Every morning, before the sun rises, I wake up and head to the woods with my brother. That's where our training begins. It's brutal—lifting heavy logs, doing one-handed pushups until our arms burn, swimming upstream against the waterfall's crushing force, and a dozen other grueling tasks.

Every day, I see my brother struggling. Clashing with his endurance. But that's when I push him, harder than ever. "Pain isn't the end; it's a chance to evolve" I tell him. "It's the beginning of our strength. Keep going, and let's find the edge of our limits... and break through them."

It's not easy—no, it's hell. Especially for two 17-year-old kids. But we don't have a choice. Mama's orders.

And when Mama gives an order, we don't question it. just obey.

I'm Khusi. Me and my brother—well, we're twins, practically mirrors of each other. Same face, same build, same everything. But that's where the similarities end. My brother doesn't speak. He's an introvert, lost in his own quiet world, a world that seems so much tougher than mine.

Life isn't easy for him, but I make sure to keep smiling. Always. Because my smile? It's what keeps him going. It's what reminds him that no matter how heavy the weight of the world feels, he's not carrying it alone.

It's my responsibility to make him happy, to protect his light, even if it means hiding my own struggles behind a grin. At least, for as long as I'm here beside him.

(Khusi, smiling softly )

[09:24 AM | Final Presentation Day]

"Bro, it's already 9:24! Where are Khushi and Aryan?" Tenji growled, pacing anxiously near the school gates. "The gates close in six minutes! Don't they know how important today is? We've worked the entire year for this presentation! Ugh, how can those jerks be this lazy and clueless...?"

"Calm down, Tenji," Raizu said, trying to defuse the situation. But even he couldn't hide his concern.

Tring-tring…

Khushi's watch buzzed, pulling him from his distracted state. He casually swiped up, and a glowing holographic projection hovered above his wrist. Raizu's face popped up, looking both annoyed and concerned.

"Khushi! Where are you guys? The clock's ticking, and the gates are about to close! Don't tell me you're still at home!" Raizu barked, clearly trying to keep Tenji from exploding further.

Khushi, calm as ever, grinned and replied smoothly, "Relax, Raizu. I'm about to leave home now. Don't worry—I'll be there in time."

Before Raizu could argue, Khushi waved off the projection with a flick of his wrist. He turned to Aryan, who was adjusting his bag, and smiled. "Guess we better run, huh?"

"God damn it! It's approximately 8 kilometers from here!" Tenji exclaimed, his frustration bubbling into full-on panic. "There's no way they'll make it in time. It's over! All our work, down the drain. And me? I'll have to study for another year! Why did I even join your team, Raizu? Sure, Khushi's a genius, but I never thought he'd be the most reckless guy I've ever met!"

Tenji's pacing quickened, matching the rise in his blood pressure as the seconds ticked away.

Meanwhile, on the other end of town, Khushi glanced at Aryan. "Hey, bro," he said, tightening the strap on his bag, "we've got five minutes. I think that's enough. What do you say we make this fun?"

Aryan's face lit up with excitement. He swung his eyebrow in challenge and flashed a thumbs-up.

"Let's see who's stepping through those school gates first," Khushi added, determination flashing in his eyes.

Without another word, they took off like lightning, the clock ticking down and the thrill of the race driving them forward.

09:26 AM

Khusi smirked and bolted ahead, overtaking Aryan with a playful laugh.

09:27 AM

Their race took an unexpected turn when a stray dog began chasing them, barking furiously.

09:28 AM

Khusi leapt over walls like a cat, while Aryan struggled, hurdling over bins and fences. The chaos brought them neck and neck.

09:29 AM

Panting and sweaty, both reached the same line at the same moment, glancing at each other.

09:30 AM

"Damn it! We're doomed!" Tenji groaned, slumping to the ground. "I'm going to fail thanks to those jerks!"

Khusi placed a steady hand on Tenji's shoulder, grinning. "Why are you crying?"

Tenji's eyes stuned. "How—how are you at school already? Eight kilometers in five minutes?! What just happened?"

Khusi was the center of attention, as usual. The moment he stepped into the class, a wave of excited murmurs erupted among the girls, each one eager to strike up a conversation with him.

Before things could escalate, the teacher walked in, clapping his hands for attention. "Alright, everyone! Take your seats. The external examiner will be here shortly to evaluate your presentations."

Everyone waiting....