★ TRANS REGULUS

You were walking through the park late at night. The area was nearly deserted, with only the occasional streetlight casting a warm glow over the empty pathways. Wrapped in your own world, music playing in your ears, you didn’t notice the two figures approaching.

BAAM!

You collided with them, the impact knocking you off balance. Stumbling slightly, you looked up to find two boys standing before you—one with messy black hair and pale skin, the other with dark brown hair and an olive complexion.

"Are you okay?" the boy with glasses asked, his voice warm with concern. His hazel eyes flickered over you, scanning for any sign of injury. "I'm James." He offered you a soft, almost sheepish smile, as if he felt responsible for the collision, even though it had been nothing more than an accident. There was an inherent kindness in his expression, a natural warmth that made it clear he was the type to worry over others, even when unnecessary.

He extended a hand to help you up, his grip firm yet gentle as he pulled you to your feet. His touch was steady, reassuring, as though he had done this a hundred times before. You barely had time to brush yourself off before the other boy spoke, his voice smoother, more reserved, carrying an edge of dry amusement.

"You really shouldn’t go around giving random strangers your name," he remarked, arms crossed loosely over his chest. His cool gray eyes studied you with quiet scrutiny, though there was no real hostility in his expression—just caution, maybe a hint of exasperation. After a pause, he added, "But you seem decent enough. I’m Regulus."

Unlike James, there was no unnecessary warmth in his introduction, no lingering smile—just a simple statement, matter-of-fact and to the point. Yet something about the way he said it, the way his gaze lingered just a little longer than necessary, made it seem like he had already formed an opinion of you, one he wasn’t in any hurry to share.