Ray closed from school slowly that afternoon, his steps heavier than usual. The sounds of laughter and chatter filled the school compound, but for him, it felt distant. Earlier that day, he had been bullied again. Even though he was strong enough to fight back, he refused. Not because he was weak—but because of the hardship he and his uncle, Cally, were going through. He couldn't afford trouble.
By the time he reached home, one of his eyes was swollen. He tried to hide it, keeping his head low as he walked inside. But Cally noticed immediately.
"Ray… what happened to your face?" Cally asked, his voice calm but sharp with concern.
"It's nothing," Ray replied quickly, turning away. "I just hit it somewhere."
But Cally wasn't convinced. He watched Ray closely, sensing the truth behind the lie. What worried him more was not just the bullying—but what would happen if one day Ray lost control of the Shadow power inside him. Cally had seen signs before, small bursts of energy Ray didn't even understand. If it ever fully awakened in anger, it could be dangerous.
That night, Cally made a decision.
He went to his boss, Gothim.
Gothim was a wealthy and influential man, the kind who knew things most people didn't. Cally worked as his driver, and over time, Gothim had come to trust him deeply.
When Cally explained Ray's situation, Gothim listened carefully. Then, without hesitation, he agreed.
"We'll handle it," Gothim said firmly. "From now on, the boy will be protected."
He decided that Ray would attend a better school—one where he would be safe and have opportunities. And even more importantly, he arranged for his own daughter, Cloud, to go with him.
The following week, Ray stood outside Cally's house, dressed neatly in a fresh uniform. For the first time in a long while, he looked like a normal student instead of someone carrying hidden pain.
Soon, they drove to Gothim's house.
The mansion was large and quiet, with guards at the gate and polished cars lined up outside. Gothim came out himself and greeted them. Without wasting time, he handed Ray some money for school expenses.
"Use this wisely," Gothim said.
Ray nodded respectfully. "Thank you, sir."
Just then, Cloud stepped out.
She stopped for a moment when she saw Ray. He was a tall, masculine-looking teenager with smooth skin and sharp features. There was something calm but strong about him that caught her attention immediately.
Ray noticed her too, but quickly looked away, slightly shy.
Gothim got into his car, and Cally turned to Ray. "I'll go with Mr. Gothim. You and Cloud will wait for the school driver."
Then both adults drove off, leaving the two teenagers alone for the first time.
Silence filled the space between them.
Cloud broke it first. "So… you're Ray?"
Ray nodded. "Yeah. I'm Ray."
"I'm Cloud," she replied with a small smile.
For a few seconds, neither of them knew what to say. Then slowly, the tension faded into comfort. They began talking—small things at first, then more freely as time passed.
A few minutes later, the school driver arrived and took them to school.
When they got out of the car, all eyes turned toward them. Students whispered, watching the new arrivals closely. Cloud walked confidently, showing Ray around the school, pointing out her class and introducing him to a few friends before heading off to hers.
At first, Ray stayed quiet, observing everything carefully. But as time went on, things began to change. He started opening up, making new friends, and slowly blending into his new environment.
For the first time in a long while, Ray felt something unfamiliar.
A chance at peace.