"Haaah."
It was the first time Dave had ever felt a moment of relief at school. Since Hina came, it was almost like they had already become best friends in just a short time. At that moment, Dave didn't care what anyone said; he was simply happy with the way things were going.
Hina was every boy's dream girl. Her beauty was unmatched, and she could easily have been mistaken for a model.
"How did that clown get to claim someone like her?" someone muttered from the front row, his eyes fixed on them. Jealousy was already creeping in, not just for him, but for many others in the class.
At the back corner, Derek and some of his gang sat eyeing Dave and Hina in the middle. One of the boys leaned toward Derek, visibly uncomfortable as he watched. Derek, however, was focused on the teacher.
"The boy's having fun. Any word from the boss? I'm sick and tired of seeing that smile on his face."
"Shut up," Derek said quietly, still watching the lesson. "Interrupt me one more time, and I will toss your ass out the operation."
The boy straightened immediately. He knew when Derek was serious, and he could tell Derek already had a plan.
Soon the class ended, and everyone filed out. As usual, Dave and Hina left together, chatting as they went.
Derek approached, wearing his trademark red leather jacket, black baggy jeans, and a chain around his waist, a peculiar style that had earned the name The Derek Style. His height and muscular build only made him more intimidating.
He and his gang blocked the hallway, drawing everyone's attention. Dave's stomach sank the moment they stopped in front of him and Hina. He looked away, pretending not to notice, but his shoulders stiffened as he counted each breath.
What now? What else do you want from me? He thought. His heart pounded faster, but on the outside, he didn't break the gaze. His face stayed blank, almost like he was ready to stand his ground. He didn't want to look like a coward in front of Hina.
Hina noticed and tugged his hand, trying to guide him away.
"Where do you think you're going, hey pretty lady? We're here to save you princess," Derek jeered, reaching out to touch her.
Disgusted, Hina slapped his hand aside. "Get your hands off me! What do you want?" she snapped, her face filled with anger.
"We're just here for our little friend," Derek said, nodding at Dave. "Excuse us—I need to have a word with him."
He pulled Dave aside to a corner, out of earshot, leaving Hina and the rest of the students watching nervously.
"Hey pony tail.
Meet me at the car park tomorrow at five. Don't worry, we're not going to hurt you. Just a friendly visit, my boy! And fucking come alone. Don't tell anyone, not even your girlfriend. You know what'll happen if you don't."
He whispered the words, smirked at Hina, then walked away.
"What's with you people? Let me go!" Hina struggled, trying to reach Dave, but the gang blocked her until Derek finished. Then they pulled back and followed him.
Hina saw the distress in Dave's eyes as Derek left. He looked frozen, his gaze darting around as though he'd seen a ghost.
"Is everything okay, Dave? What did he say?" she asked, her voice soft but concerned. Her fists clenched; their presence alone had angered her.
"He… he was just asking about you, that's all. Wanted to know when I'd be free to chat," Dave lied, trying to sound casual. His voice shook no matter how hard he tried to hide it.
"That's a lie. That's the face of someone who wants something twisted. Tell me the truth." Hina pressed, looking him straight in the eye. But Dave wasn't ready, he didn't want her involved.
"Yeah, that's really all he said. Nothing to worry about. How about your dad? He seems cool, always picking you up in that fancy car." Dave forced a change of subject. He was under pressure, talking more about Derek could make him break down.
"Oh no, don't try to dodge it so fast."
They were already walking toward the exit. Dave was on the verge of confessing when he finally muttered, "I told you, you don't have to worry. He was just saying you were his, that's all."
"Look, Dave, it doesn't matter. I will....oh, shit.."
Hina cut herself short when she noticed a familiar car near the entrance. There was no mistaking it, her father had actually come.
He stepped out and opened the door for her. Hina's mood shifted instantly. She couldn't keep her cheerful mask as she walked toward the car. Everyone stared, not at her, but at the car, too glorious to ignore.
She didn't meet Dave's eyes through the window. Instead, she stared straight ahead, pretending they weren't close. Dave noticed.
"That doesn't look like a happy family," he muttered to himself.
On the drive home, Hina and her father, a stern Japanese man sat in silence. His face was hard, unyielding. Finally, he spoke, his voice firm as he glanced at her in the rearview mirror.
"Who was that boy you were with? I need answers now," demanded Sir Haku
"He's just a friend, Dad. Is there something wrong with that?" Hina replied.
"You've only been at that school four days, and you're already making a boyfriend? What about the girls?" Haku said sharply.
"I'm not letting you decide who my friends are. You're not living my life."
"You're just like your mother, stubborn, never listening. That stubbornness is exactly why she died," Haku snapped, letting the words slip.
The blow landed hard. The harsh words dragged up painful memories of her mother, who had passed away years ago. Tears welled in Hina's eyes, but she swallowed her anger and stayed silent as the car rolled on.
Meanwhile, Dave returned home and headed straight to his room, ignoring his mom's voice from the kitchen.
"Dave, how was school today?" Rita called.
"It was good."
But his mind was elsewhere. Derek's words wouldn't leave him. What kind of people wanted to see him?
He sank onto his bed, his eyes drifting as though searching for something forgotten. After a moment, he began rummaging through drawers and wardrobes until finally, he found it, a strange orb, black and blue with peculiar markings. He had kept it hidden for years, even from his mom.
The memory of the day he received it burned in his mind. He was only eight when his class had taken a trip to the city of Encounter in Saudi Arabia. The city was famous for the monumental ship, also called the City of the Great Encounter.
The remains of a battle seventy-five years ago.
The ship, visible for miles, housed the largest Izigan museum, a tribute to the heroes who died trying to stop the war. That trip had changed everything. The unexpected happened that day, and afterward, his classmates began treating all Izigans with disdain, especially Dave.