeting theirs. "You¡¯re going to be safe now."

    The smallest child flinched, shrinking back further into the corner. Aurora crouched slightly, her presence still glowing but less imposing as she lowered her voice."I¡¯m not here to hurt you."

    Riko appeared beside her in a swirl of blue energy, her dark hair tousled and eyes sharp as ever. She glanced at the trembling children and then back to Aurora. "Let¡¯s move fast."

    Aurora nodded, her eyes never leaving the terrified group. "We¡¯re getting you out of here," she assured them quietly.

    Riko raised her hand, a soft glow gathering in her palm as the room around them began to hum with light. The children clung to each other, wide-eyed and shaking uncontrollably, but as the light enveloped them, their faces slowly gave way to the warm glimmer of hope.

 pg.02 - Song: Loner - YUNGBLUD

    Mal stirred, his mind slowly coming to as an uncomfortable tingling sensation crept up his arm. It took him a moment to realize what was happening¡ªhis arm had fallen asleep, completely numb from being slung over his face for who knows how long. The pins-and-needles feeling was sharp now, enough to drag him out of the comfortable haze of sleep.

    "Seriously?" he muttered, blinking against the early morning light.

    He slowly peeled his arm off his face, wincing as the blood started to flow back in, the prickling sensation intensifying. That was enough to fully wake him. He groaned and shook his arm out, flexing his fingers until the feeling started to return to normal.

    Guess I should be thankful it woke me up before the alarm did, he thought wryly. It wasn¡¯t often he got a head start on the day¡­even if it was only a few minutes.

    Mal turned his head toward the old-school alarm clock radio on his nightstand. 5:45 AM. Fifteen minutes before the dreaded beeping was set to jolt him awake. He had long ago ditched using his phone for alarms¡ªit was too easy to snooze, and the gentle chimes couldn¡¯t compare to the rude, jarring blare of his ancient brown clock radio. It was obnoxious, but that was the point. It practically shocked you awake, leaving no room for groggy half-consciousness. He¡¯d come to rely on it, but waking up before it went off? That was rare.

    Not bad, he thought.

    He couldn¡¯t remember the last time he¡¯d woken up on his own, let alone early. Maybe the universe was giving him a break today.

    Stretching out in bed, he felt a satisfying crack in his shoulders and let out a deep yawn. His feet found the cold wooden floor, grounding him further into the morning. Mal sat on the edge of his bed, his gaze unfocused as thoughts swirled in his head.

    Were the streets of Heaven really paved with gold and guarded by gates of pearl? Or was that all just some grand metaphor?

    He let out a sigh, rubbing his eyes. Am I in heaven already and just too miserable to notice?

    He glanced around his room, filled with everything he could ever want.

    Is this my golden-paved street? Maybe.

    The abundance around him felt almost suffocating at times, a constant reminder of how good he had it¡ªhow absurd it was to feel so... empty.

    I¡¯m not lacking anything. I have everything, more than most people ever dream of. And yet, here I am, feeling "sad" in my nerd room.

    Outside his sanctuary, beyond these four walls, was a dream house. A penthouse, to be exact.

    Three stories of pure luxury, taking up the top floors of a landmark media building downtown.

    He glanced out the window at the city skyline, the lights twinkling in autumn¡¯s delay of light.

    The view from here is insane. It always reminds me how big the world is, and how much more there is beyond my thoughts. And still, I sit here, wondering what the hell I¡¯m doing with all of it.

    Classes start today.

    I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m actually doing this.

    He wasn¡¯t walking into the unknown¡ªhe would be attending college alongside his sisters, surrounded by friends and familiar faces. Yet, the pressure of his own desires loomed large, threatening to swallow him whole.

    While his sisters seemed so at ease, navigating their paths with confidence, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he was weighed down by expectations, both his own and those he felt from his family.

    It¡¯s like we¡¯re all trapped in a twisted game of the divine,

    Despite the comfort of their presence, the desire to forge his own identity felt overwhelming. The idea of becoming the Angel of Death¡ªa title he was still grappling with¡ªfelt like an inescapable fate, a role he never wanted to assume.

    Why can¡¯t I just be free? Why can¡¯t I tell my own story instead of being bound to this one?

    It was as if the universe had decreed he would remain here, forever tethered to this place. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, frustration bubbling to the surface.

    I want to learn, to master the craft that will set me free. I can¡¯t be stuck here, living out the same tired existence. He envisioned building a life that reflected the stories swirling in his head, bursting to be told.

    I can¡¯t let this town hold me back. I need to draw better. I need to absorb everything this school has to offer. I have to find a way to escape this fate.

    With a deep breath, he sat up, the weight of his thoughts still heavy but somehow lighter than before.

    Today is the first step¡ªan opportunity to break free, carve my own path, and chase the dreams that have lingered in the corners of my mind for far too long. He would not be defined by his surroundings; he would be the architect of his destiny.

    No more waiting. This is mine.

    He glanced at the clock. Classes didn¡¯t start until nine, but today he was meeting his crew at the diner for breakfast. They¡¯d agreed to start having early morning meetups now that some of them were starting college¡ªan attempt to stay connected as they entered "adulthood."

    Mal smirked at the thought. "Right, because waking up before six for coffee and breakfast makes us adults.¡±It was ridiculous considering most of his friends, even the non-gamers in their tight-knit crew, were night owls. He knew they¡¯d all be grumbling when their alarms went off, questioning why they were doing this. Still, it was the one thing he was looking forward to.

    The anxiety of starting college weighed on him. It wasn¡¯t just about being surrounded by insanely talented artists¡ªpeople who had been drawing, painting, sculpting, and mastering digital tools since childhood. For Mal, it was about something bigger. He didn¡¯t want to be "the freaking Angel of Death¡± he would say about this so-called destiny, ferrying souls to the next phase of existence.

    Sure, he¡¯d do his duty to support his sisters, but he wanted more than that.

    He had dreams.

    Dreams of living a normal life, and most importantly creating an anime. It wasn¡¯t just a passing interest; it was his potential way out. If he could make it in the industry, he could support himself and find the path.

    ¡°Free will right?¡± He said looking at his ceiling.

    Yet, a small voice in the back of his mind insisted he¡¯d already wasted too much time and should¡¯ve accepted his role by now.

    It was too late to turn back now.

    I can do this. This is just anxiety, he reminded himself.

    I¡¯m here to learn, and it doesn¡¯t matter if others are ahead of me. I¡¯ve got time¡ªlife¡¯s just starting.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    With a sigh, Mal stood up, muscles still stiff from sleep, and trudged toward the bathroom.

    Living with his sisters was an experience full of love and laughter, but it often felt overwhelming, and a private bathroom was his sanctuary¡ªa rare luxury in a house bursting at the seams with its chaos. Each of the apartment''s rooms had separate bathrooms, but his was the only one free from their influence.

    His room was often intruded upon, but his bathroom was a no-fly zone for his sisters. It always amused him, especially since his bathroom was cleaner than any of theirs.

    He chuckled to himself, picturing Sumi¡¯s exaggerated gagging at the mere idea of setting foot inside.

    You¡¯d think it was a toxic wasteland instead of a perfectly tidy bathroom, he thought, shaking his head.

    The thought of her dramatic antics made him smile. While they loved to poke fun at the ¡°man¡¯s bathroom¡± stigma, he knew it was more about the unwritten rules of their household than anything else.

    He splashed cold water on his face, while the steam from the preparing shower warmed. Catching a glimpse of his reflection¡ª the dark circles under his eyes, and an expression that screamed for coffee.

    ¡°Coffee¡±

    </a>pg.1a

    Mal swung his backpack over his shoulder, the weight of it tugging slightly as his skateboard clinked against the straps, as he shut his door and stepped into the hallway it hit him¡ªa smell. Not just any smell, but the unmistakable scent of breakfast. That could only mean one thing: Harper was back.

    A grin spread across his face as he quickened his pace, excitement bubbling inside him. She¡¯d been gone for over a year, and her absence had left a noticeable gap in their strange little family. He dropped his bag by the bottom of the stairs without hesitation, he briskly walked into the kitchen, calling her name.

    ¡°Harper!¡±

    Harper glanced over her shoulder as Mal approached "Mallymal," she said teasingly, using the pet name she¡¯d called him for years. "I''m cooking, give me a sec. I want a proper hug."

    Harper¡¯s blonde hair has a subtle hint of purple, giving it a cool lilac vibe without being too bold. Her tan skin makes her blue eyes pop, and her curvy, athletic build and laid-back yet confidence brought a very approachable essence to her.

    Mal moved toward her briskly in his excitement and without thinking, he slipped his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her into a tight hug. Laying his head into her shoulder and hair. Her body tensed for a moment, but she didn¡¯t pull away. Instead, they both stood there for a second, the warmth between them lingering in the air. Harper bit her lip, not wanting to let the smile escape. Her cheeks flushed a subtle pink, and though she tried to mask their shared embarrassment, it was clear she felt it too.

    Uhhh what had just happened? Mal couldn''t believe he¡¯d acted so impulsively, letting his body take over without a second thought.

    Aurora raised an eyebrow, looking at Harper. ¡°What was that, Mal?¡±

    ¡°I missed her and she¡¯s uh cooking so didn¡¯t want to disrupt the flow ya know?¡±

    Aurora casually grinned at him sitting at the bar, sipping coffee, a stack of books spread around her, picking at an egg dish Harper had whipped up.

    ¡°You¡¯re up early,¡± Mal said, changing the subject rapidly.

    Aurora raised an eyebrow at the two over her coffee mug.

    ¡°I have a clinical residency that¡¯s an early shift for a few weeks.¡±

    ¡°¡­and you?¡± She responded trying to gauge what she was seeing unfold in the kitchen right out of the gate.

    With a sheepish grin, he replied, ¡°Meeting the gang for breakfast¡±

    Harper turned slightly, her eyes darting between him and the stove. ¡°It¡¯s Omurice. Want some? You can have the one I¡¯m making now.¡±

    He looked at the fluffy omelet she was folding over rice ¡°Omurice?¡± he asked, unfamiliar with the name. "I¡¯ve never heard of it.¡±

    She smirked a flicker of something in her eyes¡ªmaybe amusement, maybe something else. ¡°Trust me, you¡¯ll like it.¡±

    ¡°Nah, if I show up full the gang will be pissed, but I¡¯ll try a bite.¡±

    Harper handed him a fork, and he took a small taste, his face lighting up. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s actually really good.¡±

    ¡°Told you.¡±

    He leaned back against the counter, still glancing at Harper. ¡°When did you get back?¡±

    ¡°Last night... well, a few hours ago, actually,¡± she replied, turning back to the stove. ¡°But, I¡¯m on a different time zone, so I figured your big sis could use breakfast before heading to work this morning. I haven¡¯t even unpacked yet.¡±

    Mal hadn¡¯t even noticed the suitcases and boxes stacked near the entry doors.

    He¡¯d been so focused on seeing her, he hadn¡¯t even realized. ¡°Missed that,¡± he said, scratching the back of his neck.

    Harper had left to manage her father¡¯s branch offices in Kyoden, a bustling metropolis known for its blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge innovation. The city, with its neon-lit streets and towering skyscrapers, was often hailed as a technological arcadia, where ancient traditions seamlessly intertwined with cutting-edge innovation. Kyoden¡¯s culture was steeped in ancient customs, but it also led the world in advancements, especially in the sectors where Harper¡¯s company thrived. She¡¯d taken on the monumental task of overseeing operations, pulling long nights, and absorbing the culture. But as much as she thrived in the chaos, the city¡¯s intensity had worn on her, making her yearn for the quiet sanctuary of her home and her family.

    ¡°Well, I hate to go, but I old MoMo I would pick him up at the store en route. I¡¯m glad you¡¯re back, Harpy; I wanna hear more later!¡±

    ¡°Okay, Mally¡­ tell everyone hi for me! I miss those idiots¡± she said, trying to sound casual.

    With a final nod and a quick grin, Mal turned to Aurora. He leaned in and gave her a playful kiss on the forehead. ¡°Don¡¯t miss me too much,¡± he teased, ruffling her hair lightly.

    Aurora chuckled and gave him a light push. ¡°I¡¯ll try, but it¡¯s going to be tough with you all grow¡¯d up and a college man now.¡±

    As Mal headed for the door, Harper watched the warm exchange with a soft smile, her thoughts drifting. The bond between all of the siblings was unmistakable, and it made her reflect on her connections. She admired their easy camaraderie and felt a bit of envy. The close relationship they shared was something she longed for, especially in moments this last year when she felt the weight of her emotional solitude.

    Mal hurriedly headed for the elevator. I need to get out of here before I embarrass myself further. Why am I all gaga over Harper¡­maybe I am lonelier than I thought

    For the first time in a long while, the penthouse felt¡­smelt whole again.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s Mal studying? I didn¡¯t even realize he was going off to college I would have made his favorite breakfast and enticed him to stay. You can¡¯t have a first day without a home-cooked breakfast¡± She said, unable to hide her genuine interest.

    ¡°Well, look at you guys, best friends again after all this time,¡± Aurora teased.

    ¡°Hey now, we made up on the phone months ago!¡± Harper called out.

    ¡°Mmmhmmm,¡± Aurora winked as she heard the elevator doors closed.

    She knew their relationship had been strained before Harper left for Kyoden. They¡¯d fought over trivial things, typical sibling-like¡­or maybe even couple-like squabbles, but nothing deeply significant. The last time they¡¯d seen each other in person had been a heated argument, but a few months and some phone calls had helped mend their relationship.

    ¡°He¡¯s dead set on making cartoons¡­or anime whatever it is before he¡¯ll even consider anything else,¡± Aurora replied. ¡°He¡¯s got this whole plan mapped out in his head.¡±

    Harper finally turned her eyes back and looked at Aurora. ¡°Anime, huh? That¡¯s¡­ ambitious¡­ but makes sense for him.¡±

    Aurora chuckled, shaking her head. ¡°Yeah, it is. I am ok letting Mal¡¯s passion run for a while and to be honest, he¡¯s not going to let anything distract him from it. He¡¯s always been like that¡ªwhen he gets an idea, he¡¯s all consumed.¡±

    ¡°I am glad that hasn¡¯t changed¡­ I¡¯m really glad he¡¯s pursuing art. I¡¯ve always known how much he loved it, even if his art started a little ummm¡­ criminal.¡±

    ¡°I know the family responsibilities make him feel held back.¡± Aurora shrugged, still watching Harper. ¡°¡­sometimes, it¡¯s nice to see him so focused¡­ He said he found his calling.¡±

    As they continued talking, Harper¡¯s gaze drifted toward the doorway where Mal had disappeared moments earlier. Her face held a faint wistfulness. Aurora noticed it right away, her eyebrows knitting together. A small voice nagged at the back of her mind.

    Wait a minute¡­ Is something going on here?

    Harper had been her best friend since kindergarten, practically family at this point. They¡¯d grown up side by side, and Harper had known Mal his whole life, despite being four years older than him. They¡¯d always had a close bond, but Aurora couldn¡¯t help but recall the arguments that had flared up between Harper and Mal before she left for Kyoden. Now, seeing that look on Harper¡¯s face, she couldn¡¯t shake the suspicion that maybe unresolved feelings were lurking beneath the surface.

    Meanwhile, exiting the elevator in the garage, Mal took a deep breath. The cool, slightly damp air of the open levels greeted him, the smell of concrete and dew filling his lungs.

    Things will be different this time, he reminded himself.

    He walked to where the family had a few reserved spots on one of the open-air floors of the parking garage so the slightly faded mint green paint of his SUV sparkled in the early moist air.

    Everything is going to be different! He thought getting into Nikki -it was a boxy, old-school beast, with a sturdy frame and round headlights that gave it a timeless, utilitarian look, even the angular edge of the steel bumpers made it look like it was ready for anything¡­ It had taken Mal and his friends from skateparks to mountaintops. It was the only vehicle he had ever owned or driven. Nikki topped out at around 55 MPH and on mornings like this, as the engine rumbled to life, Mal knew the heater wouldn¡¯t even have warmed up by the time he reached MoMo.

 pg.03 - Song: Thoughts from a Balcony â€“ Mac Miller

    Momo was leaning against the gas station wall, his skateboard at his feet and a backpack slung over one shoulder. When he saw Mal, he kicked off toward the SUV, tossing his board and bag into the backseat before sliding into the front. The bridge was right next to the freeway on-ramp, making it a tricky spot for a pickup, so the gas station had become the go-to meeting place since Mal could drive.

    ¡°What up, Foolio?¡± Momo grinned as he buckled his seatbelt.

    ¡°Same old,¡± Mal replied, nodding to him as he pulled away from the gas station and back onto the road.

    ¡°So what did you do after we finished gaming last night?¡± Momo asked, stretching out in his seat.

    Mal kept his eyes on the road, shrugging casually. ¡°Crashed out. Woke up this morning, and¡­ Harper was back.¡±

    Momo¡¯s eyes widened, and he turned to Mal, grinning. ¡°Oh, damn. Harper¡¯s back?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, she showed up this morning,¡±

    Momo chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Man, that means we¡¯re about to have some parties, huh? The penthouse is about to be the spot again.¡±

    Momo leaned forward in his seat, his enthusiasm barely contained. ¡°Man, you gotta fill me in. How¡¯d she look? Did she just show up all casual, like no big deal?¡±

    Mal laughed lightly, shaking his head. ¡°Yeah, pretty much. Just rolled in like she hadn¡¯t been gone forever. I didn¡¯t even have time to process it before heading out, felt different though.¡±

    ¡°Different how?¡± Momo asked.

    Mal thought for a second, the words escaping him. ¡°I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s hard to explain. There¡¯s just this... vibe. Feels kinda off, maybe... melancholy?¡±

    Momo gave him a sideways glance. ¡°She¡¯s still hot though, right?¡±

    Mal let out a snorted laugh, though it was more out of embarrassment. ¡°Yeah, no question there. But... I kinda made an idiot out of myself.¡±

    ¡°What? You? Nooooooo¡­.¡± Momo dramatically teased.

    Mal was pretty famous for saying and doing some pretty humiliating things¡­ most of the time completely unintentional.

    Mal hesitated a little. ¡°So, she was cooking breakfast, right? Said something about a hug, and I¡ªI don¡¯t know, man, I just walked up and hugged her from behind. But... maybe held on a little too long, you know? There was this awkward pause.¡±

    Momo burst out laughing, nearly doubling over. ¡°Oh, man¡ªThat¡¯s epic haha! But, you two were always tight. I always figured something was going on behind the scenes anyway.¡±

    Mal rolled his eyes, letting out a dismissive snort. ¡°Nah, nothing like that.¡±

    ¡°So, is she hotter-hotter? Or like... trouble hotter?¡±

    ¡°Honestly? Maybe both.¡±

    Momo whistled and shook his head, still grinning. ¡°Oh man, this is gonna be good.¡±

    <h3 style="margin: 14pt 0 7pt"></a>pg.3a

    The duo arrived at The Tiller¡¯s Kitchen, a timeless spot nestled in the heart of Old Town. The diner, with its faded red brick facade and neon sign buzzing faintly, had been a staple for years. Its wide windows, framed in peeling white paint, gave a glimpse of the cozy interior, where old-fashioned booths and round wooden tables sat beneath dim hanging lights.

    The smell of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee greeted them as they stepped inside. The diner''s simple charm always felt welcoming¡ªthe checkered tile floors and vintage jukebox in the corner only added to the nostalgic atmosphere. The Tiller¡¯s was known for serving up portions so large that even growing teenage boys struggled to finish them. Most people called it a truck stop diner (even though it was in the middle of town, far from most freeways), and the well-worn seats had seen countless breakfasts and late-night meals for as long as Mal could remember.

    Ahead of them, at one of the larger round tables, sat a familiar group. Evan, Jay, Robbie, Mika, and Leanne were already there, chatting and laughing as they sipped on coffee and waited for their friends to arrive.

    Evan, Leanne, Mika, and their friend Koda were all heading to PineCrest University together with Mal and Momo, continuing the close bond they¡¯d formed through skateboarding in high school. Though Robbie didn¡¯t live near them, he knew everyone through his father, who owned the only skate shop in town. It became a central hub where everyone involved in the local skating scene crossed paths.

    Mika and Koda had known each other for years, growing up in the same waterfront condos downtown, just a short ride from Mal¡¯s place. They met Mal and the others through their mutual love of skateboarding, often hanging out at the shop or at the park.

    Mal and Momo were the last to arrive, as usual.

    ¡°Told you we¡¯d be the late ones again.¡±

    Mal smirked. ¡°Better late than never,¡± he replied, making his way toward their friends.

    As Mal and Momo approached the table, they pulled up chairs, settling in next to their friends seated around the large table.

    Momo glanced around and asked, ¡°Hey, where¡¯s Koda? I thought he¡¯d be with us today.¡±

    Leanne sipping her coffee smiled, shaking her head. ¡°Koda¡¯s still around, but he decided to move into the dorms.¡±

    ¡°Seriously? He lives like ten minutes away!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but he wanted some independence,¡± Mika explained. ¡°Figured he¡¯d get the full college experience, you know? Living on campus, meeting new people... all that stuff.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. He wants to see what it¡¯s like to be on his own for a bit, even if it¡¯s just a short ride down the road. Can¡¯t blame him for wanting to branch out.¡±

    Momo shook his head with a grin, glancing out the diner window. ¡°Good for him. Bet he¡¯ll be the first one skating down dorm hallways, though.¡±

    Roxy, the waitress, approached with a warm smile that lit up the diner. Her brown and burgundy uniform, meant to blend in with the diner¡¯s old-school vibe, only made her stand out more. With her black hair streaked with silver, she exuded a colorful, rebellious edge that contrasted sharply with the drab attire.

    Roxy and Robbie had a brief, unsuccessful relationship in school, but they managed to stay friends. Working at The Tiller¡¯s Kitchen since high school allowed her to connect with everyone, especially since they didn¡¯t attend the same school as her and Robbie. She was more of an honorary member, but you could never tell.

    With a coffee pot in hand and two menus tucked under her arm, she greeted Mal and Momo.

    ¡°Coffee?¡± she asked, already topping off their friends¡¯ cups.

    ¡°Thanks, Rox,¡± Mal said, nodding as she poured the coffee.

    ¡°You guys start at PCU today, right?¡± she asked, handing over the menus with a smile.

    ¡°Yup yup¡±

    "One of my girlfriends is starting there too. She''s some kind of art prodigy."

    Mal raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    "Nezami," Roxy replied. "She''s hard to miss¡ªHot girl, lavender hair¡­ but she''s always trying to downplay how hot she is with these huge, thick hoodies and beanies."

    Robbie perked up. "Wait, Nez is going there too?"

    "Hold up, you know a hot girl and haven¡¯t introduced us?" Momo said in a fake offended tone.

    "I wouldn¡¯t introduce a girl like her to you idiots."

    Roxy laughed, "Yeah, I was gonna say the same thing."

    "Harsh," Momo said.

    Robbie added, "For real though, she¡¯s super sweet. We went to the same elementary and junior high. I''ve known her since like fourth or fifth grade, right Roxy?"

    "Yeah, it''s been a long time."

    "It¡¯s wild how we all live so close but still have totally different friend groups,¡± Evan said sitting back in his chair.

    Roxy chuckled. "Well, it''s not like we hang out much outside of here."

    ¡°Ya that¡¯s cuz you don¡¯t skate¡± Mal joked.

    Momo grinned playfully. "So, you wanna go hang out sometime then?¡±

    Roxy shook her head with a laugh. "In your dreams, bub."

    ¡°What about you, Roxy? Still taking night classes?¡±

    ¡°Yep, still at it. But I¡¯m hoping I can join you guys next semester.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯d be awesome,¡± Leanne chimed in, grinning.

    Roxy brushed a lock of silver hair out of her face. ¡°We¡¯ll see. So, what¡¯ll it be? The usual, or feeling brave today?¡±

    Mal shook his head slightly. "I¡¯m not gonna be brave today. My nerves are kind of on edge, and my stomach¡¯s a little queasy."

    ¡°Why don¡¯t I get you some oatmeal and toast? It¡¯s easy on the stomach.¡±

    "Yeah, that¡¯d be perfect," he replied, grateful for the suggestion.

    She gave him a playful wink as she jotted down Momo¡¯s order before heading back to the kitchen.

    ¡°Mal, what¡¯s going on with your nerves?¡± Leanne asked.

    He sighed, glancing down at the table. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ sometimes I feel like I make decisions to do these things, and if I can¡¯t make it work, then I¡¯ve screwed myself.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Evan asked genuinely.

    Mal shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s like when we play online together. I¡¯m always switching out my characters, and in my head, I¡¯m like, ¡®This is gonna be my main for a while,¡¯ but then I end up switching again¡­ I do a lot of things in life like that too,¡±

    He half laughed. ¡°¡­almost like a curse¡±

    Jay chuckled. ¡°Yeah, but that¡¯s just you. You¡¯re always trying out different things. There¡¯s nothing wrong with that and you take the shots and I swear that¡¯s all that really matters in life sometimes.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too hard on yourself, man. Remember, you¡¯re not married to it.¡± Robbie said in agreement.

    "Mal, have you ever heard of the story about the guy who made his own prison?"

    Mika asked.

    "No, what¡¯s that about?"

    Mika grinned.

    "There was this guy, right? He believed that if he could just break out of prison, everything would be perfect. It was his only focus¡ªevery single day, all he could think about was getting out. He thought freedom would bring happiness, and that escaping would solve everything."

    Mal nodded slowly, listening as Mika continued.

    "But every time he found a way out, he¡¯d just end up in another prison. Each one was bigger, more complicated, more impossible to escape from than the last. And the more he fixated on breaking out, the larger or harder these prisons got. He never stopped to think about the present and never found any joy where he was. He couldn¡¯t see any possibilities beyond his obsession with escape."

    "Wait, so he just kept getting trapped?" Evan asked.

    "Exactly."

    Momo quietly chuckled. "I don¡¯t think it works like that in real prisons, Mika."

    She laughed, shaking her head. "No, no, I¡¯m talking about a self-made prison¡ªthe kind in your mind. It¡¯s not that he did something bad to end up there, it¡¯s that he had this ¡®If I can just...¡¯ complex. You know? ''If I can just break out, if I can just make it to the outside, I¡¯ll be happy.''"

    Mal frowned, still trying to piece it together. "So, what¡¯s the moral of the story?"

    Mika paused for effect, her expression more serious now. "The moral is that if you¡¯re constantly focused on getting out of the prison, all you''re doing is creating bigger prisons for yourself. Instead of seeing doors or new paths, you¡¯re just building more walls. The guy was so fixated on escaping, on what life outside would be like, that he set these crazy expectations¡ªso high that they became his new prison, over and over. What he never realized was that true freedom comes from not obsessing over escaping, but from just moving forward, not knowing exactly where it leads¡­¡±

    He knew what Mika was getting at. He¡¯d done the same thing¡ªkept telling himself that if he could just get into art school¡­ if he could just find some safe walls to tag where he could express himself¡­then he would be happy. If he could learn to draw real characters¡­then he¡¯d be happy. Then he¡¯d know he was good enough.

    Mika wasn¡¯t done. She tilted her head at him. "So, what about you?"

    Mal looked at her, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

    "You keep saying, ¡®If I get out of this, I¡¯m going to do XYZ...¡¯ But all you''re doing is building another wall around yourself. You wanted to get into art school, and you did. You wanted to learn how to draw and animate... and now you''re doing it. But you''re still looking backward, telling yourself, ''I¡¯ll be happy once I make it out.''"

    Mal ran a hand through his hair, leaning back in his chair. "I just... thought if I got into the school, it¡¯d mean I made it, y''know? That I was good enough."

    Mika leaned forward, locking eyes with him. "But you already are good enough. You don¡¯t need to keep moving the goalposts. There are no rules here, Mal. You don¡¯t need to ''escape'' to prove anything. Just keep moving toward what you want."

    "So, stop focusing on getting out and just... focus on where he¡¯s going?" Robbie asked.

    ¡°Exactamundo,¡± Mika said with a soft smile. "No more walls, no more prisons. Just go toward whatever feels right."

    ¡°Yo these early morning breakfasts gonna always be this deep?¡± Momo commented.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s a good idea, we can just rotate hyping each other up as we start our next adventures.¡± Jay offered.

    Leanne laughed ¡°Ya we can take turns, today is Mal¡¯s day he is the only one right now with some imaginary goal¡­verse Momo who is just whatever.¡±

    ¡°Hey! I care, but I love music and I was born naturally talented so I¡¯m chillin¡¯.¡±

    His friends didn¡¯t know the full extent of what weighed on Mal¡ªthe expectations tied to his family, the unspoken pressure. It wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t change his fate, but the more he learned and studied, the more he realized if he couldn¡¯t prove it then¡­ it was a waste of time. Yet, every time he tried to fully embrace it, his mind would shut down, overwhelmed.

    This time¡­ but this time¡­ he was sticking to the thing he wanted more than anything.

    Leanne snapped her fingers in front of his face. ¡°Stay with us, Mal. Don¡¯t let your mind run wild.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, bro, do we need to get you some freaking Xanax or something?¡± Evan said joking.

    ¡°You know, sometimes that would help. My brain¡¯s an asshole.¡±

    ¡°Everyone¡¯s brain can be an asshole at times, man. But seriously, we¡¯re just starting. There¡¯s so much time to figure things out, learn, and pursue what you want.¡± Robbie exuberantly.

    Mal noted Robbie¡¯s words and nodded, shifting in his seat. Wanting to steer the conversation in a different direction, he looked over at Jay and Robbie. ¡°So, Jay, when do you start your new job?¡±

    Jay grinned. ¡°Next week. I¡¯ll be a full-time salaryman... Well, entry-level,¡± he laughed.

    Jay had landed a position as a desktop support technician for a company downtown. He¡¯d always been great with computers, and after a summer internship during high school, the company offered him a full-time gig starting in September.

    ¡°Nice subject change, bro.¡±

    Robbie winked at Mal who made a small tch sound with his mouth. ¡°What about you, then fool? You gonna keep working for the old man?¡± Mal continued.

    Robbie¡¯s adopted father, Torah, was a well-known figure in the community, owning Skate Caf¨¦ right in the heart of PineCrest (A small shopping district close to the college, after which all of the surrounding areas were named). It was the perfect spot for skaters and students alike, and Robbie had been working there for years.

    ¡°Oh yeah,¡± Robbie said with a grin. ¡°If he has anything to say about it, I¡¯ll be taking over the place soon. He and my mom want to travel, so I¡¯ll be running things.¡±

    ¡°As long as he¡¯s been running that place, it¡¯s a well-deserved break,¡± Leanne added.

    ¡°What about Nova? How¡¯s he doing?¡± Momo asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s living in the apartment above the shop.¡±

    ¡°Wait, with you guys?¡± Mika said surprised.

    Robbie shook his head. ¡°Nah, he¡¯s up on the fifth floor. It used to be storage, but my dad converted it for him. Nova¡¯s always traveling, so it gives him a dedicated space when he¡¯s in town without worrying about the other stuff.¡±

    Mika laughed softly. ¡°It¡¯s so wild that Nova¡¯s this famous skateboarder now, traveling all over the world.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, thanks to your dad¡¯s shop, for sure.¡± Mal added.

