Ray slumped in his seat during class, his mind drifting to thoughts of Kate even as he fought off a pounding headache and the sting of fresh bruises on his face. His rough, beat-up look wasn't exactly subtle, and Sanji wasn't one to let it slide.
Sanji sidled up with a cheeky grin. "Yo, Ray, did you wrestle a bear on your way here or what?" he teased, eyes dancing with mischief.
Ray didn't even look at him. "Shut it, Sanji," he muttered, rubbing his temple. "Not in the mood."
Unfazed, Sanji leaned in with exaggerated curiosity. "Cool, cool. So, what'd you get for that last problem? The one about calculating the coefficient of dynamic friction on a composite ramp surface with variable incline, factoring in rotational inertia and air resistance?"
Ray blinked slowly. "What the hell did you just say? What math problem?"
"Sanji raised an eyebrow. "You know, the one the teacher literally just did. Two minutes ago."You mean you didn't catch it? Man, and here I thought you had superhuman reflexes."
Ray groaned, realizing Sanji knew damn well he'd been asleep. "You're such a punk."
Ray's face twisted. "You knew I was sleeping."
"Yup," Sanji said brightly. "Just wanted to hear you admit it."
Ray let out an annoyed groan. "You're the worst."
"Aw, don't be mad." Sanji slid his notebook over with a smirk. "Here. Got the answer down with steps and everything. You're welcome, Sleeping Beauty."
Ray hesitated, then reluctantly pulled the notebook closer. "...Thanks."
Sanji clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't mention it. You'll get me back next time I faceplant in chem."
Ray rolled his eyes but didn't argue. "Yeah, yeah."
After class, Ray's thoughts inevitably returned to Kate. He resolved to find out more about her. As he headed out for his next class, his path intersected with Kate's.
Ray was standing in the hallway, trying to shake off the lingering ache in his body. His disheveled appearance wasn't helping him blend in, but he couldn't care less. His thoughts kept drifting back to Kate, his mind racing over the strange pull he felt whenever she was around.
Kate walked down the hall, her friends chattering excitedly around her, but something about the way she paused, eyes darting over the crowd, caught Mr. Man's attention. He followed her gaze to where Ray stood, leaning against a locker with his usual cool, detached demeanor, but the way Kate's expression softened, the slight blush creeping up her neck—it didn't go unnoticed.
Mr. Man tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. He cleared his throat and leaned closer to Kate, who hadn't noticed him yet. "Is that the guy?"
Kate blinked, clearly startled by the question. She quickly glanced over at Ray, then back at Mr. Man, a faint smile tugging at her lips as her cheeks flushed a little deeper. "Uh, yeah... that's him," she replied softly, her voice betraying just a hint of warmth.
Mr. Man studied her reaction carefully, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Hmm," he mused, folding his arms across his chest. "You don't exactly look indifferent."
Kate quickly shook her head, trying to regain her usual composure. "It's not like that," she said quickly, but the faint smile didn't quite leave her face.
"Oh, it's definitely like something," Mr. Man teased, his voice lowering as he leaned in a bit. "I've never seen you look at a guy like that before. What's the deal? A little crush, maybe?"
Kate stifled a laugh, shaking her head. "It's... complicated," she muttered, the color in her cheeks deepening.
Mr. Man grinned, clearly enjoying the teasing. "Complicated, huh? Well, just be careful. Some guys with that 'bad-boy' look tend to stir up more trouble than they're worth."
Kate shot him a playful but pointed look. "I'll be fine."
"Just make sure you don't let your heart get tangled up in it too quickly," Mr. Man added with a mock-serious tone. "Trust me, you don't want to end up stuck in a soap opera."
Kate rolled her eyes, though her smile widened. "Thanks for the advice, but I can handle it. I promise."
Mr. Man gave a mock salute. "Alright, alright. Just be sure to let me know if you need any dirt on him. I've got some choice bits of gossip floating around."
Kate smirked. "You're a real piece of work, Mr. Man."
Once the final bell rang and school let out, Kate returned home to an unusually warm welcome from her sister, Rose. The sudden shift in Rose's mood caught Kate off guard.
Kate settled at the kitchen table as Rose busied herself at the stove, stirring a pot of soup.
"What's got you in such a good mood today?" Kate asked, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Rose's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief.
"Oh, nothing really—just happy to finally have a day all to myself," she said casually.
Kate frowned. "But... didn't you have to help Mom at the park today?"
Rose spun around, hands on her hips, a sly smirk playing on her lips.
"Nope. Not today. That job's all yours—Mom wants you out there."
Kate slammed her hand on the table, frustration bubbling up.
"What? But I already have plans! I was supposed to—"
Rose cut her off with a sharp glance.
"You were supposed to be there five minutes ago."
Kate bolted for the door, but just as she reached it, Rose called after her, "Want some food to go?"
Grumbling, Kate grabbed a ladle and scooped some soup into a bowl before hoisting her bag onto her shoulder and rushing out the door.
As she arrived at the ranger station, her mom waved from the door.
"Thanks, kiddo!" her mom said, while taking the bag. "Felix's mom Reltha dropped him off earlier. He's new around here. I thought you could show him around the park."
Kate glanced over at the boy standing by the edge of the station. He was a bit younger than her, with wild, untamed blond hair that fell unevenly over his forehead. A small horizontal scar was viable under his right eye. He had gray-blue eyes and is sharp and watchful. He wore faded green cargo shorts and an oversized yellow T-shirt with a peeling cartoon graphic. On his left wrist was a worn, knotted bracelet made of twine and shiny stones.
Kate shrugged. "Sure, why not."
They wandered deep into the forest, chatting about whatever came to mind, until they reached a part of the park neither of them had ever seen before. The trees here were ancient, with thick trunks and silvered leaves that shimmered like they were dusted in moonlight. It was stunning, untouched by time or human hands.
Felix began fidgeting with his bracelet
"Are you alright?" asked Kate.
Yeah, I just feel a little uneasy said Felix.
Yeah, the forest can be a little scary sometimes, is that a good luck charm? Asked Kate
"This bracelet?" Felix nodded, serious now. "It protects me. From evil."
Kate raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
"My mom gave it to me when I was little. She said it wears off over time, like it loses strength. That's why I'm never supposed to take it off. Not even for a second."
"From evil, though?" Kate echoed, half-joking.
But Felix didn't smile. "She meant it....I think she was right."
Kate studied him for a beat longer, then looked back into the forest. Something about the silence felt deeper now.
"Well," she said, quieter, "then you better keep that thing on."
Felix didn't say anything—he just nodded and tightened the bracelet around his wrist.
Kate bumped his arm gently. "I've got a charm too, though it's not a bracelet." She lifted the goggles resting on her head. "These? My dad brought them back from one of his trips to Egypt. When I was younger, my powers were all over the place — headaches, nosebleeds, sometimes I couldn't even think straight. These help me focus. Keep me grounded."
Felix looked at her, eyes bright. "That's... really something. I want to see the world someday — maybe even outer space."
Kate smiled softly, the weight of her own dreams echoing in her voice. "That's a good dream. The sky's the only limit, Felix."
His tone lowered, almost a whisper. "Honestly? I wish I could be anywhere but here. This place feels... off."
She felt it too. It was as though the forest itself was alive, watching them. In front of her, a set of glowing rocks formed a winding path that led deeper into the unknown.