As soon as they reached him, one struck its metal-like claw on Leon's forehead. Then, the rest began peeling away his skin.
He trembled as the pain wasn't just confined to the dream—every shed of the skin was felt in his physical body, just as he had when the light peeled his flesh off.
Leon screamed, but his cries only seemed to fuel their actions. Once they finished stripping his skin, one figure stood atop of him like a godlike pillar, almost as if casting a spell on his exposed skinless body.
Then, his eyes caught a sharp glint streaking towards his neck. Just before it struck, Leon spotted the same ''Y'-shaped mark on the forehead of the figure looming over him.
He jolted awake, gasping like a drowning man pulled from the depths. As he turned, the spot where his body had lain was now covered in ash—an exact imprint of his form seared into the bedsheet.
But, before his ragged breathing could steady, something flashed past his window, forcing him to investigate.
The sight outside was extraordinary. Not only did he stand there, but he also threw open the window and leaned out, letting the air rush over him.
"Wow, it's been five years since I've seen this golden-pink glow in the sky," Leon whispered, smiling as he inhaled deeply, as if trying to swallow its sweet fragrance.
"The Cherry Blossom Supper Boom." He whispered in a soft tone as he gazed at the radiant sky.
Then, his father's voice echoed in his mind, reminding him of how much he had loved this season.
But before he could fully savor the moment, Leon spotted the bus he always used as a gauge to determine whether he had been late to school or not, passing with its horn filling the road, while it wheels vibrated upon every beat.
He rushed to the shower, scrubbing himself and the ash-stained bedsheet—he didn't want his younger sister to worry.
Even after removing the sheet, the outline of his body remained etched into the mattress. But once the sheet was dried and replaced, it covered the spot.
After dressing, Leon hurried downstairs and prepared his mother's and sister's favorite meal—the one his father would have done for them before leaving for work.
"Hmm, red rice with vegetable stew! This tastes even better than usual." After a quick bite, he packed his books and headed out.
Luckily, the usual crowded road was clear since he'd left early.
But as he reached the narrow shortcut he always took, Leon spotted Tiger standing in the distance—as if waiting for someone.
Since Tiger was usually late to school, Leon decided to avoid him. Yet, no matter the path he took, he could see a member in Tiger's signature shirt coming towards it.
Today marked the fiftieth grand graduation ceremony, and Leon wasn't ready to be placed at the back seat again. He needed to be there on time to occupy one of the front seats.
Being a grand opportunity of at least meet the head of state, he didn't want to delay a little.
Mr. Lee's words echoed in his mind as he noticed a risky, narrow path beneath the tall guy advancing toward him:
"Don't forget to come for the occasion on time—very early if you can. So that I can introduce you to some of the dignitaries in charge of the entrance exams you'd be taking part in."
"Hey, Leon, why don't you crawl to me yourself? Rather than letting my men break and drag you to my feet?"
Tiger's voice sliced through Leon's thoughts as he dodged the tall guy, only to find another blocking his escape route.
"Running?" Tiger laughed. "Too bad Mr. Lee isn't here to save you this time. Surrender and go through small hell."
He smirked, closing in with a sinister grin.
Rhythmically, he slapped a short metallic cane against his palm—the kind used to punish unlawful criminals.
Seeing them advance in unison, Leon knew fighting was futile. His options were slim: resist or endure the beating.
But as he dodged the first swing from the guy with the flashier haircut, he spotted an opening on his far right.
He sprinted towards it without looking back. As he neared the metal spiked fence, the footsteps behind him halted and became slower.
"You've trapped yourself." Tiger's laughter filled the air, as if he was a god controlling time and space itself.
Leon didn't stop. He knew a way over, but all his previous attempts left a scar on his waist. But this time, he was ready even if his finger would be torn.
Leon threw his bag over it and jumped—but one of Tiger's men slammed into him mid-air.
The impact sent searing pain through his body as he crashed down. For a moment, he couldn't feel his toes nor his fingers, as if they'd been ripped from their sockets.
"You've left me no choice!" Leon roared, rising with a sharp, fiery glare.
---
"Why is Leon not here yet?" Mr. Lee glanced at his silver-colored watch, staring down the street in hopes of spotting Leon approaching. Since the program was about to begin—and the dignitaries were being introduced—he had no choice but to head back inside.
Even as he opened the door, he turned for one last look, ensuring Leon wasn't coming before finally shutting it behind him.
As he moved closer to the vast hall, packed with over fifty thousand students, a wave of noise engulfed him—roaring like city traffic.
Just as Mr. Lee's head tilted in greeting, the door he had just closed swung open again. Since it wasn't a transparent door, he couldn't see the person until one leg stepped inside.
"I hope Tiger doesn't cause problems like he's been doing since he joined this school." Mr. Lee's face shifted from a welcoming smile to a disgusted smirk.
Behind Tiger were his seven puppets—those who'd do anything for him, even sacrifice their own family member.
Immediately Tiger noticed Mr. Lee looking at him; he laughed. Without regard for the event he'd just entered, Tiger gave Mr. Lee a 'fuck-you' hand gesture before taking a seat beside a beautiful lady.
The door remained as they'd left it—neither fully closed nor fully open.