    ¡°Yeah, my Pop¡¯s pretty much kick-started his whole career. And now Nova¡¯s paying it back by making sure hulio is known worldwide.¡±

    ¡°Dude, Nova¡¯s got it made. Skating, traveling, his own place. Living the dream, miss that dude.¡± Momo said.

    ¡°He¡¯s back, he is running skateboard clinics for my pops so stop by and see him.¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah? That¡¯s awesome, I will for sure swing in!¡±

    Mal didn¡¯t know that Nova was back and the idea of it and Harper also being back seemed strange. He couldn¡¯t place the thought or the theory at this moment, but he was putting a mental pin in it for himself.

    Mal glanced at his coffee, swirling it absently strange times he thought.

    After some more conversation and laughter around the table, Roxy returned, with a large tray skillfully balancing all their meals. Placing the plates in front of everyone, she saved Mal''s oatmeal for last. As she set it down in front of him, she smiled, and he noticed the brown sugar heart she''d drawn on top.

    ¡°For good luck,¡± she winked at him.

    Mal grinned back, leaning into the banter. ¡°Don¡¯t get too lovey-dovey with me now. I¡¯ll sweep you off your feet.¡±

    Roxy chuckled as she slid the tray under her arm. ¡°I¡¯ll take you up on that offer any day,¡± she teased, before turning and walking back toward the kitchen.

    As soon as she was out of earshot, both Momo and Robbie exchanged smirks, locking eyes with Mal.

    ¡°I swear, man, it¡¯s because you¡¯ve got sisters that the girls just fall into your lap.¡± Robbie joked.

    Leanne gave him a playful, sarcastic look, nodding toward him with a teasing grin. ¡°I mean, you are pretty feminine.¡±

    Before Mal could respond, Momo jumped in to defend him. ¡°Hey, leave him alone! He lives in a house full of women, it¡¯s bound to rub off.¡±

    The entire table erupted in laughter, with Mal going slightly red, though he couldn¡¯t help but join in.

    The group shared a few more laughs as they finished up their meals, the mood lightening as the conversation moved on. Eventually, after settling the bill and saying their goodbyes, Mal and Momo made their way out of the diner, heading back to Mal¡¯s truck to start their first day at PineCrest .

 pg.04 - Song: The Only Exception - Paramore

    PineCrest University¡¯s campus greets visitors with a mix of Gothic architecture and lush, expansive greenery, creating a blend of timeless charm and modern vibrancy. Pathways are lined with towering trees, their branches arching overhead to form shaded tunnels that invite exploration. The brick buildings, softened by ivy creeping along the stone facades, stand tall as a reminder of both the university¡¯s rich history and its forward-thinking spirit.

    Wide-open quads, dotted with students, are framed by academic buildings, while quiet, tucked-away corners offer solitude. The campus was alive with energy, from the meticulously maintained gardens and reflective ponds to the small groups of people huddled in conversation. For new students, the sense of anticipation is palpable¡ªorientation packets in hand, many are scanning maps or nervously chatting as they navigate the grounds for the first time.

    At the heart of the university stands a grand clock tower, a striking symbol of time and progress. Its presence serves as a focal point, reminding everyone of the journey ahead.

    Mal and his friends stepped into the heart of PineCrest University¡¯s campus, heading toward the bustling Campus Center. The building loomed ahead, modern yet inviting, with its glass front reflecting the steady stream of students coming and going. This was the central hub where everything happened: student council meetings, club fairs, and countless activities. It felt like the pulse of the university.

    Surrounding the building was a sprawling courtyard filled with picnic tables and outdoor seating areas shaded by large trees. Some tables had students sitting with laptops and coffee, while others were occupied by small groups chatting animatedly. The atmosphere was casual, but buzzing with excitement. Banners and signs hung from poles and the sides of the building, advertising everything from intramural sports to environmental action groups.

    As Mal got closer, he noticed the rows of booths set up both inside and outside the building. Outside, under tents and canopies, different fraternities, sororities, and student clubs were vying for attention, their colorful displays promising everything from parties and social events to networking opportunities and mentorship programs. Music pumped from one corner where a group of students were handing out flyers for the university radio station, while near another booth, someone was offering free smoothies.

    Inside the Campus Center building, the energy continued. The large, open lobby was filled with more tables and booths. A caf¨¦ buzzed with students grabbing quick snacks or lounging in armchairs with their coffees. The student council had a prominent setup in the middle of the room, a welcoming committee of sorts, with friendly faces answering questions and handing out pamphlets detailing everything the university had to offer.

    The group strolled through the bustling crowd, soaking in the vibrant energy and diverse activities around them. Leanne was pursuing a degree in Liberal Arts, eager to explore literature, history, and social sciences, while Mika buzzed with anticipation for her Fashion studies, and Momo Art and Sound Design path. Momo was the only one in the group to have a class alongside Mal, dreaming of understanding the visuals to add sound to their shared future projects. Though they were all starting out together, Mal felt the optimism of each friend finding their own way, embracing the fresh start and endless possibilities that lay ahead.

    It was clear that this was the place to be if you wanted to get involved, meet new people, or just hang out. For Mal, it felt like the real start of his time at PineCrest , a place where he could potentially expand his tribe, even if the road ahead seemed a little daunting.

    </a>pg.04a

    Mal pushed open the door to the Foundations of Drawing & Design class, his eyes scanning the rows of tables quickly filling up with students. This wasn¡¯t the usual environment he was used to. The formal structure of an art class was a far cry from the streets where he¡¯d spent nights tagging walls, letting his imagination run wild.

    Beside him, Momo strolled in with his usual laid-back confidence, a wide grin plastered on his face. ¡°Man, this is where it all starts!¡± Momo said, pushing Mal playfully.

    Mal chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Yeah, start¡¯ing from the bottom.¡±

    ¡°..and you know where are¡± Momo joked in return.

    They made their way to the back of the room, settling into a 3-person table. But before they even got comfortable, Momo¡¯s attention shifted to a girl sitting a few rows ahead. She had soft lavender hair that cascaded down her back, and her hand moved swiftly over her sketchpad, focused entirely on her work.

    ¡°Hey, check it out,¡± Momo whispered, nudging Mal again. ¡°That must be that girl Roxy knows¡­¡±

    ¡°Nezami,¡± Mal said having already spotted her.

    She was drawing with intense concentration, her pencil gliding effortlessly across the page. She looked... cute as hell, he thought to himself. And focused.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s gotta be, not many girls will full on lavender hair¡± Momo added in a low voice.

    Mal¡¯s gaze lingered on her for a second longer. He didn¡¯t know her, but there was something about the way she worked, how effortlessly she moved the pencil, that made him curious.

    Mrs. Mason, their instructor, stepped to the front of the class. She was an older woman, with short silver hair and a paint-splattered apron that made her look like she¡¯d just come from a studio session.

    ¡°Alright, class, settle down,¡± she called out.

    ¡°I know classes haven''t officially started yet, but while we¡¯re doing introductions around the school, I want us to do a little assignment. Today''s task is simple: I want you to show me where you¡¯re at. Draw anything you like¡ªcharacters, objects, scenes¡ªwhatever speaks to you. Just let me see what you can do.¡±

    Mal glanced at the blank page in front of him, feeling a familiar tightening in his chest. He¡¯d never really done this kind of structured drawing before. His art was born in alleyways and on abandoned walls, not in the confines of a classroom.

    ¡°Just do your thing, man. It¡¯s all good.¡±

    Mal nodded, putting his pencil to the paper, and sketching one of his usual graffiti characters. His lines were rough, but they had that same energy he brought to his street art¡ªraw and unpolished. Momo had been doodling since high school, getting serious about it after picking up a ¡°How to Draw Manga" book midway through. His dedication was what pushed Mal to chase his dream of making an anime, and the two always hyped each other up, feeding off each other¡¯s creative energy.

    Mrs. Mason began walking around the room, observing each student¡¯s work. When she reached Mal and Momo, she paused, a smile spreading across her face as she looked at their drawings.

    ¡°You two have very similar styles,¡± she commented, raising an eyebrow.

    Momo grinned, his voice loud enough to draw a few glances. ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ve been drawing together since we were kids. We¡¯re gonna make our own Anime one day.¡±

    Mrs. Mason chuckled. ¡°We got a couple of future animators here, huh?¡±

    Momo puffed confidently. ¡°That¡¯s right!¡±

    Mrs. Mason looked down at both of their sketchpads again, nodding in approval. ¡°Well, you¡¯re both off to a good start. Keep working at it.¡±

    Mal couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of relief at her words. He wasn¡¯t sure what to expect, but the fact that she saw potential in them meant something.

    ¡°You hear that, man?¡± Momo said, giving him another nudge. ¡°We¡¯re killing it.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Mal muttered, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth as he continued sketching.

    Mrs. Mason lingered for a moment, then added, ¡°Mal, you¡¯ve got strong lines, but you need to breathe through it. Don¡¯t hold back. Just let your hand flow.¡±

    Mal blinked, realizing how tense he was. ¡°Yeah, thanks,¡± he said, trying to loosen his grip on the pencil.

    A student, Enrique, leaned over from his table. ¡°I feel you, man. Pencils feel so awkward for me¡ªI¡¯m more into digital art. My lines are a mess right now.¡±

    Enrique was tall, handsome, and slender, with olive skin and brown hair that seemed effortlessly styled. He had chosen to sit with Mal and Momo at the back table, his easygoing demeanor fitting right in with their group.

    Mal glanced at Enrique¡¯s rough sketch and titled his head in solidarity. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s different from my style too.¡±

    ¡°You guys do digital artwork too?¡± He asked genuinely interested.

    ¡°I do a little bit, but mostly paper. My homeboy is more of an urban murlist¡± Momo offered.

    ¡°Ahhh graffiti huh?¡± Enrique smiled knowing exactly what Momo meant.

    ¡°Something like that.¡± Mal smiled.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never had the balls, but I love to see good work.¡±

    ¡°Ya getting caught does suck.¡± Mal replied.

    ¡°Yeah he has four older sisters too so it¡¯s extra trouble.¡±

    ¡°Dang four I¡¯m sorry my guy. I¡¯m Enrique by the way.¡± He said offering his hand.

    ¡°Mal¡±

    ¡°Momo¡±

    ¡°You guys both have very unique M names that¡¯s awesome.¡±

    ¡°We had a dance group in junior high called M&M¡± Momo said casually

    ¡°I bet you did haha.¡±

    ¡°Why you always gotta bring that up, it¡¯s so cheese.¡± Mal said shaking his head.

    ¡°Pfft says you we were dope.¡±

    ¡°So you guys have known each other since then and same purists?¡±

    ¡°Ya but Momo is focusing more on Sound design, I am taking every drawing, 3d modeling, animating, and painting class I could get on my schedule.¡±

    ¡°Oh we got seriousness, love it. My childhood friend Kevin is here too, he is just focusing on general studies no major yet, but it¡¯s cool to have someone to start this nerve-wracking journey with.¡±

    ¡°For sure, plus I have to babysit this fool for his sisters and keep him in line¡­otherwise he gets himself in trouble.¡±

    ¡°Thus the urban mural work¡± Enrique quipped.

    ¡°Seems he has his mind on some other kind of work though,¡± Momo said noticing Mal hadn¡¯t really moved his eyes from glancing at the lavender-haired girl a few rows up, watching as she moved her pencil with a practiced ease that made it all look effortless.

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    She¡¯s on a whole other level, he thought, admiring her work from afar, but keeping his focus on his own page.

    With that, they all fell back into their work, the quiet sound of pencils scratching paper filling the room.

    </a>pg.04b

    The late-morning autumn sun beat down on Mal as he moved from one building to the next. His mind was on the girl with lavender hair hoping she might be in his next class when he suddenly heard his name being called across the quad.

    ¡°Mal!¡±

    He turned and spotted Sumi sitting at a table with a group of her friends. She was laughing, her golden hair catching the light, making her look effortlessly polished as usual. Sumi had always had a magnetic energy about her, and it was no surprise she¡¯d become so well-known at PineCrest University. Sophomore year had only amplified her popularity¡ªespecially since joining the student council over the summer.

    She waved him over. "Where you off to, trouble?" she asked playfully, standing up from the table.

    "Just heading to my next class," Mal replied as he walked over.

    "Which way?" she asked, grabbing her bag.

    "ISH building," he said, shrugging.

    "Perfect!" she grinned, looping her arm through his as if it was the most natural thing in the world. "I¡¯m heading that way too. I¡¯ll walk with ya.¡±

    ¡°You leaving already Sumi?¡± One of the girls asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll meet you in class, gotta talk to my little bro¡±

    A couple of the girls gave Mal batted eyes as he nodded his head and the two walked off.

    ¡°What¡¯s this? You ditching your fan club back there?¡± He nodded toward the group of friends she left behind.

    Sumi waved him off with a laugh. ¡°They¡¯ll survive a few minutes without me.¡± She tossed her hair over her shoulder, glancing back to see them staring after her. ¡°Besides, I figured you could use the company. Wouldn¡¯t want you getting lost on your first day.¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah,¡± Mal said sarcastically. ¡°I¡¯ve only lived here my whole life. Totally can¡¯t find my way to a building two minutes away.¡±

    Sumi gave him a gentle nudge with her elbow. ¡°You know, if you played your cards right, you could be a bit more popular around here. Hang out with your big sister¡¯s crowd, maybe?¡±

    Mal snorted. ¡°Yeah, because that¡¯s exactly what I need¡ªmore people asking me about your Streams.¡±

    "Hey, don¡¯t knock it. My follower count¡¯s through the roof." She gave him a playful shove, and Mal couldn¡¯t help but laugh.

    ¡°Yeah, well, when I¡¯m a famous anime creator, I¡¯ll make sure to put that follower count of yours to good use,¡± Mal shot back with a grin. ¡°Could be handy for promoting my work, you know.¡±

    Sumi looked over at him, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Famous anime creator, huh? More like you¡¯ll be my personal assistant for a long time before you get that far,¡± she teased, nudging him playfully. ¡°I¡¯ll have you fetching coffee before I let you use my influencer powers.¡±

    Mal, shaking his head. ¡°Oh don¡¯t worry to pursue this I¡¯d even double down on the coffee for your pestilence little ass.¡±

    She smirked. ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ll see about that, little bro.¡±

    As they approached the ISH building, Sumi eying a familiar student to her she let go of his arm and gave him a wink. "Alright, little brother, this is where I leave you. Good luck in class." She turned to walk away but then looked back. "Oh, and try not to embarrass the family name, okay?"

    Mal laughed. "No promises."

    With a wave, Sumi strutted off, leaving Mal shaking his head. Same old Sumi¡ªalways in control of every room, and always making him feel like he wasn¡¯t walking this path alone.

    Mal glanced over at the young man she was looking at he watched as the guy¡¯s face lit up when he saw her coming, waving back a bit awkwardly. The guy had no idea what was happening. Mal smirked, knowing all too well what was likely trailing him¡ªjust beyond his awareness. A shadow orb.

    Even though Mal couldn¡¯t see them anymore, he could sense their presence. After all, he had chosen his path when he turned 13. He had denied his orb back then, losing the ability to see them as clearly as he did when he was a kid. The burden of that choice lingered, but it was one he made willingly. Sumi, on the other hand, embraced hers as his sisters didn¡¯t get the choice he did. He had never known the reason why, but the divine clock was still ticking maddeningly in the back of his mind.

    Mal shook it off, and with a quiet laugh as he watched Sumi¡¯s personality transform before his eyes.

    At home, Sumi was far from the bubbly persona she showed on campus. She was more of a lovable villain¡ªconstantly a smart-ass, always in Mal¡¯s business, and never missing a chance to tease him. But out here, in her element, she turned into someone else entirely¡ªher flirty, bubbly side on full display. It was like watching her online persona come to life. The frat-girl version of Sumi, all blonde hair and confident smiles, looked almost like she had stepped out of a ¡°Legally Blonde¡± remake.

    As she walked beside the guy, their voices drifted into the air, a giggle here, a playful touch there. Sumi led him between two buildings, her figure swaying, manipulating the world with her charm. It was strange seeing her like this¡ªout in the wild, as he called it. The side of her that few got to witness beyond her polished social media.

    As she disappeared around the corner, Mal¡¯s smile faded. He couldn¡¯t see the shadow orbs anymore, but he didn¡¯t need to. He knew the guy was marked¡ªprobably following the path most did, unknowingly under the orb¡¯s influence. Mal had made peace with his own choice to refuse it, even if it meant watching others walk blindly through their lives.

    Still, maybe they have it easier, he thought, glancing back once more as the two disappeared from view.

    His mind drifted back to their younger days at the skating rink. Sumi had always been a master at luring her prey, just like she was now. She¡¯d flash that same flirty smile, giggle at all the right moments, and before long, some poor guy¡ªor girl¡ªwould be giving her a ride home or going around the backside of the rink to sneak a ¡°smoke¡±. Not that they¡¯d ever see those people again. It was almost an art form, the way she worked.

    She¡¯d always come back too quickly, just like she did now. He watched as she emerged from between the two buildings, her hair still perfectly in place, her smile still intact.

    Wow, that was fast, she¡¯s getting good he thought, shaking his head in amusement.

    From across the quad, Sumi caught his eye and, without missing a beat, winked at him and waved at another group of people toward the building she was about to enter.

    Mal grinned. She hadn¡¯t changed a bit. Even after all these years, she played the same games, pulling the same tricks. As she slipped into the building, disappearing behind the doors closest to her, Mal couldn¡¯t help but feel a little proud of her. For all the trouble she got into, she was always in control, always three steps ahead of everyone else.

    Same old Sumi, he thought.

    Momo¡¯s gonna be a while, Mal thought, tucking the phone back into his pocket. Momo¡¯s primary study was around sound, and music design something he had always had a much greater passion for and was part of the Animation Studio dream they both had shared for a long time.

    With some unexpected free time, Mal¡¯s thoughts wandered. He remembered the old bridge near the park down the street. It had been a while since he visited, but the spot held a special place in his heart. It was where he¡¯d put up some of his earliest tags. He figured it might be a good time to check them out, maybe even see if they were still intact.

    Pocketing his phone, he adjusted his backpack and started walking in the direction of his SUV as a pitstop before the park. Popping open the door, he grabbed his second backpack from the trunk area¡ªthe one he always kept packed with his graffiti supplies. Inside were the essentials: cans of spray paint, extra nozzles, gloves, painter¡¯s tape, and a sketchbook full of designs he hadn¡¯t tried yet. The thought of revisiting his old work brought a mix of nostalgia and curiosity¡ªhad his tags stood the test of time, or had the city covered them up like they often did? Either way, he was eager to find out.

    With the bag slung over his shoulder, Mal skateboarded down the back path that led off-campus and toward PineCrest Park. He liked this time of day when everything seemed a little quieter.

    This spot¡¯ll be perfect right now, he thought.

    The dirt path that led under the small bridge that crossed the ravine to the North End neighborhood was old and mostly forgotten. Most people headed to the newer park on the opposite side of the road, which left the under-bridge area almost always deserted.

    It was his place to think.

    To create.

    The bridge, its worn concrete structure came into view, familiar and comforting. He found his usual spot under the overhang, tucked out of sight from anyone passing by above and below. Dropping his board and backpack, he unzipped it and pulled out a few cans of spray paint, the rattling sound filling faintly in the empty space beneath the bridge. He typically had his mp3 player for his creations even though music blaring in his ears had gotten him caught more than once. This place was different though, this space felt like a temple.

    After starting at his older and mostly covered-up tags he decided to update the colors now faded and worn. He focused on sharpening the lines, layering new colors over the old, and bringing his work back to life. The smell of paint filled the air, swirling around him as he worked.

    He felt at peace here¡ªno rush, no pressure. Just him and the wall.

    Once satisfied, he stepped back, admiring the way the colors seemed to glow in the fading daylight. He dropped the can into his bag and slumped against the bridge wall, sliding down until he was seated with his back against the rough concrete. He pulled his backpack over, using it as a makeshift pillow, and let his mind wander.

    "I wish the art in class felt like this," he muttered, his voice low, barely above a whisper.

    "Everything just flows when I¡¯m out here. No rules, no second-guessing... I can just do it. But in class, it¡¯s like I¡¯m fighting with my own hands." He closed his eyes, thinking about how far he¡¯d come.

    "I used to barely be able to spray my name right. Now I can layer colors, make things pop, get the shading just right."

    A small chuckle escaped him. "I guess I just hate that it still feels like I¡¯m missing something."

    He let the thought drift, the sound of the wind and the rustling leaves filling the silence. Then, he heard footsteps¡ªsoft, almost hesitant, but getting closer. Mal sat up, his senses suddenly alert. It wasn¡¯t common for anyone to walk this path. He stayed still, peeking out from under the overhang.

    A familiar figure appeared, walking slowly down the path, talking to herself. He recognized her right away¡ªlavender hair, flowingly baggy hoodie, leggings, and naturally graceful. The girl from his class.

    ¡°Nezami.¡± He said quietly.

    Mal froze, unsure whether to say something or stay quiet. She was so lost in her thoughts she hadn¡¯t noticed him. He stayed hidden, trying to decide if it was better to speak up or let her pass without realizing he was there. The last thing he wanted was to freak her out.

    As she walked closer, she sniffed the air, wrinkling her nose. "It smells like spray paint," she muttered, glancing around but not seeing him yet.

    Before he could overthink it, Mal cleared his throat. "Hey, I don¡¯t wanna scare you. I¡¯m up here."

    Nezami jumped slightly, turning toward his voice. Her eyes scanned the shadows until she spotted him leaning against the wall, mostly out of sight. She raised an eyebrow, recognition flickering across her face.

    "What the hell are you doing down there?"

    Mal stood, holding up his hands apologetically. "I¡ªuh¡ªwasn¡¯t sure if I should just sit here quietly or say something. I didn¡¯t want to freak you out." He shifted, feeling a bit awkward. "Didn¡¯t want you thinking I was some kind of vagrant creeper hiding under a bridge or something."

    She smirked, shaking her head. "I appreciate that. Could¡¯ve been a lot more jarring." She stepped closer, peering at him with a curious tilt of her head. "Hey, you¡¯re that guy from my class, right?"

    Mal nodded, stepping out a bit from the shadows.

    "Yeah, that¡¯s me. Sorry, we haven¡¯t been formally introduced. I¡¯m Mal."

    "Nezami," she replied, her gaze flicking toward his bag and then back to his face. "Nice to officially meet you, Mal."

    Nezami noticed the splatters of paint on Mal¡¯s hands and shirt. "So, what were you doing up there?"

    Mal gave a half-smile, rubbing the back of his neck.

    "Just messing around," he said, his voice casual.

    From where she stood, the angle prevented her from seeing the full scope of what he''d been working on, but she could tell he was up to something. The underside of the bridge was a patchwork of graffiti¡ªsome of it intricate, almost beautiful, while other sections were marred by crude tags and slurs. Mal had always taken it upon himself to cover up the uglier parts with something more thoughtful, something with care and skill.

    Nezami took in the scene before turning back to him. "So, you just decided to come down to this park and... paint on the bridge?"

    Mal chuckled. "Yeah, I used to live around here, actually. Spent a lot of time in this park when I was younger."

    Nezami laughed lightly, the sound almost teasing. "There¡¯s a whole plethora of caf¨¦s around PineCrest, but you choose this old bridge?"

    Mal shrugged. "Yeah, but it¡¯s quiet here. Usually, no one¡¯s around, and sometimes it¡¯s hard to find a place with some peace and quiet."

    "Oh really? Do you live in a crowded house or something?"

    Mal grinned, a little sheepishly. "Yeah... that¡¯s an understatement."

    Nezami crossed her arms, her interest clear. "Why¡¯s that?"

    "I live with five women."

    Her eyes widened in surprise, and then she laughed again louder this time. "Five women? Do you have like, a harem or something?"

    Mal laughed along with her. "No, nothing like that. It¡¯s my four sisters and my older sister¡¯s best friend. So... not as exciting as it sounds."

    She¡¯s got a great laugh

    "Wow, that is a lot," Nezami said, still grinning.

    "Yep, which is why I seek solace under an old bridge," he joked. "But since we¡¯re sharing, I¡¯ve got to ask... only people who live nearby usually take this path to the neighborhood. Do you live around here?"

    She looked at him sharply, her eyes narrowing in playful suspicion. "Are you a stalker or something?"

    Mal laughed. "Nah, I gave that up years ago."

    "Good to know," she said with a smirk. "Well, no, I don¡¯t live super close. But I like to do a lot of my sketch work after walking around the park. Some of the trails help me think."

    Mal noticed a flicker of hesitation in her eyes, something she wasn¡¯t saying. He didn¡¯t push, but he could sense she was holding back.

    Something about this place must mean more to her, he thought.

    "Well," Mal said, shrugging lightly, "I guess we¡¯ve got that in common. I come here for inspiration too. I¡¯m trying to learn how to draw characters, and sometimes working out here helps. Gives me a different perspective. Though, I usually have my headphones on¡ªwouldn¡¯t have even heard you if I hadn¡¯t left them at home."

    Nezami eyed him awkwardly for a moment as if deciding what to say next. After a beat, she gave him a small smile. "Well, it was nice to officially meet you, Mal. I should probably get going."

    "Yeah, same," Mal said, his tone a little fumbling as he stood up.

    "I guess I¡¯ll see you around campus. Or, you know, in class." He scratched the back of his head, feeling just a little strange at how awkward he sounded.

    Nezami nodded, offering him a small wave as she turned to continue down the path. "Take care," she said, walking away.

    Mal watched her go, then turned back to the wall where his artwork stood. He gave the colors one last look, touching up a small detail before packing up his bag. Slinging it over his shoulder, he headed back toward his truck.

 pg.05 - Song: Leave out all the rest â€“ Linkin Park

    A little time had passed, and Mal found himself erasing and redrawing parts of his character, trying to tighten it up and smooth out the rough spots. His focus was on making the lines sharper, adding some detail to the eyes, but it wasn¡¯t quite clicking. Next to him, Momo was still sketching with a big grin on his face, seemingly satisfied with whatever he was doing.

    Mal glanced over and shook his head. "How¡¯re you always so laid back with this, man? I feel like I¡¯m butchering mine."

    Momo chuckled. "Because, dude, it¡¯s all about the vibe. You get too stuck in your head, and it messes with the flow."

    Before Mal could respond, Mrs. Mason''s voice cut through the room. ¡°Alright, class, I want you to stop erasing and redrawing.¡±

    She wasn¡¯t calling anyone out specifically, but Mal still felt like her words were directed straight at him.

    ¡°This exercise isn¡¯t about getting everything perfect right now. I want you to draw naturally. We¡¯ll worry about adding and editing details later. Just get your ideas out on paper.¡±

    Mal huffed quietly, glancing at his eraser like it had betrayed him.

    "Looks like someone¡¯s caught," Momo teased. ¡°Should¡¯ve just let it ride, man."

    "Shut it,¡± Mal muttered, but he couldn¡¯t help the small smile creeping onto his face.

    "Man, I feel you. I¡¯ve been erasing so much my paper¡¯s gonna rip." Enrique offered.

    "Same here," Mal said, chuckling along. "I¡¯m starting to wonder why I thought this would be a good idea."

    "Eh, that¡¯s why we¡¯re here, right? To mess up and get better."

    Mrs. Mason walked to the front of the class again and clapped her hands for attention.

    ¡°Okay, everyone. I want you all to take the comic cell you¡¯ve done and come grab one of the magnets from the whiteboard behind me. Pin your piece up there, and then head back to your seats. Don¡¯t worry about looking at anyone else¡¯s work just yet¡ªwe¡¯ll save that for later.¡±

    There was a soft rustling as students stood and made their way to the whiteboard. Mal grabbed his sketch, still feeling a little uncertain, but followed along with the others. As he pinned his work next to Momo¡¯s, he noticed the mix of sketches¡ªsome were rough, like his, while others were more polished, more precise. He glanced over at Nezami¡¯s piece for a second, catching the fluidity and ease in her lines. In the short time they had spent in the class, it looked as if she had been working on hers for months. The depth and detail of the scene of a young girl sitting on a bench overlooking a field was incredible.

    Damn, he thought, she makes this look so easy.

    Once everyone had their drawings pinned up, they returned to their seats, waiting for Mrs. Mason to continue. She stood at the front, hands on her hips, her eyes scanning the various works displayed before her.

    Mrs. Mason stood at the front of the class, her voice commanding attention as the students finished up their comic cells. "Now that you¡¯ve all drawn a single comic cell, it''s time to take things further," she said with a smile, placing a large, beautifully painted vase on the table. "We¡¯re splitting into groups based on a lottery, of sorts.¡±

    She gestured toward the vase, swirling with vibrant patterns. "Inside are numbers for groups of five. You''ll come up, draw a number, and head to the corresponding section of the lecture hall. If you look closely, each section is marked by Roman numerals hidden within the artwork on the walls."

    Momo, sitting beside Mal, leaned over with a grin. "Ahh, see? I knew those were numbers."

    Mal chuckled, shaking his head. "You guessed."

    The room stirred as students exchanged glances, some surprised by the shift in direction. Mrs. Mason''s grin widened playfully. "Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t be grading this part¡ªit¡¯s just a valuable exercise in teamwork," she said, pausing for effect. Then, with a mock-maniacal laugh, she added, "Or will I? Muhwahaha!"

    The class began to stir as students took turns walking to the front to draw their numbers. The quiet rustle of paper and soft murmurs filled the air as each student headed off to their assigned section. When it was finally Mal''s turn, he stepped forward, reaching into the vase. His fingers closed around a slip of paper, which he unfolded to reveal: "II."

    Momo waved his slip of paper at Mal with an exaggerated grin. "See you on the other side, Foolio!" he called out, getting a few amused glances from their classmates.

    Mrs. Mason¡¯s voice was loud enough to keep everyone''s attention. "Alright, listen up!" she said with a grin. "You''re not going to be using the physical cells you just completed. Instead, you¡¯ll be drawing new scenes together as a group, using your original sketches as loose references. Think of them as a jumping-off point, but I want fresh ideas coming from the collaboration."

    She gestured to the sketches on the wall. "You can move your sheets to your new section after class, but you won¡¯t need them during the session. I want you to focus on talking about your ideas, and coming up with a plan based on what you remember of what you¡¯ve already done."

    He made his way to the section marked with the Roman numeral II, scanning the faces already there. Nezami was already standing off to the side, her expression as unreadable as ever.

    Next to her was Shawna, dressed in a graphic tee tucked into high-waisted jeans, with white sneakers and a tote bag slung casually over her shoulder. Her look was effortlessly cool, the kind of laid-back vibe you¡¯d expect from a college student who balanced academics and a social life without missing a beat. She crossed her arms, scanning the room with a half-interested smirk.

    Then there was Kevin, a towering guy whose wild, curly hair seemed to spring out in every direction. He wore a simple hoodie and jeans, his relaxed posture a stark contrast to his imposing height. He gave Mal a nod of acknowledgment as he joined the group.

    Enrique stood with them as well, his usual easygoing demeanor present as he surveyed the forming group.

    With the group gathered, Mrs. Mason¡¯s voice carried over the room once more. "Now, with your groups, you¡¯ll be combining your individual cells into a cohesive story. This is an exercise in building on each other¡¯s creativity."

    Mal shook his head, focusing back on his group. This project was shaping up to be something different, and as he glanced around at the people he¡¯d be working with, he could feel the familiar nervous energy buzzing in his chest.

    </a>pg.05a

    Mal opened the door for Leanne and Mika who flanked him, their laughter ringing out as they entered.

