"Ria! Ria!! Wake up or you'll be late for school!"
My father's voice echoed from downstairs, sharp and commanding.
I groaned, pulling the blanket over my head. I was already awake, but not ready to face the world just yet. The dream had come again—fifth time this week. A boy, faceless yet oddly familiar, walking away while I called out to him. No matter how hard I tried, I could never catch up.
It wasn't exactly a nightmare, but it left me feeling... restless.
"Who are you?" I whispered to the phantom in my mind. Of course, no answer came.
"Ria! Don't make me come up there!"
"I'm up, Dad!" I shouted, dragging myself out of bed. No point in making him climb the stairs. He'd already lecture me for oversleeping.
After a quick prayer, a shower, and the fastest hairbrush routine I could manage, I made my way downstairs. My father, George Saito, stood by the door, lunchbox in hand, already dressed for work in his usual navy-blue suit. He had that "let's-go-we're-late" look on his face.
"Here," he said, thrusting the lunchbox toward me.
"Dad, I can pack my own lunch," I muttered, grabbing it anyway.
His response? A turn on his heel and a march to the car. Subtle as always.
The drive to school was quiet at first. That suited me just fine—I wasn't in the mood to talk. But my dad? He wasn't one to let things slide.
"Ria," he started, glancing at me as we merged onto the highway, "this is the fourth time you've overslept this week. Is something going on?"
"Nope," I replied quickly. Maybe too quickly.
"You sure?" His eyes flicked toward me again, concern etched on his face.
"I'm fine, Dad. Really." I forced a smile, hoping it would end the interrogation.
He sighed, but dropped the subject. "Alright. Just remember, if you ever want to talk…"
"I know," I said, cutting him off. I appreciated the sentiment, but I wasn't about to burden him with my weird dreams.
¶
When we pulled up to the school gates, he got out to open my door.
"Dad," I groaned, "you don't have to—"
"Stay safe," he interrupted, ignoring my protests. "And remember, you're going home with Sakura and Nobara today. No walking alone." His tone left no room for argument.
"Yes, Dad," I muttered, quickly grabbing my bag and stepping out before he could embarrass me further.
As I watched him drive off, I couldn't help but think about how overprotective he'd become since… the incident. Getting lost for two days had been scary for both of us, but did it really warrant all this?
"Hey, Ria!"
I turned to see Suzune waving at me, her dark blue hair catching the morning light.
"Good morning," she said with a smile that was a little too bright for this hour.
"Morning," I replied, falling into step beside her. Suzune was popular, smart, and somehow always cheerful. She was also the only person in class who talked to me regularly. I couldn't figure out why, but I wasn't about to complain.
¶
After school, I met up with Sakura and Nobara.
"Finally!" Sakura said, tossing her pink hair over her shoulder. "Let's get going before Nobara finds another excuse to keep us waiting."
"I said I was sorry!" Nobara protested, clutching her books.
Their bickering was as familiar as it was comforting. I smiled, clutching my bag as we walked toward the gate.
"By the way," Sakura said, glancing at me, "what's up with you lately? You've been zoning out all week."
"It's nothing," I lied.
"Liar," Nobara said bluntly.
I sighed. "Fine. I've been having this dream. There's a boy, but I can't see his face, and he keeps walking away. It's weird."
"That's it?" Sakura said, raising an eyebrow. "You need to see a dream reader or something."
"You mean an oneirologist," Nobara corrected.
"Whatever!" Sakura retorted smacking Nobara's head with a book.
As we walked toward the gate, Sakura and Nobara were arguing again—something about ramen and soulmates. I half-listened until I heard a familiar voice.
"Still here, Ria?"
I turned to see Suzune approaching, her dark blue hair shining in the sunset. She always moved with a quiet confidence, like the world could bend to her will.
"Hey, Suzune," I said, surprised. "What's up?"
"Student council just wrapped up. Mind if I join you? Walking alone isn't much fun."
I hesitated. Not because of Suzune—but because of Sakura's glare burning into my back.
"She's stealing you, Ria," Sakura hissed. "First you're in the same class, now this?"
I sighed. "She's just walking with us. Don't overthink it."
Sakura's forced smile was almost scarier than her glare. "Of course, Suzune! We'd love your company."
Suzune smiled faintly. "Thank you. Let's go."
We walked on, but her next words caught me off guard.
"Ria, have you ever thought about joining the student council? Someone like you could really shine there."
I blinked, unsure how to respond. Someone like me? What did she mean by that?
"I'll... think about it" I replied.
¶
As we reached the bus stop, a loud rumble filled the air. I turned just in time to see a massive truck speeding toward us. Toward Sakura.
"Sakura, move!" I shouted, but she froze.
Without thinking, I ran.
The world slowed as I planted my feet and braced my hands against the truck's grille. Metal groaned under the strain as the vehicle screeched to a halt. My arms burned, but I held firm until the truck finally stopped.
When it was over, I staggered back, breathless but unhurt.
"Ria…" Sakura whispered, her voice trembling. "How… how did you…?"
I forced a laugh, trying to shake off the tension. "I've always been strong."
That wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth either. Only my dad and my two closest friends knew the extent of it.
"Please don't tell anyone," I said, looking at Suzune.
She nodded, though her gaze stayed on me with a mixture of both surprise and suspicion.
Before I could say more, a shadow fell over us.
Standing in the middle of the street was a figure draped in crimson robes, a mask hiding his face.
"I knew it," he said, his voice cold and measured. "The Ryuu is among you."
My blood ran cold as he stepped closer, his presence was almost suffocating.
"Who are you?" I demanded, forcing myself to stand tall.
He tilted his head.
"I am RED of the X. Now, which of you is the Ryuu?"