Chapter 2 – After the Dream, the Deal Begins | Part C (Final Chapter 2)

At the place shown by the Tome Omnicent, Kaivan arrived at a park bathed in the soft glow of dim lamps. In the stillness of the night, a young woman sat gracefully on the edge of the walkway, her expression shadowed by quiet sorrow. Her jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, gleaming like silk beneath the park’s faint lights.

Kaivan paused for a moment, watching her from a distance. Around them, the air was calm, broken only by the gentle rustle of leaves stirred by the wind.

With slow yet steady steps, he approached. From his pocket, he drew out a tissue, his movements tender, filled with quiet sincerity. “Why are you crying, miss?” he asked softly, his voice carrying the hush of the night breeze. “Maybe this will help.”

The woman slowly lifted her face. Her tearful eyes met Kaivan’s steady gaze, and for a heartbeat, time seemed to stop, allowing space for the emotions lingering between them. With a delicate motion, she accepted the tissue from his hand. “I’m sorry,” she murmured, almost inaudible. “I… already have a boyfriend.”

Kaivan blinked, surprised by the unexpected reply. Still, he remained calm, offering a faint, understanding smile as he opened the Tome Omnicent in his hands. Letters shimmered faintly across the pages:

Approach her until you become close, while she is still burdened with sorrow.

In his heart, Kaivan murmured, Alright, I’ll try again. Maybe this is part of a deeper clue. But before he could move, new words shimmered on the Tome’s page:

She’s lost her boyfriend’s trust. Foolish.

Kaivan closed the book gently and looked back at the woman. He knew the next step had to be taken with care. Quietly, he walked toward a nearby drink vendor and returned with a bottle of water.

“You’ve cried so much—you must be dehydrated. Here, drink this,” he said softly, offering the bottle with quiet sincerity.

The woman accepted it with trembling hands. After taking a sip, Kaivan asked, his voice steady yet tender, “So… why are you out here, crying alone?” His sharp, gentle gaze traced the contours of her face.

“I feel like I’ve failed,” she said after a pause, her voice carrying a melancholic weight. “And I’m just… confused about everything.”

Kaivan nodded slowly, sensing there was more hidden behind those words. With a small, reassuring smile, he introduced himself. “I’m Kaivan. And you?” he asked, extending a hand.

The woman looked at his hand without moving. “Felicia,” she replied simply, her voice low and even

Silence settled again, but now it felt like a calm pause rather than an empty space. Kaivan lowered his hand gently, not wanting to push. He smiled, hoping to soften the moment. “Well, Felicia, is there anything I can do to help?” he asked, his tone sincere.

Felicia shook her head slowly, her long hair swaying lightly in the night breeze. “No need. I told you—I have a boyfriend,” she said, though her tone was softer than before.

Kaivan nodded, understanding that he needed to give her room. Yet he couldn’t ignore the sorrow clinging to her like mist. Deep inside, he felt the urge to protect something fragile hidden behind her sadness—something beyond the Tome’s instructions.

“Here’s my phone number,” he said quietly, holding out a small slip of paper. “If anything happens, don’t hesitate to call me.” His words were steady, warm, as though he wanted her to truly understand his goodwill.

Felicia stood a few steps away, her slender figure framed by the faint glow of the lamps. Her dark hair flowed freely, stirring in the breeze. Her beautiful face, sculpted like a goddess, seemed serene. She accepted the paper without a word, her long fingers curling around it as her crimson eyes searched Kaivan’s, their depth impossible to read.

“Thank you,” Felicia finally said, her voice cool. She looked away for a heartbeat, then back at Kaivan, as if trying to weigh the honesty in every syllable he spoke.

Why is he so kind? We barely know each other, she thought.

Kaivan gave her a faint smile and turned, walking away with slow, deliberate steps. The soft rhythm of his shoes against the pavement blended with the whispering wind, forming a quiet melody that became part of the night.

Felicia remained where she stood, her eyes following Kaivan’s retreating figure as it grew smaller in the distance. She let out a gentle sigh. “This guy is really strange,” she murmured, almost too softly to hear.

---

Meanwhile, Kaivan finally arrived in his room — simple, yet filled with a quiet warmth. A soft glow from the desk lamp bathed the space in gentle light, wrapping it in a familiar sense of comfort. He placed his bag on the chair, then settled at an old wooden desk that bore the marks of time. Resting there with an almost dignified presence was a dark-covered tome: the Omnicent.

With a calm but anticipatory motion, Kaivan opened the book. Its aged pages were neatly folded, and the strange writings etched within seemed alive, shimmering faintly beneath the lamp’s glow. He traced each line carefully, until his gaze stopped at a passage that felt as though it had just appeared.

