Back in the Delta Region, the sun had barely risen when Joshua Starline woke up early. He quietly stirred Bran, urging him to get home and prepare for the academy. Bran groaned, still half asleep, but obeyed, gathering his things before heading out. Joshua, always thoughtful, had already arranged for someone to bring Asher's belongings from home and managed to get him a brand-new phone, since Asher's old one had been destroyed during the recent events.
After Bran left, Joshua turned his attention to Asher, gently waking him. "Time to get ready, son," Joshua said, handing him the phone and some money. "Your old one's gone, and your mom's still recovering, so you'll need this for the day. Get something to eat on your way."
Asher sat up, rubbing his eyes as he took the phone. He smiled, grateful as always. "Thanks, Dad." With that, he got dressed and exited the hotel room, making his way to the train station.
On his journey, he spotted Mika waiting for him near the entrance. He jogged up to her with a smile. In the distance, Bran was running to catch up, though he was a little further behind. Asher took a moment to glance back at him before turning his attention to Mika.
"Mika, I just want to say… thank you for being my friend. I really don't know what I'd do without you or Bran." His tone was sincere, and for a moment, his usual carefree demeanor softened. "I hope there wasn't any trouble when you got home last night?"
Mika shrugged nonchalantly, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "There was a bit of trouble, but nothing I couldn't handle," she replied. She didn't want to burden him with her family drama. "I'm more worried about you."
"Yh," Asher nodded, looking somewhat relieved. "Oh, I forgot to tell you guys. I ran into that rich boy, Logan Pendragon, the other day."
Mika's eyes widened in shock. "What? Where? When?" she asked quickly, her mind racing. Logan was a name everyone knew—his family held immense influence.
"Here, in the Delta Region," Asher replied, scratching his head as if it wasn't a big deal. "It was just a day ago."
Mika sighed deeply, almost exasperated. "And you didn't think to tell me sooner? Asher, I hope you didn't say anything rude to him."
Asher blinked, then scratched his head sheepishly. "Not that I can think of…" he trailed off, trying to recall the conversation.
Mika rolled her eyes, though a smile was starting to form. "You're a handful, you know that?"
Before Asher could respond, Bran finally caught up to them, panting slightly but grinning. "You guys are too fast. What did I miss?" he asked, playfully throwing his arm around Asher's shoulders.
"Nothing important," Mika said with a smirk. "Just Asher being his usual self."
With Bran now with them, the trio headed toward the train station, ready to tackle another day at the academy, the weight of both their friendship and the challenges ahead resting on their shoulders.