The next day, Nix woke up feeling much better. After releasing the weight he had carried for so long, the stress that once clouded his chest now felt lighter.
A knock came from the door.
"Nix, wake up! It's your first day of school!" Kaori called out.
Nix's eyes widened. He jumped out of bed, thinking he was late. He rushed to the bathroom, brushed his teeth, then headed straight for the kitchen, where Kaori and Zane were already having breakfast.
As soon as he stepped in, they both burst out laughing.
"What?" Nix asked, confused.
Zane stood and walked over, fixing Nix's shirt. "Your buttons are all off, man."
Kaori smirked. "You don't have to rush around here. We'll always wake you up early so you have time to eat and get ready."
Zane added, "But the real question is—are you ready for today?"
Nix sighed. "I didn't even check the time. I just heard Kaori and panicked. I'll be more responsible next time." He glanced away. "I guess I'm a little nervous. I don't know anyone at school."
Kaori smiled warmly. "Don't worry. I bet you'll make friends quickly. You're pretty awesome."
Her words eased his nerves. "Thanks, Kaori. I'm gonna eat real quick and catch the bus."
Just then, Aqua walked into the kitchen.
"Good morning, everyone," she said cheerfully.
Nix froze as he looked at her. She looked stunning in her school uniform, and his face flushed red. But he quickly reminded himself: She has a boyfriend.
Kaori noticed and pulled Nix to the side.
"Hey, remember what I told you—plenty of fish, don't stress."
Nix laughed. "You keep saying 'fish' and it lightens my mood every time. It's funny."
Kaori laughed with him. "Exactly. Just go, study, have fun. Maybe someday—who knows—Aqua might be available. But for now, don't stop moving forward. Talk to other girls too, okay?"
In her thoughts, Kaori added silently: I'm pretty sure you two are going to be something. You've got a special connection. And I won't get in the way.
Nix nodded. "Thanks, Kaori. I appreciate it. Gotta get going."
As he walked toward the bus stop, he heard footsteps rushing behind him.
"Wait up, Nix!"
He turned and saw Aqua jogging toward him. "Sure, I'll wait."
They walked side by side.
"Hey," Aqua asked, "are we okay?"
Nix nodded. "Yeah, we're good."
In his mind, he thought, I shouldn't give her a hard time. It's not her fault.
"Hey, Aqua," he said with a grin, "let's race to the bus stop."
Aqua smirked. "Sure—but I'm gonna beat you."
"Keep dreaming," Nix replied, laughing.
They took off running. They were neck and neck, but as they neared the stop, Nix slowed just slightly and let her win.
Breathing heavily, Aqua teased, "See? Told you I'd win."
Nix smiled. "Okay, okay. You won. Just let me catch my breath."
"Hey, I've got a question," he said. "Where does Lina go to school?"
"She doesn't," Aqua replied. "She already graduated. She'll be in college this year. Right now, she's just working on her project at home."
Nix's eyes lit up. "So you know about the project? Can you tell me what it is?"
Aqua laughed. "Nope, it's a secret. She'll show everyone once it's done."
"I'll just wait, then," Nix said, intrigued. "But let me know when it's finished. I want to get her a gift to congratulate her."
Aqua smiled. "Sure."
The bus finally arrived, and they boarded. Nix found a seat, and Aqua looked toward the back, where her friends were.
"Can I sit with you?" she asked.
Why do I want to sit with him? she wondered. My friends are in the back…
Nix smiled. "Yeah, I don't mind."
As she sat beside him, her friends whispered from the back, questioning whether she was cheating. But Nix and Aqua were oblivious to the rumors.
When they arrived at school, they stepped off the bus together. Nathaniel was already waiting.
Aqua smiled and ran over. "I'm so happy to see you, Nathaniel."
"Really nice to see you too," he replied. They kissed.
Nix looked away awkwardly, and Nathaniel noticed.
"This is my friend Nix," Aqua said. "He's new here and staying with us."
Nix nodded. "Nice to meet you."
Nathaniel's reply was flat and cold. "Same."
