The clouds had been brooding all day—low and heavy, like they knew a secret the rest of the world didn't.
By the time Rey stepped out toward tuition, the wind had picked up. The streets smelled of dust and memories. Every step he took echoed with Ivy's voice.
"She's been spiraling."
"Not this time."
And then Ryu's shaky voice in the classroom, eyes fogged with something she couldn't explain.
"I'm not... here, right?"
The rain came suddenly—fast and hard, like a slap from the sky. Rey didn't care. He kept walking, water soaking through his shirt and into his skin. He welcomed the cold. Maybe it would numb the rest of him.
From across the road, a pair of eyes tracked his every step.
Arjun Harsh Joshi, leaning against his motorbike, paused mid-scroll on his phone as he noticed the boy under the rain.
Rey? he thought, confused. Why isn't he—
Then, another figure entered the scene.
A girl.
Ryu.
She appeared beside Rey like the rain had summoned her. Holding a simple black umbrella, she stepped close, shielding him without a word.
Arjun's eyes narrowed.
Why's she with him?
And why does Rey look like he's miles away?
Below, under the shared umbrella, the silence between Rey and Ryu thickened.
"You'll get soaked," she said quietly.
He didn't answer. Just kept walking.
"Are you mad at me?" she asked.
He shook his head.
Ryu studied his face—tense jaw, clenched fists, that storm in his eyes. Something wasn't right.
"Since I woke up... you've been different."
Still, nothing.
"I keep feeling like something's missing. Like I forgot something important."
He flinched slightly.
She noticed.
"Maybe you could tell me what it is."
That's when he stopped.
Turned.
And said it flatly:
"You're so childish sometimes."
The words hit harder than thunder.
Her hand tightened on the umbrella handle. "Fine," she whispered. The rain had stopped anyway.
Without looking back, she walked away, her footsteps softer than the sky's apology.
Rey stood at the gate to the tuition building, watching the ghost of what just happened disappear into the mist.
Across the street, Arjun saw everything.
His jaw tightened. He didn't move. But in his gut, something twisted.
He knew both of them.
He also knew the look on Rey's face—one he hadn't seen since they were kids.
Rage, grief, guilt... all wrapped in silence.
Then Rey pulled out his phone.
Arjun tilted his head, watching carefully.
Rey's voice was quiet but sharp through the rain-muffled air.
"Find the boys who hurt her. Teach them a lesson they won't forget."
The call ended.
Rey slipped the phone into his pocket, unaware of the eyes watching from across the street.
Arjun didn't smile.
He didn't speak.
But in that moment, he understood something very clearly—
Whatever Rey was involved in...
It wasn't just about protecting Ryu anymore.
It was about vengeance.