    ¡°Can¡¯t believe we finally made it!¡± Mika exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she scanned the room. ¡°I could seriously eat my weight in muffins.¡±

    ¡°Just make sure you save some room for other people, fatty,¡± Mal said, grinning.

    Mika punched him in the arm as they stepped further inside, they spotted Robbie busy at the counter, he looked up and broke into a wide smile. ¡°Hey, you three how were classes today?¡±

    ¡°Whaddup yo, they were good. First week was a success so we are chillin¡± Mal called, waving.

    ¡°You guys super busy now that school is in full swing?¡± Leanne asked.

    ¡°You know it¡­Busy as ever,¡± Robbie replied, wiping his hands on his apron. ¡°But you just missed the post-school rush!¡±

    Once they got to the back of the caf¨¦ to order Mal¡¯s gaze landed on Enrique and Kevin sitting at a table near the side. They were animatedly discussing something, both leaning in with enthusiasm.

    ¡°Look, it¡¯s Enrique and Kevin! Let¡¯s go invite them to the cool kid¡¯s table.¡±

    As they made their way over, Enrique looked up and grinned. ¡°Hey, you guys! Join us!¡±

    ¡°No you guys come sit with us!¡± Leanne replied, sliding the reserved sign at the front booth and sliding in.

    Kevin glanced around, impressed. ¡°Wow, it seems like you know everyone here.¡±

    ¡°Torah¡¯s like everyone¡¯s dad,¡± Mal said with a laugh. ¡°This place is like our second home¡±

    ¡°Same here,¡± Robbie chimed in as he passed by. ¡°It¡¯s where all the cool kids hang out.¡±

    ¡°Haha technically is your home dork,¡± Mika said shoving him as she passed to sit down.

    ¡°Cool kids, huh?¡± Kevin quipped. ¡°I guess I¡¯m in good company then.¡±

    ¡°We just found this place last week after orientation,¡± Enrique said sliding comfortably next to Mika.

    ¡°You guys skate?¡± Mal asked.

    ¡°Not since junior high,¡± Kevin said.

    ¡°Well, now that we are all homies you¡¯ll have to dust off them skate shoes.¡±

    Once everyone was settled, Mal took a moment to make introductions. ¡°Enrique, Kevin, this is Leanne and Mika. We share a bunch of classes.¡±

    ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± Leanne said warmly, offering a friendly smile.

    ¡°Likewise!¡± Mika added, her voice cheerful.

    ¡°You ladies skate too?¡± Kevin asked looking at Mika from across the table.

    ¡°Yuppers,¡± She said sheepishly.

    Robbie, still busily clearing plates, leaned against the edge of the table. ¡°Where¡¯s Momo? I thought he¡¯d be with you guys.¡±

    Mal sighed. ¡°He¡¯s in some sound theory class, working on a project for the art exhibition. I think they¡¯re all pretty busy with it.¡±

    ¡°Oh, the art exhibition,¡± Robbie replied, nodding knowingly. ¡°That¡¯s always a big deal around campus. We usually see a ton of the art committee kids here late at night, drinking endless cups of java¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Mal said, surprised. ¡°I didn¡¯t know it was such a big deal.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, it is,¡± Kevin chimed in. ¡°I¡¯m a second-year, so I¡¯ve seen how it goes. There are usually huge sponsors involved who offer scholarships for some of the kids.¡±

    Robbie nodded in agreement.

    ¡°My dad sponsors a couple of those kids and the company that Nova rides for also sponsors the event.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s awesome! I had no idea.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you should have been involved, bro!¡± Robbie encouraged. ¡°A lot of it has to do with urban art, and it can help with job opportunities in the industry.¡±

    ¡°What kind of industries?¡± Mal asked.

    ¡°Typically, it¡¯s large brands looking for artists and designers. They want fresh ideas and unique perspectives, especially in the urban art scene.¡± Kevin said.

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    ¡°Sounds like a great opportunity. Any animation or comic studios?¡±

    ¡°Not that I can recall from last year, but I be there has to be. To many kids are studying 3-D, Animation and such like us.¡± Enrique said.

    ¡°Alright, who¡¯s ready for dessert?¡± Robbie said, bringing out a tray of pastries from behind the counter to the table.

    Mika smiled her eyes sparkling as if she was about to drink the milk of paradise.

    ¡°Yummmmmmmmm!¡± She squealed.

    ¡°Dang you guys really do have the hookup,¡± Enrique said.

    ¡°Skate or die, we ride and pastry together,¡± Leanne said smiling, pushing Mika¡¯s hand out of the way of a triple chocolate muffin.

    ¡°Ohhh I wanted that one its got the warm center.¡± Mika pouted.

    ¡°Soooo good, I wish I could share¡­ but I just can¡¯t find it in my heart to do so.¡± Leanne offered back.

    As the conversation in the caf¨¦ buzzed on, Nova emerged from the back kitchen, having heard from Robbie that Mal was there, and his face lit up when he spotted him. Without hesitation, he walked over and gave Mal a big, welcoming hug.

    ¡°There¡¯s my boy!¡± Nova exclaimed, squeezing him tightly.

    ¡°Nova!¡± Mal grinned as he returned the hug.

    Seeing Nova, both Leanne and Mika quickly stood up and rushed over, wrapping their arms around her as well.

    ¡°It¡¯s so good to see you!¡± Leanne said.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been hoping to catch you around campus, but I know the first couple weeks are crazy,¡± Nova said, smiling warmly at the group. ¡°It feels like forever since we¡¯ve all been in the same place.¡±

    ¡°What are you doing hanging around campus, anyway?¡± Mal asked, surprised.

    Nova sighed and shrugged. ¡°This whole art exhibition thing. I promised a couple of the professors I know that I¡¯d help out.¡±

    Mal blinked, confused.

    ¡°Art exhibition? I feel like I¡¯m so out of the loop. I¡¯m in all these art classes and haven¡¯t even heard a word about any of this.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because it¡¯s run by the ISH Art Committee. They usually pre-select the participants, most of them during Summer Art Meetups.¡± Kevin said eating a rather large French cruller with maple and bacon on the top.

    ¡°Yeah, you kind of have to be in the upper echelon of artists to get an invite or even know much about it,¡± Enrique added.

    Mal raised an eyebrow, half-jokingly. ¡°Well, maybe in a couple of years, I¡¯ll have stepped my game up as an artist an they¡¯ll let me in.¡±

    Nova chuckled, ruffling his hair. ¡°I wish I would¡¯ve known you wanted to be a part of it. Hell, I didn¡¯t even know you were doing art school! If I had known, I could¡¯ve pushed for a little more graffiti work in the exhibition.¡±

    Enrique perked up at that, looking curious. ¡°Graffiti?¡±

    Before Mal could answer, Robbie chimed in, grinning. ¡°Yeah, my boy here is probably the best graffiti artist around. No joke.¡±

    ¡°No shit? Have you tagged anything around here?¡± Kevin said excitedly.

    Mal rubbed the back of his neck modestly. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve done a bunch of stuff under the bridge and on a few buildings, but I mostly stick to places where I¡¯m asked to do it. Keeps me out of trouble.¡±

    Mika leaned over with a smirk. ¡°Yeah, mostly out of trouble. He got arrested a couple of times back in junior high, but his five moms keep his nose pretty clean nowadays.¡±

    Leanne laughed and added, ¡°And Harper lets him spray all over their building, too. So that helps.¡±

    ¡°Only on the top floor outside her room, but still the night air and being up there is like heaven.¡±

    Enrique¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°Back up¡ªfive moms? And free rein to tag a building? You gotta tell me more.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and her room is the top of a building? I need to hear this story¡­ also how do you end up with five moms?¡± Kevin said still making solid eye contact with everything Mika said.

    Mal chuckled, shaking his head at the familiar reaction.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not as wild as it sounds. It¡¯s my four older sisters and my oldest sister¡¯s best friend, Harper. Technically we all live with Harper and have since forever..¡±

    Kevin snorted. ¡°Sounds like a harem, man.¡±

    Mal laughed, shaking his head. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what everyone says, that or people assume we¡¯re Catholic.¡±

    The table burst into laughter as the conversation continued. Nova, still standing near the group, smiled fondly.

    ¡°Honestly, Mal, if you¡¯re serious about the art exhibit, I can talk to the professors. Even if it¡¯s not this year, there¡¯s always next year, and they¡¯re always looking for fresh talent.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, the exhibit¡¯s a big deal, it¡¯s not just about displaying your art. Some major brands and companies sponsor it. They scout for talent in areas like Video Game art, design, you name it. It¡¯s a foot in the door for a lot of careers.¡±

    Robbie, who had returned with a fresh pot of coffee, poured cups for everyone at the table.

    ¡°Nova¡¯s right¡ªyou should think about it. A lot of people who participate in the exhibition end up with job offers.¡±

    Mal was still processing all of this when the door to the caf¨¦ swung open, and in walked Momo, looking a little worn out but cheerful. He spotted the group and made his way over, a grin spreading across his face as he slid into the booth next to Mal.

    ¡°There he is!¡± Mal greeted him. ¡°How was class?¡±

    Momo groaned. ¡°Long. We¡¯re working on this project for the art exhibition, so it¡¯s been nonstop. Sound production is no joke.¡±

    Robbie laughed, pouring Momo a coffee. ¡°You¡¯ll survive slacker. That exhibition is like the Olympics for art students around here.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, so I¡¯ve been hearing,¡± Mal said, smirking.

    Momo took a sip of his coffee, sighing in relief. ¡°I was just about to ask you about it. Are you submitting anything?¡±

    ¡°Apparently, you have to be in the ¡®upper echelon¡¯ to even get considered, so I think I¡¯m out this year. But maybe next year? Why didn¡¯t you tell me you this was such a big deal Mo what the hell man¡± Mal shrugged.

    ¡°Bro I didn¡¯t even realize it was that big until today, those kids are wild¡­super stiff artists. But your girl Nezami is involved.¡±

    ¡°Does Mal have a crush!??¡± Leanne asked.

    ¡°Oh my boy is having lavender hair dreams if you feel me,¡± Momo said smiling at Leanne.

    ¡°Awww so cute, shooting out of his league as usual.¡±

    ¡°Watch it woman¡± Mal said sarcastically.

    ¡°Please, Mika and I individually can kick your ass, plus we know your sisters¡­¡±

    ¡°Touche¡¯¡±

    ¡°So, Mal, you gaming with us tonight?¡± Leanne asked changing the subject.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll jump on as soon as I get home from dropping Momo off.¡±

    ¡°What are you guys playing right now?¡± Kevin asked

    ¡°We¡¯ve been playing Sl33py Hellos for years,¡± Mal said. ¡°It¡¯s a modern fantasy MMO. Still pretty obsessed with it.¡±

    Kevin¡¯s head snapped away finally from Mika, and Enrique¡¯s eyes widened as they both exclaimed, ¡°Dude, we¡¯ve been playing that game since beta!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding we¡¯ve all been playing it since around then too!¡± Mika said

    ¡°No way,¡± Mal said, laughing. ¡°Then we need to add each other¡¯s characters and hit up some dungeons together.¡±

    ¡°Hell yes,¡± Enrique said with a grin. ¡°Let¡¯s do it tonight.¡±

    Leanne, smiling, jumped back in. ¡°Yeah, I was asking Mal earlier if he was going to hop on. He¡¯s got a pattern for a bottomless bag and was gonna help me gather materials to craft one.¡±

    ¡°Wait, you can make a bottomless bag, bro?¡± Enrique said in full nerd mode now.

    Mal nodded with a smirk. ¡°Sure can. Do you need one? You can join us. I mean, the dungeon is old, so it¡¯s not super hard. But it¡¯s all about coordinating and timing the trash mobs(Monsters) in each of the wings to drop the keys for the iron thread.¡±

    Kevin looked at Mika ¡°So you skate and play games? I think I might be in love with you¡±

    Mika blushed.

    Enrique practically threw his hands up. ¡°Hell yeah! I¡¯ve been trying to get one of those bags forever. They¡¯re always ridiculously expensive in the guild stores.¡±

    ¡°I got you, homie,¡± Mal said with a grin, giving Enrique a fist bump. ¡°We¡¯ll run it tonight.¡±

    They all exchanged in-game names and made plans to team up later. The excitement around the table was explosive as everyone jotted down their character names on their phones.

    ¡°So, what time are we logging in?¡± Kevin asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be on a bit earlier,¡± Mal said, slipping his phone back into his pocket, ¡°but Momo doesn¡¯t usually get on until about 10 since he works after school.¡±

    ¡°Mal pretty much lives in the game¡­ I get off work at eight, so I should be good by then,¡± Leanne added.

    ¡°That isn¡¯t too late for you guys, is it?¡± Mika asked.

    Kevin laughed. ¡°Nah, Enrique and I usually play until like two in the morning.¡±

    ¡°Perfect,¡± Mal said, smiling as they all settled into the idea of the impromptu gaming session.

    ¡°Looks like we¡¯re gonna tear through that dungeon tonight,¡± Leanne said happily.

    ¡°Bags all around!¡± Mal joked.

    After some more casual banter and laughter, the group eventually started winding down.

    Mal stood up, stretching. ¡°Alright, I think it¡¯s time to call it a day. Momo, you ready to head out?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s bounce,¡± Momo replied, finishing the last of his coffee.

    ¡°See ya¡¯ll online!¡± Mal said waving and extending a fist of solidity to Robbie who was behind the cash register the evening crowds starting to stream in.

    </a>pg.05b

    Mal stepped into the apartment, shutting the door behind him with a tired sigh. The living room was full of chatter and laughter. His sisters and Harper were lounging on the couches, while three unfamiliar faces sat with them. Sumi was in the middle, flanked by her friends¡ªLisa, Yuki, and Chisato¡ªall seemingly at ease, in their usual hangout spot.

    Lisa was petite with short black hair, stylishly cut just above her shoulders, giving her an edgy vibe. Yuki had a warm smile and soft, straight bangs that framed her kind eyes, her hair falling to her waist. Chisato, the tallest of the three, had light brown skin and long dark hair, which she often tossed over her shoulder while talking, her striking features giving her a sharp presence.

    Sumi was the first to spot Mal, raising an eyebrow as he walked past. ¡°What the hell are you wearing?¡± she asked, half-smirking as she looked him up and down.

    Mal looked down at himself, confused. ¡°Uh¡­ what? A hoodie?¡±

    ¡°No, no, those pants,¡± Sumi teased.

    ¡°Are you wearing freaking ninja pants?" Aurora retorted, gesturing to Mal''s attire as she walked in to join the other girls.

    Mal scoffed. "They aren''t ninja pants. These are jersey knit pants and are considered high fashion while being extremely comfortable¡­ you ladies should learn more about style.¡±

    Aurora shook her head disapprovingly.

    ¡°Jersey¡­ Knit¡­ Pants¡­? Who talks like that¡­¡± Sumi said, gracefully pushing Mal¡¯s head backward as she sat in the corner of the sectional.

    Mal rolled his eyes. "I''m only around you ladies, so how the hell do you expect me to talk?"

    ¡°I don¡¯t know like you have a penis¡­¡± Sumi teased

    ¡°Leave him alone, Sumi. He¡¯s at school trying to be cool for the ladies and make new friends¡­¡± Aurora teased.

    Riko, who had been eavesdropping from the doorway, chimed in.

    ¡°My God, did my little brother finally get accepted into a group of people?"

    Mal shot her a glare. "You know what? I hope you get diarrhea later."

    Riko laughed. "Well, if I do, I''ll use your bathroom.

    ¡°Good luck, I haven¡¯t wiped the seat off in forever."

    ¡°You are so gross for that¡­¡± Sumi said through gagging noises

    Mal shook his head, a grin breaking through. "You''re such a pain."

    Elara grinned mischievously. "That''s what big sisters are for."

    "Oh, I know that''s not true. Your bathroom''s cleaner than all of ours," Harper remarked.

    The Penthouse Paradox was beginning Mal thought.

    The Penthouse Paradox is that whenever one of the girls has company over, they all insist they¡¯re busy or uninterested, yet without fail, they end up gathering around like moths to a flame as if drawn in by some unseen force. No one plans it, and yet it always happens, defying their initial intentions.

    Usually to make fun of Mal as the only male in the place.

    ¡°What are you doing in my bathroom?" He asked.

    Harper shrugged with a smirk.

    "Well, when my bathroom''s empty no supplies or toiletries¡­ since I¡¯ve been gone, so long ¡­So, I just used yours." She innocently shrugged.

    Sumi wrinkled her nose in mock disgust. "That''s so gross¡­ were you living off the grid in Kyoden or did you just lower your standards?¡±

    ¡°Now let¡¯s be fair MallyMal¡¯s bathroom is cleaner than all of ours.¡± She said like a baby deliberately trying to get in on the teasing.

    He rolled his eyes but couldn¡¯t help the small smirk.

    ¡°Ok I take it back, I pray to the divine that you have diarrhea,¡± he said making prayer hands and pointing to Harper.

    Harper crossed her arms, a sly grin spreading across her face.

    ¡°You know, Mal,¡± she began, her voice teasing, ¡°I was going to spare your sisters from what I found in the bottom drawer of your bathroom¡­but now maybe I¡¯ll divulge it.¡±

    Mal¡¯s eyes widened instantly. ¡°What the hell, Harp!¡± he exclaimed, his face flushing.

    Harper laughed, her eyes gleaming with mischief. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were such a freak!¡±

    Mal, trying to recover from his embarrassment, quickly fired back. ¡°Pfft freak? That ain¡¯t nothing.. but, you know what¡­ I don¡¯t feel so bad now for wearing your underwear last night when I went to bed.¡±

    Harper¡¯s jaw dropped, her playful grin vanishing. ¡°You better not have touched a lady¡¯s undergarments, Mal!¡±

    ¡°Oh, I did,¡± he said, raising his eyebrows dramatically. ¡°I¡¯ve had a pair of your underwear since you left here last time. I show all the guys the lavender ones with the grey bow on them¡ªthey¡¯re my favorite.¡± His tone was deadpan, but his eyes sparkled with amusement.

    It wasn¡¯t that he had actually used them¡­ but doing laundry in a house full of this many women you were bound to see a few things. When he came across anything that seemed a little ¡°sexier¡± he automatically defaulted to them being Harper¡¯s. Keeping other ideas of his sisters away from his fragile mind.

    Harper¡¯s face twisted between disbelief and horror. ¡°Oh, I am going to kill you! It¡¯s so on now!¡±

    Mal, seeing his opening, shot up from the couch and started to make his way out of the room, grinning widely.

    ¡°Good luck one-upping me!¡± he called over his shoulder.

    ¡°You get back here, you pervert!¡± Harper shouted, half-laughing, half-serious, standing up with fire in her eyes.

    Mal turned around, still walking backward, his grin turning devilish. ¡°No thanks. I¡¯ve got panties to wear while I game with the crew,¡± he taunted, his voice dripping with playful menace.

    Laughing maniacally, Mal ducked out of the room and through the kitchen, leaving Harper fuming, her face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement. ¡°You¡¯re dead when I catch you!¡± she yelled after him, her voice echoing down the hallway.

    Mal could still hear her faint threats as he made his escape, unable to keep the mischievous grin from his face.

    ¡°Ta-ta for now witches¡± His voice echoed in return.

 pg.06 - Song: Maps - Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs

    Mal¡¯s voice crackled through the headset as he explained the dungeon mechanics to Momo, who was still getting familiar with the game.

    ¡°Alright, listen up, this one¡¯s a bit tricky. We¡¯ve gotta find five keys hidden down different corridors. None of the monsters are elite, so they¡¯re easy to kill¡ªmost are lower-level trash mobs¡ªbut the key drop rate is awful. Momo since you''re lower level, stick with me. It''ll be faster that way, and you can help me loot the bodies.¡±

    The group stayed silent, taking it all in as they followed Mal through the digital landscape. The dungeon was tucked away inside an old mining facility. Most players referred to these as ¡®trash dungeons¡¯¡ªcommon, simple, and often overlooked.

    ¡°This place used to be a mine shaft, so there are different patterns throughout, but nothing fancy. It''s perfect if you''re leveling up or playing a warrior class, like you guys. Close-quarters combat, hand-to-hand weapons everywhere¡ªmostly goblin fighters and troll warriors. They¡¯ll be swinging wooden stakes at you, but every now and then, if you''re lucky, you might find something rare. Most of the time, though, it''s just junk.¡±

    Momo chimed in, ¡°So, why bother coming here?¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s the thing,¡± Mal continued. ¡°These trash dungeons are about more than just fighting. They give out cosmetic-based achievements. You unlock stuff like outfit materials, food recipes, and most importantly¡­ it has the highest chance for these Iron Threads which is the only way you can make the bottomless bag. Nothing else is game-changing, but cool enough if you like collecting stuff.

    Leanne adding to the conversation says over the microphone.

    ¡°You know how your character''s backpack has 25 slots for items, but some stuff takes up more room. The better bags, like the ones Mal can craft as a tailor, can increase your capacity. That¡¯s actually the main reason we¡¯re here.¡±

    ¡°People pay top dollar for the larger bags, and I play pretty consistently and can never afford one.¡± Kevin said.

    Momo sounded impressed. ¡°Bigger bags, huh?¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Mal replied. ¡°Think of them like D&D¡¯s bag of holding. These babies can hold up to a thousand items, split into different pages so you can organize your gear. It¡¯s insanely useful. But the tricky part is finding those five keys. Every time you go through one corridor, the layout of the others changes. It¡¯s like the dungeon is alive.¡±

    ¡°So, it¡¯s always random?¡± Momo asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Mal confirmed. ¡°You walk down one corridor, clear it, and the next one is completely different. One minute you¡¯re fighting goblins with sticks and spears, the next you¡¯re facing off against gigantic trolls wielding battle axes. The fun is, you never know what you¡¯re going to get.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s still manageable, right?¡± Enrique replied sounding a little nervous.

    ¡°For us, it¡¯s a walk in the park,¡± Mal reassured them. ¡°WindSpirit¡ªhe¡¯s a solid player in our guild, but he doesn¡¯t have one of the larger bags yet either so he¡¯s coming to help us too.¡±

    ¡°Do you think we could invite our friend Franco?¡± Kevin asked.

    ¡°Fine by me, the threads that drop out of the locked chests are enough to make about 10 bags¡­I have all the rest of the materials in mass. As long as the rest of you are cool with it.¡±

    ¡°Franco from our class?¡± Mika asked.

    ¡°Ya the same, he plays a little too. Kevin and I have known him forever.¡± Enrique said.

    ¡°Awesome thanks Mal, send an invite to <Somi>¡±

    Franco, aka Somi, settled in quickly, navigating the game like a pro and bantering with the group as if he¡¯d been a member of their friend circle all along.

    As they moved forward, the flickering light from the lanterns and torches illuminated the way, casting eerie shadows on the walls. The dungeon, though basic, felt alive with potential, and Mal led the group with confidence, explaining the next steps in their quest.

    ¡°So Franco, what is your area of focus at PCU?¡± Leanne asked.

    ¡°I major in Film and Video productions, and serve as the VP of the Art Committee.¡±

    ¡°Oh, isn¡¯t that the same committee Nezami¡¯s on?¡± Momo asked.

    Franco with, a hint of pride in his voice. "Yeah, we¡¯ve been scouting her since junior high. Her art is incredible."

    ¡°Ya and she¡¯s pretty easy on the eyes too,¡± Enrique said.

    ¡°True dat,¡± Momo and Mal said in unison followed by the group laughing.

    ¡°Take it easy boys,¡± Mika said.

    ¡°Ok so game plan," Mal said, glancing at the map on his screen. "Alright, since a few of you''ve never been here before we are going to split up and

    In the dimly lit room, the group gathered around their screens, each person intently focused on the game. Mal, seated at the center, leaned forward as he began explaining the mechanics of the dungeon.

    ¡°Alright, listen up,¡± Mal said, his voice calm but commanding as he pulled up the map of the dungeon on his screen. ¡°This dungeon has multiple tunnels, right? But here¡¯s the trick¡ªif we kill the boss too soon, the layout of the tunnels resets and the monsters respawn. The problem is, that changes the percentage drop rate for the keys we need for the Iron Cofer at the end.¡±

    ¡°So, we don¡¯t want to kill the boss until we¡¯ve cleared out the tunnels?¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Mal said. ¡°We¡¯re all over-leveled for this dungeon, so we can split up and take on different tunnels simultaneously. That way, we maximize our chances of getting the keys before the reset happens.¡±

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    ¡°So if we clear each tunnel fast enough, we¡¯ve got a better chance of getting more keys?¡± Enrique asked.

    ¡°Yeah, and the more keys we get, the higher the drop rate when we hit the final boss. We¡¯ll need at least five keys between us.

    ¡°Wait, so if the boss resets the tunnels, do we have to fight all the monsters again too?¡± Leanne asked.

    ¡°Yep,¡± Mal confirmed. ¡°Everything resets, but the monsters get harder. So ideally, we want to clear all the tunnels in one go.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a plan, but what if we miss a key?¡±

    ¡°If we all split up, the odds are better. Each tunnel has a different drop rate based on how many monsters we kill inside it. Since we¡¯re stronger, we can handle the higher-level mobs.¡±

    ¡°So... how do we know when we¡¯ve got all the keys?¡± Kevin asked

    ¡°Well if you get a key give it to me and I will track them. So just call it, and I will come run toward your tunnel.¡±

    Everyone nodded, readying their characters for the split. The screen flickered with the game''s ambiance as they prepared to dive into the tunnels, each determined to outsmart the dungeon and claim their victory.

    He paused, issuing more instructions. ¡°Leanne, you take the second tunnel on the right. Stop halfway down, okay?"

    ¡°Roger¡±

    ¡°Ok, so who do you want to be the runner?¡± Mika asked

    ¡°Yeah, that would be great. Come down the main tunnel with me first. Once we find the key, you¡¯ll run it back while I split off with Momo and Kevin to keep searching. We¡¯re aiming to find these keys as quickly as possible."

    "Got it. Doesn¡¯t sound too bad," Enrique replied.

    Mal continued giving directions to separate the group down each of the corridors in the dungeon to make the best chances for the keys to drop.

    Mal smirked. "It¡¯s not too hard, but the drop rate for these keys is ridiculous. The corridors are long, and that¡¯s why not a lot of players have these bags. We might need a few runs to get them."

    </a>pg.06a

    Several hours later, the intensity of the fifth run was starting to weigh on Mal, the hours that had passed made his eyes feel heavy from staring at the screen. Even though the house was silent, with everyone else sleeping, he wouldn¡¯t have noticed if anyone came in. His noise-canceling headphones blocked out everything around him.

    Harper knew her way around his room well enough not to knock anything over. She walked up quietly, muttering to herself,

    "This idiot¡¯s probably deaf already from how loud this is," as she slowly approached him from behind.

    Harper moved carefully, not even wanting her shadow to betray her presence. She was determined to catch him off guard. Mal had been squinting and rubbing his tired eyes, completely absorbed in his game. The hours of staring at the screen had dulled his senses, and he didn¡¯t notice the sudden movement behind him.

    In one swift motion, Harper pushed Mal¡¯s chair away from the desk and straddled his lap. He was wearing shorts that had naturally ridden up after sitting for so long, and the warmth of her bare legs against his skin jolted him. All his senses went into overdrive.

    "Harper!" Mal stammered, completely caught off guard.

    "Yes, Mally,¡± she teased in that sultry tone. She sat confidently on top of him, wearing a lavender silk, two-button shirt that barely concealed anything. The soft purple fabric shimmered under the computer¡¯s light.

    "What... what are you doing?" Mal sputtered, his voice cracking as he tried to regain his composure.

    Harper leaned in closer, her grin widening. "Well, I knew you didn¡¯t wear my underwear, but I figured you might want to know what they feel like against your skin.¡±

    Mal flushed.

    Mal couldn¡¯t mutter anything coherent, only stammering, "I... I... I..." as Harper reached between his legs, her hand brushing the inside of his thigh before moving upward. Making eye contact with him he could smell just a touch of alcohol on her breath.

    was this a liquid courage moment? No way this can be that¡­is she more intoxicated and it just doesn¡¯t smell that way He thought trying to contain himself.

    She grabbed the bottom of her silk shirt and slowly lifted it. "Are these the panties you saw?"

    Mal turned away in panic, but Harper caught his chin, turning his face back.

    "No, no. You wanted to see them, so why not see them in their natural habitat?"

    The horror he felt was palpable.

    Utter horror.

    He wasn¡¯t exactly experienced in situations like this, and his embarrassment only deepened.

    "You shouldn¡¯t be here," he said quickly, "If one of my sisters sees you, they¡¯ll freak the hell out."

    "They¡¯re all asleep," Harper replied, dismissively. "And I knew you¡¯d be up late gaming¡ªthe perfect time to strike."

    "What do you mean by ''time to strike''?"

    Harper leaned closer, her forearms resting on his shoulders, fingers clasped behind his head. "A little payback," she said, her voice dripping like honey. As she spoke, she began to slowly gyrate her hips on his lap. She pulled his headset off completely and tossed it onto the keyboard. Kim

    "I think we¡¯re done gaming for now."

    Pulling Mal out of his chair, Harper led him by the hand over to his bed, pushing him down onto it.

    Oh my God, this is not happening, Mal''s mind raced.

    What do I do? What do I do? He thought

    "You know exactly what to do," Harper whispered, smirking knowing exactly what he was asking that right at that moment.

    Conflicting thoughts raced through Mal''s head.

    What is going on? What am I supposed to do? His heart pounded as she laid down next to him, her thigh brushing up and down his leg.

    Bro this is Harper, is this going to happen¡­shit¡­Mal¡¯s inner voice roared.

    "Wha¡­wha¡­whattt are you doing here?" he asked, desperate for an answer.

    "You already asked me that," Harper said with a teasing smile.

    "But you never really answered it," Mal replied, gulping hard.

    "Well, you said you weren¡¯t a virgin, so maybe you can tell me what you want to do with me," Harper teased, her voice low and provocative.

    "Are you crazy?" Mal blurted out in a whisper.

    "Maybe," Harper whispered, "But maybe you''re about to find out how crazy I can be."

    Mal felt utterly conflicted¡ªconfusion, physical tension, and paranoia all rolled into one. Harper seemed to understand all of this, toying with his emotions expertly.

    "I think you should leave now before something bad happens," Mal said, trying to sound firm.

    "Oh, something bad is going to happen...and it¡¯s going to be real bad," Harper said softly.

    "Stop it. This isn¡¯t funny," Mal insisted, his nerves fraying.

    "Come on, tell me what you¡¯re going to do with me," Harper continued to tease, leaning in closer.

    "Are you going to pin me down? Hold my hands? Tie me up?"

    "Okay, this is enough!" Mal said, his voice cracking with tension.

    Harper grinned and rolled on top of him again, her hips pressing just below his waistline. She looked up at him, then slowly and deliberately licked the bottom of his chin, barely grazing it with her teeth.

    "Just lay still," she whispered, as she slid down his body, dragging herself sensually across his chest and waist.

    Then, she stood up, crossing her blouse over her chest to cover her cleavage. "Good night, Mal," she said, smirking as she walked toward the door. "Consider that a little payback. You peek at my underwear, I will make you beg for mercy."

    "You¡¯re so freaking sick and twisted," Mal muttered.

