"Friendship isn't about being the same; it's about balancing each other's chaos and calm. 

One lazy step and one responsible push can still lead to the same destination."

The last traces of winter still lingered in the air. Melted snow dripped from the neighborhood's Christmas trees, and puddles shimmered on the pavement outside. The warm morning sun peeked through the curtains of Kenji Ryu’s room, casting soft rays across the floor.

But that wasn’t enough to keep him from groaning when his alarm clock blared at 6:00 AM.

He reached out, smacked the button, and sank deeper into the warmth of his blanket.
“Just five more minutes...” he mumbled, eyes already closing again.

By the time they opened, the clock glowed 6:30 AM.

“Oh no, not again!” Ryu yelped, springing out of bed.

His room was a disaster. Papers, clothes, and wrappers lay everywhere. He scrambled around, slamming his arm against his desk to sweep all his books and pens into his bag. Then he grabbed the shirt lying on his couch and shoved it over his head.

He threw a slice of bread into the toaster and rushed to tie his shoes. The toast popped up just as he passed by the kitchen again, and he snatched it with his mouth, biting down as he ran out the door.

Outside, he jumped onto his bike and pedaled like a maniac.

Somehow, by pure luck, he slid into his classroom just as the bell rang. Barely.

The morning classes passed in a blur. Ryu didn’t remember half of what was taught. All he could think about was finding his best friend, Aiden Rys.

After checking Class 2-D and a few of their usual hangout spots with no luck, Ryu let out a frustrated sigh and rubbed his forehead. Of course. He knew exactly where Aiden would be.

He headed back to the dorm and didn’t bother knocking. Pushing open the door to Aiden’s room, he found the same scene he’d seen too many times—Aiden was sprawled on the bed, blanket half-off, completely dead to the world.

“Aido! Wake up!” Ryu shouted, yanking the blanket away.

Aiden didn’t move. Ryu tried slapping his arm lightly. Nothing.

“Five more minutes...” came a muffled voice as Aiden pulled a pillow over his head.

“Five minutes my ass!” Ryu groaned. He grabbed Aiden’s shoulders and shook him.

Eventually, Aiden groaned and slowly sat up, his hair a mess and eyes barely open. He looked like he might just fall back into bed. Ryu didn’t give him the chance. He shoved a shirt into Aiden’s hands and practically dressed him.

Once they were finally on their bikes, Ryu took the lead. He pedaled fast, weaving through the streets like he was chasing time. The wind blew against his face as they crossed a wide bridge over a sparkling river, passed rows of early-blooming spring trees, and sped toward the distant mountain partially hidden by clouds.

Behind him, Aiden rode lazily, barely keeping up. He glanced around at the scenery, soaking it in like he was on vacation—until his stomach growled loudly.

Ryu suddenly felt a heavy tug on his bike. He wobbled, barely keeping balance.

“What the—Aido, get off!”

“Hey! There’s a convenience store!” Aiden said, pointing to a small shop on the corner. “Let’s stop for a snack.”

“You just woke up!” Ryu groaned but sighed in defeat and turned toward the store.

Inside, Aiden picked up a steaming meat bun. Ryu grabbed a canned sweet coffee. To his surprise, Aiden paid for both.

“Whoa, you’re being generous today,” Ryu said.

“I’m just too sleepy to argue,” Aiden replied with a shrug, chewing on his bun.

They sat on a bench outside the store. Ryu checked the clock near the bus stop—and his eyes widened.

“Break time’s over!”

“Again?” Aiden mumbled through a mouthful.

They hopped back onto their bikes. This time, Ryu pedaled harder than ever, practically dragging Aiden behind. Aiden swayed side to side, holding on like he might fall off any moment.

They slipped through the school gates, hoping no one would notice. But their luck ran out the second they turned the corner.

Mr. Theodore Brookshade stood in the hallway, flipping through the attendance register. His tall frame and sharp eyes made every student freeze on sight.

He looked up—and saw them.

“Well, well. Late again, Ryu?” His voice was cold. “And Aiden... nice of you to grace us with your presence.”

