Iván woke up early with a yawn, noticing the sun hadn't even risen yet.
Perfect—just as he planned.
Climbing out of bed, he decided to start his day with a morning run.
But then he felt a bit lightheaded, touching his forehead in confusion.
Quickly he shook it off, brushed his teeth and headed downstairs, spotting his mom already awake and unpacking boxes in the kitchen.
"Hey, Mom. You're up early," he said.
"Well, someone has to start unpacking," she replied with a small smile.
"I'll help when I get back. Just going for a quick run," Iván said.
"Oh? Did you forget about school?"
"Wait—that's today?"
He groaned, realizing he had forgotten.
"Yes, it's today. So when you come back, I expect you to be showered and dressed by the time I finish making breakfast."
"I will," he promised, stepping outside into the cool morning air.
Inhaling the fresh morning air, Iván set off on his run, jogging through the neighborhood.
With each passing second, his heartbeat pounded steadily in his chest—like it was enjoying the run as much as he was.
Running…
It's my way of escaping the pain, the losses—of remembering how to enjoy life again.
Turning the corner, he slowed to a stop, eyes narrowing as he spotted a man casually loading what looked like assault rifles into the trunk of a car—like it was just another part of his daily routine.
This isn't normal, he thought, blinking and tilting his head.
"Uh… hello, sir. I'm new around here," he said, trying to sound casual.
The man glanced up and smiled. "You are? Well, what a coincidence—we just moved in too."
"My name is Chris Argent," he said, extending his hand.
Iván took it and gave a firm shake. "I'm Iván Vasilios. And, if I may ask… what are the guns for?"
Chris gave a small smile. "Hunting. And that reminds me—stay out of the woods. It's not safe lately."
"I'll keep that in mind, sir," Iván said with a nod, giving a quick wave before continuing his run.
Chris watched as the kid turned the corner, disappearing from view.
"Who was that?" asked Victoria, his wife, stepping out the front door.
"Looks like another family just moved in," he replied.
Iván finished his run, jumping into a hot shower. Letting the steam loosen his muscles as he got ready for the first day of school.
Afterward, he wiped the fog from the mirror and gave himself a good look.
Sharp silver eyes. Clean hairline. Black hair neatly styled. He looked ready.
Let's hope I make some friends—maybe even get a girlfriend.
He put on his glasses and headed downstairs, joining his mom and little sister for breakfast. Eating together, enjoying the meal before it was time to leave for school.
Beacon Hill High.
Butterflies stirred in his stomach as the school building came into view.
How could he not be nervous? He always was on the first day of school.
"Here's your schedule," his mom said, handing him a folded sheet of paper.
"Wait—what? How do you have this already?" He asked, confused.
She smirked.
"I work here, remember?"
"Right…" he muttered, a bit embarrassed.
How did he forget?
Well, at least he probably wouldn't have any classes with her—this was just his freshman year.
Wait, don't jinx it!
He unfolded the schedule and let out a quiet breath.
No Daniela Vasilios listed anywhere.
Calling his mom Mrs. Vasilios in front of the whole school? Yeah, that would've been super awkward.
Phew—dodged a major bullet.
"Don't be disappointed, mijo. You're a freshman—you don't get Spanish or finance classes until junior year."
He looked at her with a fake smile.
"Man, I really wanted to have a class with you."
She gave him a sharp glare.
"I'm not stupid—I can sense sarcasm," she said, lightly smacking him on the head.
"Ouch! You didn't have to hit me," he said, rubbing the top of his head like it was a mortal wound.
"Now, after school, you're picking up your sister," his mom added, ignoring his banter.
"I'll be tied up with meetings, so I'm letting you borrow my keys. Don't do anything stupid, got it?"
Iván nodded as she handed him the car keys.
"Once you pick her up, bring her straight home. I should be wrapping up by then."
Grabbing his backpack, he was just about to step out when his mom stopped him with the door half open.
"Yes, mom?" he asked.
"Te quiero mucho," she said with a gentle smile.
"Love you too," he muttered—just loud enough for her to hear.
"Now go on—have fun on your first day," she added, waving as he stepped out of the car.
Here we go.
Walking inside, he searched for his first class—the worst possible way to start the day: morning math.
Why does it have to be math? My brain barely works before noon, he sighed.
Passing through the hallway, he noticed two older students—probably a year ahead of him—standing off to the side, deep in conversation.
"Let me see it," Style said, motioning for Scott to lift his shirt and show the nasty bite.
Scott hesitated, then slowly lifted his shirt, revealing a large bandage wrapped around his side.
"Not here," Style muttered, quickly pulling him into the locker room.
"Bro, seriously? Why dragged me in here!"
"Uh… good point," he admitted.
Iván watched with one thought in mind:
Damn… I guess teenagers really are wild at this school.
Now, where's my classroom?
Before he could get his bearings, he noticed a kid being shoved around—clearly being bullied.
"Hey! Leave him alone!" Iván called out.
The bully turned, his icy blue eyes narrowing. "Mind your business, four-eyes."
Iván raised an eyebrow. "Ouch. That supposed to hurt? Let me guess… daddy issues?"
"Jackson! Knock it off and leave the freshman alone!" a voice called out before anything could escalate.
Jackson's grip loosened, letting the kid go. His eyes stayed locked on Iván, a silent warning, before he turned and walked off with a redhead by his side.
"Thanks for trying to help," the blonde kid said, rubbing his back.
"No problem. I can't stand bullies," Iván replied. "But judging by the look he gave me… he's definitely not done yet."
"So, what's your name?" he asked.
"Rowan. Rowan Constantine," he replied with a slight smile. "Pleasure to meet you."