Lightning slashed across the sky, momentarily bathing the world in a blinding, electric glow before plunging it back into a consuming darkness. The storm raged on, its howling winds bending tree branches to their limits, forcing them to twist and writhe like tortured limbs.
In the midst of the downpour, the vehicle sat idly in the shadows, its presence masked by the ceaseless rain that blurred the world beyond the windshield. The dormitory building stood tall, soft lights escaping from the windows, providing a faint glow to the otherwise dark surroundings.
The silence inside the car was thick, pressing in from all sides. Noah sat still, his breaths slow and shallow, afraid to disturb the fragile stillness between them. He could hear the faint rattle of the car engine and the rhythmic ticking of the windshield wipers sweeping away the never-ending downpour
Lucien stepped out first, his tall frame cutting a stark figure against the rain. As he emerged, he reached for the umbrella beside him, unfurling it in a single fluid motion. The fabric snapped as it expanded, shielding him from the rain, the metal ribs creaking softly as they braced against the force of the wind.
For a brief moment, he stood still, letting the cold air whip around him, unfazed by the icy bite seeping into his skin. Then, with leisurely steps, he strode to the other side of the car and pulled the door open, extending a hand toward the boy inside.
Noah hesitated, his fingers hovering just above the offered hand before finally taking it. He descended with careful steps, mindful of the puddles that threatened to stain the borrowed clothes. The moment his feet touched the wet pavement, he instinctively curled closer to the warmth standing beside him.
The umbrella hovered just over his head, sheltering him from the rain. The howling winds sent icy droplets swirling into the space beneath, kissing the back of his neck and seeping through the fabric of his clothes.
The storm only seemed to grow more violent, its fury rattling the world like a beast in anguish. The sky rumbled, a deep, rolling growl that sent vibrations through the ground. At the sound, Noah flinched, his fingers instinctively tightening around Lucien's sleeve.
He hadn't meant to react so visibly, but warmth enveloped him before he could retreat. A steady hand pulled him closer, shielding him under the umbrella's cover.
"You'll get wet," Lucien whispered, angling it to ensure Noah remained dry.
Noah burrowed in, his pale hands gripping Lucien's arm, inching closer as if drawn to the warmth he had been deprived of for too long. His breath came out in soft, uneven puffs, warming the cold fabric against Lucien's shoulder. The towering youth looked down at him, silent and observant, but he said nothing.
The rain continued its violent assault around them. In this small, sheltered space, there was only the steady sound of breathing and the quiet rustle of fabric as Lucien adjusted the umbrella.
They had arrived well past curfew, and the dormitory was already locked for the night.
In the distance, a flickering light swayed through the sheets of rain. It bobbed in the darkness, drawing closer until the silhouette of a middle-aged man emerged. His yellow umbrella stood out starkly against the gloom.
He greeted the two with a polite bow, and they both nodded in return.
"Make sure he gets to his room."
The guard gave a swift, respectful nod, his face faintly illuminated by the unsteady glow of the lantern he carried, shadows dancing across his worn features.
Lucien turned his attention to Noah.
"You can go with him."
The boy didn't move. His fingers remained curled around the sleeve of the Lucien's coat, clinging to it like an anchor. He opened his mouth, struggling to find something to say, but the words refused to come. Then, just as quickly, he closed his mouth again.
A long second passed before his fingers slipped away.
With slow, reluctant steps, he moved under the yellow umbrella, his head slightly bowed as he followed the guard toward the entrance.
Lucien exhaled, watching until the lean figure disappeared into the building. Then, he turned and slid back into the car, signaling the driver to leave.
- - - - - -
Lucien made his way through the gloomy corridors, his presence a mere shadow against the walls. Upon entering his room, he shed his damp coat, the fabric still cold from the rain, and made his way toward the bathroom.
The moment he turned the tap, steam curled into the air, thick and swirling like mist over a lake. The water pooled, rippling as it filled the tub, its heat fogging up the mirror and softening the harsh edges of the room.
Warmth enveloped him immediately when he stepped in, a stark contrast to the biting cold outside. The tension in his muscles gradually eased, the heat lulling him into a brief moment of reprieve.
He emerged after some time, dressed in dark gray pajamas—a rare sight. His silver hair, usually swept back, now fell in damp, unruly strands.