After last night’s incident, you will meet Felicia again on Saturday evening. There, you must help her.

Kaivan read the sentence several times, making sure he had not misunderstood its meaning. A faint smile curved on his lips—not born of happiness, but of quiet relief, knowing that the path he had chosen was working.

“Felicia, huh?” he murmured, eyes drifting toward the window. In his mind, he tried to recall the expression on her face. “What are you really thinking?” he whispered, though he knew the question would never find an answer.

---

In the hush of dawn, while the sun was still hidden behind the horizon, Kaivan prepared to set out with Radit and Frans. They stepped into Frans’s car, their ride for the journey to see Thivi.

Inside, the car brimmed with a quiet, excited energy. The calm morning served as the perfect backdrop for their conversation. Breaking the almost magical silence, Frans—sitting at the wheel—spoke first. “Kaivan, I’ve been curious about that book you always carry,” he said, his eyes bright with anticipation.

Kaivan answered with a faint, mysterious smile. “Oh, this book? Maybe I’ll tell you about it later, once everyone’s gathered. That’ll make it more fun.” His words stirred a hidden eagerness in Radit and Frans, their curiosity about the Tome Omnicent burning a little brighter.

When they finally reached their destination, they stepped out and breathed in the crisp morning air. Standing by the doorway, Thivi was already waiting, her smile catching the light. Dressed in a graceful long dress, she looked like the very embodiment of the clear morning, warming the air around her.

Bathed in soft sunlight, Thivi called out Kaivan’s name with bright enthusiasm, her quick steps stirring a gentle ripple of joy. “Kaivan!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with cheer. She welcomed him with a warm embrace, filling the moment with an easy happiness.

Kaivan, a wide smile on his face, returned her greeting warmly. “You’re all dressed up so early. That’s not like you—last time I came here, you were still snuggled under your blanket,” he teased lightly, the playful tone adding to their closeness.

“Of course! I’m also going to my father’s place, and I get to be your tour guide,” Thivi replied, laughter bubbling through her words, her joy shining with every syllable.

Wrapped in the morning’s warmth, Radit, who had been listening, couldn’t resist adding a touch of humor. “Not bad, man—he actually got himself a girl that good,” he quipped, sparking a round of laughter.

Later, as they settled into the cool comfort of the car, Thivi guided Frans toward their next stop with cheerful ease. Their chatter and laughter flowed naturally, weaving an invisible thread of closeness among them.

From the front seat, Radit leaned back casually before breaking the quiet with a playful question for Thivi. Wearing his usual soft smile, he asked, “So, Thivi, how did you end up meeting Kaivan?” His voice was light but full of curiosity.

The question, though simple, felt like a stone tossed into still water. Thivi, sitting behind Radit, laughed softly, covering her face with her hands. “Ah, I’m embarrassed to tell it,” she murmured, shy but teasing.

Frans, eyes still on the road yet clearly listening, chuckled and chimed in. “Come on, Thivi, just tell us. We all want to hear.” His playful insistence drew them closer, filling the car with shared anticipation.

From the back seat, Kaivan, who had been quietly watching, joined in with a gentle, amused tone. “Go on, tell them. Don’t keep them guessing.”

Finally, with eyes that shimmered between bashfulness and delight, Thivi began. “So, it was a Saturday afternoon. I was riding my motorbike…” Her story unfolded, each detail like a breadcrumb leading to something bigger. “And then suddenly, Kaivan jumped and pulled me into the bushes.”

Radit, never one to miss a chance for a joke, burst out laughing. “Wait, wait—why did you jump and drag her into the bushes, Kaivan? Were you losing it from being single too long?” His teasing echoed through the car, drawing laughter from everyone inside.

Kaivan, clearly feeling trapped in the humorous situation, could only smile and shake his head. “Hey, it wasn’t like that! Thivi almost fell off her bike, so I pulled her back so she wouldn’t get hurt,” he explained, his tone defensive but still calm.

Thivi, who had been hiding her face in embarrassment, finally relaxed and joined in their laughter. “Yeah, yeah, he saved me that day. Then, since it was already getting dark, Kaivan ended up staying at my house. We spent the evening talking,” she added, her voice playful yet gentle.

Frans, still focused on the road but unwilling to miss the story, glanced over with a grin full of curiosity. “Wait, Kaivan, you’d just met her, right? What did you do at Thivi’s house?” he asked, trying to uncover whatever secret might lie behind their tale.