Nix could tell he didn't mean it.
Aqua turned to Nix. "You good finding your class?"
"I'll figure it out," he replied. He's definitely a jerk, Nix thought.
They split off, and Nix wandered the hall, quickly realizing he was lost.
"Hey, are you lost?" a girl asked, approaching him with a smile.
Nix let out a breath. "Yeah, I need help finding my class."
"I got you," she said. "I'm Samantha, but you can call me Sam. Looks like I'll be your first friend here."
"Nice to meet you, Sam. I'm Nix."
"What's your first class?"
"Looks like math, room 304."
Sam's eyes lit up. "No way, that's my class too! Let's go."
They arrived a bit late. The teacher looked up. "Sam, why are you late? And who's this?"
"Helping Nix—he's new."
All eyes turned to Nix.
"Well, Nix," the teacher said, "welcome. Want to introduce yourself?"
Nix scratched his head. "Hi. I'm Nix. I just moved here recently… and I'll do my best in school."
The teacher raised a brow, surprised by how mature he sounded. "Nice to meet you. Go ahead and sit with Sam. She's one of my top students—she can help you catch up."
Class began. Sam leaned over. "Let me see your schedule… Looks like we've got all our classes together."
Nix smiled. "Guess we'll be hanging out a lot."
"Only if you want to," she teased.
"Yeah, I'd like that."
Time passed, and eventually they made it to gym class.
"Do you play any sports?" Sam asked.
"Not really. I'm okay at basketball, though."
"Well, I'm not that great—but let's play!"
They were about to start when Nathaniel appeared, bullying a kid on the bench.
Sam rushed over. "Leave my brother alone, Nathaniel!"
"I'll do what I want," Nathaniel snapped.
Nix stepped forward. "Why don't you pick on someone your own size? Does Aqua know how you treat people?"
Nathaniel sneered. "Aqua's not here. And if you come between us, I'll make your life hell."
Nix didn't back down. "Big words for a coward. Trust me—you wouldn't win in a fight."
Whispers filled the gym.
"The new guy's picking a fight with Nathaniel…"
"Is he nuts? Nathaniel's the captain of the basketball team!"
Nix raised a brow. "Captain, huh? Let's make it fair. One-on-one. If I win, you leave Kal alone."
Nathaniel smirked. "Fine. But if I win, you don't talk to Aqua again."
"That's a dumb deal, considering we live together—but fine."
The gym grew quiet. The match began.
Nix made the first move—quick, controlled, surprising everyone. He dribbled left, then spun to the right, launching a clean jump shot.
Swish.
The crowd gasped.
Nathaniel narrowed his eyes.
"One point," the coach called.
Nathaniel grabbed the ball, shoulders tense. "You got lucky."
Nathaniel snatched the ball with force, dribbling hard as he made his way toward the basket. His movements were aggressive—sharp turns, explosive steps. He faked left and spun right, launching into the air and slamming the ball through the hoop.
"1 to 1," the coach called out.
Nix nodded. Alright, so he's fast. But I've got heart.
He caught the inbound and faced Nathaniel again. The crowd was starting to cheer, half for the star player, half for the newcomer who dared to challenge him.
This time, Nix moved slower—more calculated. He feigned a crossover, stepped back, and with a sudden burst of speed, drove toward the hoop. Nathaniel moved to block—
—but Nix slid beneath his arm and scored.
"2 to 1!"
The students were impressed. Sam smiled from the sidelines, quietly rooting for him.
Nathaniel's smile faded.
"You're getting cocky," he muttered.
"I'm just playing the game," Nix replied.
Nathaniel took the ball again, this time more furious. He powered through Nix with a shoulder bump—nearly knocking him off balance—and dunked again.
"2 to 2," the coach said sternly, narrowing his eyes at the shove.
Nix rubbed his shoulder. That was cheap. But I can't lose my cool.
As he got the ball back, his hand trembled slightly—only this time, it wasn't from nerves.
The temperature shifted.
A few students rubbed their arms. "Is it getting… cold?"
