The Morning Surprise
The room was bathed in soft morning light, the quiet hum of the outside world just starting to stir. Inside, Arin and Lyra lay on opposite sides of the room, each fast asleep. Lyra’s breathing was steady, her face calm despite the chaos of the previous day, while Arin’s furrowed brows hinted at a restless night.
The peace didn’t last long.
The door creaked open, followed by the unmistakable sound of footsteps. Kian, with his signature unkempt hair and an oversized hoodie that hung off his lanky frame, tiptoed into the room. His wide eyes darted between the two sleeping figures.
“Wait a minute…” he muttered to himself, his voice dripping with mock disbelief. “Is that a girl? In Arin’s room? Am I still dreaming?”
He took another exaggerated step forward, squinting at Lyra. “Who even is she? And why does Arin get all the excitement while I’m stuck with my boring life?”
Kian’s internal monologue was interrupted by a loud creak as he accidentally stepped on a loose floorboard.
Arin stirred, groaning softly as he sat up. His hair was a mess, and his face was still half-asleep. “Kian? What are you doing here?”
Kian froze, his hand halfway to his mouth in mock surprise. “Oh, don’t mind me! I’m just here to witness the scandal of the century. My dear, innocent Arin—sharing a room with a girl!”
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Arin blinked at him, his confusion evident. “What are you talking about?”
Lyra, now awake, sat up with a sharp glare. “Who’s this idiot?”
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The Awkward Introduction
Kian gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. “Idiot? Arin, who is this lovely but incredibly rude woman, and why is she calling me names in my own hometown?”
Arin sighed, rubbing his temples. “Kian, this is Lyra. She… plucked the feather and got pulled into the game. She’s helping me figure things out.”
Kian’s eyes widened, his tone turning even more theatrical. “Wait, wait, wait. So you’re telling me that not only do you have a girl in your room, but she’s also in the game? Arin, my man, when did you become so cool?”
Lyra groaned, clearly unimpressed. “Is he always like this?”
Arin shot Kian a tired look. “Unfortunately, yes.”
Kian grinned, unfazed by the comment. “You love me, and you know it.” He plopped down on the edge of Arin’s bed, his grin fading slightly as curiosity took over. “So… what’s the deal? How does this game thing even work? And why didn’t you tell me about it sooner?”
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A Serious Moment—Almost
Arin sighed, explaining the basics of the game to Kian—the feather, the rules, the danger. As he spoke, Kian’s usual smirk faded, replaced by a rare look of concern.
“So… if you die in the game, you die in real life?” Kian asked, his voice quieter than usual.
“Yeah,” Arin replied. “That’s why we’re trying to figure out who’s behind it and how to stop it.”
Kian leaned back, his expression thoughtful. Then, in true Kian fashion, he broke the tension with a smirk. “Well, I guess I’d better stay far, far away from that feather. I’m way too pretty to die.”
Lyra rolled her eyes. “Pretty sure the game wouldn’t even notice you.”
Kian gasped, clutching his chest again. “Ouch! I’m sensing some hostility. Don’t worry, Lyra. You’ll warm up to me eventually. Everyone does.”
Arin groaned. “Kian, focus. This is serious.”
Kian shrugged. “Fine, fine. I’ll behave—for now. But seriously, Arin, if you’re going to keep picking up strays, at least warn me next time. My poor heart can’t take the shock.”
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To Be Continued...