With a quiet, teasing laugh, Thivi answered briefly, “Let’s just say it was Kaivan’s first time, and I had to help him hold it steady,” she said, her tone layered with mystery, as though hinting there was more than just a simple evening. Everyone’s eyes turned toward Kaivan, eager to know what really happened.

Radit, who had been thinking hard, finally voiced a shocking guess. “Wait—Kaivan, did you… you know, sleep with Thivi the first night you met, when you stayed over?” His tone was half joking, half serious, brimming with curiosity.

Kaivan looked stunned at the suggestion, quickly waving it off. “Hah? No way! We just talked on the porch all night. That ‘first experience’ was… well, it was just my first time smoking, and Thivi helped me light the cigarette. That’s it—nothing else!” he said, trying to sweep away the wild assumptions forming in his friends’ minds.

But the laughter in the car only grew louder, and Thivi could do nothing but smile shyly, enjoying their reactions. “Hahaha, I love watching your faces,” she said, lowering her head, though her eyes sparkled with happiness.

At the end of their journey, they arrived at the courtyard of a modest building, its walls painted a warm orange. From behind the door, a middle-aged man appeared, his smile warm and welcoming. His hair, streaked with gray, framed a face lined with kindness, and his sturdy frame spoke of years of steady work.

Kaivan stepped calmly out of the car. His jacket was simple, but his posture radiated respect. Tucked inside his jacket was a thick envelope. Each step was measured as he approached the man, bowing slightly before offering the envelope with both hands.

“Sir, here’s the payment—just as we agreed. One sack of broken phones, ten million rupiah. I’m sorry I could only pick up one sack today,” Kaivan said quietly, his voice steady and respectful. His gaze met the man’s with sincerity.

The man—none other than Thivi’s father—smiled broadly. He accepted the envelope with a small nod, then said in a warm tone, “All right, but just take two sacks. You can pay the rest when you come back for another batch.” He patted Kaivan’s shoulder lightly, a gesture full of trust.

Before their conversation could go further, Thivi’s cheerful voice suddenly broke the calm. Her eyes were bright. “Dad, can I go to Bandung with Kaivan? I’ll come home on Sunday; he’ll bring me back,” she said innocently, her tone filled with excitement.

Her father turned, momentarily surprised, but a soft smile soon returned to his face. He nodded slowly, looking at his daughter before shifting his gaze to Kaivan. His expression was serious, yet there was warmth behind it.

“Oh, I see. Well, since I know Kaivan’s a good person, that’s fine. Kaivan, please look after Thivi, okay? And let’s make it eight million instead—the remaining two million is for Thivi’s allowance,” he said sincerely, his smile full of trust.

Kaivan paused, eyes widening slightly in surprise, but he quickly bowed in gratitude. “Ah, yes, sir. Thank you so much,” he replied with genuine appreciation, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Behind them, Frans watched with quiet admiration. Leaning casually against the car, hands in his jacket pockets, he finally spoke, his tone tinged with playful envy. “Wow, Kaivan, that’s impressive. You’ve earned Thivi’s father’s trust already. I wish I had that kind of relationship with my girlfriend’s dad.”

Radit, standing nearby with his arms crossed, just gave a small snort. “Pfft, I don’t care. Besides, I don’t even have a girlfriend,” he said lightly, though a spark in his eyes betrayed his amusement at the warm scene unfolding before them.

Hearing their banter, Kaivan could only sigh softly, a small smile curving his lips. “Thivi isn’t my girlfriend, you know. Don’t get the wrong idea,” he said seriously, glancing briefly at Thivi, who now stood with a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She simply smiled, neither denying nor confirming his words.

Once everything was ready, they climbed into the car. Frans took the driver’s seat, with Radit settling in beside him. Thivi chose the back seat next to Kaivan. The ride was filled with easy chatter and laughter. Frans occasionally tossed out a witty remark, and Radit eagerly added his own jokes.

The Bandung sky glowed with a golden hue as dusk crept in, wrapping the city in a gentle warmth. Old buildings stood tall, their shadows stretching long beneath the sinking sun. In the parking lot of a once-grand mall—now a little faded from its former glory—Zinnia stood waiting. Confident and poised, her violet hair was tied into a ponytail, swaying softly in the evening breeze. Her sharp, lively eyes scanned the area with quiet vigilance.

As Kaivan stepped out of the car, Zinnia’s gaze immediately locked onto the girl standing beside him. Her eyes narrowed, a glint of curiosity sparking within them. With a graceful yet commanding stride, Zinnia moved forward. The click of her heels echoed lightly across the quiet parking lot. A mysterious smile curved her lips. “Who’s she, Kaivan?” she asked, her voice trembling ever so slightly as the breeze lifted loose strands of her hair.

