The spinning running train track sound heading towards the star sand village, Kairo rested his chin on his hand, his gaze fixed on the world drifting past beyond the train window. The rhythmic clatter of the tracks filled the silence as the train carried him onward, Rina as she sits next to him :
She stole a glance at him. He sat quietly beside her, his chin resting on his hand, eyes following the scenery beyond the train window.
"I still have those sweet buns from the station," she said casually. "Want one?"
He gave a small shake of his head.
"Hmm... Juice?" Another shake, she smiled as she leaned slightly closer.
"You know..." she began, holding up a small bag of snacks, "if you don't eat these, I'll have to finish everything myself."
No response.
She waved the bag once. "Last chance." in a teasing tone.
He only glanced at it before returning his gaze to the passing landscape.
"...Guess I'm eating for two."
For a while, neither of them spoke, she eventually reached into her bag and pulled out a bottled drink, "Here," he looked at it.
"I bought an extra one," After a brief pause, he accepted it with a quiet, "Thanks."
She smiled, satisfied with that much, and the two returned to watching the world slip by outside the window. Few hours later as they both return to star sand city, back in their resident.
The front entrance slid open as Rina and Kairo stepped into the apartment lobby.
"Oh, welcome back," Miss Tito greeted warmly from behind the reception desk.
"Good evening, Miss Tito," Rina replied with a smile.
"...Good evening mama Tito," Kairo added quietly.
The elderly landlady returned their greetings with a gentle nod. Her eyes lingered on Kairo for a moment. He wasn't his usual self. Though calm as ever, there was a quiet heaviness about him that hadn't escaped her notice.
As the siblings continued toward the hallway, Miss Tito suddenly remembered something.
"Oh, Rina," the two stopped and turned; "Neyo has been waiting for you both ever since you left." She let out a soft chuckle. "I gave him your message, just like you asked before your trip, but I'm afraid it didn't help much, that little devil."
She smiled knowingly, "That boy has been restless these past few days. I think he's been quite upset that the two of you left him behind."
Rina exchanged a brief glance with Kairo before smiling apologetically, "I figured he would be."
Miss Tito laughed softly, "You'd better go see him before he wears a hole through the floor from all that pacing."
Rina thanks her as she and Kairo continue to make their way towards their apartment.
Kairo and Rina turned toward the hallway, the lobby fell quiet as Kairo and Rina made their way toward the hallway.
BANG!
The entrance door burst inward.
"KAIROOOOOO!" The shout rang across the building.
Kairo paused, beginning to turn at the familiar voice, a blur shot past the entrance, closing the distance in seconds, a boy sprang into the air bounced off his toes as his palm landed squarely on the back of Kairo's head.
Kairo had barely begun to turn at the sound of his name
Smack!
"You're finally back you little bastard!"
Then Kairo's reaction as his shoulders flinch, his head jerks forward from the slap, as Kairo slowly reached up to rub the back of his head before turning to face the culprit.
"Ow... hey Neyo!"
Neyo with beamed, eyes squeezed shut, a wide toothy grin stretching across his face as Kairo looks at him then suddenly
Neyo slipped in beside him, hooked an arm over Kairo's shoulders, and immediately buried a hand in his hair, "There you are you little bastard!"
"Ugh... Neyo stop... stop"
"I can't believe you left me behind for three whole days... Three days! That's just cruel!"
Kairo tried to shove Neyo off him, but the boy clung to him like a stubborn koala, refusing to let go.
Kairo tried to shove Neyo off him, "It's not my fault," he said flatly. "You were the one who stayed behind after class."
He gleefully ruffled it back and forth, leaving Kairo's head tucked his shoulder as strands of hair stuck out in every direction...
"Do you know how long three days feels when you're all by yourself? That's just cruel... Cruel Kairo!!"
Rina stood quietly, a faint smile lingering on her face as she watched the two boys reunite.
Kairo eventually slipped free from Neyo's grip, without another word, he turned and walked into the apartment, Neyo's smile gradually faded. He stared after Kairo, unable to understand why he seemed so distant.