    "I know¡­¡±ta-ta witches¡± Harper replied with a laugh as she left his room, closing the door behind her. She paused outside, leaning against the door for a moment, and took a deep breath. "That was so hot," she whispered to herself, before heading down the hall.

    Mal lay there, completely dazed, his mind spinning. He knew he needed to change his clothes, but he couldn¡¯t move.

    "She¡¯s so evil," rubbing his forehead with his hand.

    "You can¡¯t just do that to a guy."

    The whole experience had left him overwhelmed¡ªconflicting emotions, physical tension, and the vivid images of what had just happened all weighing heavily on his mind. As he lay there, he thought of how he could possibly get her back, but with the lingering sensations and the physical intestacy he was feeling, he wasn¡¯t sure he¡¯d ever be able to forget it.

    "At least I¡¯ll have that forever," he thought to himself as he closed his eyes, finally dozing off. He didn¡¯t even hear his companions calling out to him through his headset, asking what the hell was happening.

 pg.07 - Song: Sayonara - Aries

    Mal had barely slept, his mind spinning through a series of wildly inappropriate dreams. Even in the haze of his dream state, it felt like he was reliving his junior high puberty years, full of awkward, heated fantasies. When he finally woke up, he was drenched in sweat, his clothes clinging to him.

    Gross.

    Definitely in need of a shower.

    He sat up, shaking off the remnants of his dream, and glanced at his desk. His game was still on the logout screen, and he suddenly remembered leaving all his friends hanging at the end of the dungeon run without the bags.

    They''re gonna be so pissed, he thought, grabbing his phone.

    Momo had already texted him a screenshot of all their avatars lying in the dungeon in the shape of a giant middle finger.

    Momo: We couldn¡¯t hear exactly what happened, but it sounded pretty dirty. Inquiring minds want to know. Hit me back.

    Great. Now I have to explain this, Mal thought, rolling his eyes as he made his way downstairs.

    The smell of breakfast wafted through the house, and he paused at the bottom of the stairs, trying to keep his cool. He didn¡¯t want Harper to know she¡¯d bested him.

    ¡°My, my, my, don¡¯t we look a little flushed this morning,¡± Sumi said immediately, taking the opportunity to poke fun at him.

    ¡°It¡¯s too early,¡± Mal grumbled.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s never too early,¡± Aurora chimed in from the couch, smirking.

    Sumi wasn¡¯t done. ¡°Did you take a nice, long cold shower?¡±

    Mal shot her a look. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be all crabby just because you didn¡¯t get any action. It¡¯s not our fault,¡± Aurora teased.

    Mal glanced toward the kitchen, where Harper was at the stove, unusually quiet. He narrowed his eyes. ¡°You freaking told them, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Before Harper could even respond, Sumi jumped in. ¡°Of course, she told us. She told us before she did it.¡±

    ¡°So my sisters and Harper premeditated messing with a young man¡¯s sexuality? You guys are sick,¡± Mal said, shaking his head.

    Sumi laughed. ¡°Hey, I wasn¡¯t the one getting all sweaty and breathing heavy. ¡®Oh, Harper, I love you,¡¯¡± she mocked in a high-pitched voice.

    Mal groaned and grabbed his keys from the bowl on the counter. He wasn¡¯t sticking around for this.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Harper called from the kitchen.

    She approached him, holding a plate with homemade eggs Benedict¡ªhis favorite. ¡°Truce?¡± she offered with a hopeful smile.

    Mal glanced at the plate, then back at her. ¡°Truce? Are you crazy? That was so jacked up. You can¡¯t do that to a man. It¡¯s evil.¡±

    His tone actually made Harper¡¯s smile falter a bit, her head dipping slightly. She didn¡¯t feel terrible, but she did feel a little bad.

    ¡°You can¡¯t just make my favorite breakfast and think it¡¯s okay. There¡¯s a line, and you crossed it. It¡¯s one thing to mess with someone, but physically doing stuff¡ªespecially to a guy¡ªthat¡¯s just evil.¡±

    Harper sighed. ¡°Look, I¡¯m sorry, okay? I felt bad afterward, but I didn¡¯t want to come back and make it worse.¡±

    ¡°So, your bright idea was to tell my sisters?¡± Mal asked, exasperated.

    Aurora butted in. ¡°She told us last night she was gonna mess with you.¡±

    Harper winced. ¡°It was just funny to see your face. I¡¯m really sorry, I swear.¡± She was still giggling, making it hard to take her seriously.

    Mal sat down with the plate. ¡°You better be sorry,¡± he muttered, stabbing into the eggs. It wasn¡¯t just that eggs Benedict was his favorite; Harper¡¯s version was the best.

    Trying to reclaim some dignity, he added, ¡°Well, I had a hot older girl rubbing on me, and I got breakfast out of it, so I¡¯ll take the win and ignore everything you scrubs have to say.¡±

    ¡°Oh, big talker,¡± Sumi teased.

    Mal just grinned through a mouthful of food. ¡°Not listening,¡± he said, keeping his focus on the plate.

    Sumi tried to push him further, but he ignored her and quickly devoured his meal, eager to escape the awkward situation.

    Finishing the last bite, he stood up and grabbed his keys. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ve had my breakfast, and I know what your best friend¡¯s underwear and bra look like,¡± he said, looking at Harper before heading toward the hallway.

    Aurora couldn¡¯t resist. ¡°I¡¯m sorry my best friend gave you a boner.¡±

    Sumi burst into laughter.

    Mal cringed. ¡°That¡¯s so gross. Why would you say that word!?¡± He walked out of the room, shaking his head, the sound of his sisters¡¯ laughter echoing behind him as he made his escape.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    </a>pg.07a

    Momo slid into the passenger seat of the SUV, slamming the door behind him. He shot Mal a sideways glance, barely able to hold back a grin. "Bro, what girl came into your room last night? Please tell me it was Harper."

    Mal sighed heavily, gripping the steering wheel as he backed out of the driveway. "Sadly, yes, it was Harper," he muttered. "And it wasn¡¯t funny at all."

    Mal gives Momo a brief explanation of what happened through his constant laughter at every step of the story.

    Momo chuckled. "C¡¯mon, it¡¯s a little funny."

    "Not when it¡¯s happening to you, man," Mal shot back, shaking his head. "She so messed up for that, and on top told my sisters before she even did it. You know how relentless they are."

    As they made their way toward the diner to meet the rest of the crew, Momo snorted. "Classic Harper move, but sorry bro sounds like it was hot, you can¡¯t tell me you fantasized about that all through your high school years.¡±

    ¡°I mean it was pretty dope¡­ and she did make me breakfast.¡±

    ¡°Yo, that sounds like how they explain marriage. Haha,¡± Momo laughed.

    ¡°Did you guys actually hear anything?¡±

    ¡°Naw it was a girl¡¯s voice but then the loud thump of your headset hitting the desk we could only hear muffled sounds after that.¡±

    ¡°Thank Arcadia¡­ the last thing I need is more crap about this.¡±

    ¡°Oh you will get an endless supply of it, my brother, we waited for you for like a half hour and all discussed what was happening.¡±

    ¡°WHAT!!!!?????¡±

    ¡°Yup haha, it was great and you would have been proud Leanne had a super detailed story of what was going on. It was some real romp-com shiz.¡±

    ¡°This is the worst¡­ I swear those chicks just don¡¯t get the extent of their actions¡±

    Mal knew that even in the cosmic responsibility they still did things their way with little input besides each other.

    Mal winced. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯ll run the rest of it myself and get you guys those bottomless bags tonight, promise."

    "It¡¯s all good, bro," Momo shrugged, still smirking. "We get it. You got one-upped by Harper, and that¡¯s pretty hilarious."

    "Ha ha, real funny," Mal grumbled, through a small smile.

    Momo slapped him on the shoulder. "Hey, it could¡¯ve been worse."

    Mal chuckled. ¡°Yeah? How so...¡±

    Momo paused at the hood of the SUV.

    ¡°Honestly I don¡¯t know¡­ but saying that sounded good.¡± He finally said laughing and walking to the door of Tiller¡¯s.

    As Mal and Momo walked into the diner, the familiar chatter and clatter of dishes as the normal crew¡¯s faces lit up with anticipation, and Mal immediately knew that they had been waiting, not-so-patiently, for his arrival.

    Robbie, sitting with a smug grin sang to Mal¡¯s entrance. ¡°Oh, lover boy¡­¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve been dying to hear what happened last night,¡± Leanne said, exchanging a knowing look with Mika, who stifled a giggle.

    Jay and Evan, who hadn¡¯t been online during the chaos, looked particularly eager. Mal could already sense the ridiculous version of events they must¡¯ve been told.

    ¡°So¡­¡± Evan began, smirking. ¡°Is it true Harper walked into your room and¡ª¡±

    ¡°Whoa, hold up,¡± Mal interrupted, putting his hands up. ¡°Whatever Robbie told you is probably exaggerated.¡±

    Robbie leaned back in his seat, smiling even wider. ¡°Oh, come on. You can¡¯t say it wasn¡¯t entertaining.¡±

    Momo snickered beside Mal. ¡°Yeah, they were all waiting for the big moment while you, uh, got ''ambushed.''"

    ¡°Great,¡± Mal muttered sarcastically, sliding into the booth. ¡°Well, let me clear this up¡­¡± He sighed, knowing full well he was going to have to explain everything. But by the looks of his friends'' faces, he could tell they were still brimming with curiosity, and no version of this story was going to go without its share of embellishments.

    Mal took a deep breath, glancing around the table at the expectant faces. "Alright, let me break it down for you," he said, settling into his seat next to Momo. "Yes, Harper did come into my room, but it wasn¡¯t what you think. She was just being her usual, evil self."

    Robbie raised an eyebrow, barely able to contain his amusement. "Oh, we heard plenty. She told your sisters everything before it even went down."

    "Yeah," Mika chimed in with a sly grin. "You were online with us, then boom! Next thing we know, you¡¯re gone, and Harper''s in there messing with you."

    Mal ran a hand through his hair, already feeling the heat of embarrassment rise in his face. "It wasn¡¯t funny at all. She locked the door, teased me like a maniac, and then left me trapped in there."

    "Trapped?" Jay asked, leaning forward. "How did she trap you?"

    "She locked the door, flicked the lights, and said all kinds of stuff I don¡¯t even want to repeat," Mal replied, rubbing his temples. "And by the time I realized what was going on, she was gone, leaving me behind to deal with whatever she thought was funny."

    Leanne exchanged a knowing glance with Mika. "Sounds like typical Harper to me."

    "Yeah, but it didn¡¯t stop there," Mal added, shaking his head. "She went downstairs and told everyone ¡ª my sisters, their friends... even made me breakfast to try and act like everything was fine."

    "Wait, breakfast?" Evan asked with a laugh. "Now that''s evil."

    "So, did you get any sleep at all after that?"

    "Barely. I had the worst dreams, and to top it all off, I forgot to log out of the game after that dungeon run. You guys were stuck waiting."

    "Oh, don¡¯t worry. We figured something was up after you disappeared. Just left a nice little message for you." Robbie said.

    "Yeah, I saw," Mal said, shaking his head. "Thanks for the screenshot, Momo."

    Momo laughed. "That was all Robbie. He thought it¡¯d be funny if we left your characters lying in the shape of a middle finger."

    "You¡¯re welcome," Robbie said, flashing a proud smile.

    Mal glanced around, hoping one person in particular wasn¡¯t there. "Where¡¯s Roxy?" he asked, trying to sound casual. The last thing he wanted was for Roxy to catch wind of this story.

    Evan raised an eyebrow. "Why? You hiding something from Roxy?"

    Before Mal could come up with a good excuse, Momo grinned and jumped in, answering for him. "Nah, this fool thinks he has a shot with that Nezami girl."

    Leanne and Mika both looked up, interest immediately piqued. "Wait, Nezami from the Art Committee?" Mika asked, leaning forward.

    "It''s not like that. I just... don¡¯t want Roxy hearing about Harper messing with me, alright?" Mal said slightly flustered.

    "Ohhh, so you''re trying to keep your reputation intact for Nezami, huh?"

    Leanne chuckled. ¡°Nezami¡­ Mal? Wow, you¡¯re ambitious."

    "Great, just great. And now, I''m here with all of you waiting to hear every twisted version of what happened."

    Mika grinned, tapping her fingers on the table. "We¡¯ve definitely had some creative interpretations."

    Leanne nodded. "But don¡¯t worry, we won¡¯t make it too painful. Just enough to keep it entertaining."

    Mal rolled his eyes. "You guys are the worst."

    Evan chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "But seriously, man, what¡¯s the deal with you and Harper? You two are always messing with each other¡­and to be fair well over the normal boundaries.¡±

    "Yeah," Jay added. "Seems like there''s some tension."

    Mal''s face flushed slightly, and he shot Momo a look as if silently asking for help.

    Momo shrugged with a grin. "Hey, man, it¡¯s all you."

    "Nothing''s going on," Mal insisted, though his tone wavered slightly. "She''s just¡­ Harper. You know how she is."

    "Uh-huh," Robbie said, crossing his arms with a smirk. "If you say so, dude."

    Mal shook his head, feeling the weight of their teasing. He knew the group wasn''t going to let up easily, but deep down, even he wasn''t sure what to make of Harper''s antics. As much as they drove each other crazy, there was always something just beneath the surface.

    Before he could say more, the waitress arrived to take their orders, momentarily distracting everyone from the subject at hand.

    As the group settled into their usual banter, Mal tried to push the Harper incident to the back of his mind. But with friends like his, he knew it wouldn''t stay buried for long.

    Or so he¡¯d hoped.

 pg.08 - Song: Get a Job - Jack Kays

    Mal trudged into the ISH building, the weight of sleep deprivation dragging on him. He¡¯d known he had needed to cut his gaming session short the night before, but it was still well past two in the morning when Harper snuck in to emotionally¡­ and, well, physically torture him. As soon as he lay down, time seemed to warp, and the alarm blared too soon at 6:00 AM.

    Pushing open the door to the art studio, he was greeted by the sounds of commotion. His classmates were already in full swing, moving tables, easels, and canvases around the massive open space. At the center of the chaos, he spotted Nezami, her intense gaze fixed on the gigantic banner going up for the campus-wide art exhibition.

    Mal dropped his bag by the entrance and rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of his night and morning.

    ¡°Mal! Finally, you¡¯re here!¡± Enrique called out, grinning as he and Kevin hauled a massive table across the floor. ¡°Grab that easel in the hall and bring it in here. We need to set up all these display areas ASAP.¡±

    Mal blinked, still half-asleep. "Do you want just one or both of them?"

    "Both,¡± Kevin said, wiping his brow. ¡°But they are heavy as hell, so just take one at a time,¡±

    Mal smirked. "Please, don¡¯t let the nerd exterior deceive you. I got this."

    ¡°Big talk,¡± Enrique chimed in from the other side of the room, where he was adjusting the lighting setup. ¡°Let¡¯s see you back it up.¡±

    With a roll of his eyes, Mal headed into the hallway, grabbed the easels, and lugged them back inside.

    Nezami, focused on the banner in front of her, barely looked up.

    ¡°We¡¯re setting up for the exhibition,¡± she said, her voice soft but commanding. ¡°This banner will be the centerpiece¡ªsix panels of canvas that need to be printed and assembled perfectly. You¡¯re in charge of making sure each piece aligns correctly.¡± She said, talking to Franco.

    Franco was one of the esteemed seniors at the college, serving as the vice president of the Art Committee. With his tall, fit frame, dark brown hair, and warm brown eyes, he carried an air of sophistication matched only by his posh sense of style. Having taken Nezami under his wing, he positioned himself as her mentor, offering guidance and support as she navigated the complexities of her artistic journey.

    ¡°OK, team, we have some specific instructions,¡± Franco called out. ¡°Mal, you¡¯ll be overseeing the printing process. Make sure there are no smudges and no misalignments. This has to be perfect. Enrique and Kevin, once each piece is printed, you¡¯ll be in charge of moving them upstairs to the exhibit hall. The pieces need to dry, so don¡¯t mess this up.¡±

    Mal blinked in surprise. ¡°Wait, I¡¯m in charge of that? I just walked in.¡±

    Nezami finally looked up, her gaze steady and calm. ¡°You¡¯re here now, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    He sighed as he set down the easels. ¡°Well, I came here to work on some of my stuff, but... sure, why not?¡±

    ¡°You will be able to, but if you are going to sit in here, you could keep an eye on this for me¡­ and for the Committee,¡± Nezami replied, pointing to the large printers slowly pumping out the large prints.

    ¡°Ok, I¡¯d be happy to help, so what am I doing.¡±

    Kevin elbowed him as he walked by. ¡°Late night, Mal? You look like you barely slept.¡±

    ¡°Ya long gaming session,¡± Mal said, giving him a knowing eye.

    ¡°Ya, ya gaming session,¡± Kevin replied using air quotes.

    ¡°I might need a gallon of coffee to survive this.¡±

    ¡°And a cold shower,¡± Enrique chuckled as he moved the large print to the side.

    ¡°Can we not?¡± Mal replied.

    ¡°Can we not what?¡± Nezami asked.

    ¡°Umm, mess with Mal; he ran us through a dungeon last night and was up really late¡­ um grinding¡­¡± Enrique said in the most sarcastic of tones.

    Kevin, looking at Mal, started laughing almost uncontrollably.

    ¡°Hmmm, that sounds pretty fishy, but whatever you boys do on the computer is whatever,¡± Nezami said, not playing into it and walking off.

    She was clearly busy, and Mal was not entirely sure what was happening. He looked around at the chaotic studio, tables cluttered with art supplies, banners half-rolled out, and students frantically adjusting their displays. Franco, their unofficial leader for this project, stood by one of the printers, frowning at the screen as he tweaked the alignment.

    Enrique groaned. ¡°Why do we always get the heavy lifting?¡±

    Franco shrugged. ¡°Because you¡¯re large and the ones that complain the loudest.¡±

    Kevin snickered. ¡°Yeah, that checks out.¡±

    ¡°So, what¡¯s this big banner about anyway?¡± Mal asked.

    Franco turned the computer screen toward him, revealing the massive image that, once printed, would span six canvas panels. It was a surreal scene of a sprawling cityscape, with abstract figures twisting and merging into the architecture. Nezami¡¯s signature style was right in the center, her delicate yet powerful strokes merging reality with dreamlike fantasy.

    Mal couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of awe. Nezami was a genuine prodigy, and seeing her work up close never failed to amaze him.

    ¡°That¡¯s... incredible,¡± he muttered.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s Nezami¡¯s brainchild,¡± Franco said. ¡°We¡¯ve got to do it justice. This exhibition is a big deal, not just for her, but for all of us.¡±

    Kevin wiped his hands on his shirt, grinning at Mal. ¡°So, are you ready to babysit some printers?¡±

    Mal smirked, rolling his shoulders. ¡°I think I can handle it.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Franco said, clapping him on the back. ¡°Let¡¯s make this exhibition unforgettable.¡±

    The group worked in sync, setting up the room piece by piece. Mal carefully monitored the printer, watching each stunning panel of Nezami¡¯s artwork slowly came to life.

    This is what he wanted: a life of art and exhibits.

    Mal sat at his makeshift workspace, watching the printers push the large vinyl sheets across the line of desks they had set up. He got up occasionally to adjust the material, making sure the pages didn¡¯t bunch up and jam the machines. As the centerpiece of the image began to print, he recognized the graffiti-covered wall that featured the sponsor''s logo. The skateboard company Nova rode for; he hadn¡¯t noticed it when Franco showed him the image on the screen earlier.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize they were such a big sponsor,¡± Mal thought, glancing at the logo as it emerged. The company was massive and known worldwide. ¡°I guess it makes sense; this is the best art school in the nation.¡±

    However, as the graffiti printed out, Mal frowned. The colors looked flat and lifeless, failing to match the vibrancy of the digitally drawn image. He gritted his teeth, frustration building as he noticed how bad it looked.

    A short while later, Franco walked in to check on the progress.

    ¡°Is the banner going to hang up high?¡± Mal asked, trying to gauge if it would be viewed from a distance.

    ¡°No, why?¡± Franco replied.

    Mal gestured toward the printed section. ¡°It¡¯s just that the graffiti looks really bland, so I was wondering.¡±

    Franco paused mid-comment, his gaze falling on the table. His expression shifted as he took in the faded colors. ¡°Oh man, this looks like shit,¡± he said and immediately walked out of the room. A moment later, he returned with Kevin and Enrique.

    The three of them gathered around the piece, examining it closely. ¡°We need to spruce this up a bit,¡± Franco said, his brow creased in thought.

    ¡°What about some good markers to highlight certain areas?¡± he suggested with a hopeful tone in his voice.

    Mal sat quietly at his desk, feeling a sinking feeling in his stomach. Please don¡¯t use markers on that, he thought desperately as the Art Committee kids continued discussing their ideas.

    Finally, Kevin looked at Franco and said, ¡°You should probably go get Nezami and let her see this.¡±

    ¡°Ok, I will text her to come and say that the printing doesn¡¯t look as good as expected,¡± Franco said, pulling out his phone.

    Mal knew he could fix it. With some supplies, he could make it pop. The banner was big enough...

    like a wall or a building

    Mal''s eyes traced the emerging details on the vinyl. The photograph of the skateboarder mid-air was stunning, and the futuristic landscape looked brilliant. But the graffiti¡ªthere was no denying it looked wrong. The colors clashed rather than complemented the vibrant background.

    Whoever Photoshopped the logo in had chosen hues that didn¡¯t mesh with the rest of the scene,¡± Mal realized.

    Instead of standing out, it appeared as an amateurish afterthought, muddled and misplaced.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Nezami asked as she burst into the room, her voice a mix of concern and urgency as she approached the table.

    Franco, Kevin, and Enrique''s expressions were grave, and Mal could sense the tension in the air. He remained at his makeshift workspace, trying to appear busy, but he couldn¡¯t help but eavesdrop on the conversation.

    Franco gestured toward the banner. ¡°The colors are way off. It looks flat and lifeless. We considered touching it up with markers, but honestly, I¡¯m not sure that¡¯s a good idea.¡±

    Nezami¡¯s frown deepened, and she stepped closer to inspect the print. ¡°Oh no, this looks terrible! This company is a huge sponsor and expects high-quality work, and we can¡¯t afford to look unprofessional!¡± Her panic was evident, and she ran a hand through her hair, her mind racing.

    Kevin crossed his arms. ¡°We could reprint the graffiti section on a different printer, but that¡¯ll take forever. We¡¯re already on a tight schedule.¡±

    ¡°What if we adjust the color settings? Maybe if we tweak the saturation and contrast, we can get it to match our vision.¡± Franco said.

    Nezami shook her head, the worry etched on her face. ¡°That could work, but it needs to be done fast. We don¡¯t have time for a lengthy process and can¡¯t waste materials either!¡±

    Mal shifted in his seat, torn between staying silent and offering his help. He had ideas about how to fix the colors, but he hesitated, unsure if they would welcome his input amidst the rising tension.

    Franco sighed heavily, feeling the pressure of the situation. ¡°I just want this to look good for the sponsors. They¡¯re a big deal, and we can¡¯t disappoint them.¡±

    Nezami¡¯s gaze darted between the print and her teammates, her anxiety bubbling to the surface. ¡°If we don¡¯t fix this, we¡¯ll look so unprofessional. I can¡¯t even imagine what they¡¯ll say!¡±

    ¡°This is not good,¡± Nezami continued, muffled behind her hands. ¡°The colors are completely off. It¡¯s supposed to blend in and stand out simultaneously, but it¡¯s doing neither.¡± She envisioned the banner displayed at the exhibition as vibrant and eye-catching, but the flawed graphic threatened to undermine all their efforts.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t even know how to help them with this,¡± Enrique stated.

    ¡°When is this supposed to be delivered?¡± Mal asked, finally offering a voice that he was, in fact, still in the room.

    ¡°First thing in the morning because that¡¯s when the expo starts,¡± Enrique replied.

    ¡°Well, if we adjust the digital file, we can correct the colors before the next print. It might take a little time, but it¡¯d look way better than using markers.¡± Franco stated.

    Kevin shrugged slightly, trying to remain calm under her intense gaze. ¡°It might not be perfect, but it¡¯s better than wasting more time. We could start working on fixing the colors now, cancel the other jobs, and print those sections last. At least it gives us a chance to meet the deadline.¡±

    Nezami shook her head vehemently. ¡°No. I hate that idea. It¡¯s sloppy and unprofessional. We need to get this right the first time, not cobble it together and hope it works. If we¡¯re going to do this, we¡¯re going to do it properly.¡±

    The room fell silent, her frustration hanging heavy in the air. Mal felt the tension in his shoulders, understanding her anger but also feeling the pressure of the ticking clock.

    Mal hesitated, but he couldn¡¯t stand there doing nothing. He took a deep breath and decided to speak up, though his voice was tentative.

    ¡°Nezami,¡± he said quietly, ¡°I can fix it. I can adjust the colors for the graffiti and get it to blend properly. It¡¯ll take some time, but I think it¡¯s doable.¡±

    Nezami turned her intense gaze toward him, her expression softening slightly as she saw his earnestness.

    ¡°Look, I¡¯m not trying to be rude, but I don¡¯t think you understand who this customer is, and your skills aren¡¯t¡­ well¡­¡± she said.

    ¡°Good enough?¡± Mal retorted. ¡°Ya, I get that, but only what you have seen¡­ this is actually my medium.¡±

    ¡°Either way, getting you into the files to modify this would be the first step. Do you even know how to use some of the digital tools?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not talking about using the computer; I will spray paint right on the canvas.¡±

    ¡°You are out of your mind if you think we will¡­¡±

    Enrique cut her off. ¡°Are you saying spray the graffiti¡­like real graffiti?¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Mal replied, excitement bubbling within him at the idea of this challenge.

    Nezami stared at him; he could tell she was processing the idea.

    ¡°I just¡­ don¡¯t¡­¡± flinging her hair over her face, pulling her hoodie up and drawing the strings tight, she continued, but now her words were muffled.

    Oh, now I see how this... I will show her.

    ¡°I may not grasp the marketing context, but I know exactly who Nova and this company is.¡±

    Like an angel, or maybe a solid coincidence, Momo walked in, clearly having heard some of the conversation.

    ¡°Listen, Nezami, everything around graffiti Mal has done thus far has been exemplary. If he says he can do it, I bet it will turn out awesome.¡±

    Exemplary? Who is this dude but, good looking out my brother Mal thought to himself as Momo gave him a knowing nod.

    ¡°Let me think for a second,¡± Nezami said from beneath the hoodie.

    ¡°Thanks, Momo, for saying that. But seriously, I can do this. I¡¯m confident about it, but I¡¯m also smart enough to know that you should still explore other options. What do you have to lose? The logo of these panels has already been printed. Even if I screw up¡ªwhich I won¡¯t...¡± He gestured emphatically.

    Nezami paced back and forth along the long table, glancing at the two fresh prints of the logo section.

    This is a whole different side of her ¡ªhe thought, it¡¯s all business, but the anxiety vibration coming off her he was very familiar with.

    In one swift motion, Nezami pulled the hoodie down, undid two clips holding her hair up, bent over, and used her fingers to tousle it free.

    ¡°I just don¡¯t understand why this is so difficult and why everyone waits until the last minute...¡± she grunted from her semi-fetal position.

    ¡°If we have to reprint this, it will take almost four and a half hours. We need enough time for someone to come in and ensure the table gets moved. The setup wasn¡¯t great¡ªit printed across multiple plotters simultaneously, and then it all had to be lined up with the seams heat-pressed on the vinyl. The poster is pretty massive.¡±

    ¡°Look, you can¡¯t screw this up. This is one of my most important sponsors, and I can¡¯t have you painting it willy-nilly just because you¡¯re an alleged ¡®street artist,¡¯¡± she said, making air quotes.

    Oh, it¡¯s on now¡­wait willy-nilly¡­ok grandma, Mal thought.

    ¡°No, I understand. This is light work. I can keep it within the logo that¡¯s already printed. Okay, I¡¯ll run to the hardware store and get the necessary supplies. I¡¯ll be back in about half an hour.¡±

    ¡°Hold on. Come back to my desk. You can use the Art Committee credit card to buy whatever supplies you need,¡± Franco said, waving him toward the other hallway.

    ¡°Oh, sweet, alright.¡±

    This feels very adult, he thought to himself.

    Finally, she stood up and nodded, her tone still firm but less harsh.

    ¡°Alright, Mal. If you think you can fix it, then let¡¯s do it. I have nothing to lose because this isn¡¯t your problem anyway. I¡¯m going to look for some solutions.¡±

    ¡°You bet, boss,¡± Mal replied, grabbing his backpack and keys.

 pg.09 - Song: Cold Feelings â€“ Social Distortion

    The hardware store Mal needed was just a short distance away, but he wanted to make sure he had enough time to reach a larger store if necessary. He was on the hunt for spray paint, and the colors were straightforward, so he figured the local shop would have everything he needed. If he had to, he could always mix the paints on the fly.

    ¡°Okay, so it¡¯s just letters for the company logo. The real challenge is that perfect shade of pink.¡±

    In graffiti art, blending colors to achieve the desired hues and shades was essential. Artists often used a technique known as "can control," manipulating the pressure and angle of the spray paint to seamlessly mix colors directly on the surface they were painting. For example, to create the right pink, an artist might start with a base layer of white spray paint and gradually add red, layering until they reach the perfect intensity. By adjusting the distance and angle of the can and controlling the amount of paint applied, they could create custom shades and gradients effortlessly.

    Some artists preferred pre-mixed paint colors or specialized paint markers, which offered a wider variety of hues without the hassle of mixing. However, for Mal, the joy lay in blending colors on the surface. It allowed for greater flexibility and creativity, resulting in unique and dynamic graffiti pieces.

    This approach resonated with Mal. He loved immersing himself in the moment, connecting with his art in a way that felt authentic. To him, painting was akin to playing video games¡ªan experience that allowed him to engage as both a spectator and a creator, feeling the art come alive in front of him.

    ¡°So, Mal,¡± Franco started, glancing around the room, ¡°what do we need to do so you can paint in here? You can¡¯t really spray anything with this ventilation, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, not unless we all want to pass out from the fumes. Got anywhere a bit more open?¡±

    ¡°Actually, yeah. We¡¯ve got the atrium floor up top. It¡¯s pretty unfinished, but there are these massive windows we could crack open. We could bring up some heat lights too.¡±

    ¡°The atrium?¡± Mal asked. ¡°What do you use that for?¡±

    ¡°Sculpting mostly,¡± Franco chimed in, ¡°but it¡¯s perfect for what you need. There¡¯s space, light, and no one''s gonna mind a little mess.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like it¡¯ll work. Let¡¯s get this thing up there.¡±

    ¡°Alright, but the print¡¯s huge. We¡¯re gonna need someone else to help me carry it.¡± Kevin said offering.

    They started rolling the large print carefully, the vinyl crackling as they moved. The size made it unwieldy, but with Kevin and Franco working together, they managed to bundle it up. It was heavy, much heavier than they expected, and they took turns hefting it as they made their way upstairs.

    Once in the atrium, they set the print down and began setting up sawhorses. Mal grabbed a couple of art easels from the corner, positioning them in place to pin the print up securely. He worked quickly, his focus already shifting toward the job at hand. His thoughts raced.

    I can¡¯t mess this up. This has to be good, better than good. They¡¯re watching me now¡ªgotta prove I¡¯m the real deal.