Kaivan rubbed the back of his neck before meeting Zinnia’s gaze calmly. “This is Thivi,” he said, his tone steady yet clear. “She’s the one who helped us find connections for all those second-hand phones. Without her, we might not have succeeded.”

But Zinnia didn’t seem satisfied with that answer. She stepped closer, now almost level with Kaivan. Her eyes shifted to Thivi, studying the girl carefully. “Then why is she always by your side? What exactly is your relationship?” she asked, her voice carrying a sharper edge.

At last, Thivi spoke up. She took a half step forward so she stood shoulder to shoulder with Kaivan. With a gentle motion, she brushed back her short black hair. “My father asked Kaivan to look after me while I’m here,” she said, her voice soft but firm. “That’s why I need to stay close to him.”

Sensing the tension, Kaivan stepped between them, placing himself squarely in the middle. “Zinnia,” he said, his voice low yet steady, “Thivi is part of our team now. We wouldn’t have made it this far without her. She gave us access to sellers we couldn’t reach otherwise. I hope you can accept that.”

His words carried an unshakable certainty. Zinnia held his gaze, her dark eyes flickering with an emotion too complex to name. Finally, she gave a small nod. “Alright,” she said simply. Turning slightly away, her tone lightened. “So, when do we start taking the phones apart?”

Kaivan offered a faint smile, glancing at her. “Maybe this Sunday,” he replied with an easy calm. “It’s already late today, and we’ll need to prepare carefully. No need to rush.”

Zinnia nodded in agreement, then issued instructions in a firm but measured tone. “Frans, Radit, put all the phones in the storeroom. Make sure everything is neat, so we can start working without any trouble.”

Frans, standing near the car, wiped sweat from his forehead with his sleeve. “Got it, boss,” he said with a broad grin. His tall frame made the heavy lifting seem effortless. Radit, relaxed yet quick to move, joined Frans in carrying the sacks of phones.

Meanwhile, Thivi stayed close to Kaivan. Suddenly, she spoke up, catching him off guard. “Oh, Kaivan, where’s your house? I’d like to stay there for a while and keep my things safe.”

Kaivan turned, eyes widening slightly in surprise. “You want to stay at my place?” he asked, his voice tinged with hesitation.

Thivi smiled gently, her gaze unreadable. “Of course. Didn’t you stay at my house once, back then?” she replied with a casual warmth that carried an undertone of familiarity.

Frans, still busy with Radit, couldn’t resist joining in. Raising his voice, he joked, “When will I get to invite my girlfriend, Tira, to stay over like that?”

Radit chuckled, cutting in with an amused shake of his head. “That’s not happening, Frans. You’ll need to marry Tira first. But Kaivan seems to get a special exception,” he teased, patting Frans on the shoulder and easing the tension with laughter

---

Twilight painted beauty across the sky’s canvas, spilling gold that slowly faded into a tender hush. The soft glow sank, wrapping the city in a magical hush, steeped in quiet intimacy. Streetlights flickered awake, merging with the lengthening shadows.

Kaivan leaned against the balcony rail, his gaze stretching far into the horizon. A quiet murmur slipped from his lips, meant more for himself than for Thivi.“Lucky Mom isn’t home today—just my sister. She won’t be back until later tonight.”His words sounded light, yet there was comfort beneath them, as though the night belonged entirely to him—a rare moment to breathe in peace.

Standing a few steps away, Thivi turned with the cheerful smile that always seemed to brighten her face. Her blue eyes sparkled, daring the evening’s darkness. With a playful lilt, she asked, “So… where do I sleep?”

Kaivan looked over, offering a small, reassuring smile. “You can sleep in my room if you’d like. I’ll tell my sister later,” he replied, voice calm and warm, the tone of a host intent on making his guest comfortable.

But Thivi, unwilling to be outdone, narrowed her eyes with a mischievous grin as she stepped closer. “Oh? You don’t want to sleep beside me? You could do anything you wanted to me all night,” she teased, laughter bubbling from her words, yet somehow her innocence stayed intact. “Or maybe I should be the one to do something to you?”

Kaivan let out an easy laugh, choosing not to answer directly.“Thivi,” he murmured, half to himself. He’d grown used to her bright, bold nature, but there was something different in the air tonight.

Time seemed to slow as they finally stepped inside the house. Thivi’s light steps carried her into Kaivan’s room, her presence flooding it with cheerful energy. She placed her things in the corner, eyes shining as she glanced around. “Your room’s pretty tidy,” she commented with playful ease.

Kaivan lifted one shoulder. “Only sometimes,” he said, settling into a chair near the window.

