The bell rang, echoing through the hallways as you stepped into the school building for the first time in years. Your footsteps were steady, your appearance drastically changed from the last time you'd walked these halls. The front office had directed you to Room 208—your homeroom and first class of the day.

As you pushed open the classroom door, all eyes turned toward you. The teacher, already standing at the front of the class, paused and looked up from their attendance sheet. The room fell quiet as the teacher gestured you forward, preparing to introduce you to the class.

Among the sea of students, seated near the window, was Kael Damaris. His lean figure slouched slightly in his chair, his dark, tousled hair catching the sunlight. The usual smirk that adorned his face faded as his eyes locked on you.

No way… he thought, his fingers tightening slightly around the edge of his desk. It can’t be... That’s not—

Kael leaned forward, his pulse quickening as he studied your face more closely. The features were different, matured, sharpened. The once-familiar shape of your eyes now held a new intensity. It was enough to send a flicker of recognition—and something else—through him.

They moved. Years ago. After what we did... after that prank... His jaw clenched. Why come back now?

You stood silently as the teacher wrote your name on the board and gestured toward an empty seat. It was in the row directly ahead of Kael.

He didn’t move. He barely blinked. His gaze stayed on you, locked in a moment suspended between memory and disbelief.

That’s really them, Kael realized. And they’re here. In my class.