Lacky stood outside his apartment door, heart thudding harder than it should.
Is it right to talk to her at this time?
He wasn't sure. But the feeling of regret was worse than hesitation.
He took a breath and walked toward her.
She turned when she heard his footsteps.
Lacky swallowed. "Hey… you're Iqra, right?"
She blinked, surprised but polite. "Yes, I am. I didn't recognise you… have we met?"
"I'm Lucky Iman," he said quickly. "Your neighbour. And… we're in the same university too."
Her eyes widened a little. "Oh! Really? So why are we meeting this late?"
She smiled lightly. "Well… nice to meet you, Lucky."
"Nice to meet you too," he replied, awkward but honest.
She adjusted her bag. "Take care. Good night."
"Good night."
She walked toward her door. A small silence settled behind her steps.
After a few moments, Lacky also went inside his apartment—feeling lighter than before, like something unclenched inside him.
He slept peacefully that night.
For the first time in days, his mind wasn't full of alarms and warnings.
---
When morning came, he woke with a calmer breath.
He got ready for university, grabbed his backpack, and stepped out. The bus ride to the metro station felt strangely soothing—ordinary people, morning breeze, the soft hum of city life.
At the metro platform, he froze for a moment.
Iqra was sitting inside the train, near the window.
Without giving himself a chance to overthink, he walked over and sat beside her.
"Good morning," he said, voice soft.
She turned, smiled faintly. "Good morning."
"What's your course?" she asked, adjusting her hair.
"Computer Science Honours," he replied. "You?"
"History."
"Oh… that's cool," he said, and she laughed lightly.
Their conversation stayed simple, comfortable—nothing forced, nothing heavy. Just two students talking on the way to class.
Soon, the train slowed at their station.
"Looks like this is where we separate," Iqra said.
"Yeah… have a good day."
"You too."
She stepped off, disappearing into the crowd.
Lacky watched her go, a warmth settling in his chest.
---
University passed like any normal day—notes, assignments, lectures. But somehow everything felt easier, less suffocating.
By afternoon, he made his way to the Hero Academy.
The halls felt familiar now.
As soon as he entered, Yash spotted him.
"Bro! You look alive today," Yash laughed. "Good sleep or good company?"
Lacky flushed slightly. "Just… slept well."
"Nice. Let's survive today's training."
They walked to class together.
Mr. Rahil began with mental discipline practice—breathing, grounding, learning to sense their NORD without using it. Lacky followed along, focusing on each steady inhale.
Then the classroom door opened.
Mr. Xi Yung entered silently, his presence shifting the mood instantly.
His eyes scanned the room once.
Then—
"Lucky," he said calmly. "Come with me."
The room quieted.
Lacky stood, closing his notebook slowly. Yash gave him a small nod of reassurance.
Lacky stepped into the hallway behind Xi Yung.
The door slid shut.
What waited on the other side, he didn't know.
But the feeling in his chest told him this wasn't just another lesson.