As the sun rose, warm light filled Athea's room, casting soft, golden hues over everything. Both she and Rei remained fast asleep, undisturbed by the morning brightness.
Outside, Athea's parents exchanged a smile, planning to gently wake her up with their usual morning greetings. Her father knocked softly and opened the door, peeking inside.
Father (cheerfully): Rise and sh—
He froze, his gaze locking onto the unfamiliar figure beside Athea. Rei lay on his back, one arm stretched out, still sound asleep.
Mother (coming up behind him, curious): What's the holdup?
But as soon as she saw Rei, she gasped, putting her hand over her mouth in horror.
Father (whispering urgently, panicked): Athea! Get away from him, right now!
Mother (rushing to Athea's side, pulling her back): Honey, who... what is this boy?
The sudden movement and voices jolted Athea awake. She blinked, still sleepy, but when she saw her parents' shocked faces, her heart started racing.
Athea (wide-eyed, flustered): Mom, Dad, w-wait! I can explain! He's—he's my friend!
Father (panicking, pointing at Rei): A friend?! Athea, look at him! He has horns, and that... that ring—he's clearly not normal!
Mother (still holding Athea protectively): Are you sure he's safe, Athea? Why didn't you tell us about... about him?
Athea glanced nervously from her parents to Rei, who was now sitting up, looking both scared and confused by their reaction.
Athea (frantic, trying to explain): Yes! Yes, he's safe! Rei's... he's not like... I mean, he is different, but he wouldn't hurt anyone! Please, you have to believe me!
Father (voice rising, still alarmed): Athea, just because he's your friend doesn't mean he's safe! Look at him!
Rei, sitting up and shrinking back, looked to Athea, his face showing worry and guilt. He opened his mouth to speak, his voice small and uncertain.
Rei (quietly): I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you.
Athea (turning to Rei, then to her parents, desperate): Please, he didn't do anything wrong! He's just Rei!
Rei, sensing the tension in the room, felt a knot tighten in his chest. He could see the concern in Athea's parents' eyes, but the way they were reacting made him feel like an outsider, like something was wrong with him. He looked at Athea, her eyes wide with panic as she tried to explain, but all he could do was give a small, almost defeated sigh.
Rei (teasing, trying to mask his sadness): He's just Rei?
He pouted, crossing his arms over his chest, the slight hurt in his voice unmistakable.
Rei (mocking, half-grinning): You couldn't think of anything better than that?
Athea froze for a second, her cheeks turning red. She wanted to calm Rei down, but her parents' reaction was making everything worse. She looked back and forth between Rei and her parents, trying to gather her thoughts.
Athea (nervously, attempting to defuse the tension): Rei, please... I—I didn't mean it like that. I just... I didn't know how to explain, okay?
Her mother, still keeping a cautious distance, looked at Rei with wariness.
Mother (softly, trying to keep her voice steady): Athea, honey, we don't want to make things worse... but look at him.
She gestured toward Rei, her face filled with concern but not malice.
Father (his voice laced with worry): You don't know who or what he is, Athea. We can't just let him stay here without understanding—without knowing if he's dangerous. You have to be careful. This is bigger than just friendship.
Athea's heart raced, her chest tightening. She glanced at Rei, who seemed to be retreating into himself, not making eye contact as his shoulders slumped.
Athea (frantic, trying to explain): He's not dangerous! I promise. I know he's different, but... he's my friend! He would never hurt anyone!
Her voice wavered as she turned to her parents with pleading eyes. She knew they were just looking out for her, but the way they were reacting made her feel like she was losing control of the situation.
Father (sighing, rubbing his forehead): We understand, Athea... but you have to understand our concern too. He's not... like anyone we've ever met.
Mother (still cautious, but softer now): I know you want to help him, but we have to be careful. We don't know where he came from, or what he could do.
Rei, hearing this, felt his heart sink. He wasn't used to being treated like this, not even by Athea's parents. He opened his mouth to say something, but it caught in his throat. He wanted to explain more, to tell them he was harmless, but he wasn't sure they'd believe him.
Rei (quietly, looking at Athea with a sad smile): I... I didn't want to make things difficult. I just wanted to be friends.
Athea felt a pang of guilt, but she refused to let her parents' concerns push her away from what she knew was right. She stepped forward, trying to take control of the situation.
Athea (firmly, trying to reassure her parents): Please, just trust me. I know it's hard to understand, but he's not what you think. I'll explain everything, but... just give him a chance.
She turned to Rei, her expression softening as she reached out to him, taking his hand gently.
Athea (softly, to Rei): I'm sorry they're scared. I'm going to make them understand, okay?
Rei, still looking down, nodded quietly but didn't seem entirely convinced. He didn't feel like he was doing the right thing by being there, and part of him wanted to just leave before things got worse. But he couldn't abandon Athea, not now.
Rei (whispering to himself): I just want to be with you... I don't want to cause any more problems.