Nix didn't notice it, but the air around him shimmered faintly.
He exhaled and whispered to himself, "Focus. No powers."
With new determination, he sprinted forward, stopping just past the free throw line. He jumped—time slowed—and the moment felt still.
Then—swish.
"3 to 2."
Nathaniel looked stunned. "Okay… now you're pissing me off."
He rushed toward Nix without waiting for the ball, slamming it against the court. The coach stepped in.
"Hey! Keep it clean."
But Nathaniel wasn't hearing it anymore. He passed the ball to Nix with a glare.
"This ends now."
Nix didn't respond. He focused, dribbled left, faked right, and stepped back for a three-pointer. As he jumped, his body felt light—like he could float.
The ball arced high—and dropped straight through.
"4 to 2!"
The crowd went wild.
Nathaniel was furious. "You little—"
He tried to charge again, but Sam stepped between them.
"Enough! This was supposed to be a game."
Nathaniel shoved past her, and the coach finally blew the whistle. "Game's over! Nix wins—4 to 2. Nathaniel, hit the locker room. Now."
The captain stormed off.
The students crowded around Nix.
"Dude, that was amazing!"
Sam ran over, hugging him. "You did it! Thank you for helping my little brother!"
Kal added, "Why did you help me?"
Nix shrugged. "I don't know… just felt right."
Sam asked, "Want to eat lunch with us?"
"Sure."
"Oh, and this is Kal—my little brother."
"Nice to meet you, Kal."
They left the gym together.
In the locker room, Nathaniel fumed.
His team was disappointed and said "we thought you were better"
Nathaniel got even angrier.
He called Aqua and twisted the story, playing the victim—claiming Nix humiliated him and told him not to talk to her again.
In the cafeteria, Nix, Sam, and Kal ate together.
Kal asked, "Do you think Nathaniel will bother me again?"
"I'm not sure," Nix said. "He doesn't seem like a man of his word."
"You know Aqua?" Sam asked. "Why do you seem jealous?"
Nix grew nervous. "We live together… and I'm not jealous."
Sam frowned. "To be honest, I don't like Aqua. She's ignorant."
Nix frowned. "Why?"
"She used to be my friend, but now Nathaniel controls her. He treats her badly, and she doesn't see it."
Nix clenched his jaw. "I should do something."
"Don't," Sam warned. "You'll only get hurt. She has to see it herself."
Just then, the air around Nix grew cold. A spark danced on his fingertip—but no one noticed.
Aqua walked in.
"Nix, we need to talk. Privately."
"Same. I need to talk to you."
They walked out.
By the lockers, Aqua folded her arms.
"Did you really challenge Nathaniel today? He said you humiliated him."
Nix frowned. "That's not what happened. He was bullying Kal. I challenged him to a match to get him to stop."
"He also said you told him not to talk to me…"
"What? That's not true. He made the match personal. I just wanted to protect someone."
Aqua looked torn. "I… don't know who to believe."
Nix stepped back. "You don't know who to believe? Aqua, you know me."
"I've known Nathaniel a long time…"
"But do you really know him?" Nix asked quietly. "He's not who you think he is."
She looked down. "It's complicated."
"I get it. But I'm not going to change who I am. I stood up because it was right. Not for you. Not for him. Because it was right."
He turned to leave.
"I hope one day… you'll see that too."
Aqua stood there, heart twisting with guilt, confusion… and something she couldn't name.
She looked down at her hands, feeling the faintest warmth—like her body was reacting to something it didn't understand.
Nix walked back over to Sam and Kal.
Sam asked, "Is everything alright?"
Nix sighed. "I'm not sure. I tried, but… she doesn't listen. Just like you said."
Sam nodded. "I know you're worried about her, but let's not think about it right now. You just beat the basketball captain—we should celebrate."
Nix gave a half-smile. "You're probably right. I should give her some space. What should we do?"
Sam grinned. "We've got two more classes left, but after school, I know a taco place you're gonna love."
Nix replied seriously, "I'm allergic to tacos."