    As they set everything in place, Enrique worked on getting the heat lights ready. Momo appeared a few minutes later. ¡°Where can I help?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Go with Enrique to grab more lights,¡± Mal said, waving him off. ¡°We¡¯ll need at least three.¡±

    Momo nodded, and the two disappeared, only to return a few minutes later with the extra lights. The group finished setting up, pulling wires and plugging everything in.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Enrique said, stepping back to admire the setup. ¡°That should do it. We¡¯ll let you get to it.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and if you need anything, hit us up. All our numbers are in the student portal. We¡¯re just a text away.¡±

    Mal nodded, appreciating the gesture but eager to start working. ¡°Thanks. I¡¯ll be good up here.¡±

    They lingered a bit longer, chatting about classes and the project, but eventually, Momo glanced at his watch and sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve gotta get to my shift at the convenience store soon.¡±

    ¡°Here¡ª¡± Mal tossed the keys to his SUV into the air. ¡°Take my ride. I¡¯ll have Sumi or Riko grab me when I¡¯m done.¡±

    ¡°You sure?¡± Momo asked catching the keys mid-air. ¡°I can come back when I¡¯m done I only work until 10, and I know your dumbass¡¯ll still be here when I¡¯m done.¡±

    Mal shrugged. ¡°Nah, you¡¯re good, just come get me in the am.¡±

    ¡°Cool,¡± Momo nodded, slipping the keys into his pocket and heading out.

    As the door closed behind them, Mal turned back to the massive canvas in front of him.

    Alright, time to prove it. No more messing around. He flicked on the heat lights, grabbed his mask, and prepped his spray cans. There was no turning back now.

    The concrete walls and floor were bare, reflecting the harsh fluorescent lights overhead. The room, designed as a controlled space was devoid of decoration, its sole purpose evident in the array of sawhorses set up to hold various pieces of clay and paints.

    Mal had arranged the large section of the banner sideways on the sawhorses, creating the appearance of a wall. With his spray paint cans and supplies spread out around him, he settled into a folding chair, his MP3 player providing a steady stream of music through his headphones. As he meticulously worked on adjusting colors, his thoughts began to drift.

    This place is so clinical, he mused, but at least it¡¯s quiet. I just need to get these colors right. He knew the pressure was on, and every drop of paint had to be perfect to salvage the banner and meet the tight deadline.

    </a>pg.09a

    Mal had carefully covered the majority of the logo with newspaper cutouts, creating a makeshift barrier that allowed him to focus on the center of the letters without distraction. The crinkled paper lay flat against the vinyl, shielding the surrounding areas from accidental splatters and giving him a clearer view of the intricate details he wanted to perfect first. He found it easier to concentrate on the core of the design this way, ensuring that each stroke of paint was precise and vibrant, setting the stage for the bold statement he intended to make. He was lost in the music streaming through his headphones, his mind racing with thoughts of impressing Nezami. He imagined her reaction to his artwork, picturing the way her eyes might light up when she saw the vibrant colors come to life on the vinyl. Would she think it was cool? The prospect sent a thrill through him, and he found himself almost secretly lip-syncing the lyrics to an imaginary vision of her, his body swaying to the rhythm as he painted.

    ¡°Nez is gonna be super happy. This looks freaking awesome so far. Dude, you''re a rock star,¡± Franco said as he strolled into the room, a wide grin on his face.

    Mal, who had been hunched over, quickly took off his headphones, which he''d kept low enough so he could still hear if anyone came in. He hated being caught off guard, especially when he was deep in concentration¡­ or lip-syncing. The door to the open-air studio creaked loudly enough on its own, but still, better safe than sorry.

    "Thanks, man. I appreciate it. Glad I could help. Plus, it''s for Nova, he¡¯s a homie, so there¡¯s no way I was gonna half-ass this for him."

    "I mean, seriously, though. You crushed it. Nez is gonna lose her mind when she sees this."

    Mal smirked, running a hand through his hair. "Well, hopefully, the rest works out, this is just the lettering centers I still need to fade it into the background and make the whole scene fit.¡±

    "Yeah, I totally get it.¡±

    Mal gave a little shrug. "I just hope Nez likes it too. She seems like kind of a perfectionist."

    Franco laughed. "Dude, if she doesn''t like it, then there''s no pleasing her. But come on, it¡¯s Nez. She¡¯s not as intense as people think."

    "You say that, but I¡¯ve had her look at my sketches like they were criminal offenses."Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    "Fair point. But hey, she¡¯s got high standards because she¡¯s that good. You wouldn¡¯t want it any other way, right?" Franco chuckled.

    Mal thought about it for a second. "Yeah, I guess you''re right. Keeps me on my toes."

    "Exactly. If anyone can handle her feedback, it¡¯s you."

    Before Mal could respond, Enrique stepped into the room, his voice filled with admiration. "Finished or not, that already looks fantastic, bro. I¡¯m seriously impressed."

    "You think so? It¡¯s okay?" Mal asked, glancing over his work, still unsure.

    "It looks great! Those letters came out perfect, man. You nailed it," Enrique said, nodding with approval.

    "Glad to hear it," Mal replied, relieved. "I think we should get some fans running overnight, though. It''ll help clear out the extra dust from the spray paint."

    "Yeah, no problem. I¡¯ll go grab the fans," Enrique offered.

    Franco, checking the time on his phone, added, "You need any more light or a heater? I¡¯m heading out soon. My brothers have a game tonight."

    Mal¡¯s eyes widened. "Wait, what time is it?"

    "It¡¯s after five. You¡¯ve been at it for hours," Franco said, chuckling.

    "Feels like I¡¯ve been in a time bubble," Mal muttered, realizing how long he¡¯d been working. He quickly pulled out his phone to text his sisters, letting them know he¡¯d be home later than usual.

    The fans hummed quietly in the background, circulating air to clear out the lingering paint fumes. Mal stood back, admiring the mural he had worked so hard on. The vibrant colors popped against the wall, and the intricate lettering he''d spent hours perfecting now glowed under the dimming overhead lights.

    Mal stood in front of the mural, carefully inspecting the dried center. It had come out perfectly, and now it was time to move on to the outer layer of the logo. He grabbed a roll of tape from the table near the open windows, where piles of newspapers waited to be used as covers. He wore headphones, but the music from Social Distortion was cranked so loud that anyone walking by could hear the faint echoes of it floating across the quiet campus.

    Every time he returned to the table to grab more tape or newspapers, he paused, gazing out over the quiet grounds like he was taking in the adoration of a cheering audience. With the evening sky dimming to twilight, the campus felt almost dreamlike, the perfect backdrop for his imagined concert. He could see the distant streetlights flicker, like lighters illuminating his imaginary performance.

    As he worked, Mal found himself pacing back and forth between the mural and the table, every few steps turning into an impromptu performance. His lips moved silently to the gritty lyrics of ¡°Cold Feelings,¡± his hand instinctively lifting like he was gripping a microphone. The atrium became his stage, the empty campus below his imagined crowd. He stood tall, chest out, channeling the energy of a rock star playing to thousands.

    Mal lip-synced with fierce determination, his body swaying in time with the beat, occasionally throwing a glance upward to the reflection of himself in the glass. He smirked¡ªcaught up in the absurdity of the moment. The music was still thumping in his ears, but to anyone else, it was just a low, pulsing hum carried by the wind.

    With a playful grin, he stepped back toward the mural, still riding the high of his imaginary performance.

    Does she even likes this kind of music? he wondered, a grin creeping onto his face as he imagined them sharing a laugh over his spontaneous dance moves.

    The vibrant colors began to take shape, blending seamlessly as he poured every ounce of his focus into the project. He was so engrossed in his thoughts¡ªand the music¡ªthat he didn¡¯t even notice Nezami standing a few feet behind him, holding a plastic bag.

    Nezami watched Mal with amusement for quite a while. She didn¡¯t want to startle him; she understood how immersed someone could become in their art. She didn¡¯t want to risk him ruining the crucial project he was working on for her. But more so she wanted to let him finish whatever song he was so joyfully singing. Taking a moment to appreciate the dedication and passion he poured into his work, she couldn¡¯t help but smile at his unexpected dance moves.

    What a dork she thought to herself. A cute dork, but all the same

    After a few more minutes of observing and enjoying the show he was unknowingly putting on for her, she cleared her throat softly, hoping to get his attention without alarming him. When that didn¡¯t work, she took a step closer and raised her voice just enough to be heard over his headphones.

    ¡°Mal,¡± she called, her voice gentle yet teasing.

    He didn¡¯t hear her at first, still lost in his thoughts and the music. Nezami took another step forward, waving the plastic bag slightly in his line of sight.

    ¡°Mal!¡± she called again, a bit louder this time.

    Finally, Mal turned, startled to see Nezami standing there. He quickly pulled off his headphones, the music still faintly audible as he let them rest around his neck.

    ¡°Oh, hey! Sorry, I didn¡¯t see you there,¡± Mal said, a bit flustered. ¡°I was just¡­um¡­working¡­¡±

    ¡°Mmmmhmmm yes I can see that,¡± she said smiling and holding up the plastic bag with a playful glint in her eye. ¡°I ran into Momo earlier, and he mentioned you love this noodle place and would be hungry. So, I thought I¡¯d bring you something to eat as a thanks and a sorry for being a bit of an ass earlier.¡±

    she asked Mom about what I like to eat. He smiled inside, but his eyes lit up as he glanced at the logo on the plastic bag.

    "You know, this is actually my favorite noodle place. I go there all the time."

    ¡°I just picked it because Momo said you liked noodles. He seemed really enthusiastic about it.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, their ramen is amazing. You should definitely try it,¡± Mal replied, still a bit amazed by her thoughtfulness.

    To his surprise, Nezami looked around and then sat down on the tarp nearby. It was dirty and covered in paint dust, yet she settled down without a second thought, her good clothes brushing against the paint-dusted surface.

    Wow, she¡¯s really down to earth, Mal thought, ¡°sitting on a filthy tarp just to hang out with me. Who would¡¯ve thought?

    Nezami opened the bag and took out two containers, handing one to Mal. ¡°I got one for myself too, so it better be good,¡± she said playfully, a smirk on her lips.

    Mal took the container, grinning. ¡°You¡¯re gonna love this. The miso ramen is fantastic.¡±

    Nezami¡¯s expression was earnest as she glanced at Mal. ¡°Hey, I just wanted to say... I¡¯m sorry for not giving you enough credit for your art. I didn¡¯t realize how talented you are.¡±

    Mal shrugged, a grin creeping onto his face. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal. I get it; I¡¯m not exactly the first person people think of when they hear ¡®artist.¡¯¡±

    ¡°But you should be,¡± she countered, ¡°I mean, look at this! You¡¯re practically making magic happen with those spray cans.¡±

    He chuckled, a warmth spreading through him. ¡°Well, I¡¯m just glad I finally have the chance to prove it to you.¡±

    It was awkward, but not enough for him to care. He knew she had just witnessed him transforming into Mike Ness¡­

    It was the fumes, ya¡­ya that was it¡­ you¡¯ll forget all of this tomorrow. He smiled to himself.

    They both started eating, the rich aroma of the noodles filling the air. Nezami took a bite and her eyes widened in delight. "Wow, this is sooo good! I can''t believe I¡¯ve never tried this place before."

    ¡°Told you. It¡¯s the best in town,¡± Mal replied, savoring his noodles, his heart racing as he caught her eye.

    ¡°You know, I could get used to this,¡± Mal continued ¡°Me painting and you bringing you food. It¡¯s almost like a date.¡±

    Nezami felt her cheeks heat up at his words.

    ¡°Yeah? Don¡¯t get too ahead of yourself, but, I¡¯d say this is definitely the best date I¡¯ve had in a while,¡± she shot back, a playful glint in her eye.

    ¡°Well, you clearly aren¡¯t dating the right dudes then.¡±

    ¡°I think that might be the understatement of the year, and for sure no dates that would have my art and project as the most important thing.¡± She responded nodding toward the mostly covered banner he was working on.

    Mal shrugged, feeling a flush rise to his cheeks. ¡°It¡¯s important to me to get it right. Especially for you.¡±

    What the hell did I just say? He felt heat creeping up his neck.

    They shared a nervous laugh, the playful banter easing the tension that had been building between them. Nezami leaned back, taking another bite, her eyes never leaving Mal''s.

    ¡°You know, you might be onto something,¡± she mused, twirling a noodle around her chopsticks. ¡°If all dates involved watching someone painting, eating ramen, and in the solace of an art atrium, I¡¯d say it¡¯s pretty perfect.¡±

    Mal grinned, resting his chopsticks on the edge of the container. ¡°You¡¯re not wrong. I mean, if this is what working on art projects together is like, I might have to start making it a regular thing.¡±

    Nezami¡¯s lips curled into a smirk. ¡°So, are you saying I should keep bringing you food, or is that just your way of asking me out for another round of ramen?¡±

    His heart skipped a beat, but he quickly recovered, leaning in a little closer. ¡°Depends. Are you gonna keep pretending like you¡¯re just bringing me food for the art? Or are we finally admitting this feels like more than just ¡®art¡¯?¡±

    She met his gaze, the playfulness in her expression softening slightly. ¡°Maybe I¡¯m not just here for the art. But I guess you¡¯ll have to keep impressing me to find out.¡±

    Mal¡¯s smile widened, the air between them charged with something unspoken, yet undeniable.

    ¡°Challenge accepted.¡±

    Nezami stretched as she stood, glancing at the half-finished banner and then back at Mal.

    ¡°I should probably head home. I¡¯ve still got a ton to prep for tomorrow.¡± She fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve before awkwardly clearing her throat.

    ¡°But, um¡­ just in case you run into any problems, could you, you know, call or text me?¡±

    Her voice trembled slightly, betraying the calm she was trying to maintain. She quickly extended her phone toward him, her hand shaking just a little.

    Noticing the hint of hesitation in her voice, Mal smiled and gestured toward his phone resting at the edge of the table.

    "Hey, why don¡¯t we just exchange contacts? It¡¯ll save me from messing around with these paint-covered hands," he chuckled, nodding at the phone. "No lock screen or anything¡ªfeel free to add yourself."

    Nezami moved closer, her heart pounding as she picked up his phone. Holding their phones together, she added her contact, feeling the tension in the air rise. She hesitated for a moment before stepping back, biting her lip.

    ¡°There. You¡¯re all set,¡± she said, forcing a small smile, though the heat rising in her cheeks was giving her away.

    ¡°Anyway, these fumes are starting to give me a headache¡­¡± She trailed off, knowing it was just an excuse for the nerves that had suddenly spiked.

    Mal chuckled, glancing around the room. ¡°Yeah, these fumes¡¯ll mess you up. My sisters like to say that¡¯s why I¡¯m the way I am.¡± He shot her a playful look.

    Nezami let out a genuine laugh, the tension breaking for a moment. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll leave you to get more brain damage then¡­ and back to your concert¡± she teased, backing toward the door.

    ¡°Yeah, I figured you saw that¡­ I was kind of hoping you didn¡¯t¡±

    ¡°You could be a rockstar so don¡¯t be embarrassed.¡±

    ¡°Appreciate it,¡± Mal replied with a grin, watching her retreat. ¡°And, hey, if I mess up, you¡¯ll be the first one I call.¡±

    Nezami paused at the door, smiling over her shoulder. ¡°You better. Just don¡¯t ruin that banner before I see it again.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dream of it,¡± he called after her, his heart racing as the door clicked shut behind her.

    For a few moments, the room felt quieter, the only sound was his headphones still playing music. Mal looked down at his phone, her name now saved in his contacts.

    ¡°Nez (heart)¡±

    He couldn¡¯t help but smile.

 pg.10 - Song: ANECDOTE - Rahul

    Momo had texted and picked up Mal after his shift, it was well past 1 a.m. The drive home felt like a blur, his body was weighed down with exhaustion from the strange and emotionally charged day. He had barely slept the night before, and now, after hours of painting, he was beyond ready to collapse.

    As he pulled into the parking garage beneath the penthouse, he parked Nikki and sat for a moment, rubbing his eyes before finally pulling himself out. Making his way toward the elevator, he dug his phone out of his pocket and glanced at the screen. He opened his contacts to look at Nezami¡¯s number one more time, her name still fresh on his phone.

    Focus, what if you accidentally called her at 1 in the morning you psycho? he told himself, stifling a yawn.

    Entering the penthouse, Mal kicked off his shoes and exhaled heavily, letting the exhaustion settle over him. The day had been a whirlwind of emotions, and now, finally, it felt like it was catching up to him. He had just spent hours on the banner, trying to impress Nezami¡ªwho somehow made him feel like he was floating and on edge at the same time. The whole day had been strange, from the quiet moments spent painting in isolation to the unexpected flirty banter with Nezami. It left him feeling unsettled but in a good way.

    A quick snack and bed he thought.

    His eyes were heavy as he turned the corner to pass the sunken living room¡ªonly to stop dead in his tracks.

    There, sprawled across the oversized sectional couch, were his four sisters: Aurora, Sumi, Riko, and Elara. Each one sat in their usual way¡ªAurora with her hands neatly folded, looking composed as ever; Sumi lounging with her phone in hand, probably live-streaming something; Riko looking like she¡¯d rather be anywhere else, legs crossed in that superior, ¡°I know everything¡± way she always had; and Elara with her usual intensity, sitting up straight like this was a war council.

    He blinked in disbelief, running a hand through his messy hair before groaning, "You have got to be kidding me. I am so exhausted."

    Aurora stood up, her expression serious but softened with concern. "We know you¡¯ve had a long day, Mal, but this can¡¯t wait."

    Mal glanced at the couch, ready to collapse onto it, but just as he moved to sit down, Sumi''s voice rang out sharply.

    "Don¡¯t sit down! You¡¯re covered in paint!"

    He looked down at his clothes, realizing that the remnants of spray paint from working on the banner were splattered across his hoodie and jeans.

    "Then you''re gonna have to wait ''til I change," he grumbled, rubbing his eyes. "Because I¡¯m shot."

    "Fine," Sumi said, crossing her arms. "But hurry up. This is important, and we don¡¯t have all night."

    ¡°What the hell¡­ uh neither do I," Mal said as he shuffled toward his room.

    His body felt like it weighed a ton, and all he could think about was his bed. But whatever this was, it seemed serious.

    As he reached his room, he peeled off his paint-splattered clothes, tossing them into the hamper before slipping into a fresh t-shirt and sweatpants. He caught a glance of himself in the mirror¡ªdark circles under his eyes, his hair a mess¡ªand sighed.

    Great, I look as exhausted as I feel.

    Mal made his way back into the living room to sit on the far end of the couch away from his sisters.

    ¡°Are we about to have another one of these talks? I¡¯ve already told you¡ª¡±

    Aurora raised her hand, cutting him off with a soft but commanding voice. ¡°Mal, we already told you we would give you some time on that¡­ We''re not here to force your decision but the universe might be.¡±

    He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, not budging just yet. ¡°So what has happened that you are all here, staring at me like I¡¯m some kind of ticking time bomb?"

    ¡°Because you might just be,¡± Riko said.

    Aurora spoke again, her voice calm but serious. ¡°Nova found something. Trails of a shadow pocket in town.¡±

    "Why¡¯s it such a big deal that we saw a shadow pocket?" Mal asked. "Don¡¯t you guys see them all the time? You open one, put things back in the Shadow Realm, and it¡¯s done." He waved his hand like it was routine.

    Aurora shook her head, her expression serious. ¡°No, Mal, it¡¯s not like a shadow orb. This isn¡¯t something we control or manipulate. A shadow pocket isn''t an item or an object we deal with¡ªit¡¯s a person who''s surrounded by one, like they¡¯re carrying a portal with them.¡±

    "A person?" Mal frowned, sitting back. "So... what does that mean?"

    ¡°It means they¡¯re existing in two places at once¡ªhere, and in the Dreah,¡± Elara said her voice laced with concern.

    "Okay, but again why is that such a big deal? What makes this any worse than all the other craziness we deal with?"

    Riko leaned in, her tone sharp but urgent. ¡°Listen, Mal, it¡¯s not just some ordinary phenomenon. Someone walking around with a shadow pocket can cause real chaos. They can¡¯t be restrained by the normal rules. Imagine someone who can tear open realms and bring havoc without even knowing it.¡±

    "So, they¡¯re like a Sinshi?¡± Mal asked, his frustration starting to show.

    Finally, Sumi, who had been glued to her phone the entire time, glanced up. She set the phone down and said, ¡°That¡¯s exactly what they are, Mal. We just didn¡¯t want to lead with that.¡±

    ¡°Great. So, demons from the Dreah.¡±

    It hit him hard¡ªif he had taken his orb when he was supposed to, this wouldn¡¯t even be an issue. He would¡¯ve seen this coming. Azrel¡¯s true purpose wasn¡¯t just shuttling souls; it was about seeing any Shadow or Light Pockets that opened up and stopping whatever came through them. His power was supposed to allow him to portal to these pockets, removing or killing anything that slipped through. But that had been a job that hadn¡¯t needed doing for over a thousand years.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    "So they came through one of the towers," Mal muttered, finally connecting the dots.

    Aurora nodded gravely. "That¡¯s what we think. And if the Sinshi are here, we¡¯ve got a much bigger problem than we thought."

    ¡°Why would they show up now?" Mal asked, his voice frustrated. "I thought we had more time."

    "It¡¯s not random. Whoever this is, they probably moved here recently. The orb¡¯s power doesn¡¯t just manifest out of nowhere¡ªespecially at that level." Aurora said, glancing at Riko.

    "It¡¯s not just a coincidence, Mal. Someone new is here. Someone young, probably your age, their power¡¯s just starting to surface." Riko confirmed.

    "And if they¡¯re here, they know exactly what this place is. No one comes to this town by chance, especially not with that kind of power." Sumi added.

    "But why here? Why this town?"

    ¡°Do you really have to ask? Anyone with knowledge of their power and history would know that this town is... special."

    "This is no accident. We¡¯re talking about someone who understands what this town represents¡ªwhat the towers are. This isn¡¯t some random kid playing with magic they don¡¯t understand. They came here because of the towers." Elara said calmly.

    Mal stiffened, the mention of the towers sending a chill down his spine. The four ancient structures dotted across town weren¡¯t just relics¡ªthey were gateways. He knew them well, too well. Each tower held a bound demon, their seals part of the delicate balance that kept the world in order. If a shadow orb wielder, even one who didn¡¯t fully understand their power, tampered with those bindings... things could spiral out of control quickly.

    "Whoever this is," Sumi continued, "knows about the towers and the role they play in... well, everything. If they¡¯re here, they¡¯re not just passing through. They¡¯ve got a reason to be in this town."

    "You¡¯re saying I need to check the towers again," he said, his voice full of dread.

    Riko nodded firmly.

    "You¡¯re the only one with the ability to cross those gateways. It''s your responsibility to ensure the seals are still intact. No one else can do it. You¡¯re the only one who can step through and check if any of the orbs have been disturbed. If someone¡¯s trying to disrupt the balance, we need to find out¡ªand fast."

    The room fell into silence again, the weight of the situation hanging in the air. Mal¡¯s heart pounded as he thought about the towers, the gateways, the responsibility that had been thrust on him. He wasn¡¯t ready. He¡¯d never been ready. But his sisters were right¡ªthe SinShi wasn¡¯t something they could ignore.

    He had crossed into one of the towers before¡ªjust once¡ªand the experience had nearly destroyed him. Each tower had a Keeper, one of four ancient protectors¡ªSparrow, Torah, Ichika, and Yaj.

    Mal knew them all.

    But Ichika, the guardian of the tower in Sistrell, had caused him the most grief. Baroness Ichika didn¡¯t just dislike him; she hated him. And the last time he¡¯d entered her tower, alone and overconfident, he had paid the price.

    Before he could respond, Harper walked into the room, her usually calm face etched with worry.

    "He can¡¯t go in alone. Not after what happened last time." Harper¡¯s eyes narrowed. "That mistake nearly cost you your mind. You can¡¯t go unescorted into the towers. You have to talk to the Keepers and make sure they¡¯re with you when you pass through the gateways."

    Mal¡¯s breath hitched as the memories flooded back. He had gone into Ichika¡¯s tower without anyone or her knowledge, determined to prove something¡ªto himself, maybe, or to his sisters. The result had been disastrous. He had been trapped inside the gateway in an endless nightmare, a dark void where time stretched and twisted. The bound demon had flooded his mind with horrors, visions of suffering and pain, endless atrocities. He had been stuck there for what felt like years, unable to escape the suffocating grip of its hatred.

    Even now, the nightmares still lingered in shadows that followed him no matter how hard he tried to shake them.

    "I know what happened," Mal said, trying to push the memories aside. "I won¡¯t make that mistake again."

    "Technically, this isn¡¯t any of Harper¡¯s business," Riko said edging with frustration.

    Aurora¡¯s eyes flared immediately. "Excuse me? Harper¡¯s been with us through everything. She¡¯s earned her place here."

    Harper didn¡¯t flinch.

    ¡°You might not be my family by blood, but you are my family and Mal is my family and I will fight you¡­ make no mistake on that.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not about that Harper¡± Aurora said ¡°¡­and Riko you are out of line on this.¡±

    Harper ignored the sisters looking at Mal directly.

    ¡°It¡¯s not just about you making a mistake. You need the Keepers. They have to go with you. The last time you entered the gateway alone, Ichika almost trapped you for good."

    Riko shifted her gaze to Mal, her expression softening slightly but still holding firm.

    "This is family business, Mal. Harper may care about you, but she has no idea what it feels like¡ªthe burden you¡¯re carrying. What you have to face."

    Aurora stepped closer, her voice sharp.

    "She¡¯s seen everything, Riko. Where were you when Mal got trapped in that tower? Harper was there for him when he came back."

    Riko¡¯s face tightened, but she sighed deeply. "Don¡¯t get me wrong, Harper¡ªI love you. I¡¯m thankful for you in so many ways, but this is different. This isn¡¯t just some choice. Mal listens to you, and I can¡¯t have you persuading him when¡ª"

    Harper interrupted, her voice calm but resolute.

    "I¡¯m not trying to persuade him. This has nothing to do with me. I¡¯m just making sure he doesn¡¯t end up in that same dark place again."

    Mal ran a hand through his hair, eyes dropping to the floor. "Look, I know everyone means well, but this isn¡¯t about someone pushing me one way or the other. I just don¡¯t want to face it again. I don¡¯t want to go back to that tower, to that feeling. I don¡¯t care about my duty right now¡ªI just know I can¡¯t go through that a second time."

    The weight of his words sank in, cutting through the argument. Riko¡¯s stance softened, though her eyes still held a glint of worry. Aurora stood beside Harper, her loyalty unshaken, but even she knew Mal¡¯s fear wasn¡¯t something to brush off.

    Riko spoke after a long pause, quieter this time. "I get it. But you can¡¯t run forever. You¡¯re going to have to face it eventually, Mal."

    "But he doesn¡¯t have to be solo now,¡± Aurora added softly.

    His jaw tightened.

    He hated that they were right.

    Entering one of the towers without the help of a Keeper wasn¡¯t just dangerous¡ªit was a death sentence. And Baroness Ichika had made it abundantly clear that she had no intention of making things easy for him. The thought of stepping back into her domain, of facing her wrath again, made his skin crawl.

    "So I¡¯m supposed to convince the Keepers to come with me?" Mal asked, half-dreading the thought of it.

    Harper nodded. "Yes. You need their help. The Keepers are the only ones who can ensure your safety while you¡¯re inside. The last thing we need is for you to get trapped again.¡±

    Mal¡¯s mind spun, his thoughts racing as dread settled in. If I go into the towers again¡­ if I face Ichika again¡­ His breath quickened, his chest tightening. I barely made it out last time. And now they want me to do this three more times?

    ¡°Why is it always something with this¡­ and why can¡¯t the four of you handle it? You all have powers and abilities far beyond most anything that could start something¡­especially at this level?¡± Mal spat, half to himself.

    His words carried a hint of desperation, but the truth behind them was undeniable. His sisters wielded world-ending powers¡ªabilities so immense that if someone were to discover or evolve a Shadow Orb, they could easily pose a threat capable of taking them down.

    Part of this felt that maybe they were trying to push him into his role, or was it panic?

    He wasn¡¯t entirely sure.

    His palms felt clammy, his pulse racing. He could feel the weight of their expectations bearing down on him, but the fear inside was louder. It was the fear of stepping back into that tower, of facing the dark, twisted void of Ichika¡¯s domain¡ªand the demons that waited for him.

    "I¡¯ll talk to them," Mal finally conceded, his voice low, resigned.

    As he turned to leave the room, his legs felt like lead, every step heavier than the last. The weight of what was coming pressed on him harder than it ever had before. He had always known that this moment would come¡ªhe couldn¡¯t avoid it forever. But now that it was here, he wasn¡¯t sure he could face it.

    He knew the answer deep down. There was no running from his fate. But that didn¡¯t make it any less terrifying.

    Not by a long shot.

    His breath quickened, his hands still trembling as he pushed open the door to his room.

    I don¡¯t want this. I never wanted this. But there¡¯s no way out, is there?

    The endless dark, the cold grip of fear as Ichika¡¯s voice echoed in his mind.

    Why are you here, little Death? she had taunted.

    You think you can stop what¡¯s coming?

    He had barely escaped with his sanity intact. The thought of going through that again¡ªof facing her again¡ªmade his stomach churn.

 pg.11 - Song: Just Like Heaven - The Cure

    Mal lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts swirling like a storm as Sumi appeared in the doorway. Leaning against the frame for a moment before crossing the room to him.

    "Listen," she said. "You¡¯ve got to prepare yourself. We only get one full moon a month¡­¡±

    He wanted to say something, anything, but the weight of the moment held him in silence.

    "The full moon is the only time you can access the Dreah¡ªthe rift that lets you enter the towers. Without an orb inside you, you¡¯re tied to the lunar cycle. This is your only shot this month.¡± She continued.

    He exhaled sharply, sitting up on the edge of the bed. The reality of the situation was sinking in deeper than before. The towers, the orbs, the weight of responsibility¡ªit all circled around him, waiting for him to make his move.

    "I get it," he finally said, though his voice wavered slightly. "I just... didn¡¯t think it would come so fast."

    Sumi stepped closer. "That¡¯s why you have to stay focused. We¡¯ll be with you, but you need to understand how important this is."

    Mal nodded, his resolve hardening. "Yeah... I know."

    ¡°Listen you got options, we didn¡¯t¡­ so drop the attitude.¡± She could feel his defeat and it always frustrated her. ¡°We aren¡¯t asking you to take up the role or orb now, which is why I am reminding you of the lunar cycle.¡±

    ¡°You need to cross through the three towers by January at the latest,¡± Sumi adds.

    ¡°Why January?¡± Mal asked.

    ¡°Because in February, there¡¯ll be two full moons. If you get cold feet, that¡¯s our only spare month.¡±

    ¡°Why does it matter if there are two full moons?¡±

    She sighs. ¡°Because the only way into the fourth tower is during a blue moon. We¡¯ve never met Yaj; he¡¯s a completely unknown Keeper. No one knows what to expect from him.¡±

    ¡°What about the others?¡±

    ¡°Torah and Sparrow will have your back,¡± Sumi reassures him. ¡°They¡¯ll support you through their towers. But first¡­ you have to deal with the Baroness. And you know that¡¯s going to be a problem.¡±

    ¡°I get that,¡± Mal responds, ¡°but what I¡¯m not sure of is how I¡¯ll shield myself from the infection of the shadows and those demon spirits¡­they¡¯re always around.¡±

    Sumi¡¯s expression hardens. ¡°That¡¯s where our family¡¯s responsibility comes in.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Sumi pulls up the chair next to his desk, her body language casual but her words anything but.

