The warmth of the academy was slowly replaced by the cold, crisp morning air as the first rays of sunlight peeked through the windows. The festivities of Christmas had come and gone, leaving a quiet calm over the academy. Everyone slept soundly, exhausted from the joyful day before, unaware of the departure that was about to take place.
Kael, dressed in clean clothes but still with messy hair, stood in front of the door of the academy dorm. His heart felt heavy, the weight of his decision pressing down on him. The promise he made yesterday had been kept: he had spent Christmas with them, shared laughs and gifts, but now it was time to leave. To leave before the danger his power could bring back.
With a deep breath, he quietly opened the door, making sure not to wake anyone. He stepped outside into the early morning chill, closing the door gently behind him.
Kael knew it was for the best. As much as he had longed for peace, as much as he had appreciated their company, he was a ticking time bomb. His power was too dangerous. It was something he had come to terms with. The people he cared about would only be hurt if he stayed.
Inside, in her room, Hana stirred as the first rays of dawn hit her face. She had been lying in bed, unable to fully sleep, her mind running with thoughts of Kael. After everything that had happened, she felt an overwhelming need to be close to him.
She slowly rose from her bed, pushing her messy hair out of her face as she walked to the window. Her heart stopped when she saw Kael walking away, his figure silhouetted against the pale sky.
"No... no, he's really leaving," Hana whispered to herself.
Without thinking, she rushed out of her room, bare feet pounding against the cold floor as she ran down the hall. Her heart raced as she approached the exit, and before she could stop herself, she burst through the door and ran after him.
"Kael!" she called, her voice breaking the quiet morning stillness.
Kael turned around as he heard his name, his heart sinking. He had hoped he could leave unnoticed, but the moment he saw Hana running toward him, his resolve wavered.
Hana caught up to him, breathless but determined. She grabbed his arm, stopping him from going any further. "Kael, you can't leave. Please don't go."
Kael felt his chest tighten as she clung to him. His hand reached up to gently remove her hands, but not without a moment's hesitation. He hugged her back, feeling the warmth of her embrace, but it wasn't enough to change his mind.
"Hana... It's for the best. You know that," Kael murmured, his voice heavy with the weight of his decision. "If I stay, I'll only bring more danger. I can't—"
"No!" Hana interrupted, her voice raw with emotion. "You don't have to do this alone. We can help you. We'll find a way."
Kael shook his head, feeling the burn in his chest. "I've already made up my mind. I don't want to risk anyone else getting hurt because of me."
Tears welled up in Hana's eyes as she pulled him into one last hug. "Please, Kael... Don't leave us."
For a moment, Kael stood there, hugging her tightly. But then, with a soft, sad smile, he gently pulled away from her embrace.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "This is something I have to do. But I promise you... I'll always care about you."
Before she could say another word, Kael turned and sprinted off, his movements swift as he jumped onto the nearest building. He leaped from rooftop to rooftop, each jump carrying him further away from the academy. His heart ached with every leap, but the decision was final.
Back inside the academy, Hana stood there for a long time, her eyes fixed on the spot where Kael had been. Her heart was torn, and the ache in her chest refused to subside. She wanted to believe that Kael would come back, that he would reconsider, but she knew deep down that it wasn't that simple.
As the others began to wake up, they noticed Hana standing alone, staring out the door. Her face was pale, and her eyes were wet with unshed tears.
"Where's Kael?" Ryuu asked, his voice groggy with sleep.
Tetsu frowned, sensing something was off. "He's gone, isn't he?"
Hana's voice barely came out above a whisper. "He... he left. He's gone."
The room fell silent as the gravity of Kael's decision sank in. They all had hoped he would stay, that he would finally find peace with them. But now, the academy felt emptier than ever.
Kael's silhouette disappeared into the distance, and though the cold wind whipped around him, he didn't feel it. His mind was already miles away, his thoughts swirling with doubt and resolve. No matter how much he wanted to stay, the path he chose was one he had to walk alone.
For now, he had no choice but to leave them behind.