The school bell shrieked its morning greeting, a jarring sound that usually made Riko wince. But not today. He was too busy staring at his locker. A tiny blue light throbbed beneath his sleeve. It was the same strange feeling he'd had before – a warning, a fear, and a thrill all mixed together. It was a vibration that reminded him the crazy world he'd stumbled into was still out there, even here at school. And he still didn't know how to control powers.
Luna was already at her desk. She tapped her pen against her notebook, a clear sign she was bored. She glanced at Riko, then back at her page. He felt her silent disapproval, just like he had all week. She knew something was up. How could she not? The things he had already done in the city, the glowing, the explosions, and fighting the boss – it all defied explanation. No one would would believe it. Yet, she didn't say anything. She just watched him. Waiting. Judging. He could almost hear the words she was holding back: You're going to die.
Riko sank into his chair, hiding his hands under the desk. He tried to focus on what the teacher was saying, but the energy in his arm was buzzing. It felt like it was calling to him, a reminder that this normal life was just fake.
Just at that moment, the classroom door clicked open.
Everything changed.
It was quiet. Not a shout or a crash, just a simple click. But it felt significant. It cut through the chatter of the students like a knife. Heads turned. Eyes followed the sound. Then, a new student walked in.
Riko's chest tightened.
He didn't know why. He hadn't seen the new boy fully since their fight in the street, but his presence grabbed his attention. Time seemed to slow down.
The new student was tall and slim. He looked strong, but not bulky. His uniform was perfect, unlike the other students. Black gloves stood out. They were folded neatly at his wrists, gleaming in the light. His shoes made no sound on the floor, but his footsteps filled the room.
The teacher blinked, flustered. She didn't know what to say. The new student didn't stop. He scanned the room. His eyes moved with a strange, sharp focus. It looked like he was trying to hunt something.
Riko's heart pounded. He knew who it was.
Riko moved slightly in his seat. His arm pulsed even harder. Luna looked at him. Her eyes narrowed. She mouthed: Don't.
Riko could barely nod. He felt frozen under the new student's stare.
With confident steps, the new student walked to the front of the room. Other students started whispering.
"Who is that?"
"Is he from another school?"
"He looks scary."
He ignored the whispers. He was focused. It was like he could see right through everything.
Riko tried to breathe slowly. He tried to remind himself that this was just school. Nothing more. But nothing felt normal anymore. Not after last night.
The new student stopped at the teacher's desk. He stood straight and still, scanning the room. Then, he spoke. His voice was quiet but firm.
"I am here to watch," he said. Everyone turned to look at him. The teacher cleared her throat.
"Uh… yes. Welcome… to class," she said. Her voice cracked nervously. "We don't usually… have watchers here—anyway…"
He ignored her. His eyes swept the classroom. Every desk, every student, every detail. He noticed everything.
Riko's fingers dug into his desk. The energy in his arm-screen pulsed hard, reacting in a way that made his stomach churn. It reminded him of seeing Kaze for the first time, silent and watchful.
The student walked slowly down the rows. Kids shrank back in their seats. Some whispered. Some just stared, unable to move.
He stopped in the middle of the classroom. He stood up straighter, ready. As if preparing for something no one else knew.
Then, his cold, sharp eyes found Riko.
The screen in Riko's arm went crazy. His blood started pumping faster. His heart raced. He felt the weight of everything he had been through, all coming together in this moment.
The air seemed thick. Even the sunlight dimmed.
The other students were whispering, pointing at Riko. "That's him! That's the kid who glows!"
But Riko didn't notice. All he could see was the new student.
Luna grabbed his arm. "Riko… don't—"
He couldn't help it. Every part of him was screaming.
The new student moved again. Just a step. His eyes never left Riko.
The classroom felt smaller. Every desk, every chair, every whisper. It was all just noise. He felt like he was being examined, judged. It was terrifying, but he was strangely calm.
The teacher cleared her throat again, trying to sound confident. "Uh… you can sit… anywhere?"
He didn't answer. He walked down the aisle and stopped right in front of Riko's desk. He didn't move closer.
He just stood there. Watching. Ready. Waiting.
Riko's muscles felt tight. The screen under his sleeve pulsed. His heart pounded. He remembered the city fight, the boss, Kaze's warning.
Then, he realized he couldn't look away. He wanted to, but he couldn't stop staring.
The new student didn't blink.
He didn't smile.
He didn't frown.
He just watched.
In that stare, Riko felt more pressure than he had ever felt before.
He shivered. He was scared, but also excited. He knew things were changing. This new student had something to do with it.
For the first time, Riko knew that he couldn't do this alone. Not if he wanted to survive.
He swallowed and tightened his fists.
He couldn't turn back now.
The new guy's eyes locked on Riko. And he didn't blink.