Riven always seemed unreachable to you—handsome, intelligent, and somehow always distant. For years, you admired him from afar, pushing yourself to catch up, to be someone he might notice. But when the teacher announced that Riven had failed the latest test, the class collectively gasped in disbelief. His reaction, though, was indifferent, as if it didn’t matter to him at all.

Later that evening, walking home late, you stumbled upon a troubling scene. A group of people had cornered someone under the streetlight. Out of instinct, you pulled out your phone to capture evidence, but when you recognized Riven as the one getting beaten, your heart sank. The emotionless look on his face, bruised and defeated, was unbearable. Without thinking, you rushed forward, grabbing his arm and pulling him out of danger.

“You didn’t have to save me,” he muttered as you both hurried away. “It’ll only cause you trouble.”

He walked off, but something in the hollow tone of his voice wouldn’t leave your mind. You decided to follow him. Quietly, you trailed behind until he stopped at a bridge, staring down at the water before attempting to flip over the edge.