At night, the street in front of the shop became even more deserted and dim, swallowed by the lack of light.
After finishing with the last customer, Julius prepared to close the shop. His two employees were also getting ready to head home.
Before long, they said their goodbyes.
"Alright, I'm heading out. See you tomorrow, boss."
"Okay, stay safe on the road. Thanks for today," Julius replied with a smile.
It seemed like everything was done.
"Alright… as for cleaning up… I'll deal with it tomorrow. Time to rest."
The man stretched his arms, letting out a quiet sigh. His gaze then drifted toward the only person still inside the shop.
A writer whose name was barely known to the public.
"So... any good ideas today?" Julius asked as he walked closer.
Hendri had always been a little different from the others. He remained seated, typing silently. When he noticed the shop owner approaching, he blinked once.
"Hm? Since when did you become interested in someone who writes books?"
"Well... haha."
"Parenting isn't easy, right?"
His tone was calm. Not provocative, not mocking.
Julius let out a heavy sigh. He pulled a small chair and sat down nearby.
"It is what it is," he replied. "That boy is always hard to talk to. He's already an adult, yet somehow even more careless and stubborn."
Hendri took a sip of the coffee that had been sitting on his desk.
"There's an old saying from a sailor: 'You can't control the wind, but you can adjust your sails.' I'm sure you've heard of it," he said.
"Hmm… the problem is, I still can't see where the ocean is taking him," Julius muttered, glancing away.
Hendri began packing a few of his belongings into his bag.
"Zeyn is not a child anymore. I'm not asking you to stop being firm, but maybe it's time to start trusting him."
Julius fell silent for a moment. He watched as the items on the table slowly disappeared into the bag.
"I've already taught him about responsibility. The problem is… nothing has truly convinced me that he can be careful with his powers," he said at last.
"Not yet," Hendri replied with a faint smile. "There will come a moment that proves it to you."
"I just hope he won't hurt someone by accident."
Julius rubbed his chin.
"I wonder if he'll make any friends on campus. Though… I guess people would still be afraid of him."
Most of his belongings had been packed. The bag was full again. Just as he was about to pick it up, Hendri glanced at him once more.
"He's one of them, after all. Even if he looks human, there's something within him that doesn't quite feel like one. After all… he's the younger brother of the Serpent Queen."
Julius suddenly jolted at the mention of that title. The name alone sent a chill crawling up his spine. Without realizing it, he swallowed hard.
"But that's exactly why we don't need to worry," Hendri added. "It seems he was disciplined by them as well."
"Y-yeah... maybe I went too far, grabbing his collar and yelling like that," Julius said, scratching his head.
"That's alright. You're still a positive figure in his life. After all, someone has to keep him in check."
"Heh… if only I could understand what's going on inside his head."
Hendri took another sip of his coffee. Then, with a gentle smile, he said, "That's something every father in the world wishes for."
The man then stood up and took his coat from the rack. He walked out lightly, patting his boss's shoulder before leaving.
A smile spread across Julius's face. He stood up and walked him to the front door.
"Uh, Mr. Hendri… thank you," Julius said. "Also, sorry for getting carried away earlier."
"It's okay. We humans are emotional beings, especially under stress," Hendri replied, adjusting his glasses. "Besides, copy shop businesses aren't exactly thriving anymore, considering most people can handle their own printing these days."
"Sounds about right, hahaha."
Julius let out a wide laugh.
Then he asked again, "And about Zeyn… are you planning to meet him on your way home?"
"Hm? Yeah, perhaps," Hendri replied. "After all, there's a message I need to deliver."
One of Julius's eyebrows lifted. "A message? From…"
His words trailed off, but Hendri had already nodded.
"Yes. A message from his real family."
Once again, Julius swallowed hard. A strained smile crept onto his face.
"Don't worry. It doesn't seem like there will be any trouble," Hendri said with a nod. "Perhaps the Queen simply wishes to see him."
"A-ah, I see."
