CHAPTER 3 ACCEPTING THE REALITY

Renn had trouble sleeping yesterday because his mind was preoccupied with thoughts about the incident from the day before. He could still feel the warm sensation of the sun’s mark on his right hand and wondered what so important about it.

As usual, Renn woke up, brushed his teeth, washed his face, and got ready for school. He then went downstairs for breakfast.

At the dining table, he found Reyan and Noha already eating.

Noha looked up from her meal and said, “Hey, you look like you’re lost in thought. Is something bothering you?”

Renn took a bite of his sandwich and replied, “No, Mom, nothing’s wrong.”

Noha wasn’t satisfied with Renn's response, but she chose not to press him further.

After finishing breakfast, Renn stood up and went outside for school.

As usual, he met Jack outside his house. “Wow, Renn, you’re on time today! What’s the special occasion?”.

Renn replied, “Hey, don’t tease me, Jack. I can arrive on time too. Let’s go.”

Jack smiled as they both headed toward school. Once they arrived, they went to their classes.

Renn stretched his arms and said, “That was so boring. I don’t like math class at all. I’m glad it’s over.”

Jack grinned and replied, “Come on, you never really like any class. You find every subject boring. You need to focus more.”

Renn sighed, “Fine, okay, I’ll focus more—just stop lecturing me.”

Jack chuckled, “Okay, okay. By the way, do you know about the activity with the seniors?”

Renn, shocked, exclaimed, “What? This is my first time hearing about it! What activity?”

Jack placed his hand on the desk and said, “Really, you are impossible. Our teacher informed us just two days ago, and the group list is already on the bulletin board.”

“Oh, then let’s go. What are we waiting for?” Renn replied, standing up.

Jack nodded, and they walked outside toward the bulletin board.

Jack began searching for their names. “Look, Renn, we’re in the same group!”

Renn leaned in closer. “Really? Who’s the senior in our group?”

Jack's eyes widened as he adjusted his glasses and pointed to a name on the board. “No way, it’s that incredibly famous girl, Lena!”

Renn looked curiously at the name. “Lena? I’ve heard that name before, but I can’t seem to remember where.”

Jack sighed and said, “Man, everyone knows about her. She’s the best athlete in our school and has the highest academic score, too.”

Renn touched his forehead in disbelief. “Best athlete and highest academic score?”

Jack turned back to the bulletin board. “Yeah, she’s the exact opposite of you. You’re last in everything, and she’s first. She’s two years older than us.”

Renn suddenly looked up. “Oh, right! I remember now, but hey, you don’t have to say I’m last at everything.”

Jack laughed. “Yeah, sorry! So, we have the best student in our group and the worst. Wow, this is going to be fun!”

Renn retorted, “I’m not the worst student! So what is this activity, and when does it start?”

As they walked back to class, Jack said, “I don’t know much about it, but the teacher said our senior would come to our class to inform us about the details.”

Renn sat at his desk. “So we just have to wait for our senior?”

Jack nodded as he sat down at his desk.

Slowly, many senior students entered the classroom to talk to their group members. Renn and Jack remained seated, waiting.

Suddenly, Renn noticed all the students in class starting to look toward the entrance. He turned to see a tall girl with a strong athletic build, black hair, and an icy cold expression walk inside the class toward their seats.

Jack leaned forward and whispered, “Renn, she’s our group leader. Senior Lena, stand up!”

Renn nodded, and he and Jack stood up together from their seats.

Lena stopped in front of their desk. “So, you’re Jack and Renn from my group, right?”

They both nodded, and Jack said, “Yes, senior, I’m Jack, and this is Renn.”

Lena turned toward Renn. “Okay, I’m Lena, your two-year senior. Just come to the activity room tomorrow on the third floor; we’ll discuss things there.”

Lena turned to walk away, but then glanced back at Jack and Renn. “Also, there will be one more member in our group. You’ll meet him tomorrow.”

With that, Lena stepped out of the classroom, leaving no room for questions.

