Chapter "First Meeting"

Fredy picked up the call with a casual "Yeah, Hamlyn?"

"Fredy, where are you?" Hamlyn asked, his tone laced with urgency.

"At home," Fredy responded. "Is everything alright?"

"Get here fast," Hamlyn stressed. "I'm locked inside the house. It's urgent. Please come and unlock the door from outside.”

"Why are you locked in?" Fredy asked, concerned.

"I'll explain later, just hurry," Hamlyn replied urgently.

"Alright, I'm on my way," Fredy assured him.

As Fredy made his way over, Hamlyn abruptly ended the call, frustration evident in his shout. Sitting on the sofa, he impatiently awaited Fredy's arrival.

Minutes later, Fredy arrived and swiftly unlocked the door. Hamlyn dashed out, exclaiming, "You're late!" before sprinting off into the distance.

"Where are you going?" Fredy called out.

Ignoring Fredy's question, Hamlyn shouted back, "Stay there. I'll be back soon. Don't follow me," before sprinting away.

"Who texted Ullmar?" Hamlyn pondered, his thoughts racing. "Why the sudden anger? What's happening?”

Spotting his neighbour, Mr. Haku, Hamlyn hurried over and inquired, "Hey, Mr. Haku, have you seen my brother?"

Mr. Haku nodded, pointing in a specific direction, saying "Yes, he just ran by here. Is everything alright?"

Hamlyn nodded in gratitude. "Alright, thank you," he replied before darting off to catch up with his brother.

Racing in the direction indicated by Mr. Haku, Hamlyn's ears caught strange noises coming from the nearby park. Hastening his steps, he entered the park to find several people sprawled on the ground.

A surge of panic gripped Hamlyn as his eyes scanned the scene, only to land on Ullmar lying prone, blood trickling from his nose and lips.

In a state of shock, Hamlyn's eyes widened in disbelief as he dashed towards his brother, calling out his name in distress.

"Ullmar, wake up!" Gripping Ullmar's face with urgency, Hamlyn cried out, "What happened? Open your eyes!”

Slowly, Ullmar's eyes fluttered open. Hamlyn swiftly helped his brother to his feet, supporting him with an arm around his shoulder. "Stay with me, brother. We’re going to the hospital," Hamlyn insisted, walking with hurried steps.

"No, I'm alright," Ullmar protested weakly. "I just want to go home.”

"But you're bleeding," Hamlyn argued, concern etched on his face.

"I'm fine. Just take me home," Ullmar insisted firmly.

Though frustrated, Hamlyn acquiesced, guiding his brother home with a mixture of worry and irritation gnawing at him.

Back at home, Hamlyn watched as Ullmar cleaned the blood from his face in front of the mirror. "Don't you think you owe me an explanation?" Hamlyn pressed.

Ullmar's response was curt. "Just go to your room," he ordered.

"Why won't you tell me anything?" Hamlyn's frustration boiled over, his voice rising.

"It's none of your concern," Ullmar warned with a brief glance. "Stay out of it, or I'll have you transferred to another school.”

Fuming with anger, Hamlyn stormed out, determined to uncover the truth on his own…

The following morning, Hamlyn arrived in class to be greeted by Hamond's jovial tone. "Hey, Mr. Lover in the house! How's it going, man?"

"Yeah, fine," Hamlyn muttered, sitting at his desk.

"Really? Something seems off," Hamond commented, noticing Hamlyn's demeanor. "Are you really okay?”

"I'm fine, don't worry," Hamlyn insisted, maintaining his facade.

"Hey Hamlyn," Hamond enthusiastically exclaimed, "during break, Rurina and I are meeting at the library. And guess what? Sheryl will be joining Rurina.”

"Why is she coming?" puzzled Hamlyn queried.

"She needs some books," Hamond suggested enthusiastically. "Look, this is your chance. Why don't you join me? I'll introduce you to Rurina, then Rurina can introduce Sheryl to both of us, and you can get to know each other."

Hamlyn's eyes lit up with a smile. "That sounds like a pretty good idea." he said.

"Great, then lunch is settled," Hamond grinned back.

"Alright," Hamlyn agreed with a smile.

Not long after, Rurina and Sheryl arrived steppinf into their classroom.

Sheryl, chatting happily with Rurina, entered with a bright smile, but as Sheryl’s gaze met Hamlyn's, her expression shifted. Her cheeks flushed with a blush as she settled into her seat, directing her attention to her notes. Hamlyn returned the smile before refocusing on his own notes…

As lunchtime approached, Hamlyn and Hamond found themselves outside the library.

Hamond turned to Hamlyn with a playful grin he asked, "You ready for this?"

Hamlyn returned the smile, "Absolutely," he said, seeming determined.

With a deep breath, Hamond pushed open the door, and as they stepped inside, Hamlyn's gaze immediately fell on Sheryl standing beside Rurina.

A surge of emotions welled up within him as he locked eyes with Sheryl, who returned his gaze with a mixture of surprise and anticipation.

In that moment, time seemed to stand still as they stood there, both of their hearts racing in unison.