The hallway after lunch was unusually calm, sunlight spilling through the tall windows as students drifted in small groups. For the first time in a long while, Aarvin wasn't walking alone.
Kade and Troy flanked him on one side, banging on about who missed the last shot in practice. Liam stalked ahead, spinning a basketball on his finger. Beside Aarvin… John. The new transfer had slipped into the Wolves' orbit more naturally than anyone expected, thanks to yesterday's fight. Standing together in chaos had quietly bonded them.
John nudged Aarvin lightly.
"So… yesterday. Those guys who came at me— that happens often here?"
Aarvin shrugged. "Not always. Some groups like to test new faces."
John smirked. "Well, they picked the wrong new face."
Troy whistled. "Bro, the way you handled that punch? Respect."
"Respect?!" Kade laughed. "The real demon was Aarvin. He didn't stop after knocking that guy down—kept punching like he was possessed."
Liam grinned. "Yeah, you were like— 'You wanna get up? NOPE.'"
Everyone laughed, but the chuckles faded when the hallway whispers resurfaced: _"That's Riyan's brother."_
Aarvin blinked, a little embarrassed. "I… just lost control, I guess."
John tilted his head, studying him. "Not control. Instinct. You're stronger than you think."
A warm flicker sparked in Aarvin's chest. For once, the chaos inside didn't feel like a flaw—it felt powerful.
---
*The Conversation Turns Serious*
They reached the outdoor benches; a cool breeze brushed past them. John leaned back against the railing.
"I've been trying to understand this school," he said. "Riyan Hale… Adrien… you. Are you three friends? Rivals? Or what?"
The group fell quiet. Aarvin took a beat before answering.
"Riyan's my real brother," he said simply. "And Adrien… he's not blood, but he's connected to us in his own way. He and Riyan clash all the time, but… they care. Even if they don't admit it."
John raised an eyebrow. "And you?"
"I stand between both of them," Aarvin breathed out. "Whether I like it or not."
John nodded slowly, absorbing every word with a deeper seriousness than before.
"So basically," he concluded, "you're the balance in a broken storm."
Aarvin didn't know why, but that line felt… true.
---
*The Wolves Officially Grow*
Liam snapped his fingers. "Okay, enough therapy. We need a name."
"For what?" Aarvin asked.
Kade draped an arm around Aarvin's shoulder dramatically. "For us, bro! Now that John's in, we're officially a group inside the Wolves."
Troy grinned. "Wolves ke Wolves."
Liam thought for a second. "How about… Storm Pack?"
Everyone froze.
John smirked. "Aarvin's the storm. We're the pack. Works for me."
Aarvin shook his head with a shy laugh. "You guys decide whatever you want."
"Storm Pack it is then!" Troy declared.
---
*A Sudden Reminder*
Just as they started walking back toward class, Liam snapped his fingers again.
"Oh wait— John, Zane, Aarvin, Kade, Troy… listen up."
Everyone turned.
"We've got a basketball match tomorrow. Against Ridgehall High."
Kade groaned. "They're crazy strong, man."
Troy added, "And after what happened between Riyan and Adrien yesterday… they're definitely not coming."
Liam sighed. "So we'll need to pull guys from other classes to complete our lineup."
John cracked his knuckles. "I can play."
Aarvin raised an eyebrow. "You can?"
John smirked. "You'll see tomorrow."
Kade clapped his hands. "Great! Then we've got at least one powerhouse on our side."
The group exchanged excited, nervous looks—energized by the new team, the upcoming match, and the feeling that a new chapter was beginning.
For the first time in a long time, Aarvin felt something he rarely felt at Oakridge: he wasn't alone.
* To be continued…