Night – School Courtyard
The cherry blossoms swayed gently in the breeze. There was a calm, weary stillness in the night, but Renjiro's eyes refused to rest. He stood alone in the middle of the courtyard, the same place that would be filled with decorations tomorrow for the school festival.
His steps slowly carried him toward the very spot where he and Rafyel had secretly met for the first time.
Renjiro (thinking):
"So much has changed so quickly… trust, friendship… and now this silence. This silence says everything."
Just then, a soft voice came from behind.
Arthur:
"You shouldn't think so much alone, Renjiro. People like you get lost in the darkness."
Renjiro turned and smiled faintly.
Renjiro:
"Do you stalk me all the time, Arthur?"
Arthur (with a chuckle):
"Not really… but your secrets are way too interesting to ignore."
---
Next Day – School Festival Begins
Students had set up booths, games were in full swing, and colorful cosplay lit up the grounds. Every classroom was decorated. The entire school buzzed with color, light, and cheerful faces.
Renjiro was managing a booth with Arthur — a "Fortune Reading" stall — where Arthur was casually using tarot cards for fun.
Just then, a girl walked up to them — Kaede. She looked Renjiro straight in the eye.
Kaede:
"Renjiro… I need to talk to you. Alone."
Arthur smirked and backed off, giving them space.
---
Back Courtyard – A Few Moments Later
Kaede:
"I know who you are… or at least, what you are. But I'm not afraid of you."
Renjiro looked at her, a little surprised.
Renjiro:
"What are you trying to say?"
Kaede (whispering):
"I'm a Watcher too… a time traveler forced to witness everything over and over again. And you… you're my last hope."
Renjiro's breath froze. Kaede gently placed her hand on his.
Kaede:
"Meet me behind the library after the festival. There's something I need to show you — something that could change everything..."
---
Meanwhile – Somewhere in the Shadows
Rafyel was watching silently. Suspicion flickered in his eyes… along with a hidden anger.
Rafyel (to himself):
"Kaede… you're activating him already? That soon?"
He clenched his fist — a faint blue energy flickered from it.
Rafyel:
"It's time to rewrite the game… before it's too late.