Jun's anger burned like acid beneath his skin.
Every moment since Harit returned…
Every glance Harit gave Ren…
Every second Jun spent being ignored…
It all twisted inside him until the hatred felt almost alive.
Lucas watched from across the archery field as Jun's fingers trembled around his bowstring.
"Jun," Lucas said quietly, "you're losing control."
Jun didn't respond. His jaw was locked, his eyes sharp and cold.
Lucas stepped closer. "Jun. Stop. Whatever you're thinking, don't—"
Jun snapped.
"I'm going to end him."
Lucas froze. "Jun—"
Jun glared at him, voice like venom.
"If Ren disappears… Harit comes back to me. That's all I need."
Lucas felt a chill crawl up his spine. "Jun… that's not—"
But Jun already walked away, determination in every step.
And for the first time, Lucas felt real fear.
---
A Few Days Earlier – Ren's Discovery
Ren hadn't meant to overhear anything.
He was on his way back from the film studio, cutting across the old classroom building to avoid the evening rush. The hallway was quiet, lights dimmed.
Then he heard voices behind the storage room door.
Jun.
And Lucas.
Ren froze.
Lucas spoke first, voice uneasy.
"This deal is getting out of hand. Using Harit's family connections for drug distribution—Jun, this is insane."
Ren's heart slammed against his ribs.
Jun's voice was calm. Too calm.
"Harit doesn't need to know. He trusts me. And as long as he stays close, the plan works."
Lucas exhaled shakily.
"And if he finds out?"
Jun laughed softly.
"He won't. Not with Ren in the way distracting him."
Ren felt every muscle in his body freeze.
Drug trafficking.
Manipulation.
Using Harit.
Jun wasn't just petty.
Or jealous.
Or possessive.
He was dangerous.
Ren swallowed hard, stepping back quietly—but the floorboard creaked.
Jun's voice sharpened immediately.
"Who's there?"
Ren didn't wait. He sprinted down the hall, heart racing, the truth burning in his mind:
*I have to protect Harit.*
Even if it meant confronting Jun himself.
---
The Present – Ren Waits
Ren stood in the old courtyard behind the science building. The air felt heavy, the sky thick with clouds. He knew Jun would come.
He also knew he had to do this alone.
He didn't tell Bom.
Or Anurak.
Or Harit.
Especially not Harit.
Harit was too close to the truth already.
And Ren couldn't risk him getting hurt.
Wind brushed past Ren's face. He closed his eyes.
His power pulsed quietly—steady, controlled.
For the first time in days, Ren wasn't afraid of it.
He would use it.
And Jun would learn why he should have never crossed him.
---
Jun Arrives
Footsteps.
Slow. Heavy. Purposeful.
Ren opened his eyes.
Jun walked into the courtyard, bow slung across his shoulder, Lucas trailing behind him nervously.
"So," Jun said with a cold smile, "you wanted to meet me alone."
Ren stood straight, expression unreadable. "Yeah. We need to talk."
Lucas swallowed hard. "Ren… please. Don't provoke him. He's not thinking clearly."
Jun scoffed.
"I am thinking clearly. More clearly than ever."
He stepped closer.
"You're in my way, Ren."
Ren didn't flinch.
"And you're in Harit's way."
Jun's fingers twitched.
Ren continued, voice calm but sharp.
"I know what you're doing. The drugs. The trafficking. The way you're using him."
Jun went still—eyes dark, lips tightening.
Lucas gasped. "Ren… how did—"
Jun whispered, "You were spying."
Ren didn't deny it.
Jun's expression cracked, fury flooding his face. "Do you think you can expose me?"
Ren's eyes hardened. "If you hurt Harit? Yes."
Jun stepped forward, dangerous. "What if I hurt *you* first?"
Lucas tried to grab his arm. "Jun, stop! He knows—if you—"
"Shut up!" Jun shoved Lucas aside.
Ren exhaled softly.
"Jun," he said, voice dropping low, "you're not the only one with secrets."
Jun paused.
Ren lifted his hand.
The wind shifted.
Energy crackled softly in the air around Ren.
Lucas's eyes widened.
"What… what is that?"
Jun stepped back instinctively. "What are you?"
Ren took a slow step forward.
"I'm someone you should've never messed with."
Jun glared. "Power tricks won't scare me."
Ren leaned in slightly. "Then let's make it simple."
The ground trembled.
Wind spiraled around Ren's feet.
His eyes glowed faintly blue, bright, alive.
Jun's bravado faltered.
Ren spoke quietly.
"You want to kill me?"
The wind sharpened.
"Try."
Jun pulled back, startled.
Lucas stared at Ren like he was seeing a legend from a storybook. "Ren… what *are* you?"
Ren didn't answer.
He only looked at Jun cold, unwavering.
"You won't touch Harit," Ren said. "Not ever again."
Jun's breath shook. "Why?! Why do you care so much? Why do you always take what's mine—"
Ren cut him off with a whisper.
"Because someone saved Harit once.
And I won't let him fall into darkness again."
Jun froze.
Ren's voice grew stronger, deeper.
"Harit deserves truth. Not lies. Not manipulation. Not your greed."
Jun clenched his fists, eyes burning.
"You think you're a hero? Fine. Then what about *your* secrets? Tell Harit how you saved him. Tell him what you are."
Ren's jaw tightened. "One day. But not today."
Jun stepped forward again, but Ren raised his hand.
Wind roared sharp as a blade.
Lucas grabbed Jun's arm. "Jun—Jun stop! He'll kill you!"
Ren whispered, "No. I won't kill him."
He took one slow step forward.
"But I *will* end this."
Jun's breath hitched as the air around him crackled with Ren's power.
Ren's eyes were no longer warm.
They were cold.
Steely.
Unforgiving.
"You want a lesson?" Ren asked softly.
Then he lowered his voice to a whisper that felt like thunder.
"Stay away from Harit.
Or I'll show you what real power looks like."
Jun stumbled back, fear finally cracking through his anger.
Lucas pulled him away urgently. "Jun—we need to go!"
Jun didn't argue.
For the first time in his life—
Jun ran from someone.
---
After Jun Leaves
The wind settled.
Ren exhaled slowly, shoulders loosening.
He felt the strain of using his powers so intensely, but he stood straight.
Lucas hesitated, glancing back. "Ren… thank you. I didn't want it to go that far."
Ren nodded once. "Keep him away from Harit."
Lucas swallowed. "I will."
He ran after Jun.
Ren stood alone in the courtyard, chest rising and falling.
He whispered to himself—
"Whatever it takes… Harit will be safe."
And for the first time…
He wasn't afraid of the truth anymore.
---