Without much fuss, Thivi began changing clothes, slipping out of her outfit for something looser, more comfortable. Kaivan politely turned away, yet he could feel the subtle shift in the room’s air.

When she finished, Thivi approached with a soft laugh and tapped his shoulder.“Kaivan, what kind of girl do you actually like?” she asked lightly, as if it were an idle curiosity.

Kaivan turned, caught off guard by the sudden question. “Why are you asking that?” he replied, trying to hide his surprise.

Thivi laughed, her eyes alive with curiosity. “I’m just wondering. You never seem interested in anyone.”

Kaivan offered a faint smile, trying to steer the conversation away from anything too personal. With a playful tone, he began to invent an almost impossible type of girl.

““Maybe… a very beautiful woman, with a sexy body, bust size above Cup D, big perky hips, over 180 cm tall. Sexy outfit, cleavage showing, well-done makeup but not too flashy, long flowing hair, and glasses to look smart..”

It sounded like a joke, yet Thivi’s reaction was far from what he expected. Her face lit up, bright with enthusiasm.

“Okay! Then I’ll grow up to be that kind of girl for you!” she exclaimed, laughter spilling from her lips before she darted back into the room.

Kaivan froze, caught off guard by her earnestness. Before his thoughts could wander further, his gaze settled on something at the corner of the desk. The Tome Omnicent lay there, its dark cover pulsing with a subtle, enigmatic glow. Drawn as if by an invisible thread, he stepped forward and opened it carefully. Within its ancient pages, new words shimmered faintly: he was to return to the last place he had met Felicia—and save her.

A quiet resolve took hold of him. He needed to leave at once. Yet as he turned toward the door, he remembered Thivi. She was still in his home; he couldn’t simply walk away. Without hesitation, he decided to bring her along.

Kaivan lifted one shoulder. “Only sometimes,” he said, settling into a chair near the window.

Without much fuss, Thivi began changing clothes, slipping out of her outfit for something looser, more comfortable. Kaivan politely turned away, yet he could feel the subtle shift in the room’s air.

When she finished, Thivi approached with a soft laugh and tapped his shoulder.“Kaivan, what kind of girl do you actually like?” she asked lightly, as if it were an idle curiosity.

Kaivan turned, caught off guard by the sudden question. “Why are you asking that?” he replied, trying to hide his surprise.

Thivi laughed, her eyes alive with curiosity. “I’m just wondering. You never seem interested in anyone.”

Kaivan offered a faint smile, trying to steer the conversation away from anything too personal. With a playful tone, he began to invent an almost impossible type of girl.

“Maybe… a very beautiful woman, with a sexy body, bust size above Cup D, big perky hips, over 180 cm tall. Sexy outfit, cleavage showing, well-done makeup but not too flashy, long flowing hair, and glasses to look smart..”

It sounded like a joke, yet Thivi’s reaction was far from what he expected. Her face lit up, bright with enthusiasm.

“Okay! Then I’ll grow up to be that kind of girl for you!” she exclaimed, laughter spilling from her lips before she darted back into the room.

Kaivan froze, caught off guard by her earnestness. Before his thoughts could wander further, his gaze settled on something at the corner of the desk. The Tome Omnicent lay there, its dark cover pulsing with a subtle, enigmatic glow. Drawn as if by an invisible thread, he stepped forward and opened it carefully. Within its ancient pages, new words shimmered faintly: he was to return to the last place he had met Felicia—and save her.

A quiet resolve took hold of him. He needed to leave at once. Yet as he turned toward the door, he remembered Thivi. She was still in his home; he couldn’t simply walk away. Without hesitation, he decided to bring her along.

Kaivan approached her room and knocked gently. “Thivi, let’s go out tonight,” he called softly. “We’ll grab something to eat.”

Before he could finish, the door swung open. Bathed in the soft glow of the room’s lamp, Thivi appeared, dressed in casual shorts and a snug tank top. Her smile was wide, brimming with confidence.

“Yay, we’re going out tonight?” she asked brightly.

Kaivan paused, momentarily struck by her sudden transformation. His eyes lingered on her, a mix of surprise and hesitation flickering across his face. “Why are you dressed like that?” he asked, voice barely above a whisper.

Unbothered, Thivi answered with disarming innocence. “I’m just trying to be the kind of girl you like. Do you… like it?”

Silence stretched between them, fragile yet full of meaning. Kaivan realized there was something deeper in her words—a quiet bravery, a willingness to open herself for someone she valued.

“Yes,” he said at last, his tone gentle. “You’re beautiful, Thivi.”

Her smile bloomed wider at the compliment, and with a spark of excitement, she skipped toward the door, as though the night belonged to her alone. Kaivan shook his head with a faint smile, then followed after, sensing the evening might hold more than just a quick meal.