Sam's face dropped. "Really?"
Nix laughed. "No! Who's allergic to tacos? They're delicious—let's go."
Sam blushed, thinking, He's so adorable… and hot.
"Alright, funny guy," she said. "Tacos after school it is. You too, Kal. Let's go."
Kal shook his head. "I can't. I'm meeting a friend to play video games."
Nix ruffled his hair. "It's fine, little man. Go have fun."
Kal ran off. Nix and Sam headed to class and focused hard the rest of the day.
After school, they walked together. As they left campus, Sam turned to him.
"So… Nix, do you have a girlfriend?"
Nix coughed awkwardly. "No, I don't."
Yes! Sam thought. I can make him mine.
"Do you like anyone?"
Nix hesitated, then looked away. "I'm… not sure."
Sam raised a brow. "Not sure? Don't you feel anything—like someone drives you crazy just by thinking about them?"
Nix thought of Aqua. Immediately, the air around them grew cold.
Sam shivered. "Weird… why is it cold in the middle of summer?"
Nix realized what was happening—it was him. He quickly closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. Slowly, the air returned to normal.
"You didn't answer," Sam reminded him.
Nix forced a small smile. "No… I don't like anyone."
Sam let it go. "Don't worry. You'll find someone soon." She pointed up ahead. "There's the taco place—let's eat!"
They ordered and sat at a booth.
"Okay, these tacos are awesome," Nix said with a grin.
"Told you!" Sam laughed. "And I really wanted to thank you properly… for helping my brother."
"It's nothing," Nix replied. "Nathaniel's an ass anyway. I still can't believe Aqua is with someone like him."
Jealousy flared in his chest—and a spark of lightning flicked off his fingertips under the table. Sam noticed but didn't say anything right away.
Did I just see a spark? Or am I imagining things?
After a moment, she asked, "Hey, Nix… can you walk me home?"
"Sure," Nix said with a smile. "Let's go."
As they cut through an alley, a man stepped out in front of them.
"Give me all your money."
Nix instinctively reacted. A burst of flame lit in his palm, casting orange light over the dark alley.
The robber backed away in fear and ran off.
Sam stood frozen. "Did you just—was that fire?! From your hand?!"
Nix's heart raced. "Please… don't say anything."
Sam stared at him. "What are you?"
"I don't know," Nix admitted. "Can we sit somewhere? I'll tell you everything."
They found a quiet bench nearby, and Nix began to explain.
"I don't know what's happening to me. These powers… they just started showing up. Before I moved in with Aqua's mom, I was in a car accident. My dad was drunk. He saw a man with fire hands. My mom died that night, and my dad got taken away. Then Kaori took me in, and ever since… things have changed. I'm scared of what it means."
Sam looked at him, eyes wide. "You've been through a lot… but what do you think caused it?"
"I visited my dad," Nix said, "and he thinks it's because of Aqua."
"Aqua?" Sam frowned. "Why her?"
"Well, everything started happening around her—at the park, or when I think of her…"
Sam sat back, surprised. "I didn't see that coming… So I guess that means I've got no shot."
Nix blinked. "What do you mean?"
"Don't worry about it," she said quickly. "Have you told Aqua about this?"
Nix shook his head. "No. I've kept it secret. I'm afraid if anyone finds out… they'll send me away. And I love living with them."
Sam smiled softly. "That's sweet. Don't worry—I'll keep your secret."
She stood up. "But we should talk more another time. It's getting late, and my parents will freak."
Nix hesitated. "Aren't you… scared of me?"
Sam smiled warmly. "Of course not, silly. You saved us from a robber. I'm gonna be part of your life, no matter what. And if you ever need to talk, I'll be here."
Nix smiled, touched. "Thanks, Sam."
He walked her home. When they reached her door, she turned.
"Well… this is me. Thanks for walking me."
She gave him a quick hug and walked inside.
Nix turned and headed back home.
When he walked in, Kaori was waiting.
"Hey, Nix," Kaori said seriously. "We need to talk… about what happened at school."