Yui snapped the book shut.

His clawed fingers lingered on the worn cover, but he didn’t say anything.

Instead, his crimson eyes drifted past Hawkins to the city skyline, visible through the library window.

Dragons soared in lazy arcs, their silhouettes cutting against the fading blue. Below, the hum of human and mythical life blended into a constant, distant murmur.

"It’s hard to believe."

His voice barely broke the quiet.

He slid the book across the table toward Hawkins.

"All this history… Kitsune, dragons, wars. It’s like it happened in a whole different world, you know?"

Hawkins adjusted his glasses, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"It is the real world."

He tapped the book’s cover.

"You should know that by now."

Yui let out a small laugh, scratching the base of his white fox ears as they twitched.

"Yeah, I guess I should."

His small black wings fluttered slightly as he adjusted the dark blue scarf wrapped around his neck.

The fan’s breeze ruffled his white hair, shifting the lone horn on his head.

Still, his red, slit-pupil eyes stayed fixed on Hawkins.

Curious.

Searching.

Hawkins couldn’t resist a slight smile.

"Don’t worry," he assured. "Your best buddy can teach you all about this."

Yui grinned.

"Just like that time you taught me how to drive."

A chuckle escaped Hawkins.

Yui had needed help with so many things—especially the city, its shifting rules, its rapid evolution. But little by little, he was learning.

Then—

A sharp buzz.

Hawkins fished his phone from his pocket, glancing at the caller ID before pressing the button.

"Hello?"

The response on the other end made his expression shift. In an instant, the casual warmth drained from his face.

"Alright. I’ll be there."

He hung up and turned to Yui, apologetic.

"Sorry, but I have to run. Something’s come up."

Yui’s fox ears twitched. He had caught enough of the conversation.

"Your first case, huh?"

Hawkins nodded.

"Yeah."

A beat of silence.

Then—

"Can I come?"

Yui tilted his head, eyes wide.

Hawkins hesitated.

"Uh—"

"Pleeeeease?"

…He couldn’t say no.

"Fine."

Hawkins groaned, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward as they left the library.

⁂

The parking lot was packed.

Students filtered between rows of cars, caught in their own worlds—some rushing to evening classes, others lingering in conversation.

Hawkins scanned the area instinctively.

Tall. Sharp black eyes. Neatly parted dark hair. Spectacles resting on his nose. Black shirt, boots, and an ever-present backpack—unremarkable, except for the way he carried himself.

Steady. Observant.

People tended to overlook him.

A mistake.

"Did you get to talk to Daisy?" Yui asked.

Hawkins' jaw tightened.

"She’s been busy."

Too busy.

And then, as if summoned, Daisy Danielle flickered in his mind—her light brown eyes, the way they always held something just out of reach. A warmth, yes. But also a weight.

Like she was carrying a secret too heavy to share.

"Maybe she’s dealing with her brother’s stuff," Yui said, quieter this time.

Hawkins exhaled, adjusting the strap of his antique watch. The cool metal grounded him.

Thinking of Daisy always did this—made him feel closer to her and yet further away, like reaching for something just beyond his fingertips.

"Hey, I’ve never seen that watch before."

Yui tilted his head, catching Hawkins’ movement.

"Where’d you get it?"

Hawkins glanced down, his fingers brushing over the worn bronze.

"Family heirloom."

He smiled, almost to himself.

"It’s the most precious thing I own."

Yui grinned.

"Aww, my best friend is getting emotional."

"Shut up."

Then—

Headlights.

A police car pulled up in front of them.

The door swung open, and out stepped a mermaid officer—sea-blue hair cascading over sun-kissed skin, green eyes shimmering like the ocean surface.

She grinned.

"Hello!"

Her Caribbean accent lilted through the air as she strode toward them.

"Merci pour venir, Hawkins. Thank you for joining the case. I hope I am not disturbing your studies."

Hawkins offered a polite smile.

"Not at all."

His gaze flicked toward the car.

"I’m meeting with the actual detective, right?"

"Yes, you are."

She turned, finally noticing Yui. Her expression shifted to mild surprise.

"And what do we have here?"

Yui froze.

Glanced at Hawkins.

Then back at the officer.

"Haha… hi."

She chuckled.

Hawkins stepped in.

"This is Ichiru Yui, my best friend."

A pause.

"Hybrid—frost kitsune and ancient dragon."

Yui gave a small wave. "Hi."

Leann Marie studied him for a moment before extending her hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Leann Marie."

Yui shook it, his usual fox-like cheer returning.

"Ichiru Yui."

Leann turned back to Hawkins.

"Alright. We’ll head to the station now."

She cast a pointed look at Yui.

"I’d suggest you stay out of this—law enforcement business. Official business."

Yui nodded slowly as she stepped back into the car.

"Take care."

Hawkins hesitated for a fraction of a second—just enough for Yui to notice.

Then he nodded. "Yeah."

The door shut.

The car pulled away, city lights reflecting off its windows.

Hawkins leaned his head back against the seat, glancing out at the world passing by.

The streets pulsed with life.

Dragons glided over rooftops. Elves tended to their gardens. Orcs gathered in the parks, their voices rolling like thunder. In the bars, vampires cheered over baseball games.

This was normal.

This was life.

Supernaturals lived among humans, part of the everyday.

Hawkins smirked, adjusting the strap of his backpack.

"The New World, huh?"