Ch. 21: Breathing on the Egde

The bus ride back to the apartment was quiet.

Kael sat beside Riven, their knees touching, but neither said much. The warmth from the cabin still clung to them like a fading scent—but it wasn't enough to stop the anxiety curling in Kael's stomach.

The second the apartment building came into view, Kael exhaled. It was strange how the place had become their safe space—even with the creaky stairs, the shitty elevator, and Ms. Sato's cats constantly lurking in the hallway.

They stepped inside and were greeted with the familiar scent of laundry detergent and instant noodles. Kael dropped his bag by the couch.

"We're really back," he muttered.

Riven locked the door behind them and deadbolted it. "Yeah."

The apartment looked the same, but something in the air had changed. Like the walls knew they'd left one world behind at the cabin—and were now back in a place where ghosts followed them home.

Riven pulled Kael into a hug from behind. "We'll be okay. I promise."

Kael leaned into him. "I want to believe that."

"You can," Riven whispered. "We've already made it through worse."

---

Monday Morning

Kael stared at his reflection in the mirror. His uniform felt stiff, his hair slightly messier than usual, and the bags under his eyes were worse than ever.

Riven stood behind him, adjusting his tie. "You ready?"

"No."

Riven gave him a crooked smile. "Too bad."

They left the apartment and headed to school, but even walking beside Riven, Kael couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Paranoia clawed at the back of his mind. Was Leo in the city already? Would he show up on campus? Would he try something at school—some twisted game to mess with Kael's head?

He didn't tell Riven how much that scared him. Not yet.

When they arrived, the usual chaos of students filled the air—laughter, chatter, the slam of lockers and scuff of shoes. Normal noise. But Kael flinched at every unexpected sound.

They split off into different classes after a quick kiss behind the stairwell, hidden from view. It was stupid, sweet, and necessary—like a secret shield.

---

During class

Kael could barely focus.

Every time his phone buzzed, he jumped.

A message from Riven.

> You okay?

Kael texted back:

> Trying. You?

> Bored out of my mind. Miss your grumpy ass.

Kael smiled faintly. Then another notification lit up his screen.

Unknown number.

> Heard you've been getting cozy. How long until he figures out what you really are?

Kael's heart dropped.

His breath hitched. He stared at the message, pulse hammering. His first instinct was to delete it. Pretend it didn't happen.

But then another came.

> Tick tock, baby. The truth always finds the cracks.

Kael stood abruptly.

"Kael?" the teacher called. "Everything okay?"

"Bathroom," he muttered, grabbing his bag and bolting out.

He found a stall, locked himself in, and sat on the toilet lid, hands shaking.

Was this Leo?

How did he get his number?

Did he know where they lived?

He didn't even realize he was crying until his phone buzzed again.

This time it was Riven.

> Where are you? You left class.

Kael swallowed, wiped his eyes.

> Bathroom.

A minute later, footsteps. A knock.

"Kael," Riven's voice was just outside. "Let me in."

Kael opened the door. The moment Riven saw his face, his expression darkened.

"Fuck. What happened?"

Kael just held out the phone.

Riven read the messages. His face twisted.

"I swear to god, if he's near you—"

"He's not. Yet," Kael whispered.

Riven ran his hand through his hair. "We'll change your number. Today."

"I don't care about the number," Kael snapped. "I care that he knows things about me. About us."

"We'll figure it out."

Kael slumped against the stall wall. "I just wanted a normal day. Just one."

Riven crouched in front of him. "He's trying to make you crack. Because that's what cowards do. He wants to control you without ever touching you."

Kael met his eyes. "I'm tired of being scared."

"Then don't be."

"How?"

"Stay close to me. Tell me every message, every look, every whisper. Let's take the power back, Kael. Bit by bit."

Kael reached for his hand. "Don't leave me alone in this."

"You're not alone. Not now. Not ever."

---

The school bell rang, but they didn't rush.

They sat there for a while longer—two boys hiding in a stall, leaning on each other like the world couldn't quite reach them in here.

Kael's voice cracked when he spoke again. "What if he shows up here?"

Riven didn't hesitate.

"Then I'll make sure he leaves with broken pride and a bruised ego."

Kael laughed through his tears. "Violent much?"

"You bring out the worst in me," Riven teased softly. "And I fucking love it."