The school rooftop was quiet, clouds drifting lazily across the sky. Shadow sat alone, knees drawn up, staring blankly at the blue expanse above. Another day. Same old emptiness.
They called him "Shadow." He supposed it fit. He didn't care about much anymore… except the people who refused to leave him alone.
"Still brooding up here?" A cheerful voice interrupted. Mino plopped down beside him, holding two sodas. "Figured you'd be lost forever. Guess what—Mina's hanging out with me later. Might even be a date!"
Shadow didn't react, his expression unreadable. Mino leaned forward, eyes serious. "And this weekend—you're coming camping with us. No more excuses."
Shadow smirked faintly. "You're a pain… but you're my pain. Fine. I'm in. Just… don't let Juno burn the whole forest down. And good luck with Mina. You'll need it."
Mino tilted his head, grin fading slightly. "Hey… why 'Shadow'? You make that up?"
Shadow stared at the sky, eyes distant. "People gave me that name. I kept it. Suits me. Got it back at the orphanage. Even if I find my real name… I'd still stick with Shadow."
Mino laughed, eyes brightening again. "Good. Don't want my idiot friend suddenly changing on me. You're stuck with me, no matter what. So don't let that dark cloud swallow you, alright?"
Back in the classroom, students chatted and laughed, a lively scene. Shadow sat in the corner, sketching a glowing gem in his notebook. Why did he keep drawing it? A gem that didn't exist… but it felt real. Like it was waiting for him.
As the sun set, painting the sky orange, Shadow leaned against the rooftop fence, lost in thought. Days drifted by… yet something lingered. A whisper he couldn't ignore.
Mino waved from the stairs below. "Oi, Shadow! Stop zoning out!"
"Fine… just don't trip over your own feet," Shadow replied dryly, smirking faintly.
His pencil hovered over the gem sketch, almost trembling. Why did it feel like it was calling him? Shadows of the night stretched across the desk as the faint moonlight reflected on the surface. Something was coming. He could feel it.