    ¡°I can place a curse on you.¡±

    Mal sits up slightly. ¡°What kind of curse?¡±

    ¡°A fever ward,¡± Sumi replies, putting her feet up on the bed, and facing him. ¡°It¡¯ll burn away most of the spirits and shadows that try to infect you while you¡¯re moving toward the orb.¡±

    ¡°What exactly does this ward do?¡±

    ¡°It creates an aura of heat around you,¡± Sumi explains. ¡°Most of those things will be destroyed if they get too close. But it¡¯s not without risk. It gives you a fever¡ªa real one. And that fever gets worse the longer you¡¯re in the tower.¡±

    ¡°Okay, and then what happens?¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t get to check the shadow binding fast enough, it¡¯ll get too intense. You¡¯ll become disoriented. Hallucinations will start. If you¡¯re in there too long, the fever can do permanent damage to your brain,¡±

    Sumi continues, her voice low. ¡°It¡¯s not something to mess with.¡±

    Mal runs a hand through his hair again, his breath catching slightly. ¡°Great,¡± he stutters, ¡°just another thing to worry about. Well... how much time do I have?"

    "The first full moon is on the 28th of October."

    Mal blinked, caught off guard. "So, like, two weeks? A couple of days before my birthday... and Halloween."

    Sumi smirked, her tone laced with sarcasm, but there was a warmth behind it. "Yeah, so let¡¯s try not to die on our birthday, okay?"

    He chuckled softly, though the tension lingered in the air. The moment of levity passed quickly, and Mal''s face grew serious again.

    "And what happens if I don¡¯t want to do it?"

    "If any of the orbs have been tampered with, the bindings on the demons inside those towers will break¡­ and you know what that means."

    Mal¡¯s stomach dropped, a cold knot of dread tightening inside him. He didn¡¯t need her to explain. The answer hovered in his mind like a storm cloud.

    "It''s the end..."Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    "Exactly, it won¡¯t matter if you get good grades, learn how to make your anime, or chase whatever dreams you have. There won¡¯t be any people left to enjoy it¡­ Including you."

    Mal swallowed hard, there was no avoiding it, no sidestepping this responsibility. The stakes had never been clearer.

    His voice cracked as he whispered, "I don¡¯t think I¡¯m gonna be able to do this¡­ This is madness. Just the thought of it makes me want to die, to be honest."

    He leaned forward, rubbing his lower leg in a futile attempt to soothe himself.

    She crouched beside him.

    ¡°Hey¡­ it¡¯s gonna be fine. We know more now. You¡¯ve got us¡ªour abilities, everything. Things are different. You¡¯ve grown.¡±

    Mal¡¯s gaze shifted to her, his voice breaking with a mix of anger and fear. ¡°I don¡¯t think you understand what that was like¡­ the shit that still haunts me.¡±

    Sumi¡¯s face tightened with understanding, though her eyes stayed fixed on his. ¡°Look, I get that I can¡¯t fully comprehend the nightmare you went through,¡± she began, her words gentle but firm. ¡°But I can tell you this¡ªif we don¡¯t check those orbs, every single one of those nightmares will come back¡­They¡¯ll come to life.¡±

    Mal blinked, feeling the warm trails of tears slide down his temples as he lay back against the bed. His mind spun with images of the horrors he¡¯d seen, the memories of the past still fresh enough to hurt.

    She leaned over and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a firm hug. ¡°Look, you drive me crazy most of the time,¡± she murmured, ¡°but I love you. And I promise, I¡¯ll do everything I can to protect you¡ªwith all the magic I¡¯ve got.¡±

    <h3 style="margin: 14pt 0 7pt"></a>pg.10a

    A soft knock at the door broke through his thoughts.

    "Come in," he called.

    The door creaked open, and Harper peeked her head inside. "Is it okay if I come in?"

    "Of course, as long as you¡¯re not gonna mess with my¡­male emotions," he joked, though his smile didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes.

    "I¡¯m sorry, that was probably too much," she said, stepping inside.

    "Yeah, it was too much. I don¡¯t think there¡¯s enough cold showers in the world that could¡¯ve fixed that,"

    Harper walked over to his desk and sat down in the chair his sister had been in earlier. "Well, I could always fill my tub up with ice. Would that help?" She grinned.

    "Real funny," he said, shaking his head. "I think there¡¯s only one way you could solve that," he added with a devilish grin. ¡°But I feel so exhausted I don¡¯t even think I would care to try and solve it.¡±

    She smiled at his attempt to keep things light and got up from the chair, moving to sit closer to him on the edge of the bed.

    "Well, your smart-aleck attitude is still intact, so you must be okay¡ªat least on the surface," she said softly, her eyes studying him with genuine concern.

    "Yeah, I¡¯m all right," Mal replied, but his voice was heavy. "It feels pathetic to say that this sucks, but it is what it is. Sometimes the tasks we have to face in life suck¡­ Part of the adventure, I guess."

    "Yes, it is part of the adventure, but you¡¯re also not going alone this time. And you¡¯re not going unprepared. I don¡¯t understand what any of this means¡ªyou know that¡ªbut if there¡¯s anything I can do, even if you just want to talk about it¡­ I¡¯m here."

    Mal exhaled deeply, feeling the comfort of her presence but still wrestling with his thoughts.

    "Okay, but trying to balance life and make a different journey for myself¡­ that was the plan. I felt like things were going so great, tonight I helped my class with a huge project, and might have even impressed a cute girl¡­ I was driving in a state of euphoria¡­ to have it come crashing down.¡±

    ¡°Cute girl huh? Did she get the lust fire I started in you?¡±

    ¡°You know I¡¯m not like that Harp.¡±

    ¡°Oh come on¡­ I¡¯m just messing with you.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, just so out of it I can¡¯t¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry, I¡¯m sorry¡­ I shouldn¡¯t be pushing you and we should stay on the real topic at hand. What can I do for real for real?¡± She said trying to adjust her posture and tone.

    She could see the fear and burnt-out exhaustion in him.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a decade since there¡¯s been any issue, so I figured I could wait till the last minute to accept my role in this. If not, maybe even find someone else¡ªanother host, or a way out," he admitted, his voice trailing off.

    "Do you really want to take that responsibility outside of your family?" she asked quietly.

    Mal hesitated, then nodded slowly.

    "In my own selfish way, kind of¡­ I know it¡¯s not the best thing, but people have been doing it for thousands of years, and the world hasn¡¯t ended yet. Finding a potential¡ªsomeone suitable¡ªseemed like a worthy journey while I tried to live my own life."

    Harper looked at him for a long moment, her face softened with empathy. She wanted to say something comforting, something that would make sense of all this, but the truth was, she couldn¡¯t fully comprehend what Mal was going through. She didn¡¯t know what it felt like to carry one of the orbs inside her soul, to have that kind of responsibility hanging over her, as Mal and his sisters did.

    Without a word, she reached out and touched his cheek gently, the gesture not romantic, but caring¡ªlike a sister, or a mother, offering comfort. Mal blinked, feeling the warmth of her hand on his skin, and it grounded him in a way he hadn¡¯t expected.

    "Look at me," she said softly.

    He met her gaze, her eyes warm and steady, her hand still resting against his face.

    "You¡¯ve got this," she said, her voice full of quiet conviction.

    Mal swallowed, feeling his throat constricted. He wanted to believe her¡ªhe wanted to believe that he could handle all of it.

    But the truth was, the weight of the orb, the responsibility, and the uncertainty of what was to come made him feel small¡­ powerless.

    "You sound pretty sure of me," he said, his voice quiet.

    "I am," Harper replied, her hand still resting against his cheek. "You may not feel like you¡¯re ready, but you¡¯ve already made it this far and that¡¯s something."

    He leaned into her hand for a moment, feeling the steady comfort that came from her presence.

    "I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s enough, though, sometimes it feels like no matter how much I try, I¡¯m just stuck in this loop. Like I¡¯m supposed to be something bigger, but I¡¯m just¡­ struggling to be¡­me."

    Harper smiled softly and shook her head. "You don¡¯t need to be bigger than who you are, Mal. You¡¯ve got the strength inside you already. I think it¡¯s just about letting yourself believe in it. Believing in you.¡±

    Harper¡¯s fingers waited for a moment before she pulled her hand away.

    "I know you Mal, you¡¯re stronger than you think. You always have been. You just need to trust yourself a little more."

    Mal¡¯s eyes were already growing heavy, exhaustion tugging at him. He fought to stay present, but her words began to blur together in the fog of fatigue.

    He nodded sluggishly, his mind drifting. "Yeah¡­ maybe. I just don¡¯t know how to... all of this... it¡¯s so much."

    Harper could see the battle he was losing with sleep, so she leaned in and kissed his forehead, brushing the hair back from his eyes.

    "It is a lot. But you don¡¯t have to do it all at once. Just take it one step at a time, okay? We¡¯re all here for you."

    She watched him for a moment longer as his breathing deepened, his chest rising and falling in a slow, steady rhythm.

    Mal¡¯s spoke barely audible. "Goodnight¡­ love you."

    Harper stood, and smiled down at him, her hand resting over her heart as she whispered, "I always love you, Mallymal."

    Harper quietly stepped to exit the room, her fingers grazing the doorframe before she pulled it shut behind her.

    Mal lay on his back, his eyes closed, processing her words.

    They lingered in the quiet space between sleep and consciousness.

    In the darkness, he finally gave in to the weight of the day, surrendering to sleep.

 pg.12 - Song: Down in a Hole â€“ Alice in Chains (Unplugged)

    Mal awoke slowly, the world around him still wrapped in a thick haze of sleep. It felt like he¡¯d been drifting in and out of dreams for an eternity. Glancing at the clock, his heart sank. Twelve hours. He had slept for a full twelve hours, all through his alarms and any hopes of attending classes.

    Panic bubbled in his chest as he sat up, the blankets pooling around his waist. ¡°No, no, no,¡± he muttered, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Memories of the banner for Nezami flashed through his mind, and he hoped against hope that everything had checked out.

    With a sense of urgency, he fumbled for his phone on the nightstand, half-expecting a flood of missed notifications.

    Momo: Dude, I didn¡¯t wait for you. Knew you¡¯d be out cold, so I¡¯ll grab whatever you need from school. Also, I¡¯ll tell everyone you were gonna sleep all day. Talked to Aurora, and she said if they needed you, she¡¯d wake you up. Be easy, homie.

    Mal let out a long breath.

    Momo was one of the best friends you could have.

    He quickly shot a response back.

    Mal: Thanks, man. Sorry, I overslept. You¡¯re the best homie foreal!

    He threw his phone onto the bed hurried to his feet, and moved to the bathroom, splashing cold water on his face, trying to shake off the lingering fog.

    As he stared into the mirror, Mal struggled to recognize the tired face looking back at him.

    He felt like a walking disaster. After brushing his teeth and running a hand through his disheveled hair, he quickly threw on some comfortable clothes that were still presentable.

    Did she like it? What if all my hard work was for nothing?

    A wave of disappointment washed over him as he remembered she hadn¡¯t messaged him.

    Should I assume she hated it? Or maybe they found another solution?

    He couldn¡¯t shake the bummed feeling creeping in. Standing there, staring at his reflection, he debated whether to reach out and check-in.

    But what if she didn¡¯t text because she didn¡¯t want to admit she didn¡¯t like it? We had such a nice moment last night.

    Mal spent the day in the seemingly empty apartment, the quiet pressing in on him like a weight. The soft whirr of the fridge and the occasional groan of the old wooden floorboards were the only sounds that punctuated the oppressive silence. Each noise seemed to sharpen the edge of his anxiety, drawing his attention back to the storm in his head. He moved restlessly from room to room, the space that usually felt familiar and safe now seemed alien, almost suffocating.

    The expo was in just a few hours, starting around five and running until at least eight. Should he go? Should he even show up? His mind tossed the question around, amplifying his restlessness. On one hand, he¡¯d worked hard on that banner for Nezami¡ªshe had liked it last night, he reminded himself. But the lack of a message from her today gnawed at him. Maybe she wasn¡¯t impressed after all, or worse, maybe she was avoiding him. He had no idea what was going through her mind, and that uncertainty was eating him alive.

    As the hours dragged on, his thoughts spiraled further into chaos. Intrusive questions ran rampant, creating a chaotic marathon of self-doubt. What if she hated the design? What if his attempt to help had somehow embarrassed her?

    His phone buzzed several times, but each time, the notification wasn¡¯t from her. Every non-Nezami text sent his heart sinking deeper into his chest.

    Should I message her?The thought gnawed at him relentlessly. He checked his phone several times, fingers hovering over her name, but always stopped short of sending a message. The fear of seeming too eager, of imposing on her space, held him back. What if she was just busy? Maybe her silence was nothing to worry about.

    As the expo time inched closer, he found himself staring at the clock. Couple more hours¡­

    He wondered if it was worth going if showing up uninvited would be awkward. But the thought of missing it entirely didn¡¯t sit right with him either.

    Just make a quick appearance. It¡¯s casual, no pressure. If she hadn¡¯t messaged him, then maybe everything was fine. Maybe she was just preoccupied.

    He sighed, raking his fingers through his hair. He''d go toward the end¡ªslip in, see if she needed anything, make a quick appearance, and leave. No harm in that. Worse still, looming over everything was the shadow of the upcoming confrontation with the Baroness. The mere thought of her tower dredged up memories that felt too raw, too vivid to ignore. He could still feel the icy chill of the place, the heavy, oppressive air that clung to him like a second skin. The nightmares he''d faced within her domain still haunted him¡ªdark, twisted visions that clawed at his sanity. Children, pale and gaunt, their faces distorted in anguish, had wandered the shadowy halls, their cries piercing the silence like broken glass. Their suffering suffocated him with their despair. He had seen their small hands reach out, begging for help, but the darkness swallowed them before he could even move.

    Every night since then it seemed, he had heard their voices in his sleep¡ªwhispers of agony and fear, pulling him back into that dark place. He had sworn he would never face that again, never let himself be dragged into the Baroness''s nightmare. But now, the full moon was approaching, and with it, the need to confront her once more. The weight of that promise clung to him, as heavy as the silence in the apartment.

    As the hours ticked by, the city outside grew dim, casting its dark shapes across the walls. Mal stared out the window, the distant hum of life below barely reaching him.

    I can¡¯t keep doing this,

    Gnawing at him like a festering wound. He had fought so hard to pull himself out of the horrors he had witnessed, yet here he was, preparing to dive headfirst back into the abyss.

    But it wasn¡¯t just the Baroness. It was everything¡ªhis mounting insecurities, the pressure of his responsibilities, and the fear that no matter what he did, it wouldn¡¯t be enough. Not for Nezami, not for his sisters, not for anyone.

    Finally, just as he was about to throw in the towel and enter into a full-blown panic attack, his phone buzzed.

    It was Momo.

    ¡°Dude!¡± Momo¡¯s voice crackled through the line, bright and energized. ¡°Everyone loved the banner! They¡¯re all raving about it!¡±Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Mal felt his heart leap, ¡°Really? Are you serious?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! Nezami¡¯s been insane with all the preparations, but she said to tell you ¡®Thanks.¡¯ She wants to do it in person when she gets a chance.¡± Momo paused, teasingly. ¡°So what¡¯s up with that?¡±

    Mal couldn¡¯t help but grin, the weight on his chest lightening. ¡°That¡¯s... that¡¯s awesome!¡±

    But then he hesitated.

    ¡°But why not just message me herself?¡±

    Mal leaned against the kitchen counter.

    ¡°Damn, you already got her number? I knew you were still in there,¡± he teased.

    Mal laughed. ¡°Of course I am!¡±

    Momo chuckled, clearly enjoying the banter.

    ¡°Yeah, but it¡¯s not like I¡¯m looking for a relationship or anything. It¡¯s just¡­ I want her to appreciate the work, you know? It felt like everything was riding on this for her.¡± Mal¡¯s voice trailed off, his earlier anxiety creeping back in.

    ¡°Dude, chill,¡± Momo said, a reassuring tone in his voice. ¡°She noticed. She said thanks! That means she cares, even if she¡¯s too busy to reach out directly. And hey, she¡¯s got a lot on her plate. Cut her some slack.¡±

    Mal nodded, appreciating Momo¡¯s optimism.

    ¡°I guess you¡¯re right. It just feels like so much is hanging in the balance, wanting to impress her. I don¡¯t know, it¡¯s like my brain is constantly racing.¡±

    ¡°I get it. But you¡¯ve got to take a step back sometimes. You¡¯re battling demons¡ªso don¡¯t sweat the small stuff. Focus on what matters.¡±

    ¡°Battling demons figuratively and literally, but you¡¯re right,¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve got the whole squad behind you,¡± Momo said with enthusiasm.

    ¡°Thanks, man,¡± Mal said, feeling buoyed by his friend¡¯s support. ¡°I really needed that. You always know how to bring me back down to Earth.¡±

    ¡°Anytime! Now, go get your battle face on. I¡¯ll catch you later!¡± Momo hung up, and Mal couldn¡¯t help but feel a renewed sense of determination.

    ¡°With the Baroness looming on the horizon and the nightmares of the past swirling around, I know I can¡¯t afford to let trivial worries cloud my focus.¡± He said taking a deep breath.

    He was thankful he was for Momo¡¯s call. He didn¡¯t need the little things bubbling up right now¡ªhe couldn¡¯t afford to be selfish with his worries about impressing a girl while a SinShi, or something worse, could be lurking in the special town of theirs...

    He rubbed his temples, a futile attempt to ease the tension, and then he sighed heavily.

    Maybe it was time to take a moment and just rest.

    He turned toward the stairs, and made his way up, a part of him hesitated, guilt gnawing at the edges of his mind.

    Shouldn¡¯t I be doing something? Training or learning something?

    But another part, the weary part, pushed back against that nagging voice.

    It¡¯s okay to sleep. You¡¯ve worked hard, and you¡¯ve been present. Some days, you just have to allow yourself the rest.

    He walked to his room and sank onto the bed. As he lay there, he wrestled with the urge to keep pushing forward.

    I can¡¯t waste any moments, he thought, the countless tasks still ahead.

    If I don¡¯t keep working, I¡¯ll regret it.

    But deep down, he knew that pushing himself to the brink wouldn¡¯t help anyone.

    ¡°Just go rest. It¡¯s okay, man. Give yourself some self-care.¡± He told himself out loud.

    With that thought, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to sink into the mattress, he curled up close to the wall tucking his excess pillows behind him as he faced the wall nooked in as best he could.

    </a>pg.12a

    Dammit.

    When he woke up, the room was dark. For a moment, he lay there, disoriented, unsure of how long he¡¯d been asleep. Panic quickly set in as he fumbled for his phone, squinting at the screen¡ª8:15 p.m. His heart sank. The expo had started hours ago, and he had completely missed it.

    Frustration bubbled up as he sat up, staring at his phone. A few missed messages blinked up at him. Momo and Enrique had sent him some earlier.

    Momo: "Yo, you coming? This thing¡¯s actually pretty solid!"

    Enrique: "Where you at, man? Nezami''s banner looks dope. Seriously, people are loving it."

    He groaned, feeling the guilt settle in his stomach. He had really meant to go. Now it was too late. Any chance to see how Nezami reacted to the banner or to feel like a part of the moment had slipped away.

    He scrolled through his messages, considering sending a quick reply to his friends, but then his phone buzzed with a new notification. His heart skipped a beat when he saw it was from Nezami.

    The message was simple¡ªa photo. Mal clicked it open to see the banner he had worked on, hanging proudly above the crowd at the expo. His eyes scanned over the details, taking in the fact that his work had been front and center, even though he hadn¡¯t been there to see it in person.

    Right below the photo, she had sent a single heart emoji.

    Mal stared at the screen for a long moment, his frustration melting into something else. He smiled, shaking his head. Even though he had overslept and missed the event, she had still thought of him¡ªhad still sent him that small, meaningful gesture.

    Maybe it wasn¡¯t such a disaster after all.

    His heart sank slightly when upon entering the kitchen and all four of his sisters and Harper were sitting at the bar, engaged in hushed conversation.

    ¡°Good morning!¡± they chimed, their cheerful tones almost too bright considering it was evening and they were being snarky in unison. It was impressive, to be honest.

    ¡°Please tell me there¡¯s not more¡± Mal said, eyeing them warily.

    Aurora shrugged, a teasing smile on her face. ¡°No, we¡¯re just talking about something completely different.¡±

    ¡°Do I even want to know?¡± Mal sensing their secretive air.

    ¡°Even if you did, we¡¯re not gonna tell you. Did you sleep?¡±Sumi responded.

    ¡°I did twice actually,¡±

    Harper stepped forward, a warm smile lighting up her face as she offered him a small plate adorned with a homemade cinnamon roll, its sugary glaze glistening. ¡°It¡¯s fresh out of the oven!¡± she announced proudly, as the enticing aroma enveloped Mal.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± he replied, taking the plate but casting suspicious glances at his sisters, who were sharing a secretive grin. Their delight felt almost mischievous, and he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was afoot.

    ¡°I¡¯m heading back up to game with the crew,¡± he said, raising an eyebrow at them. ¡°Please don¡¯t hit me with anything until at least tomorrow after school.¡±

    As he made his way out of the kitchen, Sumi couldn¡¯t contain her smirk.

    ¡°You know, it sounds a little morbid to throw a party before he goes into the tower in case he dies.¡±

    Aurora shot her a disapproving look, hands on her hips. ¡°We¡¯re not doing that! We¡¯re trying to give him a boost of confidence before he goes. You know, some encouragement to face whatever lies ahead.¡±

    Sumi rolled her eyes. ¡°Yeah, because nothing says ¡®you got this¡¯ like a last meal, right?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s just support him, okay? He¡¯s going to need it more than ever.¡± Elara said shaking her head.

    ¡°Yeah, but he¡¯s going to think we¡¯re throwing a party because he might die.¡± Riko added.

    ¡°He¡¯s paranoid and dramatic, but I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll think that at all.¡±

    ¡°Seriously, it¡¯s just a birthday party,¡± Sumi insisted, leaning forward. ¡°He deserves a good send-off, regardless of what¡¯s coming.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Aurora agreed. ¡°We just want him to feel supported. A little fun before the storm, right?¡±

    ¡°Maybe we could theme it,¡± Riko suggested, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. ¡°Something like ¡®Surviving the Tower.¡¯¡±

    ¡°Or ¡®Last Night of Freedom!¡¯¡± Sumi added with a giggle.

    Harper smiled, shaking her head. ¡°You all are terrible! But I love it. This is exactly what he needs.¡±

    ¡°Right?¡± Aurora said, glancing around at her sisters. ¡°But we need to answer the most important question first¡­is it a costume party?¡±

    ¡°Yes but it needs a theme for sure, we don¡¯t just want a regular costume party. People love to be told what style to wear!¡± Sumi said.

    Harper now standing at the fridge looks at Sumi while shutting the door.

    ¡°Say hoe¡­.¡± She says.

    ¡°Can I ask you a question!!¡± Sumi cheered. ¡°Yes 80¡¯s hip-hop theme, Harpy you a genius.¡±

    ¡°I know our Mally.¡±

    Mal sitting down at his desk felt a strange sense of glee emanating from the floor below¡­

    ¡°What the hell are those witches up to?¡±

 pg.13 - Song: Wild Horses - Noah Gundersen

    Mal started his SUV, letting the music wash over him as he sat in the parking garage. He still had some time before picking up Momo, but he needed a moment to collect his thoughts.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how the hell I¡¯m gonna do this,¡± Mal said under his breath, gripping the steering wheel as if it were the only thing tethering him to the moment. The weight of everything pressed down on him like a tsunami. His mind was flooding with fragmented thoughts: the tower, the nightmares, the poster, his sisters, Harper, and Nezami. It was all piling up, swirling around until it felt like his chest was ready to burst.

    How am I supposed to handle this? There¡¯s no way I¡¯m ready for this. Not now.

    He knew if he focused on these thoughts too long, they would consume him. Anxiety was like that¡ªit pulled him into a spiral that was hard to break free from. He forced himself to shift gears mentally, to focus on something less overwhelming.

    Something smaller.

    The banner.

    Before leaving the parking garage, he pulled out his phone and texted Momo, letting him know he was on his way. At least there was only a short trip of him being solo, he had been thankful his sisters were in the house so his mind stayed a little more occupied with that and gaming.

    The music blared as he drove, and he found himself belting out the lyrics, no matter how horribly off-key he was. ¡°Sometimes, these bands just get me,¡± he said, half-laughing at himself.

    Pulling into the convenience store Momo opened the door and tossed his backpack in the back seat.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on, man? We missed you, bro!¡±

    ¡°Thanks, man. I¡¯ve just been hella sick. Probably inhaled too many paint fumes,¡± he replied with a sheepish grin.

    Momo eyed suspiciously, but let it slide. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll tell you one thing: that work you put in was a real hit.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, man! People love it! Half the art class was shocked at your skills.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m shocked I have those skills,¡± Mal chuckled.

    ¡°You do, bro. You just get in your head too much¡­you have got some serious childhood trauma floating around in there. Just because some of the fundamentals are tricky for you doesn¡¯t mean you don¡¯t have mad talent,¡±

    ¡°Thanks, man, I feel like you have to spend time each day getting me back on track¡± Mal replied, feeling a little better.

    ¡°Man, it is what it is. You know how we do it.¡± Momo encouraged, giving him a supportive clap on the back.

    ¡°Look who decided to grace us with his presence!¡± Mika joked.

    ¡°Seriously what a mic drop, just kill an art project and disappear for a couple of days hahaha,¡± Jay said.

    Roxy sauntered over with a teasing smile. ¡°Wow, I heard you¡¯re like Nezami¡¯s personal savior!¡±

    Mal blinked, caught off guard. ¡°Why do you say that?¡±

    Roxy nodded enthusiastically. ¡°She told me with her very own lips! I¡¯m so thankful you could help her out, Mal. I told her how great you are. You know, Nezami doesn¡¯t talk to many people, she¡¯s somewhat of a recluse, to be honest. Thanks for working so hard for my girl.¡±

    ¡°Mal always works extra hard when it¡¯s about impressing the ladies.¡± Mika offered.

    Mal raised an eyebrow, surprised. ¡°Whatever. It¡¯s funny because when we chatted, just the two of us, she seemed so easygoing."

    Roxy grinned. "Well, that¡¯s even better news. She gets so awkward around boys."

    "With you as her friend, that seems nuts,¡± Evan added.

    ¡°She¡¯s had a bit of a rough road,¡± Robbie said in a serious tone. "She wasn¡¯t like that before. Something happened in junior high, and she kind of shut down after that."

    "What incident?" Mal asked.

    Roxy glanced at Robbie before replying.

    ¡±It¡¯s a long story. But I¡¯m glad you were there¡­ She needs support sometimes, always trying to handle things on her own."

    ¡±I¡¯m glad I could help too. She..." He trailed off, catching himself before he openly admitted how much he liked her, his face flushing slightly.

    Roxy caught the hesitation but didn¡¯t press.

    "She¡¯s lucky to have you around, Mal."

    Jay laughed,, ¡°Oh damn you sweet on her bro?¡±

    ¡°I would love to see Mal with a girlfriend¡± Mika smiled.

    Robbie grinned. ¡°Like he would be able to keep a girlfriend!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re one to talk,¡± Roxy said looking at Robbie with a sly grin.

    Everyone erupted into laughter, the friendly banter filling the diner as they settled in for breakfast, easing the weight on Mal¡¯s shoulders, if only for a moment.

    <h3 style="margin: 14pt 0 7pt"></a>pg.13a

    Nezami stood beside a boy with tousled brownish-blonde hair, his athletic frame evident beneath a casual jacket. He had a laid-back confidence about him, the kind that drew attention without trying. Mal paused a few steps away, squinting as he tried to remember where he¡¯d seen the guy before. There was something familiar about him¡ªhis face, his posture¡ªbut Mal couldn¡¯t quite place it.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    What got to him, though, was how comfortable Nezami looked next to him, laughing at something he said. The ease between them sent a dull ache tightening in Mal¡¯s chest. He hadn¡¯t seen Nezami that relaxed around anyone else, and it left him feeling unsettled, the uniqueness of his earlier conversations with her suddenly slipping through his fingers.

    Mal was so focused on the exchange between Nezami and the brown-haired boy that he didn¡¯t even notice Enrique tugging on his sleeve.

    "Mal, look!" Enrique tried to point out an angelic-looking woman across the atrium, a striking figure that everyone at the college had been talking about.

    But Mal''s gaze remained locked on Nezami, the easy laughter she shared with the other guy gnawing at him more than he cared to admit.

    His concentration was only broken when he heard his name shouted, loud and clear, by a woman¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Mal! Oh my gosh, I was hoping I¡¯d see you!¡±

    Startled, Mal turned just in time to see the woman Cascadia bounding towards him from the far side of the atrium.

    "Cascadia!" he exclaimed, caught between embarrassment and excitement as she closed the distance. It had been a while since he''d seen her, and despite everything, he couldn''t help the grin that spread across his face.

    Before he could react further, Cascadia flung her arms around him, pulling him into a tight, almost theatrical hug, pressing his face firmly into her chest. The embrace was so sudden and exaggerated that Mal felt both flustered and amused as he tried to gently wiggle free from her enthusiastic grip. His heart raced¡ªpartly from surprise, partly from the sheer energy Cascadia brought with her.

    As he awkwardly disentangled himself, still grinning, something made him glance back toward where Nezami had been standing. But when he looked, she was gone. He hadn¡¯t noticed that, just before Cascadia''s arrival, Nezami had cast a quick glance in his direction and then vanished into the crowd.

    ¡°What are you doing here?" he asked, smoothing out his shirt, trying to recover his composure.

    She beamed at him, her thick, white-blonde hair with golden streaks shimmering under the soft light of the atrium. Cascadia had a striking presence¡ªtall, full-figured, with curves that commanded attention. Her radiant smile made her already stunning features seem even more vibrant.

    "Oh, didn¡¯t you know? I¡¯m teaching now! 3D rendering and game theory," she said with a playful glint in her eyes.

    Mal blinked, wide-eyed. "Wait... you''re a professor here?" He couldn¡¯t hide the shock in his voice. "I had no idea! That¡¯s insane!"

    Cascadia laughed, the sound full of warmth.

    "Yup! Figured it was time to pass on my wisdom to the next generation of creators." She winked. "It¡¯s been fun. But I¡¯m glad to see your face, I was trying to find you last week!¡±

    Before Mal could respond, Enrique and Kevin¡ªwho had been quietly standing nearby, trying not to gawk¡ªfinally let their awe show. Enrique nudged Kevin, whispering loudly, ¡°Dude, intro¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ Enrique, Kevin this is my friend Cascadia.¡±

    Cascadia nodded and smiled at each of them. ¡°Nice to meet you all,¡± she said warmly.

    Enrique turned to Mal with wide eyes. ¡°Wait, are you the Cascadia¡­ like, the game developer?¡±

    Cascadia turned back and smiled. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s me.¡±

    As Mal stood there, listening to Enrique and Kevin practically fangirling over Cascadia, a creeping suspicion tugged at the back of his mind. He tried to brush it off, but the more he thought about it, the more things didn''t add up.