"...What's with him?" he looked up at Rina, silently asking for an explanation.
Rina lowered her gaze for a moment, "A lot happened while we were away," she said quietly. "Give him some time."
Neyo's gaze drifted back toward the room Kairo had entered, the excitement in his eyes giving way to quiet concern.
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Few hours later....
Night had settled over the apartment.
The day's bustle had long since faded, leaving only the quiet hum of the evening beyond the windows. One by one, the lights went out until the apartment was wrapped in silence.
Kairo lay awake on the top bunk, staring at the dark ceiling, below him, Neyo rested on the lower bunk, the room so still that only the occasional rustle of the blankets could be heard.
"...Neyo." a brief silence followed.
"...Yeah?," Neyo answered softly.
Kairo hesitated "...How are you holding up?"
Neyo frowned in the darkness, "Hm?"
"Everything," Kairo murmured. "Moving here... About all of this, our new home... everything that's changed." For a moment, neither of them spoke, then Neyo let out a quiet breath.
"We've been through worse," Neyo said with quiet confidence. "Compared to Black Capital, this place feels peaceful. We just need time," a small smile crept onto his face, though Kairo couldn't see it. "And... we're not alone anymore. We have friends here."
Silence returned to the room.
"...Yeah," Kairo replied after a long silence. "Maybe you're right."
The room fell quiet once more, the conversation fading into the stillness of the night.
Next day....
Morning sunlight poured across the white stone buildings of Aegis Academy, casting long shadows over its spacious courtyards as students crossed from one classroom to another.
Unlike ordinary schools, Aegis Academy stood at the heart of Star Sand City as more than a place of learning.
It was the city's bridge into society.
Built to welcome people from every corner of the nation, the Academy existed to prepare individuals—not for glory or prestige—but for ordinary life. Whether born in a prosperous city, a quiet farming village, or somewhere in between, everyone who entered its gates was taught the same lesson.
To become someone capable of standing on their own.
After each regular school semester concluded, the Academy opened its doors for a special two-month certification programme.
Participants between the ages of 12 and 18 came from distant cities and forgotten villages alike, some dreamed of government service, some hoped to apprentice beneath skilled craftsmen, others simply wished for a future better than the one they had left behind.
Within those classrooms, everyone started from the same line.
Calligraphy and writing refined literacy, elegant handwriting, and the ability to prepare official documents.
History and philosophy taught the nation's traditions, its laws, and the ideals upon which society had been built.
Painting, artistic crafts, poetry, and Confucian ethics cultivated patience, discipline, and character, the certificate awarded upon completion granted no rank, no title, no mastery; Only the right to begin.
It was an invitation to step into society—not a guarantee of success.
And today...
The final examination drew near.
Warm afternoon sunlight filtered through the classroom windows, rows of students sat quietly while their tutor stood before the chalkboard, his hands folded behind his back "The examination is only days away." his calm voice carried through the room, "I hope each of you understands what is at stake."
Nobody spoke.
"This certificate is not something handed to you simply because you attended classes or you're from a noble home." he slowly wrote several figures across the board.
Calligraphy and Writing — 50 Points
History and Philosophy — 80 Points
Painting and Artistic Crafts — 100 Points
He placed the chalk down, "The examination carries a total of 230 points."
His gaze swept across the classroom, "An average score of at least 115 points is required to pass."
Several students quietly exchanged nervous glances, "You need not be exceptional."
"You need only prove that you possess the discipline to continue learning," his expression softened slightly.
"Those who succeed may apply for apprenticeships, government positions, military training, security services, and numerous professions throughout society."
He paused.
"But never mistake this certificate for mastery."
"It merely grants you permission to take your first step."
The room remained silent.
"So, focus."
"Refine your craft."
"And give these final days everything you have."
With those final words, he gathered his notes.
"I'll see all of you during the examination."
The classroom door slid shut behind him. The moment it closed, the room erupted into conversation.
Few hours later....
Kairo slowly lowered his head onto his desk.
"...Finally."
His entire body felt heavy, ever since returning from Clay-Haven, sleep had never truly felt like sleep, his eyes closed.
