The wind whispered through the abandoned town, carrying dust and silence.
And there she stood.
Silver hair flowing, her calm eyes glowing under the moonlight.
A spear in her hand. Barely smiling. Mysterious… beautiful.
Kairo's heart skipped a beat.
He hesitated, voice low.
"Wh–Who are you…?"
She tilted her head playfully.
"Huh? Why are you always late, duh."
Kairo looked away instantly blushing, awkward. He couldn't even hold eye contact.
She was… too much.
They began walking quietly through the quiet ruins of the town.
"This place…" she said softly, gazing at the broken buildings.
"It wasn't always like this. There were flowers here… laughter, joy. But then came the rituals. Black magic. And now... just ruins."
He looked at her. "Is that what the 30 days is about?"
She shrugged. "No one really knows. It just… happens. Randomly. To chosen people."
A pause.
He asked, almost whispering, "What's your name?"
"Lyna. Lyna Aeris," she replied.
He smiled slightly. "That's… a pretty name. I'm Aruen Kaizora. But, you can call me Kairo."
The-
SWISH.
An arrow flew toward her out of nowhere.
Kairo didn't think. His body moved before his mind did.
He stepped in front of her shielding her
And the arrow hit.
Darkness.
------------------
He opened his eyes.
Back in his room.
His chest ached. His breathing was heavy.
But—
She was there.
Sitting quietly in front of him.
Lyna.
"You're braver than I thought," she said with a soft laugh. Her smile felt warm… real.
Kairo blinked, stunned. He wasn't used to this to anyone caring.
Especially not… a girl.
"Just don't tell anyone about me," she added, leaning back.
"I… I won't," he said, cheeks flushing.
He smiled.
For a moment, he felt something.
But then
His mind flashed to the past.
That cold rejection.
His first crush. Her cruel words.
"You're broke. You're not my type. Just go away."
He looked away again, fear returning.
Would Lyna… leave him too?
But she noticed. She understood.
"Don't overthink things that haven't even happened," she said gently.
"I'm here for you, idiot."
He blinked at her, stunned again.
"Will you… ever leave me?" he asked quietly.
She smiled and flicked his forehead.
"Idiot, what did I just say?"
He laughed nervously.
Then his thoughts turned serious.
"What about the monster…? The one that attacked?"
She stood up slowly.
"Thanks for saving me, by the way," she said, her eyes soft. "We sealed that thing. For now."
They looked at each other.
Something unspoken bloomed in that silence.
Connection. Care. Maybe more.
But then-
Buzz.
His phone vibrated.
One notification.
[Warning: Do NOT trust her.]
His breath caught.
He looked up-
She was gone.
Chapter End ⚔️