Chapter 6 : The calm between

After leaving Butler's house, Eden and Butler made their way toward the school. The air was crisp, filled with the hum of students, some rushing, others lingering in small groups, chatting about their day. Eden felt a mix of excitement and unease building within him as they approached the gates.

Butler, noticing the shift in Eden's mood, glanced at him and offered a small smile. "Relax. We're here for a reason. Just stay focused."

Eden nodded silently, his thoughts whirling. The conversation from earlier with Butler still echoed in his mind. Who was this person they were about to meet? What role did they play in everything? And why had Butler been so cryptic about the details?

As they neared the entrance to the school, the sound of footsteps grew louder. Suddenly, three figures appeared in front of them, blocking their path. Eden froze for a moment before recognizing the troublemakers: Ryan, Mike, and a third guy who had joined them. Their presence was enough to cause a stir.

Ryan smirked as he stepped forward. "Well, well, look who decided to show up today." His tone was condescending, and there was an edge to his words.

Butler didn't seem fazed by the confrontation. He simply shrugged and ignored Ryan's comment. Turning to Eden, he lowered his voice, speaking calmly. "Don't let them get under your skin. They're only trying to provoke you."

Eden didn't reply right away. Instead, he kept his gaze fixed on the trio, noticing the way Ryan and Mike squared their shoulders, as if expecting a response. It was clear they were hoping to see some kind of reaction.

Mike folded his arms over his chest, his voice dripping with mockery. "We've got unfinished business with you, Butler. You think you can just run away from us?"

Eden felt the tension rise but kept his composure. He glanced sideways at Butler, who was communicating silently through subtle hand gestures. Eden noticed how Butler's fingers flicked toward him and then back to the bullies, a sign to remain calm.

For a brief moment, Ryan's gaze shifted toward Eden, his eyes narrowing. Eden wasn't intimidated. Instead, he smirked, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Oh, great. School bullies. How original. At least try something new next time."

Ryan's expression darkened, but he didn't respond immediately. The situation seemed like it might escalate when suddenly, a calm voice cut through the air.

"What's going on here?"

The voice was firm but not aggressive, and it caught everyone's attention. Ryan, Mike, and the third guy froze, their eyes darting toward the source of the voice. Standing a few feet away was a tall boy, around 5'9", holding a drink in his hand. His expression was amused, almost like he was watching a show, but there was something oddly reassuring about his presence.

Without a word, Ryan, Mike, and their companion exchanged nervous glances before turning and bolting, running off into the crowd without looking back.

Butler let out a soft sigh of relief. The tension in the air vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Eden turned toward Butler, still processing what had just happened.

Butler's eyes shifted toward the new figure who had intervened. He communicated once more, using his hands in small, subtle gestures. He pointed toward Eden, then gestured toward the departing bullies. Eden couldn't help but stare at the boy, who, despite his calm demeanor, had somehow shifted the entire atmosphere.

The boy smiled at Eden and Butler, noticing their curiosity. "You alright?" His voice was easygoing, as though he hadn't just caused a scene.

Eden exchanged a glance with Butler, still unsure what to make of the situation. Butler simply nodded, acknowledging the boy's presence.

"This is Alex," Butler said, his tone relaxed. "We were heading to meet someone."

Eden raised an eyebrow, still trying to piece everything together. "So, this is the guy we're supposed to meet?"

Butler shook his head, his expression softening. "No. He's not the one. But he stays with him."

Alex, who had been quietly observing, smiled knowingly. "You're looking for Joshua, right? He's been talking about you." He took a slow sip of his drink before continuing, his voice casual. "You know, Joshua will be happy to see you. He told me a lot about you."

Eden felt a rush of questions flood his mind. Joshua? Who was Joshua, and why was he waiting for them? Before he could ask more, Alex motioned toward the school building.

"Well, you better get moving," Alex said with a grin. "You'll find Joshua in the library, I bet. He's usually there."

Eden and Butler exchanged a glance before walking toward the school entrance. Alex followed behind them as they passed through the gates. The school building loomed ahead, its familiar structure contrasting with the unusual tension that had suddenly filled the air.

As they entered the building, Eden's mind raced. Who was this Joshua? Why was he waiting for them? And why had Alex seemed so confident about it?

The trio made their way through the hallways, their footsteps echoing as they walked. The scent of fresh paint and the soft buzz of students filled the air as they approached the library. Eden could feel the weight of anticipation building as they neared their destination.

Once they reached the library door, Alex gave them one last knowing look. "He's waiting for you," he said. Then, he stepped aside, leaving Eden and Butler standing in front of the door. The tension in the hallway seemed to intensify as they waited.

A few minutes later, the door to the library opened, and standing just inside was a tall, calm figure. His eyes locked onto Eden and Butler as he spoke.

"Yeah, I was waiting for you," Joshua said, his voice smooth but carrying a hint of familiarity. "So, your name is Eden Thompson. The principal told me about you."

Eden stood there, his thoughts spinning. He had no idea what to expect, but the encounter was beginning to feel like the beginning of something much bigger than he had ever imagined.

Joshua stepped aside, inviting them into the library. "Come on in. We have a lot to talk about."

Eden followed Butler into the room, his heart pounding in his chest. This was it. The meeting he had been anticipating, the one he had been waiting for.

Eden and sat there and were a little nervous because Joshua looked weird.

""Anyway, I have to tell you something, Eden. You can see this is no ordinary school. If you want to stay here, you have to join our gang. Otherwise, the boys here are very rude. You won't be able to live in peace."

Eden was a little confused about what to do. "Wait, let me think about it." Eden said

"So you're joining, you'll be our third-tier member," Joshua said.

"Oh no no let me think" Eden said

Butler said, "Eden is joining tomorrow, leave it to me."

Eden tried to say something but butler stopped him.

End of chapter 6