The café was quiet, an oasis from the bustling street outside. By the window sat a man with striking blue hair, his fingers loosely wrapped around a cup of tea, untouched and long since cooled. His gaze drifted, detached yet watchful, as he observed the world through the rain-streaked glass.

Outside, life moved on in familiar rhythms—people hurrying by, cars weaving through the narrow lanes, laughter faintly echoing in the distance. He watched it all with the stillness of someone who seemed apart from it, an observer of scenes he’d seen countless times before.

Then, a disturbance caught his eye. Two older boys had cornered a younger student just beyond the window, their posture aggressive, voices cutting through the rain. The blue-haired man’s gaze lingered, his interest sparked, though his expression remained unchanged.

Moments later, two figures approached the scene—a boy and a girl. Their movements were purposeful, their calmness a contrast to the tension. The boy stepped in front of the bullies, his stance quiet but commanding. The girl stood just behind him, her presence steady, her gaze unwavering as she observed the situation.

The man leaned forward, intrigued by the boy’s composed authority and the girl’s watchful intensity. There was something about them that drew his attention, something familiar yet elusive.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips, but he made no move to intervene. Whatever unfolded next was not his to shape. He leaned back, his gaze drifting once again to the rain-soaked street, the brief moment of curiosity fading as his thoughts wandered elsewhere.

＊＊＊

Kenneth closed his book with a satisfied sigh, a small smile tugging at his lips. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across the room. It was his umpteenth time rereading it, yet the story never seemed to lose its charm.

A familiar voice pulled him from his thoughts. “Hey, Kenneth!” Rika’s voice called from the hallway, light and teasing.

“Yeah?” Kenneth looked up as she entered, her eyes bright with curiosity.

“What are you reading? The same novel again?” she asked, leaning casually against the doorframe, strands of her hair catching the sunlight.

Kenneth chuckled, holding up the book. “Yeah, it just… it feels calming. Like there’s something familiar about it, something I can’t quite place.”

Rika raised an eyebrow. “How many times have you read it now?”

“Too many to count,” he admitted with a grin.

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. Kenneth had always wanted to recruit Ash for the student council, but his packed schedule never allowed it.

“Thanks, Kenneth,” Ash replied, his eyes gleaming. “And thanks for organizing the cheering squad. Hearing everyone cheer really gave us that extra push.”

He then turned to Rika. “Oh, by the way, Head—uh, I mean, Uncle’s back, and he brought your favorite snacks. 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.”

Stolen story; please report.

“Perfect!” 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 make it look so easy, don’t you? Everyone here respects you.”

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

Rika smiled, this time more genuinely. “I guess it helps having a solid team to back you up.”

“Definitely,” Kenneth agreed as they continued walking, the camaraderie between them unmistakable.

＊＊＊

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.

“Looks like we’re needed,” Rika said, her expression turning serious.

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.

Rika watched them disappear, then turned to Kenneth, a small smile tugging at her lips. “You didn’t even flinch. You’re always so calm.”

Kenneth shrugged, brushing rainwater off his sleeves. “Didn’t need to. They weren’t a real threat.”

The younger boy, still visibly shaken, managed a quick “thank you” before hurrying off, disappearing into the rainy haze.

For a moment, Kenneth and Rika stood alone in the quiet drizzle, the rain tapping gently around them. As they resumed their walk, Rika glanced over at him. “You’re pretty good at handling situations like that.”

Kenneth’s gaze remained forward, a faint smile crossing his face. “Someone has to,” he replied, his tone light but resolute. The rain fell steadily, yet there was a calm sense of purpose in the air between them.

＊＊＊

As the rain continued to fall, Rika parted ways with Kenneth, her thoughts drifting over the day’s events. 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 unyielding. “You need to return to Anterthon,” he said, his tone carrying a quiet urgency. “It’s no longer safe here.”

She held his gaze for a moment, understanding the weight behind his words, 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 the mortal world had come to an end.