Chapter 1: So it Begins

  The city buzzed with life, illuminated by flickering neon lights that cut through the mist. In a hidden art studio owned by Yang Wei, the atmosphere was different. Yang was at his easel, a canvas in front of him and a flickering lamp casting a warm glow. His hands, usually steady, felt shaky as he painted. He was trying to capture a memory, but he couldn’t tell if it was his or someone else's. The chaotic strokes of paint reflected his unsettled emotions.

  A gentle knock at the door broke his focus. Yang sighed, cleaned his brush, and opened the door to find Chen Yong, soaked from the rain. Chen had his usual energy, but tonight his smile didn’t reach his eyes.

  “What’s up, Chen?” Yang asked, trying to sound calm.

  “I found something important,” Chen replied, shaking off raindrops as he stepped inside. “Trust me.”

  Yang raised an eyebrow. “Is it really worth interrupting my painting?”

  “Definitely. We need to talk,” Chen insisted, closing the door and revealing a worn folder he had hidden under his jacket.

  “Alright, let’s see it,” Yang said, gesturing for him to sit.

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  Chen spread out the contents on the cluttered table—old newspaper clippings and pictures, all connected by a thin red thread that he had drawn between them.

  “Remember the missing students from last year?” Chen asked, his voice urgent. “People think they ran away, but I suspect something more sinister.”

  Yang leaned in to look closer at the articles. “Do you think it has to do with our... abilities?” He said the last part carefully, understanding how risky their powers could be.

  “Yes. These students were linked to a secret society rumored to mess with memories—changing what people see and even erasing parts of their pasts.”

  Yang frowned. “But that’s dangerous. Memories define us.”

  “Exactly,” Chen agreed passionately. “If they can change memories, they could alter history. We have to stop them!”

  Yang’s mind raced. They used their powers to help others, but this felt different. It was risky to go against those who twisted memories for evil.

  “I know this is a lot to ask,” Chen said. “But we need to sneak into their group to find out what they're up to. Maybe we can uncover their plans through the memories they manipulate.”

  Yang thought about what his friend said. The rain pounded against the windows, mirroring his uncertainty.

  “Okay,” he finally said, feeling a spark of determination. “But we have to be careful. We can’t lose ourselves in this.”

  Chen smiled, relief washing over him. “We’ll face it together, as always.”

  They placed their hands on the scattered papers, uniting their resolve. In a city full of shadows, they were ready to explore the unknown, relying on their friendship and the echoes of the past. They would unravel the threads of time, not only for the missing but for themselves—before they too became lost in haunting memories.