The morning after a long, exhausting night, the skies above Makazhar were bright but slightly humid. Today wasn’t a regular school day. In fact, it was a rather annoying one for Al.
He arrived at school early—an unusual thing for him. Not because he was excited, but because it was senior yearbook photo day. The kind of formal portraits people claimed would be cherished for a lifetime... though to Al, it meant nothing.
The school yard was already bustling. Students dressed neatly, some standing in front of hand mirrors, others fixing each other’s hair.
From within the crowd, two familiar figures made their way toward Al.
Rina—the tomboy—stood casually with her hands in her pockets. Beside her walked Dila, who had recently gone on a fake date with Al. At this moment, Al looked like some rich boy flanked by two beautiful, popular girls.
"You’re early today," Rina said with a smirk, patting Al on the shoulder.
"What’s the deal with coming early?" Dila squinted, curious.
Al didn’t answer. His eyes scanned the area, searching for two people he had questions about—Rudi and Jogo.
Not far away, under the shade of a large tree, Rudi, Jogo, and two of Rudi’s lackeys stood quietly, far from the crowd. Both Rudi and Jogo looked pale and drained, as if they hadn’t slept all night. Al knew exactly why.
But that wasn’t what caught his attention.
Their auras—they were different. Stable, yet empty... like vacant vessels waiting to be filled. It was especially odd for Jogo, who was a martial artist, usually radiating an explosive, lively energy. Now? Completely hollow. Although, outside their bodies, there were faint traces of helos—weak and unstable, like thin smoke from dying embers.
Al squinted, activating his spiritual vision.
What happened to them...? he wondered.
A voice from the school’s PA system cut through his thoughts.
"Next, Al... please proceed to the photo room!"
Al walked off, passing by Idham, who quickly looked down in embarrassment. His face was beet red. The viral video of Idham acting aggressively toward Al at the café was still a hot topic—even though the Tamarvich family had tried scrubbing most of it from the internet. But gossip wasn’t so easily erased—especially when it involved someone from a powerful family.
The photoshoot went by quickly. Individual photos, then class groups, followed by the entire grade.
Several moments made Al visibly uncomfortable—especially when Rina and Dila stood way too close during group shots. One had a bold, confident aura; the other was overly serious but oddly clingy.
Tch... Can these two weirdos stay away from me for once? Al grumbled internally.
But he said nothing. After all, this was just part of the "normal world"—a world that would soon descend into chaos again.
As soon as the session ended, Al exited through the school gates. His eyes tired, his steps quick. He just wanted to go home and disappear from the crowd.
A loud voice called out behind him—Dila.
"Want to go on another date?" Dila shouted, jogging after him.
"No," Al replied flatly, without even turning.
"Haaa?! Al... you and Dila went on a date?"
Rina came up not far behind, her tone a mix of surprise and amusement. Despite her tomboyishness, her feminine side still surfaced—especially when gossip was involved.
"Since when were you two dating? Whaa~" Rina exclaimed.
"I didn’t even think Al wanted to date anyone. He looks too lazy to breathe, let alone go on a date."
"That wasn’t a date," Al muttered, voice low and tired, before picking up his pace.
"Aaaalll! Come on! Let’s go on a real date this time, okay? I want to make up for the fake one!" Dila still chased after him.
"Wait up! I’m coming too! Let’s go on a triple date~" Rina joked playfully.
Al sighed internally.
What’s wrong with these two weird girls...
Suddenly, someone blocked his path at the school gate.
But Jogo wasn’t looking at him.
He was looking at Rina.
"Rina... I need to talk to you," he said seriously.
"Hmm? What is it?" Rina raised an eyebrow.
"If you’re going to date someone, why not me?" Jogo said boldly.
"Why waste time with some orphan loser like him? You’re a fighter. You shouldn’t be seen with a guy who got knocked out by a girl."
Rina’s eyes narrowed. His tone annoyed her.
"Date you?!" she snapped.
"At least... I didn’t give up," Al muttered—just loud enough for others nearby to hear.
A few students around chuckled quietly. They still remembered how Jogo had forfeited during his match against Yolanda at the school sports festival.
Jogo’s face turned red. He glared at Al.
His fist clenched, ready to swing.
Rina’s voice cut through sharply.
Her face was cold and serious now.
"What the hell’s wrong with you? Don’t act like you can just do whatever you want. If you’re looking for a fight, then fight me."
Jogo looked at Rina—stunned.
Rina stepped closer, standing just inches from him. Despite Jogo being bigger, her presence was undeniably dominant.
"Didn’t you hear me? If you want to fight, fight me. If not, get lost. I don’t want to date you. And stop bothering Al. Even if he’s weak and got knocked out by a girl, that’s my business. If I want to date or marry Al—or anyone—that’s my choice. You and I are nothing. So leave us alone."
Jogo stood frozen, disheartened. He didn’t expect Rina to defend someone he saw as just a weak orphan.
He looked at Rina for a long moment, then finally dropped his shoulders.
"If that’s how you feel..." he said softly, giving Rina what looked like a sincere smile.
But Rina didn’t care. Her face was still full of annoyance.
"I’m leaving," Jogo said, turning around and walking away—knowing this wasn’t the right time to act aggressively. Still, at the corner of his lips, a faint, sinister smile formed.
Just wait, Rina. It won’t be long before you bow to me. And you, Al... hehehe... let’s see who laughs in the end.
And with that, they parted under a now-overcast sky.
"Ugh, he’s been acting so weird lately. He wasn’t before," Rina muttered, annoyed by Jogo’s behavior.
"Don’t worry, Al. If he ever gives you trouble, just come to me. I’ll deal with him."
Al looked at her, then shook his head.
"Of course he’s changed. The person he likes is getting close to someone else," Al said simply.
Rina smiled. "I know."
"Then... if you know, why don’t you return his feelings? You really don’t like him?" Dila asked, joining the conversation.
"Unfortunately... I already have someone I like." Her face turned slightly red, though she tried to keep her cool in front of Al and Dila.
Al just shook his head at this uninteresting love drama.
Young love... he thought with a sigh.