Beneath the star-strewn sky, moonlight painted silver across the empty streets. Step by unhurried step, they walked side by side, letting the quiet speak for them. Thivi, cheerful yet tinged with curiosity, rested her arm lightly against Kaivan’s.

“So, where are we heading tonight?” she asked softly—her voice a lilting melody breaking the hush, alive with the promise of adventure.

Kaivan kept his gaze ahead, avoiding hers. In a calm but reserved tone, he replied, “Let’s head to the park. Who knows what we might find there.” It sounded like an effort to keep a gentle distance, even while indulging her curiosity.

They continued toward the city park, its calm atmosphere contrasting with the quiet turbulence growing in Kaivan’s chest—the weight of the Tome Omnicent and the responsibility he bore for Felicia. Beside him, Thivi seemed blissfully unaware, content to simply enjoy the night at his side.

Upon arriving at the park, the glow of the lamps cast soft halos among the trees, weaving a quiet, magical scene. But within that calm beauty stood a jarring sight. A man loomed, tense, one hand gripping Felicia’s collar as she struggled to stay composed. Her eyes shimmered with fear, though her lips tried to mask it.

Kaivan stopped, his gaze sharpening. He inhaled slowly, then stepped forward. Thivi’s hand brushed his sleeve, a silent warning to be careful, but he ignored it. With a steady voice, Kaivan broke the tense silence. “Hey—calm down. No need to start throwing punches. What’s going on here?”

The man turned, sneering. “What’s it to you? Stay out of this,” he snapped. Felicia tried to speak, but the man’s grip only tightened.

“That’s enough,” Kaivan said, his tone low but firm. “Grabbing a girl by the collar? What kind of guy does that?”

The air grew heavier. Felicia’s voice trembled as she tried to soothe the moment. “It’s okay, Kaivan. I’m fine.” But the man’s eyes were already fixed on Kaivan, hard and full of malice.

“Oh, so you’re Kaivan?” he mocked, stepping closer with heavy steps. Behind Kaivan, Thivi stiffened, sensing danger swelling.

Kaivan moved forward, planting himself between them. His body was taut, though his expression stayed calm. “Stay back, Thivi,” he said quietly, glancing at her.

Without warning, the man lashed out with a heavy punch. Kaivan caught part of the blow with both arms, but pain still flared in his abdomen. He staggered, yet refused to yield.

“Stay out of this, kid!” the man snarled, driving a knee toward him. Kaivan gritted his teeth, absorbing the hit, his eyes steady.

Thivi suddenly raised her phone, snapping a photo. “Stop, or I’ll call the police!” she shouted, voice sharp in the night. The man’s glare swung to her, dark and threatening.

“Thivi, don’t!” Kaivan warned, but the man was already moving. In that heartbeat, Kaivan’s fist shot forward, striking the man’s face hard enough to knock him back.

The assailant charged again, wild and brutal, but Kaivan slipped aside, answering with a swift kick to the head. The blow landed clean, dropping him to the ground, unconscious.

Breath heavy, Kaivan turned toward Felicia. Despite the ache in his body, each step was steady, deliberate—as though to close not just the physical space, but the tremor between them. His once-cool gaze now held a fragile warmth. He knelt at her side, bracing himself with one hand.

“Are you alright?” he asked softly, his voice like a breeze stirring leaves in the night.

Felicia, still caught in shock, slowly lifted her eyes. When their gazes met, time seemed to still. Tentatively, she reached out, her fingers trembling. The touch was more than physical; it felt like a fragile bridge between two wounded hearts. Kaivan helped her up gently, making sure she stood without wavering.

As Felicia steadied herself, her eyes lingered on Kaivan’s hand, still holding hers as if reluctant to let go of the safety it offered. Gratitude and quiet confusion flickered in her expression, framed by the soft glow of the park lights.

On the other side, Thivi watched quietly. Her arms were folded, lips pursed ever so slightly—the look in her eyes unreadable, somewhere between curiosity and jealousy.

“So… who are you to Kaivan?” she asked. Her smile was playful, yet a thread of tension ran beneath her voice.

Felicia stayed silent. Her gaze fell to the ground, fingers twisting the hem of her shirt. Her lips parted, but no words came.

Kaivan felt the tension rise. Reaching out, he gently patted Thivi’s head. It wasn’t just a gesture, but an attempt to soothe.

“Don’t ask her now. Felicia’s still in shock,” he said softly, yet firmly. His eyes urged Thivi to hold back.

