(The Calm Before the Fire)
Scene: Ironvale Cafeteria – Midday
The cafeteria was lively, overflowing with noise and too many students shouting over too few tables.
Aeris didn't like crowds.She picked the corner seat, as far from the exits as possible. Less risk of people bumping into her—or worse, recognizing her.
She hadn't touched her tray.The school food wasn't bad, but her appetite hadn't returned since the rooftop.
She quietly stirred her tea, watching the sugar cube dissolve.
Then—
"Heads up, sweetheart."
A small packaged roll bounced off her table and landed in her lap.
Aeris blinked once. Then slowly looked up.
Enter: Gallagher.
Hair slightly messy. Collar unbuttoned. His tie hung like a careless ribbon.He wore the uniform like it was an afterthought.
Two other guys flanked him, laughing too loud. You could smell the "don't care" energy radiating off them.
Gallagher (grinning):
"Tough crowd. You didn't even flinch."
Aeris (flat):
"Because I was debating if I should snap your fingers or your jaw first."
Gallagher:
"Ah, so we're already flirting. Nice."
She stood up. He didn't step back.
He tilted his head, eyes scanning her up and down—not in a lewd way, more like someone sizing up an opponent on the sparring mat.
Gallagher:
"You're the girl from the equipment inspection, right?The one who brought ancient weapons like she's planning to reenact a museum robbery?"
A few students nearby chuckled.
Aeris remained unreadable.
Aeris:
"They still kill things."
Gallagher (amused):
"Damn right they do. You just looked like someone who could kill without them."
A beat of silence.
Then Gallagher tossed something onto her tray.
A sugar packet.
Gallagher:
"You forgot this. Tea's bitter without it."
He turned and walked away.
The two guys followed, still laughing. One of them nudged him and said, "You've got a death wish, man."
Gallagher shrugged.
Gallagher (muttering):
"Maybe. But she looks interesting."
Scene Shift: Later That Day – Training Yard, Open Combat Simulation
Aeris was sparring solo—dodging dummies, slicing through air with practiced precision. Her limbs moved like memory, not effort.
She stopped when she heard clapping.
Slow. Annoyingly theatrical.
Gallagher again.
This time, he stood just outside the fence, chewing on a snack bar.
Gallagher:
"Still haven't smiled once since lunch.I'm starting to take it personally."
Aeris (not looking at him):
"Then stop watching."
Gallagher (grinning):
"Can't. I'm drawn to sharp objects.And I think you qualify."
He gave a lazy salute and walked off.
Aeris turned back to the dummy and punched clean through it.
Her eyes narrowed—but not in anger.In confusion.
Who the hell was that idiot?And why didn't I hate it as much as I should?
Scene: Ironvale Academy – South Wing Hallway, After Class
The hallway was relatively empty, just a few students walking in pairs. A long corridor, high glass windows casting golden sun against polished tile.
Aeris walked alone, heading to the back courtyard. She preferred the less-used paths—fewer people, fewer chances for unnecessary conversation.
But then—
A loud crash.
A rolling trash bin bounced past her like a rogue wheel from a cartoon.
She stopped.
Then, out of nowhere—
Gallagher came sliding around the corner at full speed, one sleeve ripped, tie in his mouth, clearly running from someone.
He skidded to a halt right in front of her.
Gallagher (panting):
"Hey, Alina. Quick question—how do you feel about violence?"
Aeris (suspiciously calm):
"Why?"
Gallagher (grinning):
"Because we're about to be in a lot of it."
A group of upperclassmen rounded the corner. Five of them. All clearly angry. One had cafeteria mash still stuck in his hair.
Aeris turned to him slowly.
Aeris:
"What did you do."
Gallagher:
"Nothing! I just—maybe—accidentally knocked over their lunch table. With them on it."
Aeris:
"…Why."
Gallagher:
"I thought it would be funny."
Aeris:
"You're an idiot."
Gallagher (grinning wider):
"Correct. But an entertaining one."
The group charged.
Gallagher ducked.
Aeris sighed—then slammed a sidekick straight into the first guy's stomach, sending him crashing into a locker.
Gallagher (from behind):
"I knew you liked me!"
Aeris:
"I hate you so much right now."
What followed was glorious chaos.
A hallway brawl with thrown bags, rolling chairs, one kid getting stuffed into a janitor's closet. Aeris moved like a ghost—graceful, sharp, efficient. Gallagher fought like a street punk—sloppy but unpredictable.
They didn't work together.
But they didn't get in each other's way either.
It was beautiful. In a stupid, violent way.
Then—
A loud, sharp whistle.
Everyone froze.
A shadow loomed at the hallway's end.
Detention Officer:
"Both of you. Now."
Scene: Aftermath – Detention Room
The room was dim, with old desks and flickering lights. A ticking wall clock emphasized the silence.
Aeris sat at one end. Gallagher at the other. Both were covered in bruises and dust.
Gallagher (leaning back, still grinning):
"Well, that was fun."
Aeris:
"You're insane."
Gallagher:
"Takes one to know one."
She threw a pen at him. He dodged, laughing.
Gallagher (playfully):
"Hey, Alina... You're a good fighter. You've got that whole 'haunted past' vibe going for you."
Aeris (deadpan):
"And you've got the 'walking concussion' look. It suits you."
He snorted.
Then, for a brief moment, he looked... softer.
Gallagher (quietly):
"Thanks for not walking away."
Aeris glanced sideways.
Aeris (equally quiet):
"Don't get used to it."
The clock kept ticking.
And outside, the last sunlight began to fade from the hallway.