Cafeteria – Reluctant Seating
Keon sat at his usual isolated corner of the cafeteria.
Then Kira appeared, tray in hand, and dropped into the seat across from him.
"Yo."
Keon stared. "Is there a reason you're sitting here?"
Kira grinned, mouth full. "Yeah. Your vibe's too mysterious. I need answers."
"We're not friends."
"Exactly why I'm here. Mystery builds friendship. Or at least anime-level tension."
Keon rolled his eyes and kept eating. He didn't push Kira away… but he didn't welcome him either.
---
Keon's Perspective – Private Suspicion
Later, Keon leaned against his locker, earbuds in but music off.
He watched Kira from across the hallway, laughing too loud, throwing his arm around random students. Chaotic. Harmless.
But something about Kira felt too eager. Too close.
Nova's voice echoed in his mind:
"People like that? Either they're clueless… or they're hiding something."
---
Rooftop – Kira's Persistence
The next day, Kira showed up again on Keon's rooftop.
"I brought drinks," he said, holding out a cold can. "No poison. Probably."
Keon didn't take it.
Kira cracked open his own and sat beside him.
"You always come up here, huh?"
Keon stayed silent.
"I used to do this too. At my old school. Pretend I didn't care so I wouldn't have to admit I hated being alone."
Keon blinked, just once.
"I don't hate being alone," he replied flatly.
Kira smiled like he didn't believe him.
---
The Suspicious Encounter – Seen But Not Heard
Later that week, Keon walked past the back building when he caught it — Kira, alone, talking to a tall man in a coat.
Keon ducked behind the corner. The wind made it hard to hear. But Kira's tone was angry. His fists clenched.
Then the man walked away.
Kira stayed behind, kicking the wall, muttering something under his breath.
Keon watched him go. Quiet. Focused.
Too convenient.
---
Nova and Keon – Plans Forming
Back at the apartment, Keon paced the living room.
Nova leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
"He's involved. Maybe not deeply. But he knows more than he lets on."
Nova raised an eyebrow. "So?"
"So I'm going to find out. I'll play dumb. Get closer."
She gave a tight nod. "Just be careful. People like that? They'll surprise you. One way or another."
---