Drying his hair with a towel as he walked, his eyes landed on the lectern in the corner of the room.
The book lay wide open, just as he had left it, but now new words were scrawled across its pages, the ink bleeding into the smooth paper like creeping veins of darkness.
Lucien remained unfazed as he poured himself a glass of warm water from the kettle, taking slow, deliberate sips. Stepping closer, his eyes traced over the freshly written passage.
"Hmm….a new chapter."
Chapter 3: Last Farewell
A crowd gathered in tight clusters, their faces pale and stricken with horror as they stared at the scene before them. Some covered their mouths, while others whispered in hushed, panicked tones.
A stretcher was being carried out of the woods, moving in solemn silence. The body strapped upon was covered with a white sheet which was already stained with patches of red all over.
A pale hand flopped limply over the side, bending at an unnatural angle, fingers frozen in a half-curled state. It's skin was torn and full of dark purplish bruises.
Just when they thought the sight couldn't get any worse, a strong gust of wind swept through, tearing the sheet away from the body.
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, the mangled corpse capturing the full attention of the onlookers.
They all began whispering to each other, their hushed voices weaving through the air like restless shadows.
What had happened to it? Who would have done such a terrible thing?
And if something like that could happen to an such an important person, what did it meant for them?
None of them were safe. Not here.
Lucien skimmed over the passage before him, then tilted his head back, downing the rest of his drink in one smooth motion. As he set the empty glass down with a soft clink, he rolled his shoulders and stretched his neck, feeling the tension ease with a faint crack.
"Well, looks like someone's about to have a really bad time."
He turned and strolled toward the bed at a leisurely pace. With a final click, the lamp went out, casting the room into darkness.
Outside, the thunder rumbled again.
It was a deep, resounding growl that echoed through the sky~
And followed him into sleep.
- - - - - -
Noah sat in class, his head lowered over his desk, fingers idly tracing the edges of his book. The morning had come too quickly, dragging him forward with the weight of exhaustion still clinging to his limbs. The teacher had left moments ago, leaving the class to its usual restless hum.
Without supervision, the students were quick to abandon any pretense of order, their voices rising as they played around. Laughter rippled through the room as students shifted. It was the kind of atmosphere that usually made Noah feel invisible, but today, his mind was elsewhere.
A sudden impact against his desk sent his book tumbling to the floor.
He blinked, momentarily disoriented, before looking up to see a boy standing over him, hands hovering awkwardly as if afraid to move. Then the boy quickly bent down to retrieve the book, his face pale, and placed it back on the table with shaky hands.
"S-Sorry! I didn't mean to —" His eyes darted to Noah, searching for any sign of anger.
Noah met his nervous gaze and offered a small, reassuring smile. "It's okay."
Relief flooded the boy's face.
Noticing the rasp in Noah's voice, he hesitated. "Hey, your voice uh… It sounds kinda hoarse. Are you sick?"
Noah nodded. "Just a cold."
"Ah, I see. Be careful, yeah? The weather's been awful."
With a casual wave, the student turned away, disappearing into the crowd of chattering classmates.
Noah sat still, his fingers tightening slightly around the edges of his book.
A cold, huh?
Noah let out a weary laugh under his breath. If only that were true.
He couldn't exactly tell anyone the real reason for his raspy voice was due to him crying too much last night.
His fingers ghosted over the pages of his book, his mind drifting back to the night before. His chest tightened as the memory clawed its way back, heat rising to his face.
What the hell had gotten into him?
He brought the book up, hiding behind it as if that could somehow erase the shame curling in his stomach.
Even if he had been upset, why did he have to act so rudely towards his brother?
His fingers dug into the pages.
Why did I do that? WHY?
He could still feel the warmth of Lucien's hand against his own. But instead of comforting him now, it only made his embarrassment worse.
He had to apologize. As soon as possible.
Noah inhaled slowly, trying to steady himself. He glanced at the clock, watching as time trickled away like sand slipping through his fingers.
Tomorrow was the holiday. Everyone would be packing, preparing to leave for home. If he didn't see Lucien today, he'd have to wait until they were in the car, travelling back home.
His chest ached with uncertainty as he let out a quiet sigh.