    Cascadia¡¯s here¡­ teaching?

    Sure, she¡¯d been in the game dev world for a long time, but Mal had known her long enough to understand that Cascadia didn¡¯t do anything by accident. She was strategic, always had been, always two steps ahead. There had to be another reason she was here at the college¡ªespecially so close to him. His thoughts drifted to Nova¡¯s earlier warning.

    So that¡¯s it, he thought, his stomach sinking.

    She¡¯s not just here for some game theory class. She¡¯s positioning herself close to me because of that orb. Because something¡¯s coming.

    He glanced at her again, watching how casually she fielded questions from Enrique and Kevin. Her calm demeanor was impressive, but Mal could see through it. Cascadia was always good at hiding her true intentions behind that friendly, approachable facade. But deep down, he knew she wasn¡¯t here just to chat about game design. She was here for a reason, and that reason was him.

    Cascadia never shows up without a plan.

    As she turned her attention back to him, her strikingly pale blue eyes locked on his for a brief moment, and Mal felt a shiver.

    If Nova¡¯s right about the shadow orb, then things are about to get a lot more complicated. And if Cascadia¡¯s here because of that... Mal sighed inwardly. Great. Just what I need¡ªanother layer of chaos to deal with.

    He tried to focus on the conversation, but his thoughts kept spinning, connecting dots he hadn¡¯t even fully realized were there. Maybe it wasn¡¯t just a coincidence that Cascadia had shown up now, so close to the start of the tower trials.

    Kevin stared at Mal in disbelief. "Wait, hold up¡ªyou¡¯ve been this close to the developer of our favorite game all this time, and you didn¡¯t think to mention it?¡±

    He was, of course, talking about Sl33py Hello¡¯s, the game they were all obsessed with. Cascadia, Mal¡¯s sister, had been one of the key creative minds behind its development.

    Mal gave a casual shrug, trying to act like it wasn¡¯t a big deal. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure I told you guys¡­ at some point.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, no chance,¡± Enrique chimed in, shaking his head with a grin. "Even if you had, we probably wouldn''t have believed you.¡±

    Cascadia, with her usual flair for dramatics, hugged Mal tight again, pressing his face into her shoulder and chest. ¡°You probably didn¡¯t tell them that I was your guardian angel, did you?¡±

    Cascadia pulled back, feigning sadness.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sad that you were embarrassed of me.¡±

    ¡°Oh come on give it a rest, you know that¡¯s not true.¡±

    Cascadia leaned back against the counter, arms crossed, a small smile playing on her lips as she looked at Enrique and Kevin.

    "You guys probably don¡¯t know this, but Mal used to get bullied in elementary school."

    "Bullied? Mal?"

    "Yeah, I could just tell he was a gamer, you know?"

    "Oh, so you could tell he was a nerd?" Kevin snickered.

    Cascadia laughed. "Yes, it was pretty obvious."

    ¡°Tch, whatever,¡± Mal said.

    "But seriously," Cascadia continued, her voice taking on a more serious tone, "I remember this one day. One of the bigger kids, a junior high punk, decided to push him down. Mal didn¡¯t even have a chance to react. He just hit the ground."

    Kevin¡¯s eyes widened. "Damn, that¡¯s messed up."

    "Yeah, it pissed me off. So, without thinking, I leaped in and¡ªbam¡ªpunched the kid right in the face."

    Enrique and Kevin stared at her, their jaws falling open. They were all standing in awe, their eyes darting between a now-reasonably embarrassed Mal and his angel

    "No way," Enrique muttered, half-laughing, half-impressed.

    "Seriously?" Kevin asked disbelief on his face.

    Cascadia grinned. "Dead serious. Knocked him flat. Didn¡¯t even look back after. I grabbed Mal, told him to get up, and we walked away like nothing happened."

    Mal, who had been trying to disappear into the background, finally let out an exasperated sigh. "Why do you always gotta bring that up?"

    Kevin nudged him with his elbow, still chuckling. "Dude, she¡¯s a beast. I didn¡¯t know you had a bodyguard growing up."

    "Yeah, yeah," Mal muttered, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly embarrassed.

    "Hey, I wasn¡¯t gonna let some punk mess with a fellow gamer,¡± Cascadia added, shrugging. ¡°Plus he was so squishy and cute back then¡±

    The boys all laughed and said ¡°Squishy¡± together.

    The awkward tension broke as they kept giving Mal a hard time. Even though he tried to brush it off, there was a noted moment of joy.

 pg.14 - Song: Motion Sickness - Neck Deep

    Mal wandered through the halls of the campus, scanning the crowds for any sign of Nezami. He¡¯d been trying to catch up with her all morning, but she¡¯d been elusive. Finally, after asking a couple of classmates, he got a tip¡ªshe was up in the atrium in the ISH building, working on some kind of project.

    He made his way to the familiar space, the natural light flooding the room in a soft, golden hue. As he approached, he spotted her near the back, standing in front of one of the leftover art isles with a decent-sized canvas in front of her. Her lavender hair was tied up, and she was fully focused, her brush gliding across the surface of a large painting.

    For a moment, Mal hesitated. The energy around her seemed distant, almost guarded. But he¡¯d come this far.

    "Hey," he called, stepping closer. ¡°Fancy meeting you here¡­ I¡¯ve been looking for you."

    Nezami barely glanced at him, her brush still moving smoothly across the canvas. "Yeah? Thought you might have been too busy being a ladies¡¯ man to remember me."

    Mal blinked, confused. "What are you talking about?"

    She sighed, finally pausing to look at him, one eyebrow raised. "You and that... hot teacher or whatever. Cascadia? I didn¡¯t want to interrupt her fawning all over you earlier."

    "Wait, Cascadia? No, no, she¡¯s not... it¡¯s not like that. She¡¯s just a childhood friend. Kind of a pseudo-guardian¡­or an Aunt. She looks out for me."

    Nezami crossed her arms, giving him a skeptical look.

    "So let me get this straight¡ªbesides your five sisters, you¡¯ve also got a guardian? What in the harem manga is going on here?"

    Mal couldn¡¯t help but laugh at that, even though he felt a little flustered.

    "It¡¯s not like that, I swear. It¡¯s four sisters, not five¡­ Harper isn¡¯t my sister, just a family friend. And Cascadia¡¯s... she¡¯s basically like family. She¡¯s just protective."

    Nezami narrowed her eyes, a small smirk playing on her lips.

    "Uh-huh. So, four sisters, a Harper, and a Hot Guardian? Sure sounds like a harem situation to me."

    "You¡¯re making this way weirder than it is¡­ Cas will be jazzed you said she was hot that many times in one chat¡­ but besides aren¡¯t you cozy with a couple of guys too?? Mine is family so¡­¡± he trailed off giving an open hand and shoulder shrug.

    "Am I?" Nezami teased, stepping away from the canvas and crossing her arms. "Seems like I hit a nerve¡­ maybe a little peak at Mal¡¯s jealous side? Hmmm?¡±

    "Not at all," Mal said quickly. "I just don¡¯t want you getting the wrong idea."

    Nezami looked at him for a long moment, the teasing smile fading slightly. She sighed, finally relenting.

    "Alright, alright. I believe you, ladies'' man." She turned back to her painting, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "I¡¯m just giving you crap. Relax."

    Mal chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah, well¡­ um¡­ you¡¯re not making it easy."

    "Good," she shot back, dabbing more paint on the canvas. "Wouldn¡¯t want to make things too easy for you, now, would I?"

    Mal shook his head, finally feeling the tension between them start to ease. "Guess not."

    "Listen, I want to thank you," she began, her voice quieter than before. "With everything that happened during the art exhibition¡ªall the chaos, the stress of trying to get through it¡ªI was really glad you stayed home. In a kind of selfish way."

    Mal looked at her, slightly puzzled. "Why didn¡¯t you want me to take any credit or something?"

    Nezami shook her head. "I don¡¯t care about that¡­ I wanted to make sure that I could actually stop for a second and tell you how deeply thankful I am. It came out amazing because of what you did."

    Mal was quiet for a moment, letting her words sink in. He wasn''t used to such genuine praise, and for the first time in a while, it felt like he¡¯d done something that truly mattered. He felt his face flush slightly, caught off guard by her sincerity.

    Nezami smiled softly, sensing his embarrassment. "You have real talent, Mal. I¡¯m sorry I misunderstood you before. I get it now. I guess that¡¯s why I was glad you weren¡¯t there¡ªbecause I wanted this moment, just you and me, not consumed by the craziness of the exhibition. I wanted to give you more than just a passing ''thank you.''"

    Mal smirked, trying to lighten the mood. "Oh, so I get an Epic Edition Thanks? Like, maybe that noodle date?"

    She laughed, shaking her head. "You''re relentless. Maybe. We¡¯ll see how this the rest of this week goes."

    Mal raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "This week?"

    Nezami smirked playfully. "You¡¯ll see."

    She wiped her hands clean of paint and walked over to him, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Close your eyes."

    Mal hesitated, grinning. "You''re not going to hit me, are you?"

    Nezami chuckled. "No, but should I be concerned that all these women are beating you? Are you in some kind of abusive situation?¡±

    He laughed, shaking his head. "They don¡¯t beat me, but they do some pretty messed up things¡­¡±

    "Can you shut up for a second?" she said, exasperated but amused.

    Mal mimed zipping his lips and stood perfectly still, his eyes closed as she approached him. He felt the soft brush of her lips against the corner of his mouth, just enough to send a wave of warmth through his body. Every nerve felt electrified as her touch penetrated him for a brief moment.

    When he opened his eyes, she was already pulling away, her gaze meeting his for a long, intense moment before she shyly looked down, a hint of a pink creeping across her cheeks.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    "That," she said with a playful smile, "is my thanks for now." Turning back to her work.

    Mal¡¯s heart was racing, but all he could do was grin. ¡°Well¡­ that might be my favorite thanks of all time.¡±

    He stood there for a moment holding onto his cheek, making sure the cheek/corner lip kiss was permanently embedded into his skin.

    He watched her paint for a moment, "So, what are you working on?"

    ¡°Do you really wanna know?¡±

    "Yeah," Mal said, stepping a little closer. "I do."

    For the first time, he saw Nezami smile¡ªgenuinely. "Alright then, I¡¯ll show you."

    <h3 style="margin: 14pt 0 7pt"></a>pg.14a

    Mal sat in his SUV, drumming his fingers against the steering wheel as he waited for Momo to get out of class. He leaned back in his seat, staring out the windshield, a faint crooked smile his mind drifted to earlier in the day.

    The passenger door suddenly swung open, and Momo slid into the seat with a grin already plastered across his face.

    "I haven¡¯t seen you smile from that far away in a really long time," Momo said, eyeing him with curiosity.

    "What do you mean?"

    "I mean," Momo laughed, "I saw you like 100 yards away, just sitting here in your truck, cheesing like a maniac. I thought you were listening to some stand-up comedy or something."

    Mal shrugged, trying to play it cool. "I had a good day, I guess."

    "Oh, a good day, huh? Does that good day have anything to do with the fact that Cascadia showed up, and now everyone thinks you''re some dude surrounded by hot ladies all the time?"

    "Yeah, I¡¯ve heard I have some kind of harem."

    Momo burst out laughing. "Hey, that''s not a bad thing, bro! But for real, did you catch up with Nez today? You two talk?"

    The second Momo said her name, Mal felt his cheeks burn, and he cursed his body for betraying him.

    "Oh shit!" Momo yelled, clapping his hands together in glee. "I knew it! Look at you blushing! My man!"

    Momo rolled down his window, leaning out as some random students walked by. "Yo! My boy¡¯s back!" he shouted, causing a few people to glance over, confused.

    Mal couldn¡¯t help but laugh, shaking his head. "You idiot. It¡¯s not like that."

    "Whatever you say, bro," Momo teased, closing the window. "But the way you''re acting says otherwise. Come on, give me the details. What happened with Nez?"

    Mal exhaled, trying to figure out what to say. "We talked, okay? Just... talked. It was good. She thanked me for the whole exhibition thing."

    "Ahhh, so that''s why you¡¯re floating on cloud nine! See? Told you she¡¯d come around."

    Mal shook his head, but couldn¡¯t fight the grin creeping back onto his face. "Yeah, well... maybe you''re right."

    "You wanna come by the crib? Or do you have to work?"

    "Nah, I''m off today. I¡¯d love to come kick it. Plus, I haven¡¯t had a chance to see Harper yet, either."

    Mal nodded, relieved. He liked the idea of Momo coming over, not just because it was always good to have his best friend around, but because he knew that once Momo was there, the day might stay good a little longer.

    There was a part of him, buried deep, that never let him fully relax¡ªa constant, nagging unease that always had him bracing for the worst. Even on days like today, when everything seemed to go smoothly, that feeling hovered on the edges of his mind. He couldn¡¯t shake the sense that at any moment, something would hit him with some unexpected news, some new crisis or complication he¡¯d have to face. Cascadia, Nova, Harper all coming back it was like his situation was magnetic.

    How are all these things connected with this he wondered while driving.

    It was like living in the calm before a storm, always waiting for the next bombshell to drop.

    He¡¯d had enough of that for now.

    Sure, his life was filled with things most people couldn¡¯t even dream of but shadows, towers, and battles seemed to constantly remind him of the stakes. But today? Today felt... different. Nezami had thanked him. He''d had this moment where he felt like, for once, he had done something undeniably right. It wasn¡¯t about towers or orbs or destiny¡ªit was just him, being good enough.

    But he knew how quickly things could flip. His sisters meant well, but they didn¡¯t exactly have a knack for subtlety when it came to dropping life-altering news. And lately, it felt like every good moment was followed by some earth-shattering revelation.

    Mal¡¯s mind wandered for a second. He¡¯d heard something once¡ªabout how you have to take each day as if it¡¯s the only one that matters. Infinity isn¡¯t in the past or the future. Yesterday doesn¡¯t matter, and neither does tomorrow.

    You only exist right now.

    And right now? He wanted this feeling to stretch out just a little longer. If today could stay just like this for a while longer, that¡¯d be enough.

    <h3 style="margin: 14pt 0 7pt"></a>pg.14b

    Mal and Momo stepped into the penthouse, the kitchen was alive with soft conversation and the rustle of papers scattered across the counter. Harper, Elara, and Riko were huddled around the island, coffee mugs in hand, deep in some kind of planning session. The sight of it made Mal pause for a second¡ªhe hadn¡¯t expected them to be here, let alone looking so¡­ busy.

    Harper was the first to spot them, a wide smile breaking across her face as she set her coffee down and stood up.

    ¡°Well, well, well,¡± she called out, walking toward Momo with her arms outstretched. ¡°Look who finally decided to show up! I was starting to get offended. I¡¯ve been back for weeks and not even a quick visit from you. What the hell, Momo? What¡¯s up with that my dude?¡±

    Momo chuckled as Harper pulled him into a tight hug. ¡°I know, I know. I¡¯m sorry, Harper,¡± he said, holding his hands up in mock surrender when she released him. ¡°Between classes, working, and sharing a car with my sister, it¡¯s been a lot. But this is my first day off in forever, so here I am.¡±

    Harper crossed her arms, pretending to pout. ¡°Mm-hmm. Excuses, excuses.¡±

    Elara and Riko laughed, both waving to Momo from the kitchen. ¡°It¡¯s about time!¡± Riko teased. ¡°We were wondering if we¡¯d have to come to campus just to see you.¡±

    Momo shrugged sheepishly. ¡°I¡¯ve been working part-time at the convenience store, and I¡¯ve also been running orders for Torah back to the school staff and cafes. Coffee and stuff. So yeah, it¡¯s been a bit chaotic.¡±

    ¡°Bro, I didn¡¯t even know that,¡± Mal said surprised Inside, he felt a little embarrassed¡ªhe hadn¡¯t even realized his best friend was juggling so much.

    He ran a hand through his hair, looking a little bummed out at himself. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, man. I¡¯ve been so caught up in my head and all this nonsense. I should¡¯ve known.¡±

    Momo shook his head, offering Mal a reassuring smile. ¡°Nah, bro. You¡¯re good. You¡¯ve got a lot going on yourself. Honestly, I just started last week when you were out so not too long ago, and I hadn¡¯t mentioned it because I wasn¡¯t sure if I even wanted to stick with it.¡±

    ¡°Still it¡¯s not like we don¡¯t have phones fool¡­¡±

    ¡°Blah blah blah¡­ you ain¡¯t my momma¡± Momo jested.

    ¡°Whatevs¡­ I¡¯m gonna go change into something more comfortable. Be right back," he said, turning to head upstairs.

    "Alright, Mr. Rogers, we¡¯ll be waiting." Momo poked as he sat down with the ladies.

    Mal shot him a grin and shook his head, making his way to his room. Once there, he swapped his jeans for his cutoff sweats and threw on a hoodie¡ªthe perfect comfort clothes. He paused for a moment, letting out a breath as he looked at himself in the mirror. This was his space, his moment to unwind, and it felt good to finally have a day that wasn¡¯t a complete disaster.

    Meanwhile, back in the kitchen, Riko waved Momo over to the mess of papers spread across the table. ¡°Alright, so these are the plans for the party,¡± she said, tapping one of the papers. ¡°We¡¯re thinking an 80s theme.¡±

    ¡°More like early hip-hop,¡± Harper chimed in, taking a sip of her coffee.

    Momo laughed, his eyes lighting up. ¡°Now that¡¯s my jam! Mal is gonna lose it. I¡¯m telling you, this is exactly what he needs right now.¡±

    ¡°Why do you say that?¡± Elara asked.

    Momo hesitated for a second, glancing between the three women. ¡°You know when you¡¯ve known someone so long, and you can tell they¡¯re carrying something? Like, they¡¯ve got a secret, but not the good kind. Something is going on in Mal¡¯s head, and it¡¯s... well, it¡¯s got me a little worried.¡±

    Harper¡¯s expression softened as she looked at Momo. ¡°You have no idea what a blessing you are to him. He¡¯s lucky to have a friend like you who actually sees him, who¡¯s there for him.¡±

    Momo, never one to accept praise easily, rubbed his hands together and quickly changed the subject. ¡°Well, that¡¯s what homies are for, right?¡± He gave a sheepish grin. ¡°So, what can I bring to this party?¡±

    Riko laughed, shaking her head. ¡°Just bring your energy. You¡¯re gonna need it.¡±

    As Mal came back downstairs, now in his hoodie and sweats, he felt a strange comfort in the warmth of the scene¡ªthe laughter, the girl, and Momo being his usual self.

    Maybe, just maybe, today would end as solidly as it began.

 pg.15 - Song: Donâ€™t fight the feeling - Too $hort

    The penthouse buzzed with energy, transformed into a neon-lit homage to 80s hip-hop. The entire main floor was unrecognizable, decked out in graffiti-style banners, bright neon signs, and retro boom boxes stacked in the corners. Harper had gone all out, even hiring a DJ who was spinning classic 80s tracks, complete with vinyl scratches and booming bass that filled the room. A gigantic cardboard dance floor dominated the center, created by Aurora and Harper, where people were already showing off their best breakdancing moves.

    Mal stood by one of the high windows, adjusting his oversized leather jacket. His sisters had insisted on his costume, dressing him up like the iconic rapper Melle Mel. From the flashy bandana tied around his forehead to the sleeveless muscle tee that showed off his arms, he looked the part. A fake, exaggerated gold chain hung around his neck, gleaming under the flashing lights. Harper had always called him "MallyMal" since he was younger and fell in love with hip-hop, she had been his introduction to this music, and one play of ¡°The Message¡± and his life had ever been changed.

    Harper and Aurora had taken the theme to heart, dressing up as the legendary duo Salt-N-Pepa. Harper was all attitude, rocking a black leather jacket with neon accents, oversized earrings, and a bold gold chain that bounced with every step. Her hair was styled high and wild, completing her retro look. Aurora, on the other hand, had gone for Pepa¡¯s vibe, sporting a brightly colored bomber jacket, gold hoop earrings, and an equally massive chain. Together, they looked like they had walked straight out of an 80s music video.

    The whole room was a riot of color and style. All their friends and family had embraced the theme, showing up in Kangol hats, oversized gold chains, and neon leather outfits. Some had gone all out with retro boom box props, while others wore skin-tight, brightly colored leather. The energy was electric, and it felt like the entire penthouse had been transported back to the early days of hip-hop.

    Harper bounced over to Mal, still in full character. ¡°MallyMal! Are you having fun yet, or are you too cool for this old-school vibe?¡± she teased, laughing as she gave him a playful shove.

    Mal grinned, shaking his head. ¡°Yeah, yeah, you got me. You guys really didn¡¯t hold back.¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Sumi chimed in, dancing her way over. ¡°You only turn 20 once, and we had to do it right.¡±

    ¡°And we all know you¡¯ve been dealing with too much stress lately,¡± Harper added, flashing him a knowing smile. ¡°Tonight¡¯s about letting loose, bro.¡±

    Mal smiled back, taking it all in. His sisters always knew how to take care of him, even when he didn¡¯t ask for it.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s perfect,¡± he admitted, glancing around at all their friends, dancing and laughing. The DJ was pumping out classic tracks, with everyone trying their hand at a few moves on the oversized cardboard dance floor.

    The night was exactly what Mal needed. Surrounded by friends and family, he felt the weight of the last few weeks lift off his shoulders. For one night, there were no orbs, no towers, no looming responsibilities¡ªjust the music, the lights, and the love of the people who had his back. This was the kind of escape he had been craving, and tonight, he was determined to soak in every second.

    Nezami and Roxy stood near the back of the open floor area of the penthouse, observing the scene in front of them. Mal, Sumi, and Harper were in full performance mode, lip-syncing to "Don¡¯t Fight the Feeling" by Too $hort. The trio danced around the living room, adding exaggerated moves and playful gestures that had everyone in stitches.

    Roxy arrived dressed as Roxanne Shant¨¦, rocking a bold, oversized red-and-blue track jacket with thick white stripes running down the sleeves. She paired it with high-waisted acid-washed jeans and an oversized gold rope chain hanging low around her neck. Her tilted Kangol bucket hat and large gold hoop earrings completed the look, channeling the fierce confidence of the legendary battle rapper.

    Beside her, Nezami embodied MC Lyte in a sleek black leather jacket with a chunky, gold chain, and a fitted baseball cap turned backward. She wore slim black jeans and clean white sneakers, capturing MC Lyte¡¯s no-nonsense street style with a quiet, effortless coolness.

    Roxy burst out laughing. "Oh my God, this song is so ridiculous! I can¡¯t believe they¡¯re actually doing this! It¡¯s funny but also, like... wow, wildly inappropriate."

    Nezami grinned, clearly amused. "Right? Mal¡¯s really going for it! He must really love music."

    Roxy raised an eyebrow, impressed. "He¡¯s got moves, though. Damn!"

    Nezami glanced over, a little surprised. "Yeah, he does! Who knew? I thought he was just some punk."

    Although Nezami had been witness to some of his moves prior, the commanding stage presence in the atrium was far different than the rhythm he was dancing in now.

    Roxy playfully nudged her. "Nah, he¡¯s a super good dude. And yeah, he does have moves."

    Nezami smirked. "You said that already."

    Laughing, Roxy shot back, "Well, it¡¯s true¡­ those moves¡­ I think my ovaries just released an egg!¡±

    ¡°ROX!!!!¡±

    ¡°What I think it might be true¡­mmmmm he¡¯s a bit more delicious than I thought.¡±

    ¡°Well I might have to fight you for him¡­¡± She teased in return.

    Roxy grabbed Nezami¡¯s hand and led her toward the dance floor.

    ¡°Well don¡¯t fight the feeling¡± she laughed.

    ¡°Smooth¡± Nezami replied shaking her head.

    They watched as Mal and Harper did a perfectly synchronized spin, the small crowd around them cheering. Even Nezami couldn¡¯t help but clap a little, caught up in the energy of it all.

    Roxy smiled, her eyes glinting with admiration. "They¡¯re such a cool group. What a fun family."

    Nezami, still taking in the scene, asked curiously, ¡°So who¡¯s who in that group again?"

    Roxy nodded. "Yeah, I forgot you haven¡¯t met everyone yet. So that¡¯s Harper, the one dancing with Mal. She¡¯s his oldest sister¡¯s Aurora¡¯s best friend, she is dressed as Peppa, Sumi is the blond shorter one singing the verse right now and is dressed as a Spinderella¡±

    Nezami¡¯s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wait, this whole place is Harper¡¯s?"

    "Yep. I think her dad owns the building. Harper and Aurora, Mal¡¯s oldest sister, live on the top floor."

    "Wow... This place is amazing."

    "Totally," Roxy agreed. "And Mal, along with his two other sisters, Sumi and Elara, live one floor up. Elara is the one right by the bar dressed similarly to Sumi, they must be playing some whole West Coast rapper theme. Oh, and Riko, but I don¡¯t see her.¡±

    Nezami¡¯s eyes widened. "So, they¡¯re all just... right here?"

    Roxy shrugged like it was no big deal.

    "Pretty much. They¡¯re all close-knit, you¡¯ll see. It¡¯s like one big, chaotic family, but in the best way."

    Nezami smiled, watching as Momo joined the group for the second to last verse dramatically entering the sudo rap battle, Harper and Sumi followed with over-the-top dance moves. It was hard not to feel a sense of warmth, seeing them all so free and playful together.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    "Yeah," she said softly. "I think I¡¯m starting to see that."

    They both laugh as Mal pulls off a dramatic pose, the song ending with everyone clapping and cheering.

    ¡°Ok let¡¯s get some drinks and dance!¡± Roxy said pulling to her friend as she walked into the crowd.

    ¡°I¡¯ll try a drink but I ain¡¯t dancing woman, you know I have 2 left feet!¡±

    ¡°Well then I will ask again after you get a couple of drinks in you hahaha¡± Roxy laughed.

    Mal wove his way through the crowd, weaving between clusters of friends decked out in neon colors, oversized gold chains, and Kangol hats. The energy in the penthouse was electric, the DJ spinning classic beats as people danced and laughed beneath the flashing lights. As he made his way toward the back of the room, his eyes locked on Roxy and Nezami, and he couldn¡¯t help but stop in his tracks, grinning ear to ear.

    ¡°Yo, are you two serious right now?¡± Mal exclaimed, excitement bubbling over as he approached them. ¡°This is incredible¡ªRoxanne Shant¨¦ and MC Lyte? You¡¯re pulling out deep cuts. Half the girls here just threw on some B-boy gear, but this? This is legendary.¡±

    Nezami smirked, adjusting the gold chain around her neck. ¡°Glad you noticed,¡± she teased, her voice light. ¡°We figured if we¡¯re doing this, we¡¯re going all in.¡±

    Mal turned to her, his grin widening. ¡°Just so you know, I¡¯ve been in love with MC Lyte as far back as I can remember,¡± he said, leaning in slightly with a playful wink.

    Roxy burst out laughing, nudging Nezami with her elbow. ¡°Look at you two, all cute,¡± she teased. ¡°You better watch out, Nez, Mal¡¯s got a soft spot for iconic women.¡±

    Nezami rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. ¡°You¡¯re incessantist, you know that?¡± she said, but there was a warmth in her tone that made Mal¡¯s heart race just a little faster.

    As the night went on, the laughter and music filled the air, and Sumi sauntered over toward Mal, dressed as the iconic DJ Spinderella, perfectly matching Harper and Aurora¡¯s Salt-N-Pepa getups. Her look was spot-on: oversized gold chains, a bomber jacket, and a backward cap capturing the essence of 80s hip-hop. She gave a playful nod to Roxy and Nezami.

    ¡°Excuse me, ladies,¡± she said, flashing a grin. ¡°I need to borrow my brother.¡±

    Roxy and Nezami watched as Sumi tugged Mal away, leading him back up to where the DJ booth stood, ready to lip-sync another classic track.

    Mal turned over his shoulder, calling out with a grin,

    ¡°Everyone has to take a turn tonight, so be thinking of the song you¡¯re gonna do!¡±

    Nezami¡¯s eyes widened in horror, her cheeks flushing. ¡°Not on your life,¡± she declared.

    Roxy burst out laughing, nudging her. ¡°Oh, come on!¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± Nezami protested, shaking her head fiercely.

    Roxy smirked, leaning in toward Mal. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll get a couple of drinks in her to loosen her up.¡±

    Mal grinned. ¡°You better. I want to see if you really know MC Lyte. I¡¯m gonna need a little ¡®Cha Cha Cha¡¯ if you wanna get to know me better,¡± he teased.

    Nezami playfully balled up her fist, feigning a punch. ¡°I got some cha cha cha for you,¡± she said, her voice laced with mock seriousness.

    Mal just laughed and waved, continuing up with Sumi toward the booth. As he left, Nezami didn¡¯t notice Roxy standing there, arms crossed, watching her with raised eyebrows. The energy between Nezami and Mal had caught her by surprise.

    ¡°Wow,¡± Roxy finally said, her voice soft with surprise. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen that kind of energy from you since junior high.¡±

    Nezami¡¯s face shifted, her smile dimming slightly as a more melancholic look passed over her. Sensing the change, Roxy immediately wrapped an arm around her friend, offering a quick apology.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. C¡¯mon, let¡¯s get some drinks.¡±

    They walked together toward the bar, which had been cleverly transformed into a breakdance-themed setup. Nezami glanced back, watching as Mal, Sumi, and Momo hyped up the crowd with their lip-sync performance of Gangsta Gangsta by NWA. For a moment, she allowed herself to smile, letting the fun of the night wash over her. But as they neared the bar, her mind lingered on Roxy¡¯s words, and she wondered if maybe, just maybe, she was finally beginning to open up again.

    Nezami sipped her drink and quietly observed the room. Mal was mingling with what seemed like half the party, bouncing from group to group with ease. She watched him laugh, give high-fives, and dance with friends, his energy electric as he moved through the crowd. It was his birthday, after all, and everyone was eager to share a moment with him.

    But Nezami felt a strange tug as she watched him. It wasn¡¯t just the fact that it was his birthday¡ªthere was something else. She found herself wanting to be with him, to talk to him, to spend just a little more time in his space, and she wasn¡¯t entirely sure why. Maybe Roxy was right. Maybe this boy had unlocked something in her, something she wasn¡¯t ready to face yet.

    She caught Roxy¡¯s eye across the room, dancing wildly with a group of people. Nezami couldn¡¯t help but smile as she raised her drink in a little salute to her friend, who was clearly having the best day of her life. Roxy deserved it. She worked so much, took night classes, and was practically raising her younger sister on her own. Seeing her let loose and laugh like this, surrounded by friends, filled Nezami with a deep sense of happiness for her.

    But as she glanced back at the crowd, she realized Mal wasn¡¯t anywhere in sight. Her eyes scanned the room again, but no luck. Maybe he had to change clothes or use the bathroom after all that drinking and dancing.

    Why am I walking myself through where he might be? Nezami thought, her mind racing a little faster than usual, courtesy of the alcohol buzz starting to set in. Her stomach fluttered slightly, and she bit her lip as another thought crept in. Maybe I should go find him?

    Her inner voice quickly snapped back. Take it easy, girl, she told herself, shaking her head with a small chuckle. She didn''t want to overthink this.

    Upstairs, Mal made his way toward his room but noticed the faint glow spilling out of Sumi¡¯s office and the buzz of multiple computers. Did someone sneak off from the party, or is she done and streaming already? he wondered, stepping closer to the slightly cracked-open door.

