The Draven Clan had realized one undeniable truth—Kael wasn't just strong; he was inevitable. Every eye in the clan rested on him with expectation, pressure mounting. Lead us. Protect us. Be the hunter.
Every choice had already been decided for him.
"You're born for this. You don't get to choose."
Kael obeyed. Not out of pride or duty—but out of a deep, aching desire to be loved. To be accepted. To feel human warmth, a touch, a hug, anything that made him feel alive.
Hunter High
Seventeen now, Kael walked the halls of Hunter High. Officially a hunter in training. And bored.
"This is so boring," he muttered under his breath, the weight of expectation pressing down on him even in idle moments.
Then a voice called out, soft and melodic:
"Draven, what are you doing being all alone?"
Kael turned. Her eyes—vivid and sparkling—locked with his. Her hair caught the sunlight just so, brushing lightly over her shoulders. Her smile was a sudden warmth against the cold shadow of his life. His heart stuttered.
"Oh… nothing," he replied, trying to steady himself.
From that day, they grew close—talking, joking, walking together through the corridors, stealing laughs in between the duties of training. Every word, every glance, planted a small seed of something Kael hadn't felt in years: hope.
The Fireworks
That New Year's Eve, they stood side by side beneath the exploding sky. Fireworks burst into colors of gold, crimson, and sapphire, painting the night air with light and warmth.
Kael whispered, almost to himself, "The new year is about to start…"
She murmured, "Yes."
The fireworks reflected in her eyes, and for the first time in years, Kael felt loved. Truly, deeply loved.
But even amidst the warmth, a shadow lingered in his chest. He yearned for her touch, her closeness, her embrace—but fear twisted inside him.
What if she knew?
What if she realized she would never be able to touch him?
The thought tightened around his heart like a vice. Still, he held her gaze, letting the colors of the night blur around them, burning this fleeting moment into memory.