Haaaays...
Another day, another ruthless world that just won't stop kicking me down.
Sigh.
Rover (bitter chuckle):
"This life? It's an everyday torture.
But I'm getting used to it, I guess.
Maybe I should just laugh at how pathetic it's all become.
Hahaha...
He walks slowly past the edge of the campus, dirt clinging to the bottom of his worn-out shoes. His clothes—faded, slightly torn—hang loosely off his frame. No bag. No phone. No comfort. Just him, walking with hands shoved in his pockets, trying to stay unnoticed.
Then—
"Hey, prick!"
Rover's head tilts slightly.
That voice again.
Gan Sae Bok.
B-rank Fire Mage. Sadist in a school uniform. The kind of guy who thinks power means permission.
He leans against the campus wall, spinning a bottle cap between his fingers like he's some hotshot celebrity.
Gan Sae Bok (smirking):
"Come here for a sec. Mind getting me a water?"
Rover (dryly):
"Why don't you get it yourself?"
The smirk slips, replaced by a flicker of irritation.
Gan Sae Bok (stepping forward, flames flickering around his hand):
"Oh? You got a smart mouth now, street rat?
You want me to ignite that tongue of yours and watch you scream?"
The heat in the air rises. The cap in his hand melts slightly.
Rover stands still, shoulders tense but unmoving. His fists are clenched inside his pockets.
Then—
A gust of wind.
Sharp. Cold. Cutting.
And a pair of shoes step between them.
A figure in a long coat passes slowly—an older man, calm and composed, a bag tucked under one arm. His presence alone makes the heat retreat.
??? (Professor) (voice like falling steel):
"Don't waste your flames on someone who hasn't burned yet."
Gan flinches. The fire dies instantly.
Gan Sae Bok (quickly bowing):
"Ah—Professor Kuroda! Didn't see you there! Hehe... want me to carry that bag? I was just... stretching."
Professor Kuroda (not even looking at him):
"You're not here to stretch. You're here to study.
Get to class."
Gan (gritting his teeth behind a smile):
"Yes, sir. Right away."
He turns. But not before shooting Rover a venomous look.
Don't say a word. Or you're dead.
Then he's gone—swagger gone, tail between his legs.
Professor Kuroda watches him disappear, then turns to Rover.
A long pause.
Professor Kuroda:
"You're not enrolled here.
Why are you on school grounds?"
Rover (quietly):
"...No place else to go."
Another silence. The professor studies him carefully. Not judging—just... observing.
Professor Kuroda (after a moment):
"This world doesn't offer shelter to the lost.
But it doesn't kill them either. Not always."
He starts to walk away. Then stops, glancing back.
Professor Kuroda:
"Whatever flame that boy throws at you—
Don't forget, fire can burn out faster than it flares.
Endure... or rise. Your choice."
He walks away without waiting for an answer.
Rover exhales. Shoulders loosen.
He stares up at the sky—clouds heavy, like they're about to cry.
To be continue....