The bell rang like salvation.
Joshua Wise shoved books into his bag, heart still racing from the library disaster.
Confession dumped. Pain hit like lightning. Bolted mid-game.
Yumi's voice—"Josh?!"—echoed in his head. Worried. Confused.
He couldn't face her. Not yet.
Halls flooded—lockers banging, laughter bouncing, sneakers squeaking chaos.
Leo caught him at the classroom door, arm slinging over shoulder. "Mate! You ghosted chess with Yumi? Spill—what went down?"
Joshua shrugged, cheeks heating. "Told her I like her."
Leo's eyes bugged. "No way! Legend status! She reciprocate?"
"Dunno. Stomach flipped. Had to bail."
Leo punched his arm. "Smooth till the freak-out. She's into you, though—caught her staring in history."
Warm flicker in chest. Not pain. Something... nice?
Priya bounced up, notebook clutched tight, curls wild. "Josh! Perfect—you're in my new story! Golden-eyed hero sealing rifts with fire. Total vibe match!"
Joshua shifted. "Uh, sounds cool. Later?"
"Come on! The moon goddess sends a silent guardian—silver hair, shadow powers!"
Leo snorted. "Priya's shipping you with fictional dudes now."
A few others milled—Elena waving about eco-club, group chatting weekend plans.
Normal noise. Grounding chatter.
But whispers tugged faint.
*She lied. Doesn't really like you.*
Joshua rubbed his temple. Shut up.
Yumi appeared down the hall, bag slung, heading out slow.
Their eyes met.
She smiled soft. Hesitant wave.
He waved back. Awkward. Heart flip.
Then gates. Freedom.
London air—cool, damp, familiar.
Walk home dragged.
Streetlights hummed odd. Shadows lingered too long.
That spark in his chest stirred again. Warm. Restless.
Like something small chirping inside.
Home.
Mum at the door, nurse scrubs on. "Early today? You okay, love? Look pale."
"Just tired." Forced smile. "Exams stress."
She ruffled his hair. "Dinner soon. Rest up."
Room. Guitar corner. Notebooks chaos.
Flopped on bed. Notebook open.
Pen scratched.
Pain hits when words fall true
Spark wakes, what do I do?
Whispers lie, pulling strings
But her smile—real thing...
Words flowed angry. Confused.
Phone buzzed.
Yumi: "About earlier... talk tomorrow?"
Fingers typed back fast. "Yeah. Sorry for running."
Then—another message. From him. But he didn't type it.
"Need you now. Coming over."
Sent.
Wait—no.
Whispers laughed.
Go. Take.
Joshua stared at screen. Deleted fast. Too late?
Heart pounded.
Stood. Paced.
Spark danced warmer. Playful nudge.
Outside window—drizzle turned heavy.
Needed air. Needed her.
Bag grabbed. Out again.
Mum called. "Josh? Dinner!"
"Quick walk!"
Streets dark early. Lights flickering.
Her house—warm glow ahead.
Knock hard.
Door opened slow.
Yumi, sweater cozy, eyes wide. "Josh? Everything alright?"
"Need to talk." Voice rough.
Stepped close. Too close.
"Library. Meant every word."
She backed. "You're scaring me. This isn't you."
Words stung.
Whispers roared.
Force her. Claim.
Hand raised—trembling.
Real him fought. "Something's... wrong."
Stumbled back.
Streetlight burst wild.
Alley beside—violet tear ripping open.
Oily darkness spilled. Tendrils reaching.
Shade.
Feeding on doubt. On twisted want.
White eyes glowed inside.
Joshua froze.
Those eyes—watching since garage.
Whispers choked.
Footsteps behind.
Figure emerged.
Silver-white hair. Turquoise eyes calm.
Black coat flowing wisps.
"Joshua Wise."
Voice cut clean.
"You're not alone."
"Fight it."