Justin had invited himself into Von's life three weeks prior.
Three weeks of mayhem.
Three weeks of near-expulsions, blood, and bruises.
Three weeks of narrowly escaping detection—all because of Justin's electrified fingers and arrogant smile.
It was hell for Von.
"You realize this is crazy, don't you?" As they hid behind a supply shed close to the gym, Von muttered. One of the spotlights that swept across the yard went by only a few inches above their heads.
Justin laughed. "Calm down. You worry too much.
"We're going to be arrested, and that's the only reason I'm worried."
"If they can't catch us, it's not an arrest." Beside him, Justin tapped the chain-link fence. The nearby security drone was shorted by the metal's intense spark, and it plummeted into the ground with a satisfying thunk.
Von winced. "Justin, that's not a way to unwind! It is a federal offense.
Justin had a proud expression. "Yes, it is."
"What are you looking for anyway?" Von asked. "Just keep your head down and follow me," Justin smirked.
This was the pattern that had emerged, a familiar rhythm woven into the fabric of events.
"Justin once pulled Von into a restricted area of the school.
They "accidentally" caused half of the building to go dark on another day.
Then there was the time they had to escape a checkpoint after Justin blazed like a human bug zapper to prevent the kidnapping of a tagged girl.
Von panicked every time.
Justin grinned every time.
They always managed to escape.
Von didn't know why he continued to accompany him. It might have been guilt. Curiosity, perhaps. Perhaps it was because he was never treated like a broken person by Justin.
But for the most part, Von felt as though Justin was the damn river, and he was simply being pulled along by the current.
Moonlight was coming through the blinds in the dimly lit dorm. Von's body ached from the day's turmoil as he lay on his bed and stared at the ceiling. Justin was on the other bunk with headphones around his neck and one leg hanging down.
Justin: "Are you okay?"
Von: "I'm just exhausted." "Have you ever wondered why we have these powers?" (pause)
Justin: "Yes. Always.
Von spoke softly and quietly.
Von: "Everything worsened after my mother passed away. My father has changed. I believed that having power would allow me to make changes. Be less... worthless.
Justin sat up a little.
Justin: "Dude, you're not worthless. Believe me.
He hesitated, his gaze averted.
Justin: "My parents ditched me when I was nine. Just left. No goodbye, no note. I bounced between places and people who didn't care. Thought maybe if I had powers, I'd finally matter."
Startled, Von turned to face him.
Von: "I was not aware."
Justin: "Not your fault. Just… I get it, you know? Feeling broken."
A comfortable silence fell between them.
Justin: "This wasn't what we asked for. However, there might be a chance. To transcend what the world has created us into.
Von: "You believe we can?"
Justin: "I think we have to," he said slyly.
Von gave a little, genuine chuckle.
Von: "I'm grateful."
"Don't get all soft on me," said Justin.
Von: "Too late," he said with a smirk.
*The dorms had always felt more like containment than comfort. After the mass awakenings began, the government issued strict education reforms: teenagers and young adults—those most likely to awaken under emotional or physical stress—were to be monitored closely. Schools turned into watch zones. Dormitories weren't just about education anymore; they were precaution wrapped in concrete and routine. A way to keep the ticking time bombs close.