ORION CITY – BACK STREET – EARLY EVENING
The sun dipped low behind the buildings as Lyra walked toward the Nova Base, carrying two bags slung over her shoulder—hers and Daiki's. The weight didn't bother her. The feeling of eyes on her did.
She glanced over her shoulder.
Nothing.
But the hairs on her neck stayed raised.
LYRA (to herself)Okay, either someone's following me... or I'm still paranoid from the dream demon.
She turned the corner—
—and a boy stepped out from behind the alley. Probably seventeen. Smirking. Hands in his jacket pockets.
UNKNOWN BOYHey, Lyra Mave, right?
She paused, instantly on alert.
LYRADo I know you?
BOYNope. But I know you. Nova Sentinels, right? Pink Ranger?
Lyra froze. Her grip on the bags tightened.
BOYRelax. I haven't told anyone. Yet.
She narrowed her eyes.
LYRAWhat do you want?
He grinned.
BOYSimple. One week. We go out. School, hangouts, wherever. You pretend I'm your boyfriend. That's the deal. Or... maybe your little secret gets a lot louder.
Lyra's stomach twisted—not with fear, but fury.
Before she could respond—
DAIKI (O.S.)HEY.
Daiki stepped out from behind her, eyes blazing.
DAIKIYou think threatening my sister is gonna end well for you?
BOYWhoa, chill, little bro. It's just a date.
DAIKINot anymore.
He threw his bag down—and punched the boy square in the face.
The boy stumbled back, crashing into a trash bin.
LYRA(grabbing Daiki)Daiki—stop!
DAIKI(furious)He was blackmailing you! I should hit him again!
LYRAI've got this.
Daiki pulled away but stayed close, eyes locked on the boy.
Lyra stepped forward, looking the blackmailer dead in the eyes.
LYRA (coldly)You'll get your one week. But if you so much as think about recording me, threatening me again, or talking to anyone—I'll end it before the second hour.
The boy blinked, surprised.
BOYY-you serious?
LYRADeadly.
She turned away. Daiki grabbed his bag with a huff, still simmering.
INT. NOVA BASE – COMMON ROOM – NIGHT
The team sat in stunned silence as Lyra finished telling them everything.
ZAYN(processing)So… you're agreeing to blackmail?
JETT(leaning forward)Correction—she's using it to trap the guy. Classic Lyra move.
RAYNAIf he actually exposes us, we'd have to memory-wipe half the school. She's containing the leak.
KAEL(clearly holding back rage)You should've told us sooner. We'd handle it—together.
DAIKI(arms crossed)I did handle it. His jaw's probably still vibrating.
LYRA(calmly)I've got this. One week. I'll keep him close, find out what he knows, and if he has proof. If it gets risky—we move.
ZEVOR (intercom)Recommendation: surveillance protocols activated. Do not engage emotionally. The target may be compromised.
JETTToo late for "emotionally." Daiki punched a dude into next Tuesday.
LYRAThat's why I'm handling it now.
KAEL(softly)Just… don't handle it alone, Lyra.
LYRAI won't.
TO BE CONTINUED…