The storm poured down hard, sheets of rain drumming against the rooftop gym where Felix trained alone. His fists slammed into the bag, every strike sharp, every movement carrying the weight of old grudges.

A shout broke through the storm. Then another, panicked and raw. Felix froze, chest heaving. The crackle of fire cut through the night.

He ran outside, the rain instantly soaking him, but what he saw made him stop cold. A circle of flames burned in the street, bright and defiant against the storm. In the center stood a tall figure, masked in black, the sharp curve of a swan etched into the design.

Felix’s heart dropped. The memories hit him like a punch: the high school stage, the blinding theatre lights, the roar of applause. Hyunjin had taken the role of the Black Swan, the part Felix had wanted more than anything. Seven years had passed, and the anger had only deepened, carried into the criminal world where they had chosen different paths.

Felix took a step forward, rain dripping into his eyes.

“So it’s really you,” he said, voice rough with old venom. “Hyunjin. Still hiding behind that mask? Still desperate to be the center of attention?”