    Sumi¡¯s office was her sanctuary, a tech-heavy command center where she spent hours streaming and managing her online presence. The space was cluttered with equipment¡ªhigh-end monitors, cameras on mechanical arms, and an array of RGB-lit keyboards and soundboards. Wires snaked across the floor, connecting to glowing LED strips that bathed the room in soft hues of purple and blue. The walls were lined with soundproofing foam, and on her desk sat a professional-grade microphone and a DJ controller, further amplifying her digital setup.

    When he stepped inside, the dim light from multiple screens cast a glow over the room, but it wasn¡¯t the usual gaming footage. Instead, Sumi and Elara were seated, locked in concentration, staring intently at the monitors.

    ¡°Uh, what¡¯s going on in here?¡± Mal asked.

    Sumi glanced over her shoulder, her face set in a serious expression.

    ¡°Mal? What are you doing here? Go back to the party. This is your night, bro.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I was going to change my shirt because I¡¯m drenched from dancing, but the fact that you two are hiding out here instead of at the party means something¡¯s up. So... spill it.¡±

    Sumi shot a quick look at Elara, who nodded slightly, before turning back to him with a sigh. ¡°Alright, fine. We¡¯ve been getting an alert... an Orb is here¡ªsomewhere nearby.¡±

    Mal¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Wait, what? No way. You¡¯re telling me a random Orb shows up at the party we¡¯re throwing? Come on. It¡¯s one thing to see it in town or for Nova to follow a trail, but here? At my birthday party?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not exactly clear. I don¡¯t know for sure if it¡¯s inside, but we¡¯ve been picking up traces on the cameras¡ªhere and around the building.¡± She tapped a key on the keyboard, switching between various camera feeds from both inside the penthouse and the street below.

    ¡°Something¡¯s off, and both Sumi and I can feel it. It¡¯s close, maybe too close.¡± Elara said.

    ¡°This doesn¡¯t feel right,¡± Mal muttered. ¡°How could it be here and none of us noticed until now? If it¡¯s a Shadow Orb, everyone at the party could be in danger.¡±

    ¡°Should we start shutting down the party? For everyone¡¯s safety?¡± Elara asked as Aurora entered the room.

    Aurora shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s too early to do that. We don¡¯t know for sure what it is yet. The person might be close, or there could be someone already inside. Elara you are the only one who can see them if they manifest so you have to be the eyes ¡±

    Elara, as the Horseman of Famine, had a peculiar ability that set her apart from her siblings. While the others might sense disturbances in the world through power or emotional ripples, Elara could see what others couldn¡¯t. It was almost as if her connection to the concept of deprivation¡ªthe absence of food, energy, and life¡ªallowed her to perceive the absence or distortion of reality itself.

    Where there was a lack of something, she could see it; where something hid in plain sight, she could detect its presence. This made her the only one able to see the Orbs when they manifested, even when they were in their shadow forms, cloaked and invisible to others.

    The Orbs, especially the dangerous Shadow Orbs, thrived on deception and subtlety. They would manifest just outside the realm of human perception, slipping through the cracks in reality. But for Elara, those cracks were as visible as the night sky. Her powers, which stemmed from her role as Famine, meant she was attuned to the hidden, the depleted, and the obscure.

    Aurora handed Mal, and Elara a small transceiver and earpiece. ¡°We can¡¯t do anything drastic, and we need to keep an eye out. If you guys spot anything let us know immediately. Riko is across the street, ready to swoop in if needed.¡±

    Mal ran a hand through his hair, frustration bubbling up. ¡°So I see it and then what? You two are just going to transform in front of everyone and scare the hell out of our friends?¡±

    ¡°No, of course not.¡± Riko¡¯s voice chimed in over the now inserted earpieces.

    Mal blinked, finally piecing it together. ¡°So that¡¯s why Riko left as soon as the party started¡­¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Aurora said, nodding as she clipped an earpiece onto herself. ¡°We needed her in position in case things went sideways. But for now, let¡¯s just keep things under control.¡±

    ¡°Mal, you don¡¯t need to do anything right now. Just enjoy your party and keep an eye on your friends. We¡¯ve got this under control.¡± Sumi confirmed.

    Alara chimed in after her, ¡°We¡¯ll handle whatever comes. You just focus on staying safe.¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± he said, standing up straighter, his jaw tightening. ¡°I¡¯ll just go back to the party and ignore it¡±

 pg.16 - Song: ChaChaCha - MC Lyte

    The party had started to slow down a bit. Most people were still hanging out, but the high-energy chaos from earlier had shifted into something more laid-back. The lights were still dim, casting a chill vibe over the place, but the dancing had mostly fizzled out. Now, people were spread out in little groups, talking, laughing, and playing games.

    Knowing exactly what kind of nerd he was, they had set up about 15 old-school game consoles from the late ¡¯80s and early ¡¯90s. There were a bunch of small TVs hooked up, and people had taken over the couches, floor, and chairs, getting really into those retro games. The familiar bleeps and bloops from the games filled the room, with flashes of neon menus lighting up the screens.

    Mal couldn¡¯t help but grin at the setup. His sisters knew how to keep things from getting boring, and seeing everyone into the vintage games was kinda awesome. People were still huddled in corners, chatting or laughing over old-school Mario Kart, while others just relaxed, lounging around and enjoying the mellow end to the night. Even with things winding down, it was still his kind of party. He was thankful that whatever his sisters thought was going seemed to happen turned out to be just be a little bit of paranoia.

    Nezami leaned against the kitchen bar taking a small sip of her drink she felt a strange fizz on her tongue, and the soft buzz settled further over her, the world around her becoming a bit too blurry, too unreal. She swayed slightly, the city lights beyond twinkling in her hazy vision. Her grip on the drink felt looser, and her grip on reality felt even looser still.

    Mal noticed from the doorway, leaning against the frame as he studied her quietly for a moment. The dim lighting of the kitchen and cityscape reflected off her lavender hair, and for a second, he found himself marveling at how different she always seemed from everyone else. It wasn¡¯t just how she looked; it was her energy¡ªalways a little distant, always like she was somewhere else, even in the middle of a crowded room.

    ¡°You good?¡± he finally asked, his voice cutting through the faint music still pouring out from the main living space.

    Nezami blinked, a delayed reaction as if pulling herself back to the present. ¡°Hmm? Yeah... it¡¯s just... hot in here.¡± Her words were slurred ever so slightly, her head dipping as if she were trying to find her footing again.

    Mal straightened, taking a step closer to her. ¡°Hey, come on. Let¡¯s get you some air. You¡¯re looking a little out of it.¡±

    Before she could respond, he gently looped his arm through hers, guiding her away from the counter. The instant they touched, he felt her warmth radiating through him, a softness in the connection that made his heart speed up just a little, something undeniable about the way she leaned on him. It felt... right, in a way he didn¡¯t expect.

    Mal walked her around through the other hallway that led around the main living space toward the elevator lobby, he kept his pace slow, feeling her stumble slightly. He glanced down at her, realizing just how much she was relying on him for balance. The idea of being the one to steady her, to be the person she leaned on, even in this small, simple moment, made something stir inside him¡ªa protective instinct.

    The elevator ride down was quiet, the muzak the only sound between them. When they finally stepped outside into the cool night air, Nezami inhaled deeply, seeming to relax as the breeze hit her face. She leaned into Mal a little more, and he didn¡¯t mind at all.

    ¡°You hungry?¡± he asked, glancing down at her as they walked down the quiet street. ¡°There¡¯s a convenience store a few blocks away. We can grab some snacks. Maybe soak up... whatever that mystery drink was.¡±

    Nezami¡¯s eyes fluttered open and closed, her smile sleepy. ¡°Mystery drink, huh? Yeah... snacks sound good.¡±

    Mal chuckled, keeping her steady as they crossed the street. ¡°You know, I was starting to think you could handle anything. Maybe I was wrong.¡±

    She shot him a playful, lopsided grin. ¡°You... might be right this time.¡±

    Mal felt the weight of her against him, the trust she had in him at that moment. And for a split second, he wondered if maybe he was meant to be more for her than just a casual friend from class. Maybe there was something deeper pulling them together¡ªsomething that went beyond their differences and their guarded personalities.

    As they walked, he stole a glance at her, feeling that sense of closeness intensify. Tonight wasn¡¯t the time to figure it out, though. For now, he was content just being the one to help her, step by stumbling step for junk food.

    "Good fake food could work miracles," Mal said, trying to inject some lightness.

    They walked in silence for a few moments until Nezami, still leaning on his arm for support, began to mumble again.

    ¡°There¡¯s this guy... at school,¡± she said, a little clearer this time. ¡°He totally helped me out once, y¡¯know? I think... I might like him. But I don¡¯t know.¡±

    Mal¡¯s heart sank, a heaviness he hadn¡¯t anticipated forced him to keep his voice neutral, casual.

    "Oh yeah? What¡¯s he like?" Mal said as they walked down the street, something felt off. He hadn¡¯t noticed it at first¡ªjust the usual flicker of streetlights here and there. But as he passed under each one, some of the lights seemed... brighter than normal. Almost too bright, like they were trying to draw attention but also blend in at the same time.

    Nezami sighed, her steps faltering slightly. "He¡¯s nice¡­ Like¡­ Really nice... but I¡¯m scared," she admitted, her voice trembling. "I had this... thing before. With a guy. It ended badly. Really badly." She paused, and Mal could feel her fingers tighten slightly around his arm. "My heart¡¯s too... too vulnerable, you know? I don¡¯t think I could handle it again."

    He swallowed hard, the ache in his chest growing. She was talking about him, but she didn¡¯t even seem to realize it. The alcohol had blurred the lines between her thoughts and her ability to filter them, and all he could do was listen. Part of him wanted to stop her, to tell her it was okay, that she didn¡¯t have to feel that way around him. But another part of him knew she needed to let this out, even if she wasn¡¯t fully aware of what she was saying.

    "Sounds rough," Mal murmured, keeping his voice soft, careful. "But maybe... maybe it''s not as bad as you think."

    Nezami didn¡¯t respond, her head resting lightly on his shoulder as they continued walking. The quiet stretched between them, but it wasn¡¯t uncomfortable. Mal¡¯s mind, however, was racing.

    As they neared the convenience store, the sound of the streetlight lights buzzed overhead. He hadn¡¯t paid much mind earlier, chalking it up to faulty wiring or the glare of the night. But now, as he glanced back toward the parking lot, it clicked.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    He hadn¡¯t missed the orb. The orb had been hiding. The streetlights in the distance as they walked had pulsed just faintly, random ones flickering more than the others. It was subtle, but once Mal looked at the old off white light on the corner of the conscience store, he could see it¡ªa faint glow, tucked inside the light, trying its hardest not to be noticed. It dimmed slightly by, retreating into the glare like it was trying to disappear into the light. This thing wasn¡¯t just hanging out in the night¡ªit was hiding from him. Keeping just out of sight, like it knew he could see it if it got too close.

    Could it have been following Nezami this whole time? Had it been there, weaving through the lights, making sure to stay hidden as they walked?

    The more he thought about it, the more it unnerved him. He¡¯d missed it before, but now... now it was clear. This wasn¡¯t a coincidence. This orb was watching someone, and it sure as hell wasn¡¯t a good sign. and for a moment, he could¡¯ve sworn it was drawn to her.

    Is it possible? Mal wondered. Could Nezami be... Nephilim?

    He shook the thought away.

    if it was attached to her, he would¡¯ve seen it earlier, at school on in the atrium they don¡¯t just appear

    They walked into the brightly lit store, the harsh fluorescents making everything feel sterile like they had stepped into another world.

    Mal grabbed a couple of things off the shelf¡ªa bag of chips and a candy bar¡ªwhen Nezami¡¯s excited voice cut through the store again.

    "Spring rolls!" she practically shouted, her eyes wide with excitement as she rushed over to the hot food section.

    Mal couldn''t help but laugh. Watching her drool over the spring rolls, her earlier heaviness seemed to vanish, replaced by a childlike glee. He strolled over, grinning.

    "You want some, I take it?"

    Nezami, barely looking at him, was already eyeing the options, her excitement uncontainable.

    The cashier, a young guy who caught on that she was more than a little tipsy smiled.

    "Do you want the two-piece or four-piece?" he asked, amusement flickering in his eyes.

    Nezami, through a tiny hiccup and in an exaggerated, drunk attempt at Spanish, said, "Can I have dos four pieces, por favor?"

    Mal burst out laughing, and even the cashier couldn''t help but join in to the completely unaware Nezami.

    "You heard the lady," Mal said, still grinning, "And throw in a few sweet and sour sauces too!"

    The cashier, shaking his head and still smiling, rang it up. After paying, Mal handed Nezami her two bags of spring rolls, which she grabbed like they were gold. She immediately tore into one, not even waiting until they left the counter.

    "I love you, spring rolls," she said through a mouthful, her words slurred but full of affection, the fried snack her new best friend.

    Mal just shook his head, half-amused, half-relieved to see her in better spirits.

    "They love you too," he teased, glancing at the cashier, who gave him a sympathetic smile.

    Mal tried to focus as they walked back outside, but Nezami¡¯s confession replaying in his mind, bouncing around the Orb that now seemed to have hidden somewhere else¡­

    or maybe wasn¡¯t there at all

    He squinted, thinking maybe he had just imagined it. Maybe the light he saw was just a trick of the eye, or maybe it was gone now, slipping away when he wasn¡¯t looking.

    Could I have missed it?

    He shook his head, unsure. It didn¡¯t make sense. That orb had felt different like it wasn¡¯t just wandering aimlessly but hiding. But as he stared out at the now-empty street, he began to wonder if he had been wrong. Maybe nothing was following them and his sisters were being paranoid.

    Out front, near the ice machine, was a small bench. Nezami, still holding her spring rolls, walked sluggishly toward it and plopped down.

    Mal turned toward her, watching her chew slowly on the fried snack, a little dazed but content.

    ¡°You want some sauce for those spring rolls?¡± he asked, walking over to her.

    Through a mouthful of food, she nodded eagerly. ¡°Yessh,¡± she mumbled, barely coherent between bites.

    He laughed, shaking his head. It was so unlike her. Nezami, usually so reserved and distant, was completely relaxed as if the weight of the world had melted away, replaced by this uninhibited version of herself. She¡¯d never live it down if she knew how she was acting.

    She¡¯d die of embarrassment if she saw this, Mal thought still chuckling to himself as he sat next to her on the bench.

    Nezami looked over, blinking slowly, a half-smile playing on her lips, unaware of her own hilarity. ¡°Why¡¯re you laughing?¡± she asked the words slurring together.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Mal said, stifling another laugh. ¡°Just thinking you¡¯re gonna owe those spring rolls a love letter soon.¡±

    As she ate, Mal¡¯s eyes drifted back to the street, his earlier worry creeping in again. Where did it go? He had been so sure there was something there¡ªsomething watching or hiding. Now, with no sign of the orb and Nezami sitting beside him, carefree, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he had let his guard down.

    Maybe it¡¯s still around... watching. Just keeping out of sight.

    The thought lingered in the back of his mind as he absentmindedly handed Nezami the sauce packets. She ripped one open with her teeth, still completely engrossed in her food.

    Mal could feel the tension in his chest.

    He leaned back against the bench, letting out a slow breath. Whatever the orb was, wherever it had gone, it wasn¡¯t showing itself now.

    Mal leaned back on the bench, his eyes scanning the empty street. He was starting to convince himself that maybe he¡¯d imagined the orb entirely.

    His heart uncontrollably leaped into his throat.

    A shadow, large but undefined, swept across the dim streetlights, moving so fast that it barely registered. Mal jerked upright, his body tense as adrenaline shot through him.

    What was that?

    He couldn¡¯t make out the shape, but it was decent in size, something far bigger than any bird. The air felt heavier, like an invisible weight pressing down on the night. He had let his guard down, distracted by Nezami, by the laughter¡ªand now something was here. Something was approaching.

    Think fast. Get her out of here. He couldn¡¯t afford to panic, but he had no idea what had just flown overhead.

    Whatever it was, it felt... wrong. Dark.

    "Stay right here, okay?" he said, keeping his tone as calm as possible. "I just need to use the bathroom real quick."

    Nezami nodded lazily, not really processing what he was saying. "Sure, sure," she slurred, dipping another spring roll into the sauce.

    ¡°Promise?¡±

    ¡°Yes duh, I don¡¯t know where I¡¯m driving without directions sir.¡± She said

    Mal stood up, his senses on high alert. He took a step toward the edge of the sidewalk, peering up at the dark sky, trying to catch another glimpse of the shadow. It had been too fast, too sudden for him to understand, but he knew one thing¡ªhe wasn¡¯t alone.

    Damn it. I let my guard down.

    His eyes flicked from one streetlight to the next, searching.

    Where was it hiding?

    Was it watching him? Or worse, was it waiting to strike?

    As he walked around the front of the store to look around more he kept his eye on Nezami, not wanting to leave very far but if it came down to a fight he didn¡¯t need her to witness that either.

    The orb was a light orb¡­ how can this shadow be connected, and why was it here? But why now? Why here?

    Mal sensed the ground shift beneath him¡ªnot the rumble of an earthquake, but a deep, chilling vibration that radiated an icy cold pulse from the earth itself.

    It was close.

    The street seemed quieter now, too quiet as if the world had paused. He glanced over at Nezami, still happily chewing on her spring rolls, oblivious to the tension thickening in the air. Her carefree demeanor made him smile, if only for a fleeting second, but the pit in his stomach told him something was very, very wrong.

    He looked around, eyes narrowing, his senses heightened. That¡¯s when he saw it. Across the street, in the shadow of a darkened building, a figure emerged. Cloaked in shadow, it stood unnervingly still, its form barely visible except for two glowing green eyes. They glowed with an eerie, unnatural light¡ªcold, malevolent, and locked directly on Mal.

    His breath caught. It wasn¡¯t just a shadow. It was a wraith¡ªsomething much worse than he¡¯d anticipated.

    Its eyes pierced the distance between them, filled with a dark so twisted it would make anyone¡¯s skin shiver in fear. The temperature around Mal seemed to plummet as the air grew frigid, an unnatural cold seeping into his bones.

    The wraith didn¡¯t move, but Mal knew that was part of its game. It was waiting, watching, calculating. And it wasn¡¯t alone.

    The orb¡­ it had been a light orb. How could this shadowy creature be connected to that? What was it doing here?

    Why now? Why here?

    Mal pressed a trembling hand to his earpiece. ¡°Sumi, Elara,¡± he whispered harshly, trying to keep his voice low.

    ¡°I¡¯m in trouble.¡±

 pg.17 - Blinded by the light - The Weeknd

    Mal stood frozen, face to face with the shadow wraith. The creature loomed just a few feet away, its green eyes crackling like fire in the darkness. He glanced over his shoulder at Nezami, who sat on a nearby bench, completely oblivious. He wasn¡¯t sure if she could actually see the thing or not, and part of him was thankful she was intoxicated. Maybe she wouldn¡¯t notice the nightmare standing in front of them.

    The wraith¡¯s fiery green eyes suddenly flickered and shifted, glowing an eerie pink. The pink flames lit up the shadows inside its hood, and for the first time, Mal could barely make out a face¡ªpale and twisted with malice. But before he could focus on it, the wraith darted at him, fast as a bullet.

    ¡°Shit!¡±

    Mal barely had time to react, diving out of the way in the opposite direction from Nezami. He didn¡¯t want this thing anywhere near her. Years of skateboarding helped him roll to safety, but the creature¡¯s speed caught him off guard. His foot twisted mid-roll, and he went sliding across the rough concrete. His costume leather pants ripped at the knees, shredding his skin open. He skidded to a painful stop, dirt and grit grinding into his arms and legs.

    Groaning, Mal forced himself to his feet, his mind racing. He didn¡¯t have any powers¡ªat least, not the kind that could take down a wraith. But he had to get it away from Nezami. If he could draw it down the street, maybe she¡¯d be safe.

    But just as Mal stood, preparing to run, he noticed something was changing. The wraith¡¯s ragged, shadowy form now transformed into an elegant black gown, still woven from darkness but with an almost ethereal grace. The hood had fallen back, exposing the face of a woman with short, bright pink hair, matching the burning fire of her eyes. Her pale skin glowed in the dim light, unnaturally radiant.

    Mal¡¯s heart stopped. ¡°Itchka!¡± he gasped, horrified.

    ¡°Well if it isn¡¯t my little death.¡± The words dripping with mockery.

    She glanced at him briefly, her lips curling into a faint smirk, before looking back at Nezami.

    ¡°What do we have here?¡± she asked, her voice soft but menacing, Mal clenched his fists, rage boiling inside him. ¡°I¡¯ll end you,¡± he spat venomously.

    Itchka¡¯s smirk grew. ¡°Will you now, my sweet boy?¡± Her voice was taunting, she very much was enjoying the game.

    Her shadowy form began to hover toward Nezami, who was still completely unaware, her head lazily bobbing as she munched on a spring roll. Mal¡¯s heart rate increased uncontrollably. He had no idea how to stop her¡ªhe couldn¡¯t touch her shadow form¡ªbut he had to do something.

    Anything.

    With no other option, Mal bolted, making a beeline for Nezami. As he reached Itchka, he threw himself at her, hoping to at least delay her. But the moment he made contact with her shadowy figure, an icy blast tore through his arms. Pain shot through his body as his skin burned, not with fire but with frostbite. He cried out in agony, the cold biting deep into his flesh, spreading like venom.

    Mal hit the ground, clutching his arms, screaming as the frost seared through his skin, turning it a ghastly blue. His vision blurred, and for a moment, he thought he was done for.

    Then, without warning, a bright flash exploded from around the corner of the convenience store. The light expanded, silently engulfing everything in its path, consuming Nezami and in one massive, radiant bubble. And then, just as suddenly as it appeared, the light and Nezami were both gone.

    Mal lay there, gasping for breath, his arms still burning from the frostbite. He struggled to push himself up as Itchka hovered over him, her eyes flickering with amusement.

    ¡°Well, aren¡¯t we full of new tricks since the last time I saw you,¡± she said, her voice filled with a dark amusement. Her eyes gleamed as she stared down at him, clearly savoring his pain.

    Mal¡¯s vision swam, the cold still gripping his limbs, and he could barely think straight. He tried to speak, to demand answers, but his voice wouldn¡¯t come. The only sound was Itchka¡¯s soft, mocking laughter, echoing in the empty street.

    Mal lay there frozen, eyes locked on Ichika as she loomed above him, her aura suffocating, the sound of hooves thundered through the fog, announcing Sumi¡¯s arrival. Her toxic green horse emerged from the shadows first, its skin pulsating with sickly veins, dripping a vile, neon-green liquid with every step. The ground beneath its hooves hissed and smoked as though being eaten away by the sheer disease it carried.

    Sumi rode atop the grotesque beast like a figure of impending doom, her armor oozing with the same pulsing, green poison that trailed from her horse. Her twisted, skeletal shoulder plates and jagged gauntlets gleamed under the pale light, slowly leaking a fluid that seemed alive with rot. The dark fog followed her as she advanced, the air thickening with the stench of decay and sickness.

    Mal¡¯s breath hitched as she dismounted, her skeletal helmet turning slowly toward him, the hollow gaze burning with an unsettling focus. Her mere presence made his skin crawl the very essence of Pestilence was creeping into his bones. Every movement of hers left a faint cloud of toxic mist in her wake. She walked forward, the ground sizzling beneath her boots, her voice cold and unwavering.

    Sumi, wielded a massive two-handed mace. The long silver shaft was tarnished, and the oversized ball at its end was corroded, matching the twisted, toxic state of her armor.

    Ichika turned her head to Mal, her eyes locked on him, she was instantly over the top of him close enough for him to feel her breath.¡°I guess I¡¯ll see you soon then,¡± she said softly, her words a chilling promise.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    Without warning, she kissed him on the cheek. Instantly, Mal felt a searing pain, his skin freezing under her lips. His right cheek beneath his eye paled, burning with a frostbite-like sting. It wasn¡¯t just a simple mark ¡ª the skin turned pale, and small, crystalline formations seemed to grow beneath the surface, glittering like ice as it gnawed into his flesh with the rest of the icy decay.

    Mal gasped in pain, attempting to roll away and stand up, the burning intensified, and his hand instinctively reached up to touch the mark. It felt like his face was being eaten away by ice.

    He barely had time to process it as Sumi launched her mace at Ichika. She transformed back into a Wraith-like appearance and was gone safely missing the hammer¡¯s end.

    The air crackled with the two women¡¯s power, but all Mal could focus on was the creeping cold spreading across his cheek.

    By the time the automatic doors of the convenience store opened, Sumi was already back in her normal form (well in her costume), crouched beside Mal as he groaned in pain, his hand clutched tightly to his face where Ichika had kissed him. His breath came in shallow gasps, and the burning sensation from the frostbite mark pulsed with an intense cold that spread across his cheek, right beneath his eye. The pale mark, faintly shimmering with crystalline shapes, burned as if the frost was eating away at him.

    The convenience store kid rushed out, his eyes wide. ¡°Hey, you guys alright? What the hell was that flash? And where¡¯s the other girl?¡±

    His confusion about the scene he was witnessing with the strange sounds made him completely miss the fact that a gigantic magical mace was stuck into the brick wall that separated the convent store parking and the house beyond.

    Sumi didn¡¯t miss a beat, turning to face him with her usual composed demeanor. ¡°Oh, it was nothing serious,¡± she said smoothly, flashing him a reassuring smile. ¡°Just a flash from my friend¡¯s headlights, he was being a jerk and flipped on his spotlight. He picked up the other girls since she was a little too tipsy.¡±

    The kid blinked, looking skeptical as his eyes darted to Mal, who was still slumped against the curb, clearly in pain. ¡°Ya that checks out but uh, that dude looks like he¡¯s in bad shape. Do I need to call someone? Cops, maybe?¡±

    Through gritted teeth, Mal forced himself to sit up, the pain making it hard to speak, but he managed to laugh weakly. ¡°Nah, man, I¡¯m good,¡± he muttered, waving a shaky hand. ¡°I just slipped off the curb like an idiot trying to dance in that light.¡±

    The store clerk stared at him, clearly not convinced. ¡°You sure, bro? I mean, you look kinda¡ª¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, thanks,¡± Mal cut him off, forcing a strained grin. ¡°Just bruised my ego more than anything.¡±

    The kid lingered for a moment, looking between Sumi and Mal, but eventually shrugged. ¡°Alright, if you say so,¡± he muttered, eyeing them one last time before heading back into the store. ¡°If you need a phone come on in.¡± He said as the door chimed softly behind him.

    Once the clerk was gone, Mal groaned and leaned against Sumi. ¡°God, my face is on fire,¡± he muttered, the pain still radiating from the icy burn.

    Sumi knelt down beside him, her eyes narrowing as she examined the mark. ¡°Don¡¯t be a baby and hold still,¡± she said quietly, placing a hand gently against his cheek.

    As her fingers brushed his skin, a strange, almost invisible stream of smoke began to rise from the frostbite. Mal winced as the coldness under his skin started to shift, slowly pulling away as Sumi worked her magic. The frost poison swirled into the air like a thin vapor, dissipating into nothing as she drew it out of his face.

    ¡°There,¡± she said softly, removing her hand as the smoke finally faded. The intense cold was gone, but in its place, a thin, discolored scar remained, tracing just beneath his right eye and across his cheekbone. It wasn¡¯t hideous, but noticeable¡ªa permanent reminder of Ichika¡¯s touch.

    Mal let out a shaky breath, gingerly touching the scar. ¡°What the hell¡­ it¡¯s still there.¡±

    Sumi sighed softly, her expression apologetic. ¡°It¡¯ll heal eventually, but it¡¯s going to be there for a while. The frost poison wasn¡¯t easy to pull out, but I can put it back in if you¡¯re gonna complain.¡±

    He nodded, still feeling the faint sting. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Better than having half my face frozen off.¡± He tried to smirk, but the scar made the motion stiff. ¡°Guess I¡¯ll have to rock the new look for a bit.¡±

    Sumi gave him a small smile, her eyes softening. ¡°It¡¯ll fade, but for now¡­¡±

    ¡°Where the hell did Nezami go?¡± Mal said getting himself upright and dusting off the parking lot rubbish.

    Sumi shook her head, clearly frustrated. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°I saw something before all this went down. Like¡­ a light orb. It was following us. I thought it was following me or maybe her¡­¡±

    Sumi¡¯s eyes flashed with anger.

    ¡°You saw an orb and didn¡¯t call? We told you something was out there tonight, that it was close! And you just walked off with some girl, saw a light orb, and didn¡¯t think to tell anyone? You¡¯re even dumber than I thought.¡±

    Realizing his earpiece had flown off during the chaos, Mal scanned the ground until he spotted it. Grabbing it, he muttered, ¡°Damn thing must¡¯ve fallen out.¡±

    Sumi pressed her earpiece. ¡°Cas, the girl disappeared.¡±

    A crackle sounded before Cascadia¡¯s voice came through. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s bad. There¡¯s no way we have an unaccounted-for Nephilim in the area.¡±

    Aurora chimed in over the headset. ¡°Do you think the Baroness knew?¡±

    ¡°No, I think it¡¯s a coincidence¡­ but now the Baroness does know,¡± Cascadia responded quickly.

    ¡°Knows what?¡± Sumi and Mal asked simultaneously as he fixed his earpiece back in.

    ¡°That you don¡¯t have an orb, Mal¡­ and that there¡¯s an unaccounted-for one. You do the math.¡±

    Mal¡¯s stomach dropped. ¡°Shit.¡±

    "Sumi, take Mal to the park. I¡¯ll meet him there." Cascadia said.

    Sumi glanced at Mal, her frustration giving way to concern. "You good to make it the rest of the way?"

    "Yeah, it''s just my face that¡¯s burning like hell¡­otherwise I¡¯m good.¡±

    Sumi studied him for a moment, then sighed. "Alright. I can only take you as far as the park. You know I can¡¯t enter, so from there, you¡¯ll have to make your way to the cemetery."

    Mal understood the weight behind her words. The cemetery was also a gateway into the "The Dreah" a dimensional rift even Sumi, with all her power, couldn¡¯t enter. He''d have to walk the short path alone.

    "Got it," Mal said, shifting to stand taller despite the lingering pain. "I can manage."

    Sumi swirled her hand in a slow, deliberate motion just above her shoulder. From the shadows behind her, a dark dust cloud began to form, swirling faster and faster until her horse emerged¡ª The beast stood tall next to her, exuding its unnatural phantom decay.

    "Get on," she said.

    Mal didn''t hesitate. He hoisted himself onto the back of the horse behind Sumi, gripping her waist. Without a word, she gave a subtle command, and in one fluid motion, the horse reared up. Before Mal could even brace himself, they shot into the sky at a dizzying speed, the ascent unnaturally vertical, straight up toward the clouds.

    The wind whipped at Mal¡¯s face as the city lights below became distant pinpricks. The ground disappeared beneath them, and for a second, it felt like they were suspended in the stars.

    Far below, the convenience store''s automatic doors slid open again. The kid working there stepped out, looked up, and blinked in disbelief at the vanishing figure in the night sky.

    "Man," he muttered, shaking his head. "I need to find a new job and get the hell out of this neighborhood." He stood there for a moment, then turned and went back inside, the doors hissing shut behind him as if nothing had happened.