Chapter Five: One last glance

A sudden knock jolted Lia awake. She blinked at her phone—four hours had passed. How had she even fallen asleep? She could've sworn she was talking…

Another knock echoed, firmer this time. Must be Senior Lucas, she thought groggily as she pulled herself out of bed and walked to the door.

But it wasn't Lucas.

A girl cadet stood outside. "Get ready. I'll be driving you home," she said simply.

Lia hesitated, half-expecting Lucas to appear behind her. She wanted to ask—but stopped herself. I've already troubled him enough.

She packed quietly, changed, and followed the girl. On their way to the car, Lia couldn't help but glance around. No sign of Lucas. He's probably asleep, she reasoned.

The car engine rumbled to life. The training center's gates came into view—and began fading in the rearview mirror. Lia rested her head back, eyes fluttering shut. Just one more glimpse, she wished silently, just once more… But they were too far now. It was pointless.

The car suddenly stopped.

Lia sat up, confused. A breakdown? she wondered, then—

"You forgot your camera, lil' kid."

That voice. Her eyes snapped open. Lucas.

He was there, standing outside her window, holding her camera with that usual half-smirk of his.

"I—yeah. Sorry. I—"

"You really need to stop apologizing so much," Lucas interrupted, leaning closer to the window. His voice dropped just a little. "And don't forget, you owe me a meeting soon."

Lia blinked. "Aai…"

"Bye-bye," he said playfully. "Be a good girl."

Before she could respond, he stepped away and spoke briefly to the girl driver.

Then, just like that, he was gone again.

The car rolled forward, continuing its journey. From a distance, Lucas stood there—watching silently—until the vehicle disappeared from sight.

---

Back home, Lia was handed a form to fill out. Once she signed it, the cadet left without much ceremony.

Inside, her family behaved like nothing had happened. Maybe everything was fine.

Or maybe… it wasn't.

---

Three months later.

Lia was in class when her phone buzzed. Unknown number. She ignored it.

After class, standing in a quiet corner near the stairwell, she returned the call. No answer.

Shrugging, she walked to her university cafeteria.

Her phone rang again.

Same number.

She answered.

"Hello?"

A familiar voice crackled through the speaker—smooth, low, unmistakable.

"Time to pay off your debt, Miss."