Renn leaned back on the desk and said, “She really didn’t let us talk much; she’s so cold.”

Jack added, “Yeah, I even heard rumours that she doesn’t talk much to anyone.”

Renn replied, “Oh, and she’s kind of scary; her eyes look really intimidating.”

Jack laughed, “Come on, you’re not a kid anymore, Renn.”

Renn, with curious eyes, asked, “What do you think about who will be the new member?”

Jack propped his chin on his hands and mused, “Hmm, maybe someone from a different section?”

Renn nodded, “That’s one possibility, or perhaps a senior.”

Jack stretched his arms upward and said, “There’s no point in guessing; let’s just wait until tomorrow.”

They both finished the rest of their classes. After school, they walked together down the street towards their homes.

After dropping Jack off at his house, Renn continued on his way.

Suddenly, Renn stopped and exclaimed, “Oh no, I was supposed to meet Sir Leo today! But where will I meet him?”

A familiar voice came from behind him, “Thinking about me, kid?”

Renn turned around to see Leo standing there. “You startled me! When did you get here?”

Leo laughed, “Sorry, just arrived.”

“I was just thinking about meeting you,” Renn said.

“Well, we have a lot to talk about. First, how was school?” Leo asked.

Renn replied, “It was pretty good.”

“Good. Did you tell your parents about yesterday's accident?” Leo inquired.

Renn shook his head, “No, they would just worry too much if I told them.”

Leo smiled, “You did the right thing, Renn. Good job.”

“Yeah, I also told them I’d be late today, so we could talk,” Renn added.

“Good. Let’s go to my house; we can talk there comfortably. It’s not far away,” Leo suggested.

Renn nodded, and they walked to Leo's home, arriving quickly since it was nearby.

Renn stood before a charming two-story house, its pale blue exterior adorned with white trim. The spacious backyard stretched out behind the home, dotted with vibrant flowers and a sturdy old oak tree that provided ample shade. As he stepped inside, in the driveway, a gleaming motorcycle with chrome accents and a sleek car sat side by side. In the back, his eyes were drawn to an old yet well-maintained wooden swing, its ropes gently swaying in the soft breeze.

Leo gestured for Renn to sit on the sofa in the hall while he took a chair across from him.

“My daughter is at her friend's house studying, so we can talk comfortably. Feel free to ask me anything,” Leo encouraged.

Renn took a deep breath and showed Leo the sun mark on his arm with curious eyes. “Can you tell me more about this mark?”

Leo replied, “Well, Renn, you can think of the people with marks as special.”

Renn looked up. “What about that shadow man and your powers? It felt like a dream.”

“There are others who can use powers like mine. Everyone with a mark has powers,” Leo explained calmly.

Renn jumped with excitement. “Really? Then I also have powers like you!”

Leo chuckled at Renn's enthusiasm. “Oh, calm down, Renn. Having powers isn’t always great. Did you forget that you were attacked because of them?”

Renn's excitement faded, replaced by fear at the mention of the attack. “Sorry about that, sir. So, who is that shadow man who attacked me?”

“Well, that’s quite complex. Shadow men are like normal humans who’ve been corrupted by those who use powers, like me,” Leo clarified.

Renn looked slightly shocked. “What? That sounds horrible! Why would someone do that?”

Leo smiled calmly. “There are many people who use their powers for harmful purposes, Renn.”

Renn nodded as Leo continued, “That’s why I’m going to teach you a lot about these people and your powers.” Leo pointed at Renn. “Are you up for that? It won’t be easy.”

Renn responded confidently, “Yes, I’m ready for it!”

Leo leaned back in his chair. “Okay, then, let’s meet in the evening at the city park. I will see you there.”

Renn stood up. “Okay, sir, let’s meet in the evening.”

With that, Renn walked out of the house and headed towards his home.

After Renn left, Leo sat on the sofa, looking at a photo of his late wife hanging on the wall. “What an interesting boy. How can he still not know about all this?”