THE SCHOOL'S BELL RANG in the distance as Stephen sat on the rooftop.
Today, he had chosen solitude over the crowded hallways and the buzz of classroom chatter. The bricks beneath him felt warm. He leaned back, staring at the sky above, his thoughts drifting like clouds in the endless expanse.
Why was he even contemplating the idea of leading Team Agartha? The very notion seemed foreign to him. Sure, the prospect of leading the strongest group of riders was appealing; the way Collin had spoken of it made it sound interesting. Yet inside, he scoffed at the idea.
That was not who he was. He was just a kid from the neighborhood who enjoyed riding with those closest to him. The idea of riding with complete strangers who didn't even know who he was strayed him away. Instead, he preferred the simpler joys—riding with friends, feeling the wind rush past him as they sped through the streets, and forging ahead with purpose instead of ambition.
