List

Once they were finally on the ground, silently sweeping the dry leaves and litter from the field, the air hung heavy with the soft rustle of brooms and the occasional chirping of birds. The silence between them was easy — familiar.

"This is getting boring," Dolowyn groaned, dragging his broom across the dusty ground half-heartedly. "I thought if we did this slowly, it'd be fun or at least chill. But nope. Just dust and dead leaves."

"Come on," Avaran said, not looking up from his task. "Let's just finish it and be free for the rest of the day."

Dolowyn sighed dramatically, tossing a crumpled candy wrapper into the trash bag. "Fine, fine. Let's get it over with. After this, badminton or basketball?"

"Sure," Avaran replied, wiping the back of his hand across his forehead.

As they worked, Avaran's mind wandered.

Should I tell Dolowyn about Talion?

He didn't say I couldn't. Not exactly…

But what if it backfires? What if Dolowyn reacts badly?

He glanced sideways. Dolowyn was muttering to himself about broken brooms and how this was clearly a punishment designed by a sadist.

He wouldn't judge me... right? Still, maybe it's too soon.

Maybe I need to understand more myself before pulling someone else in.

The weight of uncertainty sat in his chest like a stone.

No. Not yet.

The rest of the cleanup passed in a blur of dust, chatter, and the occasional complaint from Dolowyn about how leaves shouldn't exist in the first place.

Finally, after what felt like hours, they stood back and surveyed their work. The field was clean, the trash bags full and neatly tied by the side.

"And… we're done," Dolowyn said, throwing his arms up. "Freedom!"

Avaran gave a small nod, quietly relieved. One task down. A little peace earned.

After their long break, Avaran and Dolowyn returned to the court and began hanging up the old basketball net. It swayed slightly in the warm breeze as they tightened the last knot.

Just as Dolowyn stepped back to admire their handiwork, the sound of footsteps and faint voices drifted in from the corridor that led to the school building.

A group of students began trickling onto the field — familiar faces from their own class. Some were still laughing at an inside joke, others lazily dragging their feet, clearly enjoying the sudden freedom.

One of them waved. "Yo, what are you two doing here?"

Avaran raised an eyebrow and walked over. "Shouldn't you be in class?"

"English teacher's absent," the boy replied with a grin. "And the sub gave us the period off. Said to enjoy the break."

"Forget that," another chimed in, glancing between Avaran and Dolowyn. "Where have you guys been? Haven't seen you all morning."

"We had detention," Dolowyn said flatly, tossing the ball up and catching it with one hand.

"Ah, that sucks," the boy winced. "What'd you do?"

"Long story," Avaran muttered.

Dolowyn suddenly perked up. "Anyway, we were just about to start a game. You guys in?"

"Sure," one of them grinned, "but only if I get Avi on my team."

Dolowyn shot the boy a mock glare. "You wish. Avi's with me."

The other boy frowned. "Come on! You always team up with him."

A third student shrugged. "Let's just toss for it."

Avaran raised a hand. "Do I get a say in this?"

Both Dolowyn and the first boy turned to him and said in unison, "No."

Avaran blinked, then sighed. This again… I swear, I'm just a glorified bonus card to them.

One of the boys pulled out his wallet, rummaged around, and finally produced a small coin. He held it up between two fingers, the metal glinting in the sunlight.

"Heads, I get Avi. Tails, he's on your team," he said, looking at Dolowyn with a grin.

Dolowyn folded his arms. "Let fate decide, then."

Avaran, meanwhile, stood between them, half-annoyed, half-amused. I'm not even that good at basketball. Why is this always a thing?

The coin flipped into the air, spinning fast — a tiny, gleaming blur suspended in a moment of ridiculous tension.

The coin landed with a faint clink on the back of the boy's hand.

"Heads," he grinned. "Avi's mine."

Dolowyn groaned in mock defeat. "Lucky bastard."

They played a fast-paced game of basketball, sweating and laughing, shouting plays and teasing each other throughout. After about forty minutes, they finally collapsed onto a shaded bench near the edge of the court, panting and wiping their faces with their shirts.

Most of the boys formed a loose circle under the shade, catching their breath.

Then, out of nowhere, one of them asked, "So… which girl do you like the most in class?"

Avaran was taken aback. "That was random."

"I just figured—we've got free time, no teachers around, and I'm bored," the boy shrugged.

Another chimed in almost immediately, "I like our class rep."

"You mean Ana?" Dolowyn asked, leaning back against the bench.

"Yes, who else, dumbass?" the boy grinned.

"Well, he picked his crush," said the first boy, grinning mischievously. "Next up—Wyn?"

Dolowyn raised an eyebrow. "I have a girlfriend, remember? You dumbasses just forgot."

"Oh right!" the group laughed. "It's still pretty recent. Forgive us, you were one of us until last week."

"Traitor," someone joked.

"Alright then, if not Wyn… then it's got to be Avi," the first boy said with a teasing grin.

Avaran frowned. "I don't like anyone."

"Oh, come on," someone replied. "Every guy has a crush."

"I didn't say I never had a crush," Avaran responded flatly.

The group collectively leaned forward. "Ooooh? Then who was it?"

"It's an ancient story," Avaran said, smirking. "I'll tell you some other time."

They all groaned in protest, but the bell rang in the distance, signaling the end of the school day. The courtyard began to fill with noise and scattered students heading out in every direction.

As the group dispersed and they started walking home, Dolowyn nudged Avaran.

"You wanna hit the gym after changing?"

"Nah, I got stuff to do," Avaran replied.

"Like?"

"Gotta go shopping with my little brother. Mom dumped the job on me."

"Brotherly duties, huh?" Dolowyn grinned. "Alright then. See you tomorrow."

"Yeah, see ya," Avaran said with a wave, and they parted ways at the main gate, fading into the slowly cooling afternoon.

After reaching home, Avaran headed straight to his room, his steps quick and sharp. He swung the door open and scanned the space carefully, his eyes lingering on the window, the curtain, the corners.

No sign of intrusion.

He exhaled softly, half relieved, half annoyed that he even felt the need to check.

Is this just going to be my new routine now? Come home, check for shadows?

After changing into a pair of loose trousers and a plain polo shirt, he took a short nap. After waking up, he stepped out of his room to find his little brother waiting impatiently by the door, already slipping on his sandals.

"You ready?" Avaran asked.

Vik beamed. "Yup!"

"So, what do you need again?"

"I need pens," Vik said, holding up a wrinkled list. "And two notebooks. Big ones."

Avaran scanned the list quickly. "Alright. Anything else? Something to eat?"

Vik's face lit up. "Yeahhhh! I want a burger!"

Avaran chuckled. "Okay, first we get your school stuff. Then we'll hit the burger place."

"Deal!" Vik grinned, already halfway down the stairs, his small footsteps echoing through the hallway.

Avaran watched him for a moment, shaking his head with a smile.

How can this little dude be this adorable? A flicker of amusement passed through his usually calm eyes.

Grabbing his keys, Avaran followed after him at a more relaxed pace. The front door creaked open as they stepped outside, greeted by the gentle embrace of the evening air. The sky was painted in hues of orange and gold, the last rays of sunlight spilling across the rooftops and casting long shadows over the street.

It felt... peaceful.

No strange visitors. No quiet war stirring in the back of my mind. Just a simple walk with Vik.

Avaran slid his hands into his pockets, his expression softening.

This errand, however mundane, is a welcome pause — a moment untouched by the strange undercurrents of the previous night.