Kenneth closed his book with a deep sigh, a mix of satisfaction and lingering intensity in his expression.

  Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across the room, but his thoughts seemed to drift back to the vivid scenes he'd just read.

  He'd lost track of how many times he'd revisited this story—the final battle of the Fire Guardian—but it always left him with that familiar feeling: admiration laced with an inexplicable sense of unease.

  "Hey, Kenneth!" Rika's voice cut through his thoughts, light and teasing.

  He looked up, seeing her leaning casually against the doorframe, her gaze curious, "What are you reading?" she asked. "The same novel?"

  Kenneth chuckled, holding up the book.

  Rika's eyebrow rose, a hint of smirk playing on her lips. "You know every scene by heart by now, don't you?"

  "Too many to count," he admitted, a grin breaking through his lingering focus.

  Before Rika could respond, a knock at the door interrupted them.

  Ash stepped in, his signature grin already in place. “President!”

  “Ash! Congrats on the nationals!” Kenneth greeted him with a wide smile.

  Ash, the captain and ace pitcher of the baseball team, had led their school to victory at the national championships with his unbeatable skills and teamwork. With his extraordinary physique and team coordination, Kenneth had always wanted to recruit Ash for the student council, but his packed schedule as a captain never allowed it.

  “Thanks, Kenneth,” Ash replied, his eyes gleaming. He then turned to Rika. “Oh, by the way, Head—uh, I mean, Uncle’s back from his trip, and he brought you a gift. He’s hoping to catch up with you. Let me know when you’re free, and I’ll let him know.”

  Rika’s face lit up. “Tonight works. I’ll stop by after I swing home.”

  “Okay!” Ash said, giving a thumbs-up. “See you later, then.” He waved before heading off, his energy practically buzzing in his wake.

  Kenneth chuckled as he watched Ash leave. Rika and Ash had been friends since they were kids, and it was clear that bond had only grown stronger over the years.

  After some time, Kenneth and Rika walked toward the student council room. Students greeted him warmly as they passed by. Kenneth was well-liked for his leadership and dedication to the school.

  Not only that, but he was also a model student with top academic marks, earning him the respect of everyone around him.

  Rika glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. “You know, it's kind of unfair how everyone just naturally looks up to you.”

  Kenneth chuckled. “It’s not just me. I’ve got a great team—and that includes you, Vice President.”

  Rika's smile softened, a hint of pride in her expression. “Yeah, yeah. I guess you're not so bad to work with.”

  “Right back to you,” Kenneth replied as they continued down the hall, an easy camaraderie settling between them.

  ＊＊＊

  The café was quiet, a calm retreat from the busy street outside.

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  By the window sat a man with striking blue hair, his fingers loosely wrapped around a cup of tea that had long since gone cold. His gaze drifted over the world beyond the rain-streaked glass, watching with an air of quiet detachment.

  Outside, life moved in steady rhythms—people hurrying along the sidewalks, cars weaving through narrow lanes, distant laughters echoing faintly.

  He watched it all, as if he were a stranger observing scenes he'd seen countless times before.

  Then, something caught his eye.

  Two older boys were cornering a younger student just beyond the window, their voices cutting sharply through the rain. The man's gaze lingered, his interest sparked, though his expression stayed unchanged.

  Moments later, two figures approached—a boy and a girl. The boy moved forward, stepping between the bullies and the younger student, his stance calm but unyielding. The girl stood just behind him, watching the scene with quiet focus.

  A hint of recognition crossed the man's face as he looked at the girl, his expression softened slightly. He knew her, though his calm demeanor remains unshaken.

  A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips, but he stayed put. Whatever happened next wasn't his to influence. He leaned back, letting his gaze drift back to the rain-soaked street, the brief flicker of familiarity fading as he returned to his thoughts.

  ＊＊＊

  After school, Kenneth and Rika walked through the rain-soaked streets, undeterred by the steady drizzle that created a calming rhythm around them.

  “I can’t believe Ash still wants to throw a victory party for winning the championship,” Rika laughed, brushing a wet strand of hair out of her face.

  Kenneth chuckled, water dripping from his hair. “They earned it. They should celebrate—it’s not every day you win nationals.”

  Their lighthearted conversation was interrupted by the sounds of a scuffle up ahead. Turning the corner, they spotted two older boys crowding a younger student against a wall.

  Despite the rain, the tension in the air was sharp and unmistakable.

  Kenneth and Rika exchanged a quick, knowing glance.

  Kenneth nodded, stepping forward without hesitation. “Hey!” he called out, his voice steady and firm. “Leave him alone.”

  The bullies paused, turning to size up the newcomers. The taller one sneered, his eyes narrowing at Kenneth. “Mind your own business,” he spat.

  “I’m making it my business,” Kenneth replied calmly, meeting the bully’s gaze head-on. “Let him go.”

  The second bully, clearly not one to back down, stepped forward, fist raised. “You think you can take us?” he growled, his posture tense as he prepared to throw a punch.

  Kenneth stood his ground, his gaze calm but intense. He waited until the bully’s fist was swinging toward him, then sidestepped smoothly. In one fluid motion, he caught the bully’s arm, twisted it, and used his momentum to pull him forward, sending the bully stumbling to the ground.

  “Enough,” Kenneth said, his voice calm but unyielding as rain dripped down his face. He looked at the other bully, who stood frozen, wide-eyed. “Walk away. Now.”

  The second bully, wide-eyed with panic, hastily pulled his friend to his feet, muttering a rushed apology before they both fled into the rain, their footsteps splashing down the empty street.

  As they resumed their walk, Rika glanced over at Kenneth, an amused look on her face. "You make it look easy, handling those guys like that."

  Kenneth shrugged, a faint smile appearing. "Someone has to step in sometimes."

  As the rain continued to fall, Rika parted ways with Kenneth.

  She walked slowly down the dimly lit streets, the rain a comforting rhythm against her skin, soaking through her clothes but grounding her in a familiar calm.

  Then, without warning, the world stilled.

  Raindrops hung suspended in the air, mid-fall, like crystal beads in a silent tableau. The distant hum of the city faded into nothingness.

  Time itself had stopped.

  Rika turned slowly, already knowing who she would see.

  A few feet away stood the blue-haired man, his face impassive, yet his presence carried an unmistakable weight. His eyes, piercing and steady, held hers with an intensity that was both familiar and unsettling.

  “Rika,” he greeted, his voice low but unmistakable.

  “Headmaster,” she replied, inclining her head respectfully.

  He stepped closer, his expression resolute. “Your time in the mortal world is over,” he said, his voice steady but commanding. “Return to Anterthon.”

  She held his gaze for a moment, and gave a nod. “I understand.”

  For a fleeting moment, the frozen raindrops shimmered in the streetlight, casting a soft glow over the stillness. Then, with a single, quiet exhale from the Headmaster, time resumed. The rain cascaded down once more, the hum of the city returned, and the Headmaster vanished as if he had never been there.

  But Rika knew better. Her time in this beautiful world had come to an end.