“So pathetic..” Arjun whispered under his dying breath. He gave a weak smile as his hand pressed over the hole in his chest. Warm blood slipped between his fingers, soaking his uniform. It spread fast, like a spilled drink on paper.

  “What a stupid ambition… thinking I could ever reach something that far.”

  He let out a dry laugh. It was mostly air, with no real sound. Then he coughed, hard. Blood touched his lips.

  “I’m sorry, Rea… If you ever hear this, I hope you can forgive me.”

  His eyes, once clear and sharp, began to blur. The world around him twisted and faded. The night felt heavier. Everything was slipping away.

  “I really was an idiot… but maybe… just maybe—”

  The wind took the rest of his words.

  And after that, there was only silence. Darkness closed in, slow and quiet.

  ---

  "Sector Four. Attention, passengers: Please get off at your stop." The train’s speaker crackled with a flat, robotic voice.

  Arjun adjusted the strap on his bag. He straightened his tie with one hand. When the train stopped, he stepped out onto the platform. Sovuna—the busy capital of Velmora—was already wide awake.

  The streets buzzed with the usual crowd. Students in uniform walked side by side. Teachers were heading to work. Shoes clicked and scuffed on the pavement.

  Just a regular morning, Arjun thought as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He made his way through the crowd toward the school.

  The school grounds were loud. Laughter, footsteps, chatter—it was all a mix of noise. Arjun was about to head inside when someone called out.

  “Yo, Arjun! What’s up?”

  He turned and saw Reon waving at him, smiling like always as he pushed through the crowd.

  Arjun gave a small grin and pulled his bag tighter on his shoulder. “Same as always. You?”

  Reon shrugged, his grin turning into a smirk. “Yeah, the usual. Still salty about my gacha pulls last night, though.”

  Arjun chuckled. “That’s gacha. You either hit big or get wrecked.”

  “Right? I thought she was finally about to come home, then bam—I lost the damn 50/50. Luck hates me.”

  “You sound like you’re about to start a support group for people who lost their 50/50s.”

  “Hey, don’t judge until you try pulling for a five-star,” Reon shot back, laughing.

  They kept chatting, trading jokes as they walked. Their laughter filled the hall—until a voice cut through like a knife.

  “Arjun. Reon.”

  The sound of their names wiped the smiles off their faces.

  They turned around, stiff as boards. Standing there was someone they both knew too well. Arms crossed. Eyes sharp.

  “Prez...” Reon said, trying to play it cool.

  “We were just finishing up,” Arjun added, forcing a smile. He shot Reon a quick glance—help me out here man.

  Saelas didn’t look impressed. “It’s early,” she said. “Why are you two already being loud in the middle of the hallway? Get to class. Now. Or I’m writing both of you up.”

  “Come on, Saelas, it wasn’t even that loud. And there’s plenty of space—”

  “Don’t call me ‘Saelas’ when I’m on duty,” she snapped.

  “Right, sorry. Prez,” Arjun corrected quickly, smiling like he wasn’t dying inside.

  Reon, of course, didn’t stop there. “You’ve gotten scary, you know that? A few years ago, you were sooo nice, like an angel you remember?”

  Saelas didn’t flinch. “That was before I became president. I told you—school stuff and personal stuff are separate.”

  “But you’ve changed so much! Back then you were so scared of everything. Remember that time a puppy ran up to you and you almost cried—?”

  “Shut it! Get to class now before I bash your skulls open you little pricks!” she barked, her face turning red. Whether it was anger or embarrassment, no one dared ask.

  Reon raised his hands, still grinning. “Alright, alright, we’re going. But don’t forget—we still love you, Prez!”

  The two escaped, laughter echoing behind them as they escaped Saelas’s wrath. There was no time to look back or else they'd probably die. Within a minute, they skidded to a stop in front of their classroom—just in time for the bell to start ringing. Out of breath and a little messy, they slid into their seats, exchanging looks like two guys who’d just dodged a bullet. Close one.

  As the first class started, the rush wore off. The noise of the room faded, replaced by the teacher’s dry, flat voice.

  Damn this is boring.

  Even though he’d slept okay last night, Arjun’s eyes grew heavier by the second. School was never something he looked forward to. He wasn’t failing, he was actually quite smart, but it all felt like a chore—something to get through, not enjoy.

  His eyes became heavy, almost drifting off to sleep when his phone buzzed in his pocket.

  Huh?

  He slipped it out under the desk, grateful for the excuse to stop pretending to care about the lecture.

  Rea: [Heyy! Do you want to eat lunch together today?]

  Arjun: [Sure, I’ll try to. Just gotta survive this painful class first.]

  Rea: [Really?? Thank youu! Let’s meet at the courtyard at 12. Also, good luck over there ^^]

  Her messages made the boring class feel a little less heavy. The dull walls, the dull voice—all of it faded a bit. Just the thought of eating lunch gave him a tiny glimmer of motivation.

  Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

  Time crawled like a slug, but he made it through, barely. When the bell finally rang, it felt like a weight lifting off his shoulders.

  “Alright, that’s all for today. You’re dismissed,” the teacher said, and the room burst into motion.

  Finally! He thought, the class standing up in unison in mere seconds.

  Chairs scraped. Bags zipped. People rushed out in groups. Arjun stood up, packed his stuff, and headed out too—feeling a little better now.

  “Arjun! You eating with us?” Reon called, jogging over. “I was gonna invite Saelas too—though she might still be mad at us.” He laughed like it wasn’t a big deal.

  “Sorry,” Arjun said with a shrug. “I’m meeting with Rea today. Rain check?”

  Reon raised a brow, grinning. “Rea again, huh? If this keeps up, people might start talking. The spicy kind you know what I'm saying?”

  “Let them. I could care less.”

  “Ooh, bold I see. Alright, guess I’ll eat with Prez alone. I’m sure my natural charm will win her over.”

  No you won't. Arjun secretly thought.

  Arjun chuckled. “She probably has her whole day planned out already.”

  “Eh?? That just means I have to wing it!”

  Arjun laughed again. “Alright, good luck.”

  “Don’t forget to bring back gossip!” Reon shouted as he walked off, waving like a goof.

  Arjun pushed through the hallway crowd, dodging students left and right. What is this an obstacle course? He asked himself. Everyone seemed desperate to get to lunch, and it felt more like rush hour than a school.

  After a few minutes of navigating through the chaos, he stepped out into the courtyard. A breeze hit him, carrying away the noise and heat of the hallways. Compared to the packed corridors, this place felt like a different world—quiet, open, and warm under the sun. It was.. peaceful.

  Then he saw her.

  Rea was sitting under a tree, reading. Light filtered through the leaves, and for a second, she looked like something out of a painting.

  “Hey. Sorry I’m late—did you wait long?”

  Rea looked up, eyebrows raised in mock annoyance. “I’ve been here forever,” she said with a sigh.

  Arjun scratched the back of his neck. “I said I'm sorry! The halls were cramp filled with students, okay?”

  She tapped her chin. “Hmm... Fine. I guess I’ll let it slide. Just this once.” Then she patted the ground beside her. “Well? Sit down.”

  So.. the next time I'm probably screwed.. He thought, dropping down next to her.

  Rea let out a small breath, then glanced at him from the side. “You really shouldn't keep your childhood friend waiting, you know.” Her voice softened a little. “We don’t get to spend a lot of time like this anymore.”

  “Yeah,” he said, nodding. “Our subject schedules never match. You live far. And you're always busy.”

  She rolled her eyes but smiled anyway. “Excuses.”

  “Still… I miss this. Just us, talking.”

  Arjun looked at her. “I’ll try harder. Next time, I’ll be early.”

  “Good,” she said with a soft laugh. “Now—enough of that. Did you bring lunch?”

  Arjun paused. “Uhhh… about that. I may have forgotten.”

  Rea sighed. “Of course you did.” She reached into her bag. “Good thing I know you well.”

  She pulled out a second lunchbox and opened it with a proud smile. “Once again, saved by the great Rea.”

  Arjun laughed. “Alright, alright I owe you for this one. I really don't know what I’d do without you.”

  Rea looked at him, her expression gentle. “You don’t have to owe me anything,” she said, holding out a spoonful of food. “Just being here with me is enough.”

  Her voice turned playful. “Now open up. I made this, so no complaining—or else I’ll get mad.”

  How cute.

  Arjun blinked, surprised a little, then smiled and leaned in. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Once they finished eating, they sat quietly. Taking in the quiet and peaceful scenery around them

  “Woah, that was really good,” Arjun said, letting out a relaxed sigh. “Your cooking’s always the best Rea.”

  Rea gave a small smile as she closed the lunchbox. “Thanks. I don’t mind making more for you.”

  Then the bell rang, echoing through the school. Arjun glanced toward the hallway. “There's our cue. We should probably go now.”

  But just as he stood up, he felt a light tug on his shirt.

  He looked down. Rea’s hand held the fabric gently, her eyes low.

  “Not yet..” she said softly. “Stay for a little while longer. Please.”

  Her voice had changed—quieter, almost sad. The usual spark in her clear eyes had faded, replaced with something more fragile. Arjun sat back down beside her.

  “I haven’t said what I called you here for yet,” she said, patting her lap. “Come on. Just for a bit.”

  He paused, then rested his head on her lap. She was warm. Her fingers moved through his hair in slow, steady strokes.

  After a while, he spoke again, voice low. “So.. what is it?”

  Rea let out a slow breath. Her voice was steady, but something was off. Like she was holding something back. “Being an archangel isn’t easy. I’m always on call, you know.. watching over the city, dealing with the aftermath of the rifts.. There’s no time to spare really.”

