The sun dipped below the horizon, casting warm hues across the forest. Dain sat on the edge of the creek that bordered the school grounds, skipping stones across the water. His fiery orange eyes caught the reflection of the setting sun, but his thoughts were elsewhere-noveldrama

on Elyra, as always.

"Dain?" a soft voice broke his reverie.

He turned to see Mia standing a few feet away, her sketchbook tucked under one arm. Her timid smile faltered slightly as she looked at him.

"Mia," he said, his voice neutral. "What are you doing out here?"

"I was looking for you," she admitted, stepping closer. "You've been acting different lately. I just... I wanted to talk."

Dain frowned but didn't respond, turning back to the water. He wasn't in the mood for a conversation, but Mia wasn't going to leave.

"I know you care about her," Mia said quietly, her words making Dain's jaw tighten.

"What are you talking about?" he asked, his voice sharper than intended.

"Elyra," Mia said softly. "You're always watching out for her. Protecting her. But... it's more than that, isn't it?"

Dain's grip on the stone in his hand tightened. "She's my sister," he said firmly, though his voice lacked conviction.

Mia stepped closer, her sketchbook slipping from her hand to the ground. "I've seen the way you look at her, Dain. And I know it's not what you want. I know how confusing it must feel."

Dain whipped his head toward her, anger flashing in his glowing eyes. "You don't know anything about it," he growled.

"I know what it's like to love someone you think you shouldn't," Mia said, her voice trembling. "I've been in love with you for months, Dain."

His expression froze, his breath catching in his throat. "Mia..."

She took another step closer, her cheeks flushed. "You're strong, and loyal, and you care so much about the people you love. I thought maybe if I told you how I feel, it might... help."

Dain stood, towering over her, but his usual confidence was gone. "You shouldn't feel that way about me," he said, his voice low.

"Why not?" Mia challenged, her eyes searching his. "Because of Elyra?"

His silence spoke volumes, and Mia's breath hitched. "I'm not blind, Dain. I know how complicated this is for you, but I also know that you're trying so hard to be what everyone needs you to be. Can't I be what you need?" Before he could respond, Mia stepped forward and kissed him. Her lips were warm and soft against his, and for a moment, Dain froze, torn between pulling away and giving in.

When the kiss broke, he stared at her, his chest heaving. "I can't..." he started, but the words felt hollow.

Mia's eyes were shimmering with unshed tears. "Why not, Dain? Why can't you let yourself feel something for me? Is it because of her?"

Dain looked away, his fists clenching. "It's not what you think," he muttered. "It's not that simple."

"Then make it simple," Mia pleaded. "You don't have to keep punishing yourself, Dain. You deserve to be happy."

Dain didn't answer. The weight of her words and the memory of her kiss hung between them like a storm cloud. He turned and walked away, leaving Mia alone by the creek, her tears finally spilling over.

When he reached the edge of the forest, he stopped, pressing his back against a tree as he tried to catch his breath.

All he could think about was Elyra. Her silver hair catching the light, her laughter, the way her golden eyes softened when she looked at him.

And it terrified him.