Taarush was walking home with Sanya by his side. She seemed more comfortable than usual, talking a lot while he quietly listened. As they crossed the road, they noticed someone walking their dog under the dim streetlights.
That sight made Sanya remember something. "You know… I used to feed a stray dog. I'd save half my food every day for him. But lately, I haven't seen him around."
Taarush fell silent, his mind flashing back to the dog he had saved. Slowly, he asked, "Can you describe what he looked like?"
Sanya's voice softened. "Brown fur, really skinny… and a scar on his left cheek."
Hearing that, Taarush instinctively reached out and held her hand.
Sanya froze, her cheeks burning. Awee… he's holding my hand. Wait—why am I thinking like this? Her heart raced so loudly she was scared he'd hear it. A bead of sweat rolled from her forehead to the corner of her eye.
Taarush noticed. "Sanya, it's cold out here. Why are you sweating?" Gently, he lifted his hand and wiped the drop from the corner of her eye.
Her heart exploded. She quickly shouted, "Idiot!" her face glowing red.
Taarush let go of her hand, worried he had made her uncomfortable. "Sorry. I didn't mean—"
But Sanya suddenly yelled even louder, "IDIOTTTT!" Her voice echoed down the street.
Taarush blinked, confused. "Why are you shouting? Wait—don't tell me you saw a ghost?" He chuckled, completely oblivious to her feelings.
Her smile faded when he stopped holding her hand, but she stayed quiet.
By the time they reached the hospital, Taarush finally told her about the stray dog he had rescued. Relief washed over Sanya, though worry about the dog's health lingered in her chest.
Inside, the doctor spotted Taarush. "How are you feeling now, kid?"
Taarush tensed, leaning closer to whisper something about the incident with Sam—something that couldn't be said out loud. The doctor's expression hardened as he quickly changed the subject. "The dog's condition is stable. Do you want to take care of him?"
Then he smirked, glancing at Sanya. "By the way, your girlfriend is quite beautiful. Teenage love, huh?"
Both Taarush and Sanya shouted at once, faces red. "No, we are not!"
The doctor clamped his hands over his ears. "This is a hospital, don't scream!"
But suddenly—
BZZZT! BOOM!
A loud crack rang through the building, like an overloaded machine exploding. The lights flickered violently, flashing on and off. Heavy footsteps echoed from the hallway, growing closer.
Then the lights stabilized. A tall boy stepped into view.
"My name is Veer," he said coldly. "I heard you're the new student gaining attention. Since I also work here at this hospital… I'll deal with you too."
The way he introduced himself sent a chill through Taarush's chest. This was no ordinary fight—Veer had to be connected to the rumored four power holders.
Sanya fumbled with her phone, dialing the police.
But before Veer could reach them, the doctor stepped forward. "Kid, leave now—or you'll pay the price."
The doctor, a man in his forties with sharp black hair and steady eyes, seemed calm. But when Veer pulled a knife from behind his back, the tension snapped.
The doctor swiftly untied his shoelace, sprinkling a strange chemical on his shoe. With a precise spinning kick, he launched it across the room.
THWACK!
The shoe slammed into Veer's face. He staggered, inhaling the fumes. His eyelids fluttered, and his body collapsed. The chemical had been a sleeping agent.
Sanya and Taarush rushed forward, ready to tie him up.
But then—
CLICK.
The power went out completely. Darkness swallowed the room.
The doctor cursed. "These lights again—I'll check the generator!" He hurried away.
Taarush and Sanya switched on their phone torches, beams cutting through the dark.
That's when they froze.
A huge man stood before them, shoulders broad, holding Veer's unconscious body slung over his back. His shadow filled the hallway, his presence suffocating.
His voice rumbled like thunder.
"Why do you always meddle in my work, Taarush?"