Just for a moment.
Tap.
Someone poked his shoulder, he ignored it.
Tap.
Another poke, with a tired sigh, Kairo raised his head, a round face greeted him, a wide grin.
Bright teeth.
"Oh..."
"It's you, Bobo."
"Yoo!" Bobo raised one hand enthusiastically "You look like you're about to die."
"I'm tired."
"Come on, let's go. Neyo and the gang probably waiting outside their classroom."
Kairo rested his cheek back on the desk, "...Too tired."
Bobo scratched his head, "You've been saying that a lot lately."
Before Kairo could answer, a sudden commotion rose from the opposite side of the classroom. A crowd had gathered near the back, students eagerly pushed closer, smiling as they showered someone with compliments.
"You're amazing!"
"You look beautiful today!"
"Can I walk home with you?"
"You're definitely going to score the highest!"
At the center of it all stood a girl accepting every compliment without the slightest trace of embarrassment, if anything...
She looked as though she expected it, her posture carried effortless confidence, almost arrogance.
Bobo glanced toward the crowd and gave a knowing nod.
"Figures."
"That's Kina."
He rested his chin on one hand as he watched the students swarm around her, "She's from the Yakuen household branch."
"I've heard they're the most prominent household in Star Sand."
He let out a small whistle
"And if the rumors are true, they're monsters when it comes to toxins and poisons."
Bobo immediately raised both hands in surrender, "Me? I'd never mess with someone from that family."
Then his expression shifted into a teasing grin as he nudged Kairo with his elbow, "...Still."
"Can't blame everyone for staring... She's pretty cute."
Kairo lazily turned his head toward the crowd, At that exact moment—
Kina looked his way.
Their eyes met.
"...."
Without changing expression... Kairo simply turned back and rested his head on the desk.
Bobo blinked, "...Huh?"
Across the room... A mischievous smirk slowly spread across Kina's face, the kind someone wore after spotting an opportunity to cause trouble, She stepped away from the crowd.
Each confident stride drew curious eyes.
Bobo watched her.
Then looked at Kairo.
Then back at Kina.
Then back at Kairo again.
"...Hey."
"Kairooo."
"..."
"I think she's coming over here."
No response.
Kina stopped directly beside the desk.
Tap.
She knocked on it.
"...Hey."
Nothing.
"I'm talking to you."
Kairo slowly lifted his head.
"...Go away."
Then, without another word... He lowered it again.
Bobo's mouth slowly fell open, rather than getting angry... Kina's smile widened; Interesting.
Tap.
Tap.
She knocked again.
Kairo sighed.
He lifted his head once more "...What?"
"What do you want?" He asked again
"There we go." She folded her arms triumphantly, "So you can answer."
Kairo stared at her blankly.
She tilted her chin upward, "Why did you ignore me the first time?"
"....."
Kairo hesitated, "...What???"
"I asked why you ignored me."
He looked genuinely confused, "...Were you talking to me?"
Kina's eyebrow twitched, "What do you think?"
A long silence followed.
Then Kairo slowly stood from his seat, not because she had convinced him... But because he looked too exhausted to continue the conversation, he glanced toward Bobo,"...Let's go." Bobo immediately grinned, "Ohhhh..."
His eyes bounced between the couple, then he wore the unmistakable expression of someone who believed they had just discovered a secret, "Ohoho..."
Kairo walked past him, Bobo hurried after him, barely containing his laughter.
Behind them...
Kina's smile disappeared, "...Hey."
Neither boy stopped.
"Hey!" She took a step forward, "I'm talking to you!"
Kairo didn't even turn around, his hands remained in his pockets as he continued toward the classroom door. To him... the conversation had already ended.
The door slid open, he walked out. Bobo followed, still throwing teasing glances over his shoulder, the classroom fell strangely quiet, Dozens of students stared after the pair.
...
Meanwhile
Standing in the middle of the classroom... Kina folded her arms tightly; A small vein pulsed near her temple, "...That idiot!"
For perhaps the first time in a very long while... someone had walked away from her without caring in the slightest.
To be continued.....