Ch.4 First Day, First Collision

The sky was tinged with shades of orange and pink as the sun slowly dipped behind the city skyline. Aurora trudged beside her brother Blake, both of them carrying grocery bags after a long day. The quiet rhythm of their footsteps filled the warm evening air.
"Yaaawn…" Aurora stretched her arms lazily, almost losing grip of one of her bags. Her half-lidded eyes were proof enough of how tired she was.
Blake glanced sideways and chuckled. "You look completely drained. Here—give me your bags." He reached an arm out to her.
"Nah, I've got it," Aurora shook her head stubbornly. "Besides, you're already carrying your share, you hero." She smirked, then her voice softened into a sly murmur. "But speaking of you… brother, you sure have a colorful group of friends." She looked away, muttering the next words under her breath. "Maybe… a bit weird, though."
"Hey!" Blake barked, though there was a grin tugging at his lips. "Don't say that. Well… okay, fine—most of them are weird."
Aurora giggled but her curiosity quickly won out. "So? Where did you even meet that one guy? I mean K … with the strange way of talking?"
Blake scratched the back of his neck, already laughing nervously. "Oh, that story's… a little hard to explain."
"I like hard-to-explain stories," Aurora pressed, her curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
Sighing dramatically, Blake surrendered. "Fine, fine. It was when I moved into my new apartment. I was carrying boxes when I saw him… lying face down on the floor outside his door."
Aurora stopped in her tracks and blinked. "…What? Why?"
Blake smothered another laugh. "Turns out he had a bad fever. I rushed over to help him, but he kept weakly waving me off, mumbling: 'Don't help me. If you help me, then I'll have to help you. If I help you, you'll feel obliged to help me back… and then the cycle begins. My peace will be destroyed!'"
Aurora didn't hold back—she burst out laughing, doubling over. "Pfft—what kind of logic is that?! No wonder it was an awkward meeting."
"Exactly!" Blake laughed with her, shaking his head. "In the end, he kept refusing… until his fever spiked, and he collapsed right there on the floor. Of course, I couldn't just leave him, so I took care of him. Ever since then… he's been helping me nonstop. Even when I tell him not to."
Aurora tilted her head, still grinning. "He sounds… earnest in a weird way. Like a stubborn stray cat who doesn't know how to accept kindness."
"More like a stray cat that pays off kindness way too much!" Blake groaned, running both hands through his hair in frustration. "Actually, now that I think about it—I'm the one helping him more these days!"
The siblings shared a warm laugh, their tiredness lifting in the soothing glow of streetlights. Before long, they reached their apartment. Dinner was simple but lively, filled with chatter, teasing, and the kind of easy comfort that only family brings.
For Aurora, even in exhaustion, it felt like one of those small, ordinary days worth remembering.
The next morning, Blake's room was in chaos—clothes scattered, books misplaced, drawers half-open. Somewhere in the mess, Aurora darted around, trying to grab everything she thought she might need.
"Hey, slow down," Blake said, holding a frying pan in one hand and chopsticks in the other. "You still have some time. Don't tire yourself out before your first day even begins."
"I know, but…" Aurora zipped across the room, almost tripping over a bag. "I don't want to forget anything! This is my first day! It has to be perfect!"
Moments later, the two siblings sat down to a lively breakfast. Blake, however, couldn't hide the crease of worry on his face as he watched her.
"Are you sure you've got everything?" he asked again, his tone soft but insistent. "If you want, I can walk you to school today—"
Aurora shook her head while hopping on one foot to slip into her shoes, schoolbag slung casually over her shoulder. "Don't worry, I'm not little Aurora anymore. I can go by myself. So… see ya!"
With that, she dashed out the door, her mid-length blue hair bouncing behind her. The crisp uniform—blue coat over a white blouse, neatly tied ribbon, skirt swishing with each stride—looked like it was made for her, bringing out the brightness in her eyes.
She sprinted down the street, determination sparking in her chest. This is the day. I'll do everything right. I'll make friends. I'll adjust. I can totally do this! Good luck to me!
Her smile stretched wider as she turned the corner—
THUD.
THE WALL.
She came to an abrupt stop, facing a dead-end alley, and her confident expression crumbled into an awkward grimace.
Tears poured comically like a fountain. "Oh no… not again," she groaned, shoulders slumping.
As she turned to leave, her vision blurred by exaggerated dejection, she collided with someone.
"Ow—! Sorry, I wasn't looking—" she began quickly, bowing, and then looked up.
Her words caught. The boy in front of her wore the same school uniform—blue coat, crisp white shirt, red tie—but what stood out more was the pair of blue headphones resting on his neck. His face was cool, unreadable, and honestly? A little annoyed.
Aurora froze. "Ah… "
That boy was K
K stepped past her in silence. Flustered, Aurora jogged to catch up. "Uh—sorry! And thanks for, you know…umm…"
"You don't have to force small talk," K cut in without looking at her. His voice was flat, almost bored. "I'm not fond of it. Relax."
That only made Aurora more aware of the awkward tension between them. Her fingers fiddled with the strap of her bag. He's so cold…
Finally, he sighed—maybe at her nervous glances. "If it's that uncomfortable for you, then tell me—why did you come here?"
Surprised by his attempt at a question, Aurora brightened. "Oh! Well… I moved here because of my brother. Our parents were always too busy, but he was always there for me. After he left for the study, I felt lonel. After I graduate from my middle school I thought to … here I am!"
K's lips twitched into the faintest smirk, just enough for him to mutter under his breath. "…You're definitely the opposite of your brother. Way more… annoying."
"What? Did you say something?" Aurora blinked, tilting her head.
"…Nothing." He picked up the pace.
Their exchange was short-lived, but eventually, as they reached to school he led her to the staff room.
"Here. And one more thing—don't tell anyone you know me." His voice was sharper this time, almost defensive. "I don't want… trouble."
Aurora blinked, then smiled brightly, raising a hand in a little half-wave and bow. "Okay~ Thanks! And… nice to be your friend. I hope you'll take care of me."
"I am not your friend," he retorted immediately, turning to leave. "And I don't want any."
But he didn't glance back to see her quiet grin.
A few moments ago, inside the classroom—
 K, sat by the window, chin resting in his hand, headphones loosely dangling around his neck. His gaze drifted outside, detached from the chatter filling the room.
The classroom door opened with a squeak.
"Everyone, settle down," the teacher announced. "We have a transfer student today. Please welcome her."
Soft footsteps echoed as Aurora stepped into the room. Her blue hair shimmered faintly under the sunlight slicing through the window. Lifting her head, she smiled warmly at the class.
"Hi, everyone. I'm Aurora. Nice to meet you all!"
The room filled with low murmurs, curious glances, and half-suppressed whispers.
K's eyes lingered on her for a second. His fingers tapped absentmindedly against the desk. Finally, he muttered under his breath, just for himself to hear—
"…Trouble."