  Arjun looked up at her. “You really have it rough..”

  She nodded. “That’s why.. I might not always be there when you need me.” Her hand curled slightly against his hair. “You’re.. such an idiot sometimes.”

  He didn’t argue. Because he knew what she meant..

  “I’m sorry..” he said. His voice dropped. “There’s something I need to do. Something I need to achieve no matter what .”

  Rea’s eyes searched his face. “But do you really have to? Isn’t this enough?

  Arjun stayed quiet. He wanted to answer her, but the truth was.. He didn’t know what to say.

  Rea leaned down and brushed his hair aside. Her touch was warm. “Then promise me something.”

  Arjun gently looked up at her, meeting her eyes.

  "Promise me.. you won't put yourself in danger again. Promise me you'll be careful.. That you'll stay alive."

  Her voice wavered, struggling to hold back tears.

  Arjun swallowed. "I-I promise," he said, the words coming out slow, unsure.

  Rea smiled, but it was a sad, small smile, one that barely crossed sadness. She kept running her fingers through his hair. The quiet silence between them wasn't uncomfortable, just full of things neither of them said. And for now, both of them hoped that was enough.

  ***

  After school, Arjun went straight home. No club meetings, no student council stuff, just a quiet walk to the train station.

  The sun was already setting, casting a golden light all over the city. He boarded the train and found a seat by the window, resting his head against the cold, hard glass.

  After a while the train filled up with the sound of tired commuters and restless students. It was rush hour, but Arjun barely noticed. His mind had been overthinking since lunch.

  “So, would you promise me you won’t put yourself in danger again?”

  “I promise.”

  Those words felt heavy now, pressing hard on his chest. They looped in his mind, slow and steady, like the ticking of a clock. Each tick felt louder yet quieter than the last. He stared at the blurry world outside the window as the train started moving.

  He closed his eyes. Sleep pulled at him, quiet and gentle, like waves smoothing out footprints on the shore. And just like that, he was gone.

  ---

  "Arjun."

  A voice called out.

  Again.

  And again.

  He opened his eyes.

  Black. Endless black. There was no ground, no sky—just empty space stretching forever. No sound yet there was a faint whisper in the dark.

  "Where.. am I?" he muttered. "Is this.. a dream?"

  He stepped forward. Or at least, he tried to. Nothing changed. It felt like walking in place. The air was heavy. Off.

  This wasn’t a dream.

  The whisper grew louder.

  Something else was here.

  It was moving—getting closer. He couldn’t see it, but he felt it crawling through the dark.

  His heart jumped.

  He ran.

  But the darkness didn’t shift. His legs moved, but the world stayed still. The whisper wasn’t a whisper anymore.

  It was breathing down his neck.

  "Please come back."

  Arjun snapped awake, heart racing. His eyes blinked rapidly, still shaken.

  “..Just a dream,” he muttered.

  He looked around. The train hadn’t changed—same seats, same passengers, same blur of lights outside. He let out a slow breath.

  For a while, he just sat there in silence. The train had been moving for quite a bit now, but it was still winding through Sector 6 of the city. His stop was still far off, being all the way in Sector 11.

  No way I’m sleeping again, he thought. Not after that.

  Still, something felt off. Like something was about to happen. Was it the dream? Arjun wasn’t sure.

  Then his phone buzzed.

  “Huh? Who’d call me this late?” He pulled it out of his pocket.

  But it wasn’t a call. It was a city-wide alert. And before he could react, the voice blasted out loud:

  “Attention, citizens of Sovuna. The city is under attack. A rift has opened in Sector 6—”

  Arjun froze. “A rift? Here?”

  His gut had been right.

  “You’ve gotta be kidding me,” he muttered.

  “All civilians in Sector 6, evacuate to the nearest bunker immediately. This is not a drill.”

  The announcement erupted near the other passengers' phones around Arjun.

  Aside from the sudden attack, there was something else on Arjun’s mind.

  Why hadn’t this been announced earlier? Normally, riftguards would handle it right away.

  Could the rift not have been cleared in time? No. Announcements would’ve been made the second a rift appeared.

  So, something—no, someone—had to have caused it to open prematurely.

  “What a pain…” Arjun sighed, scratching the back of his head. “I can’t even catch a break.”

  A few seconds later, the train came to a full stop.

  The power supply must’ve been cut from the sudden attack. Since the whole thing ran on electricity, shutting it down was the safest move. Probably to keep it from crashing.

  Then the screaming started.

  It made sense. They were trapped in a metal box with no way out. It might as well be a coffin.

  And just when things couldn’t get any worse—A loud crash hit the roof of the train.The whole car shook.Then came the sound. Low. Rough. Like something growling deep in its throat. It echoed down the aisle, freezing everyone in place.

  Arjun stood up slowly.

  “So… they’re finally here.”