The day passed like a storm waiting to break.
Keon felt it in the halls — eyes watching him that weren't curious or afraid. Focused.
He knew those eyes.
Nova had returned his notebook that morning with only one word:
> "Fixed."
He didn't ask what that meant. But the air felt heavier.
Like something was coming.
He wasn't wrong.
---
School ended with the usual static — scraping chairs, slammed lockers, sneakers squeaking on tile. Keon lingered behind, packing slower than usual.
That's when Fuyu showed up.
No sarcasm. No fake grin. Just a cold, level stare.
"You and I need to talk."
Keon zipped his bag.
"You found your courage. Congrats."
"Don't try to deflect. Not this time."
Fuyu looked around. "Somewhere quiet."
Keon tilted his head, then shrugged. "Follow me."
---
The rooftop was drenched in late-afternoon light. The wind pulled at their sleeves, the sky painted in muted gold.
Keon walked to the railing and leaned against it like he wasn't worried.
Fuyu didn't buy it.
"I've seen fighters. You're not just some tough kid."
Keon didn't respond.
"I've seen you let yourself get hit — on purpose. Seen how you read people. Heard what Leo didn't say after that night."
Keon finally spoke, quiet.
"He deserved a warning."
"You don't warn people like that unless you've done worse before."
Keon turned, eyes cold. "You think you've got me figured out?"
Fuyu didn't blink. "I know your uncle is Mai."
Silence.
Just the wind between them.
---
Keon sat down on the edge of the rooftop wall, legs hanging over the side. He didn't seem afraid of falling.
"I didn't choose him. He's just… the only family I've got."
Fuyu stepped closer. "So you're saying you're innocent?"
"I'm saying I didn't want this life. But that doesn't mean I don't know how to survive it."
Fuyu clenched his fists. "Then why not fight back earlier? Why let them think you're weak?"
"Because if they think I'm dangerous, they'll never stop coming."
A beat.
Then Keon added, quieter:
"And because every time I fight, I hear his voice."
"Mai's?"
Keon nodded.
> "Violence is easy. Control is harder."
---
Fuyu let the silence stretch.
"You're not what I expected."
"Disappointed?"
"No. Confused."
He paused.
"I thought you were the villain."
Keon looked at him, tired. "And now?"
"I think you're wearing someone else's armor… and pretending it fits."
Keon smiled faintly. "Better than wearing nothing at all."
Fuyu exhaled, his voice finally softer. "Look… I'm not trying to expose you. I just need to know who's standing beside me."
"And if you don't like the answer?"
Fuyu hesitated. Then said: "I'll still fight beside you. I just won't close my eyes while I do it."
---
They didn't shake hands. No sudden friendship. No dramatic trust fall.
Just mutual understanding. Fragile, but real.
As they turned to leave, Fuyu asked one last thing.
"Is Nova always watching?"
Keon smirked. "Only when you think she's not."
Fuyu shivered.
---