"Rin , wake up. You're late again."
Rin groaned into her pillow, arm shooting out to slap the alarm clock… or maybe her cousin's voice. Too late — her younger cousin was already banging on the door like a tiny executioner.
By the time she came downstairs, suitcase dragging behind her, she was met with her aunt's exasperated sigh and her baby cousin's narrowed eyes, clutching a cling-wrapped sandwich like it was treasure.
Rin leaned down, kissed her aunt on the cheek.
"Love you," she whispered sweetly—
—and snatched the sandwich out of her cousin's grip in one swift move.
"HEY!"
"Breakfast tax," she muttered, stuffing it into her hoodie pocket like a villain.
"You always steal my food," her cousin grumbled.
"That's because you always pack food. You should learn to live dangerously."
Her aunt smiled tiredly, arms folded as Rin stepped out the door, suitcase wheels clacking.
"Make new friends this time, okay?"
Rin paused on the steps.
The wind ruffled her short black hair. She didn't turn back.
"…No promises."
---
Outside, a silver car was parked by the curb, engine already humming. Her older cousin, Kairi, sat behind the wheel, sunglasses pushed to the top of her head, chewing on a straw and scrolling through something on her phone.
"Five minutes late," Kairi said. "I should've charged you a ride fee."
"Pfft. Like you'd let me walk."
"True."
Rin slid into the passenger seat, propped her feet on the dashboard.
As the car rolled through the city, the radio crackled to life—
"…and in breaking news, the western bridge is on the verge of collapse following structural tremors. The hero Janus has arrived on scene—"
Rin's scoff was sharp.
"Turn that off."
Kairi gave her a side-eye. "Still bitter?"
"Just bored," Rin muttered, eyes on the window. "Tired of fake names and dramatic rescues."
Kairi didn't say anything. Just switched the station to chill indie pop.
They drove in silence after that.
---
The campus gates loomed ahead — towering iron arches with ivy curling over the edges, students bustling with nervous energy, laughter, and the scent of too many overpriced perfumes.
Rin stepped out, stretching. Her suitcase thumped onto the sidewalk.
Kairi got out too and pulled her into a hug. Tight, warm. Familiar.
"Try not to punch anyone this semester," she teased.
"No promises."
Rin smirked, slinging her bag over her shoulder. As she walked off into the crowd, she turned her head slightly.
"…Thanks, Kairi."
"Anytime."
As the car drove away, Rin didn't look back.
She stepped onto the campus like a ghost — silent, alone, and unseen by the world.
To everyone else, she was just another freshman.
But even now… even in her silence…
The shadows moved when she passed.
---