From the very start of my life, things were far from easy. It was like fate itself had a grudge against me, never giving me a break. Trouble didn't have to look hard to find me — it chased me relentlessly, like a mad dog with a scent. But I never ran. Barefoot or not, I stood my ground and faced whatever came at me, no matter how brutal or unfair. That's just how I survived. Maybe I seem arrogant when I say I see things most people can't. Maybe it's just my way of coping. But it's the truth. I notice details others overlook, patterns hidden beneath the noise.
Most of the time, I try to avoid trouble. Who wouldn't? But when the void suddenly appeared, swallowing everything in its path — and when Vaelith came into my life — I knew nothing would ever be normal again. I can seem indifferent or uninterested to people around me, but deep down, I'm tired. Tired of limits, tired of the government's pointless associations and their hollow promises. They say they protect us, but all they do is brag and waste time.
Today started like any other day, but with an edge of unease beneath it all. I was walking alongside Tairo, my friend who had just recovered from his injuries. He was back to his usual self — energetic, joking, full of life. We walked side by side toward the institute, passing the familiar streets with their cracked pavements and faded signs.
"Have you heard?" Tairo asked, nudging me. "Two new students are joining us today."
I raised an eyebrow, not bothering to check my phone. "No, I haven't. Haven't really checked the group chats."
He smirked like he expected that. "Typical you."
I rolled my eyes and muttered, "Whatever. Let's see who they are."
The moment we entered the classroom, I noticed the usual hum of restless energy among the students. Miss Anna, our teacher, stood at the front, her voice calm and steady.
"As you all know, we're receiving two new students today. I expect everyone to greet them warmly and offer any help they need."
She gestured to the door, and two figures entered. One was a boy, confident but cautious, and the other a quiet girl who seemed to observe everything around her carefully.
The boy stepped forward with a slight smile. "I'm Arvyan."
The girl followed, her voice soft but clear. "I'm Sanyara."
Their timing felt off to me. Mid-September wasn't the usual time for new admissions. Something about this didn't sit right, but I pushed it to the back of my mind.
Arvyan extended his hand toward me with a friendly grin. "Looking forward to being friends."
Caught off guard, I hesitated for a moment before returning the gesture with a small smile. "Me too."
Later, Tairo told me that Arvyan had been assigned as my benchmate. That explained his eagerness.
Throughout the class, Arvyan's excitement was obvious — he was alert, attentive, and almost too enthusiastic about every topic. I kept my usual poker face, silently wondering what made him so energetic.
When lunch break arrived, I took the chance to ask him, "Arvyan, was class really that interesting? You seem too hyped for this place."
He laughed, eyes sparkling with genuine amusement. "You might not know, but after that void incident, you became famous around here. People talk about the guy who saved his friend — a real local hero. I was just excited to sit next to you."
I fought the urge to laugh. He didn't seem to know when to stop talking.
After the day ended, Tairo had some club activities to attend, so I walked home alone, as usual.
Suddenly, I heard a voice calling out, bright and eager. Turning, I saw Arvyan and Sanyara approaching.
I sighed inwardly but forced a polite smile. "Need something?"
Arvyan's grin widened. "Nothing, really. Just saw you walking alone and thought I'd keep you company. We're new here, and you promised to show us around, right?"
Reluctantly, I agreed.
As we walked through the dimming streets, I learned they lived in the same apartment complex as me. What were the odds? It felt more than a coincidence.
They were siblings, but their personalities couldn't be more different. Arvyan was loud, bubbly, and full of energy. Sanyara was quiet, observant, keeping to herself.
"So you live right next door?" I asked, glancing at the rows of identical buildings.
"Yep," Arvyan said cheerfully. "We just moved in."
Sanyara said nothing but kept walking, her eyes scanning the surroundings as if trying to detect something invisible.
Then came the odd moment.
Without warning, Sanyara stopped, stepped closer to me, and took a deep breath as if smelling the air around me.
I froze.
"You smell different," she said softly. "Like someone's been messing with your flow."
I frowned, unnerved by the strange comment.
She quickly smiled, clearly sensing my discomfort. "Sorry, that came out weird. Just… stay safe. And don't forget — tomorrow, you promised to show us around."
Before I could say anything, she turned and walked away silently.
I looked at Arvyan, who shrugged with a playful smirk. "She's a little strange, huh?"
"Yeah," I replied flatly.
That night, I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling, the weight of questions pressing on me. Tomorrow, I'll start the tour.
But I had a feeling this was only the beginning.
So, are you guys my friend or my enemy?