Thivi sighed and shrugged, as if giving up. She stepped back slowly, letting the two of them stay in their fragile moment—though her heart still beat unevenly.

Above them, the night sky—scattered with faint stars—witnessed the quiet between the three. No words were spoken, yet the silence offered a kind of peace, as if the world itself wished to give them space to heal.

After a while, Kaivan turned to Felicia. His hand slipped away from Thivi and came to rest near the girl standing there, confusion clouding her face.

“So, where do you want to go now?” he asked gently, giving her the freedom to choose.

Felicia exhaled, her voice a fragile whisper. “I don’t know. I can’t go home tonight. I was supposed to stay over at Julian’s… my boyfriend’s. But… you just attacked him.”

Her confession left Kaivan silent. Guilt and uncertainty flickered across his features as he looked away, searching for answers among the trees’ shadows.

Hearing this, Thivi’s eyes sharpened. Her expression was hard to read—caught somewhere between shock and disappointment.

“Well then, just come with us,” Kaivan said at last, trying to smooth the edges of the moment.

But Thivi quickly interjected. “I thought it would just be the two of us. But… it’s fine if she comes along.”

Her tone was light, but jealousy lurked beneath. She forced a smile, trying to stay open-hearted, even as she wished she could have more time alone with Kaivan.

The night swallowed the city in warmth and mystery. Above, the dark sky glittered with starlight, while streetlamps cast a soft golden glow across the pavement, stretching shadows between passing footsteps, quiet chatter, and laughter that rose like a nocturnal symphony.

Kaivan, Thivi, and Felicia walked slowly, each lost in their own thoughts. Their steps found a natural rhythm, unspoken yet steady. Kaivan remained silent, his mind elsewhere. Beside him, Thivi stole glances, as if to reassure herself he was all right. Ahead, Felicia moved with quiet grace, her pretty face touched by worry, her breaths uneven.

They arrived at a small food stall tucked into a street corner. The aroma of grilled dishes met them instantly, warm smoke laced with spices curling through the air. The stall—rough wooden tables, dim lamps—felt like a tiny oasis amid the city’s bustle.

They settled at a corner table under the soft golden light. Felicia sat slightly apart, toying with the ends of her long hair, a telltale sign of restless thoughts. Thivi sat beside Kaivan, appearing relaxed, though her eyes flicked toward Felicia now and then. Kaivan busied himself with the food, his movements unhurried, as if avoiding talk.

The tension broke when Felicia drew a breath, lowered her gaze, then looked at them.

“He’s actually kind,” she whispered, her eyes shadowed by a deep hurt. “But he gets angry if someone else comes near me. Sometimes he threatens… sometimes he hits.”

Her words lingered like fog. Thivi, who had seemed carefree, straightened sharply. The playfulness vanished from her face, her eyes narrowing.

“That’s not okay, Felicia,” she said firmly, her voice cutting like a blade. “No matter how mad, Kaivan has never hit me. If it’s like that… it’s toxic.”

Kaivan paused mid-bite, lifting his gaze toward Thivi, intrigued by her courage. Felicia stared at Thivi, wide-eyed, surprise softening her pain. The spoon in her hand trembled slightly.

“Toxic?” Felicia murmured, as if testing the word on her tongue. Her gaze shifted to Kaivan. “Are you Kaivan’s girlfriend, then?” she asked suddenly, her tone edged with curiosity—and something sharper beneath.

The question froze the moment in place. Kaivan stiffened, almost choking before hurriedly taking a sip of water. Thivi flushed, nervously twisting the hem of her shirt.

“No way. She’s not my girlfriend,” Kaivan finally said, flat but awkward. He scratched the back of his neck—a telltale sign of unease. Thivi only lowered her gaze, biting her lip, while Felicia studied them with quiet depth, trying to decipher the unspoken bond between them.

At last, Thivi spoke, her voice low but steady. “I’m not Kaivan’s girlfriend yet. But if I were you, Felicia, I wouldn’t let myself be treated like that.” Her eyes were firm, hands gripping the edge of the table.

Felicia fell silent, staring down. Outside, the city’s pulse continued—the hum of traffic, laughter, and the scent of street food, all a sharp contrast to the tension at their table. Yet beneath it all, something was shifting. That night peeled back a layer of who they were.

After a pause, Kaivan turned to Felicia. “Where will you go after we eat?”

The question drifted softly, like the night breeze. Felicia looked up at the city lights, hesitation clouding her face.

Finally, she answered in a quiet, hopeful tone. “Kaivan… since I’m not going home… would it be alright if I stayed at your place tonight?”

Her words lingered, casting a weight over the air. Thivi reacted at once, her voice playful but edged. “Why does a girl want to stay over at a guy’s house?”

