"Hi… Raven."
The voice came softly from behind him just as Raven was about to step into the main building.He paused, his fingers tightening slightly at his side, but he didn't turn around immediately.
The girl stood a few steps behind him, clutching the strap of her bag.standing there under the shadow of the tall school structure. When Raven finally turned, his dark eyes met hers—empty, unreadable, distant.
She swallowed.
He looked at her for only a second longer, then turned back toward the entrance, clearly uninterested.
"My name is Soah," she said quickly, as if afraid the moment would disappear if she didn't speak again.
Raven stopped.
Slowly, he turned back and studied her face properly this time. She had soft features, bright eyes filled with curiosity, and an expression that held no fear—
She smiled nervously.
"I was just transferred here today. You're the first person I'm talking to. Do you mind giving me a little of your time?"
Raven said nothing.
Without another word, he turned and walked away, heading straight for the cafeteria. His steps were firm,
Soah blinked, surprised—but only for a moment.
Then she followed him.
The cafeteria calm when he entered . Raven sat alone at a table near the corner, his shoulders slightly hunched, his gaze fixed downward. He looked like someone carrying a storm inside him.
Soah hesitated briefly, then walked over and sat beside him as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"You look sad," she said gently, studying his face. "Your eyes look… dark. Is something bothering you? I can assist, you know."
Raven didn't respond. He didn't even look at her. He simply bent his head lower, his silence heavy and deliberate.
Unbothered, Soah continued talking.
"I came to this school with really good energy," she said brightly. "I think I already love the environment. Everything here seems fine—even though some of the decorations look ancient. And trust me, I love ancient things. My mother used to say that places like this carry memories, that—"
"Will you shut up?!"
Raven's voice exploded through the cafeteria.
Heads turned instantly. Conversations died. The sudden sharpness in his tone made Soah flinch.
Raven stood up abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. His eyes were blazing now, dark and furious as they locked onto her stunned face.
"You said you're new," he snapped. "Can't your senses tell you when someone is not in the mood to talk?"
Soah's mouth opened, but no words came out.
Raven didn't wait. He turned sharply and stormed out of the cafeteria, his footsteps echoing down the corridor. Without slowing, he headed straight for the tree
In one smooth motion, Raven grabbed the trunk and climbed. His movements were fast, fluid. Within seconds, he was high above the ground, settling comfortably on a thick branch
As he always do
He gently closed his eyes.
Below, Soah stood frozen, staring.
Then she smiled.
Instead of walking away, she went straight to the tree.
"Wow," she said, craning her neck upward. "You must have ancient strength. The way you climbed that tree so smoothly… it's amazing."
Raven closed his eyes, pretending she wasn't there.
"So… can you tell me your name now?" Soah asked cheerfully. "I already told you mine."
No answer.
"Oh no," she continued, unfazed. "Don't tell me this is comfortable for you. You can even sleep here? Wow. That's incredible. You really have ancient talent. And I bet—I mean, I really love an—"
In a flash, Raven was on the ground.
Before Soah could react, his hand was around her neck—not tight enough to choke, but firm enough to silence her instantly. Her breath hitched, her eyes widening in pure shock as she stared into his face.
Raven leaned in close, his dark eyes burning into hers, warning.
For a moment, the world felt frozen.
Then he released her.
Soah stumbled back, coughing softly, her hands flying to her throat. Raven didn't say a word. He turned away immediately and walked off, his back rigid, his fists clenched tightly at his sides.
Soah remained standing there, her heart pounding wildly.
Slowly, a smile crept onto her lips.
She watched Raven's retreating figure until he disappeared from sight, her eyes still fixed in the direction he had gone.
Then, without a word, she turned and walked away—calm, curious, and very interested.
As if she had just found exactly what she was looking for.