His footsteps led him to the usual place.
It was Kalin. He walked carefully, scanning his surroundings with quiet caution.
The place seems safe, he thought to himself.
From the corner of his eye, he noticed them on the other side, talking in a foolish way. He continued walking, pretending not to notice. They were moving closer in small, light steps.
They think I didn't see them. How amusing.
Suddenly—
Mira threw her arms around him tightly, smiling brightly.
"How are you? Are you okay? Tell me."
She touched his face gently.
Strange. What happened to her?
Was she afraid?
Or… was she with them? No. No, that can't be.
"Mira?" he said lightly. "What did you just say?"
She blinked. "Huh?"
"Nothing," Kalin replied calmly. "If you need me, tell me. I'm here to protect you. Don't worry."
She smiled warmly. "And I'm with you."
They entered the classroom. A polite classmate asked Kalin for help with homework. He agreed without complaint.
A few minutes later, the teacher announced that the school would begin a talent competition.
"Who would like to participate?"
Kalin hesitated.
Should I?
What if they mock me?
He loved playing the violin. It was calm. Classical. It felt like him.
Mira leaned closer. "Why not join? You like it, don't you?"
"…Yes. I'll participate."
He wrote his name down.
But suddenly, a voice interrupted.
"Miss, instead of something like that, why don't we play football or basketball? Wouldn't that be better?"
The others began to agree.
The boy's eyes shifted toward Kalin.
"Let's make it interesting. A challenge. Whoever wins gets to ask the loser for a small favor."
His tone carried mockery.
Kalin remained silent.
The teacher asked gently, "Would you like to join the challenge? You can perform your talent next time."
"I will," Kalin answered without hesitation. His voice steady. "Yes. I agree."
The boy smirked. "Great. And why do you always wear that creepy hat under your coat? Trying to look mysterious?"
He leaned back arrogantly, crossing his legs as if he ruled the room.
One sharp look from Kalin was enough.
After school, Kalin and Mira left together.
"This is great, Kalin! Where should we go? I don't want to go home yet. I want to spend more time with you."
"So do I," he replied, offering a small, genuine smile.
They went to a quiet garden far from the noise of the city. Nature surrounded them. They sat in silence at first.
Mira opened her bag. It was filled with snacks, juice, and a camera.
"Kalin! I brought your favorite food. And juice. And snacks. And most importantly—the camera! Isn't it wonderful?"
"Of course. Are we taking pictures?"
"Always. They're my memories."
He smiled at her.
Their eyes met.
No words. Just silence.
Something unspoken passed between them.
Mira quickly looked away, embarrassed. A strand of hair fell across her face, and she tucked it behind her ear.
They looked at the sky. Peace filled the air.
They laughed, ate, remembered old moments—carefully avoiding the earlier tension.
Yet inside, Kalin's thoughts returned.
Did they leave me alone on purpose? Are they planning something? What do they want from me?
He clenched his jaw.
Mira suddenly stood and grabbed his hand. "Come on!"
They ran, took pictures, danced, slipped on the grass, laughed freely—like real friends.
Then suddenly—
Mira asked, quietly:
"Are you… in love with me? Because I like you. A lot. You're very beautiful."
She was nervous. So was he.
Kalin looked at her. "What do you think? I wanted to say that too."
He took both her hands. They stood face to face.
His voice was calm. Honest.
"Someday… will you marry me? You're my favorite girl. I think about you every night. Do you believe me?"
She looked at him with wide, innocent eyes. Then lowered her gaze shyly.
"…Y-Yes."
She hugged him tightly, as if seeking warmth and safety. He didn't hesitate. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
Time passed unnoticed.
They walked back slowly, hand in hand.
At her door, she smiled softly.
"Goodbye, Kalin. I hope tomorrow is as beautiful as today. See you."
"Goodbye."
When he arrived home, the house was quiet.
His mother was asleep in her chair. His father resting nearby. They were exhausted.
They gave me this life. I love them.
He covered his father gently and kissed him.
His mother stirred awake. "Karl? Is that you?"
"Yes. I just arrived."
"You're late."
"I was with Mira. We had a good time. I wish you were there."
She smiled, brushing his hair softly. "You deserve happy days."
He kissed her forehead and helped her lie down properly.
In his room, he collapsed onto his bed, still in his school clothes. He glanced toward the small creature sleeping quietly nearby.
Then he looked at his hand.
Memories flashed.
Suddenly—
a faint blue light formed in his palm.
Was it awakening?
Was this power always inside him?
Where did it come from?
…Could it be connected to his emotions?
He stared at it silently.
No answer.
Only questions.