"Alright, see you tomorrow," Mr. Hendri said, casually walking away.
"Okay, sir. Thank you for today."
Julius gave a small nod of respect.
* * *
Night fell like a curtain no one dared to pull back.
The village streets were empty, swallowed by darkness. Only a few dim lamps flickered along the narrow road, their weak glow barely touching the edge of the forest that loomed like a silent observer.
This was Dewi Ijo Village.
A place where people locked their doors early… and spoke in lowered voices after sunset.
And tonight, it was quieter than usual.
*Creaaak…
A green-painted door slowly opened.
A middle-aged man stepped out, bowing slightly as he handed over a small sum of money. His hands trembled, though he tried to hide it.
"Thank you… truly. Our child… he's finally better."
Zeyn stood there, half-hidden under his hood. His red eyes were dulled behind his glasses, barely noticeable under the faint light.
"If… you don't mind, I can help fix things as well," he said awkwardly. "Feel free to ask anytime."
The man blinked, a little caught off guard. "Ah… right. I'll keep that in mind."
Zeyn gave a small nod and turned away without another word.
The moment he stepped past the yard gate, a woman rushed out from inside, clutching a small child in her arms.
"He's already leaving? You should've asked him to stay longer!" she whispered sharply, glancing at her husband.
The man quickly shook his head. "You know it's better if we don't get too involved," he muttered. "Just let him go."
Her brows furrowed. "What do you mean don't get involved? He just healed our child."
"We already thanked him." His tone stiffened. "That's enough."
She fell silent.
But her eyes didn't leave Zeyn's figure as it slowly faded into the dark road. Her gaze softened, a quiet sadness creeping in.
A boy with no family… living alone near the forest, rarely speaking. People whispered about him. Feared him. Avoided him.
Yet somehow… he was always there when someone needed help.
"Thank you, Zeyn!" she suddenly called out, her voice cutting through the silent night.
"Hey, quiet! No need to shout like that," the man hissed, pulling her back inside.
She flinched.
"And don't say it so carelessly…" he added, his voice dropping lower. "…we don't want to get involved with her."
Without another word, he pulled her inside.
The street fell silent once more.
Zeyn didn't turn around. He kept walking. A small smile formed beneath his hood upon hearing her. For some reason… it brought him a quiet sense of peace.
"Another good deed for today," he murmured. "That should be enough… for now."
Not far from the village, an old gate stood. Its wood warped and weathered with age. Beyond it, the forest thickened.
Hidden among the trees stood a modest house. Small, worn, yet sturdy. Lanterns swayed gently on either side of its porch.
A place where Zeyn had lived ever since he was a child.
Its remote location wasn't a coincidence. People had once been too afraid to live near him.
As he approached, his sharp red eyes narrowed.
"...Oh?"
Someone was already waiting near his door.
Mr. Hendri.
He stood there calmly, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he glanced around the area.
"Your house feels crowded."
Zeyn's gaze softened slightly.
"I don't mind. Honestly, I see them as family," he said calmly. "I imagine you understand. You can see them too, after all."
They weren't speaking about neighbors, but about spirits. Or worse… demons.
In places like this, unseen presences often gathered. They drifted through the woods. Some strong, some faint. Some with form, others only fragments.
"Tomorrow, or the day after… she'll come to visit," Hendri added. "Prepare yourself."
Zeyn paused at his doorstep, his hand resting on the door handle. He let out a quiet breath, his expression unreadable.
"Why should I prepare myself just to meet my own sister?" he asked softly.
"She didn't explain her intentions. I just hope it won't be anything troublesome," Hendri replied.
Silence lingered between them.
Zeyn exhaled in the end. "Good night, sir. And… thank you for the message."
"Rest well."
The door closed.
Hendri turned to leave, his steps steady as he made his way back toward the village.
As he walked away, he glanced once more toward the dark forest… a place no one else would dare to step into.
"I hope she finally stops seeing you as a child… too."
* * * *