Felicia tried to ease the tension with a small laugh, though worry flickered in her eyes. “You’re staying at Kaivan’s too, aren’t you? And you’re not dating him.”

The remark stretched the fragile tension between them. Before it could snap, Kaivan stepped in, his voice calm. “Alright, both of you can stay at my place. No need to argue.”

His words softened the atmosphere. Thivi and Felicia exchanged a glance, quiet settling between them. With a simple sentence, Kaivan restored their peace.

The night moved on, city lights glittering like scattered gems as they left the street stall—stomachs full, hearts lighter. Their steps aligned with the rhythm of the evening, guiding them toward a new closeness. Beneath stars and amber lamps, a bond quietly grew, though shadows of doubt and curiosity lingered.

At Kaivan’s home, night wrapped the world in hush. The ticking clock filled the room, and a faint breeze slipped through the window. In the softly lit living room, Kaivan sat facing an old book laid across the table. Warm light spilled over its ancient pages.

The Tome Omnicent lay open before him, a window into another world. Kaivan leaned closer, his mind alive with questions. Words etched themselves onto the parchment—half answers, half riddles. Slowly, they formed a message rich with meaning, etched as if by invisible hands:

“In two weeks’ time, you must meet someone named Raphael in the western outskirts.”

Kaivan stared at the sentence, brows furrowing. The fresh message sent a tremor through his chest, like a shadow creeping through the corners of the room. Raphael? Who was he? Why was the meeting so important? What awaited beyond it? Questions churned restlessly, filling the silence with unease.

At that moment, Thivi stepped closer. Her steps were light, the loose pajamas draped around her giving an air of calm grace. A gentle smile curved on her lips, though a faint unease flickered in her eyes. She reached out and touched Kaivan’s shoulder from behind—warm, reassuring. Kaivan flinched slightly but didn’t pull away. Thivi slipped her arms around him, resting her head against his shoulder, her breath warm against his ear.

“Hey, Kaivan… what’s that book? I’ve been curious for a while. You always carry it everywhere,” she whispered softly.

Her embrace was soothing. Yet the book in Kaivan’s hands held more than mere worn pages. He gave a faint smile, brushing her hand without answering, letting the mystery hang unspoken, offering only a gaze too deep to read.

From the doorway, Felicia appeared. Her hair was still damp, a towel wrapped loosely around her body, her face fresh—though tinged with awkwardness. Seeing Kaivan and Thivi, she stepped closer, her eyes fixed on the old book.

“That book feels… strange. What’s inside it, really?” she asked, patting her wet hair dry with a small towel.

Kaivan chuckled quietly, as if he had expected the question. He lifted the book slowly, showing its weathered leather cover.

“Curious? Go ahead and see. Just an old book,” he said lightly, though his smile remained enigmatic.

Thivi reached for the book at once. She opened it carefully, as though expecting to find something hidden. But only blank pages greeted her. She looked up at Kaivan, brows raised in confusion.

“It’s… empty?” she murmured, barely believing it.

Yet when Felicia’s hand brushed the cover, something strange happened. Her fingers seemed to touch more than leather—something alive, almost breathing. A sharp pulse struck through her head, as though an unseen force had invaded her thoughts. She bit her lip, fighting the sudden, searing pain. Her body swayed, and in that moment of chaos, the towel slipped from her grasp.

In an instant, the room shifted. Kaivan, nearest to her, caught a glimpse of Felicia—his heart thundering. But it wasn’t just embarrassment that gripped him; his eyes caught faint bruises across her skin, marks he had never known about. Before he could react further, Thivi moved with startling speed. She covered Kaivan’s eyes with both hands, her face flushed.

“Don’t look, Kaivan!” Thivi cried, panic in her voice. She pulled his head close to her breast, shielding his gaze. “Felicia, cover yourself—quick!”

Felicia staggered, then snapped back to her senses. She bent swiftly, grabbed the fallen towel, and wrapped it around herself once more. Her face burned—not only with shame but with the sting of lingering pain. Yet beyond that, she felt stripped bare in another way: her secret, the scars she had hidden so long, now exposed.

Amid the turmoil, the front door creaked open. A tall woman stepped inside—Kaivan’s older sister. Her presence carried quiet authority, but she froze as her eyes swept over the scene: Kaivan’s head pressed to Thivi’s chest, his eyes covered; Thivi flustered, her cheeks crimson; Felicia fumbling with her towel.

The sister’s expression hardened in stunned silence. It was as if she had stepped into a world she couldn’t yet comprehend—a place brimming with mystery, chaos, and truths just beginning to break through the veil of night.