The hallway was quieter than usual.
Not because there were fewer students—
But because of who was there.
Kai walked casually, hands in his pockets.
Then—
"Yo."
Kai stopped.
He didn't need to turn around.
"…What do you want?" he said.
A faint crackle of lightning answered him.
Axel.
The King of Nova High.
Students nearby slowly backed away, creating space.
Kai finally turned.
Axel stood there, calm, confident, like he owned everything.
Which… he kind of did.
"I was looking for you," Axel said.
Kai raised an eyebrow.
"That's not good news."
Axel smirked.
"Relax. I'm not here to fight."
Kai didn't believe him.
"Then?"
Axel stepped closer.
"I'm bored."
Kai blinked.
"…That's your problem."
Axel chuckled.
"No. It's yours now."
Before Kai could respond—
Axel threw an arm over his shoulder like they were friends.
"Walk with me."
The entire hallway froze.
"Did the King just—?"
"Is he serious?!"
Kai sighed.
"…You're causing a scene."
Axel ignored everyone and kept walking, dragging Kai along.
"I want to know something," Axel said.
Kai glanced at him.
"What?"
Axel's eyes narrowed slightly.
"What you're hiding."
Kai smiled faintly.
"Nothing."
"Liar."
Kai shrugged.
"Believe what you want."
They walked outside toward the training field.
For once—
No one dared interrupt them.
Axel stopped and looked at Kai.
"You don't act like the others," he said.
Kai leaned against the fence.
"Maybe I'm not like them."
Axel nodded.
"Exactly."
There was a pause.
Then Axel spoke again.
"From today…"
Kai already didn't like where this was going.
"…you're hanging out with me."
Kai frowned.
"I didn't agree to that."
Axel smiled.
"You don't have to."
Kai sighed deeply.
"This is going to be annoying."
Axel laughed.
"Get used to it."
From a distance—
Zara watched everything.
Her eyes sharp.
Focused.
The King… and Kai?
Something wasn't right.
Back at the field, Axel looked at Kai again.
"Let's see how long you can keep pretending."
Kai looked away slightly.
"…As long as I need to."
Axel's smile widened.
"Good."
Because the more time they spent together—
The closer Axel would get to the truth.
And when that happened…
Everything would change.