Lauran stood impatiently at the entrance to the tower.
"Hey! What is taking you all so long? We're going to be late!"
A few minutes later the boys arrived. Bolt tugged at the hem of his sweater and muttered,
"They turned me into a model… let's just go already."
The others studiously avoided Lauran's glare.
Outside, the winter scenery was breathtaking. The mist hung low and the snow sparkled like diamond dust under the pale sun. The scent of fresh bread and sweet buns wafted from nearby bakeries.
They entered the net café and claimed seats in the middle row. Few people were there, and Lauran quickly logged into Galactic Heroes while the boys went to grab snacks.
At the vending machine, Bolt dropped a coin and bent to pick it up — only to see a foot come down on it. He looked up into the sneer of a boy leaning lazily against the glass.
"Well, if it isn't the abandoned freak. What are you doing here?"
It was Ben, flanked by his usual group of minions.
Bolt straightened and met his eyes.
"This is a café where everyone comes to play with their friends or make some," he said evenly, slipping another coin into the slot. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have marshmallows and candy to get for mine. Maybe you should try enjoying the winter break, too."
Ben moved to block him again, but froze when he heard footsteps.
"Bolt, you okay? Did he hurt you?" Luke's voice was sharp. Kaya loomed behind him, glaring.
"No. Let's go. Lean will kill us if we're late," Bolt replied.
Back at their table, Lauran grabbed Bolt's wrist.
"You look pale. Are you alright?"
"Just old bullies," he muttered.
"Do you want me to skin them?" Luke offered dryly.
"No need," Bolt said, forcing a small smile. "If they try again, I'll fight back."
"Good," Hennery added softly. "I can teach you to use a dagger. A good defense."
After a few hours playing Minecraft and Galactic Heroes, they left the café for dinner.
On the street, Hennery accidentally bumped into another group — and the leader sneered.
"Hennery! What's someone like you doing here? …Ah, Your Highness." He noticed Kaya and made a mocking bow. "Why hang around with losers like him?"
Before Hennery could speak, Lauran stepped between them, eyes blazing.
"Who are you calling a loser? You dare insult a lady's knight? And question a prince's judgment? Know your place."
Kaya and Luke flanked them, their glares enough to send Daniel and his group retreating — but not without a parting shot.
"Enjoy your little party while you can. Next time, you won't be so lucky."
When he was gone, Hennery dropped to his knees, shaken. Kaya helped him up.
"Sorry," Kaya murmured. "He's part of the opposition. But you're right, Lean — we won't let people like him win. We'll stand together."
Lauran smiled warmly and patted both their shoulders.
"Exactly. My father always said: the crown may be heavy, but you don't wear it alone. We all have our burdens — but we'll face them together."
Luke whistled.
"Lean, are you secretly a god in disguise? You always know what to say."
"No," Lauran laughed. "Just a commander's daughter. It's in my blood."
The mood lightened. Luke suggested KFC to celebrate becoming an official group. Kaya teased him about finally saying something sensible, and Bolt added,
"We can't predict the future, but we can prepare for it — together."
On their way back, burgers in hand, Hennery reminded them about exams.
"We still have files and reports due," he said.
"I'll help," he added quietly.
"I need to attend Haikai's New Year party," Lauran announced. "And none of you are allowed to interfere. But I will make sure she regrets what she said about Bolt."
Back at the tower, they knelt dramatically in front of Lauran and Hennery.
"Please help us finish our work, Lady Lauran and Sir Hennery," Luke said.
"Fine," Lauran said, smiling faintly. "But you owe us."
It took four hours to finish everything.
"Alright," Lauran declared. "Now help me pick an outfit for the party."
"Suit," Luke suggested.
"No — something elegant but authoritative," Kaya countered.
"Fine. Tomorrow we shop," Lauran said.
As everyone drifted to their rooms, Kaya opened his diary.
"I need to keep them safe. I'll change my fate this time. I won't let anyone die like before. I finally have real friends. Please… let it stay this way."
Hennery lay awake too, planning quietly.
"I must strengthen our bonds and prevent their deaths. Even if I've gone back in time, this time I'll do it right."
Meanwhile, Lauran sat up, realization dawning.
"Wait — Hennery and Kaya… they're from the real world too? This story has completely changed. We're all living our second lives… are we cats?!"