Ryu tried to speak, “Sir, I was—”

“That’s enough! Both of you are now in trouble,” Brookshade snapped, his glare enough to stop time.

Ryu bowed quickly, stammering an apology.

Aiden just stood there, hands in his pockets, barely awake, like he hadn’t noticed he was being scolded. His slouchy posture only made Mr. Brookshade more irritated. After what felt like forever, the teacher finally walked off.

Ryu gritted his teeth as they walked to class.

“Why is it always you that gets me in trouble?” he snapped, grabbing Aiden’s shoulder.

Aiden rubbed his eyes. “Relax, man... you’ll live.”

Ryu clenched his fist. “You’re unbelievable.”

Before he could stop himself, he swung. Aiden wasn’t fast enough to dodge and took a light punch to the cheek.

The class, already watching from inside, gasped. A few students muttered under their breath.

Ryu’s eyes widened in regret. “Aido—I’m so sorry!”

Aiden blinked, touched his cheek, and shrugged. “That was random. Just... don’t punch me next time.”

A classmate nearby, the one who usually sat next to them, leaned in. “You better get him to the nurse before Brookshade sees that.”

As they walked towards the nurse’s office, everything around it smelled like herbs and clean bedsheets. Nurse Viola Dawnstone raised an eyebrow as the two entered.

“What now?” she asked, already grabbing a healing cloth.

Ryu pointed to Aiden’s cheek. “Accident.”

Viola didn’t ask more. She tapped her fingers together, summoning a small glowing thread which coiled together, and then she pressed it gently to Aiden’s face. The red mark faded instantly.

Aiden leaned back in the chair, arms crossed behind his head, almost dozing off again.

Ryu sat on the window ledge, staring outside. Below, in the courtyard, students practiced casting spells—bright sparks, glowing symbols, chants in motion.

He watched quietly. Aiden had magic. Everyone else did too. He didn’t.

"That's not fair!"

The final bell rang.

Ryu looked around the classroom. The final bell had rung, and everyone was grabbing their bags, heading out in loud, messy groups.

“Hey, did you see the news?” someone called out near the window.

“I did! About that monster subjugation. Some generals died, right?”

“Not that, dumbass,” another guy cut in. “I’m talking about the new Ice General! Her name’s like... Val? Vele? Whatever. She’s the youngest general ever. And super hot.”

“Bro, you sound desperate,” someone muttered behind him.

“Huh? What’s your point?”

Their conversation faded into typical end-of-day chatter, laughter, and loud teasing. Ryu didn’t join in. He just watched from his seat, arms loosely crossed, eyes trailing between the students.

That’s when a voice came from behind.

“Let’s go,” Aiden said, already slinging his bag over one shoulder.

The ride home was quieter.

Ryu and Aiden rode side by side, the sky turning a soft orange above them. The wind pushed against their hair, and carried the smell of early spring. Birds were still out, and the roads wasn’t too crowded.

They didn’t talk for a while, just pedaled at a slow, steady pace.

Eventually, Ryu broke the silence.

“...Did you hear what they were saying? About the new Ice General?”

Aiden nodded slightly. “Mhm.”

“They said she’s the youngest in history, and were commenting on her appearance. Some people really look up to that kinda thing.”

Aiden yawned mid-ride, barely dodging a pothole. “Guess I’ll become a general next year, then.”

Ryu laughed. “Right. When you wake up on time for school, maybe. Also, a reminder that you missed three months at the start of the year. You’re going to fail at this rate, you know?... And why would they take in the guy who sleeps through high school? That's hilarious!”

Aiden smirked, “You’ve never seen what I’m actually capable of.”

They both laughed.

A vending machine stood near the sidewalk. Ryu stopped and bought two cans of coffee, handing one to Aiden.

“Coffee’s the best,” Ryu said, cracking his open.

Aiden raised a brow. “Really? Are all overachievers coffee-sick?”

Ryu snorted. “What does that even mean?”

By the time they reached their dorm, the chaos of the day already felt far away.

Chapter End

Arc 1: Awakening of the Storm