Matthias slept like a baby despite all the silent chaos that ensued yesterday. Eventful – unforgettable, forever etched in his mind. In his life. He stretched while he was still laying down, with his mind wondering about how people in this era seemed to enjoy life without the gadgets–those things that got people addicted to scrolling. He wouldn't lie, he did miss it but his reality now belonged to Archeko. 

His brain jumped to another thought–the things that the damned priest said. Speaking as if he knew himself far better than he did–

“Oh, how infuriating!” He whispered to himself, turning around. He soon sat up at the corner of his bed, his feet touching the cold boards, and it caused him to shiver ever so slightly. 

He looked at his feet as his mind remembered what transpired yesterday–a desperate priest, calling him the for his help. He wasn't really expecting the Priest to know that he wasn't from here, and if what he said was true...

He shook his head.

Staying at this Orphanage seemed to be the safest bet for now–but, there was something lurking beneath all the smiles that their Mother offered. That he knew. Janet wouldn't disappear just like that–but how could he find her, when her trace was long forgotten? 

His eyes squinted once a stray ray of sunlight poked his eyes with its own glory, preventing him from going down the abyss spiral that almost took hold of him. For now, he had to prepare for those things that might happen, and to start his day or else he would get scolded once again. 

He stretched once again for one last time before removing himself from the bed. It bounced a bit, like a marshmallow. Then, the sun continued to peek at the corner of his window–greeting the citizens awake, whether they were ready or not. Merciless, one could say.  

He did one final stretch before he commenced his morning routine: Fold the futon. Make sure the pillows were fluffed. Open the window to let some fresh air in. However, a knock on his door jolted him fully awake–his heart raced, reminiscing about that thing that tried to unlock his door yesterday. 

“Matthias, it's time to eat breakfast.” Her voice was sweet as honey as she called out to him.

His body sagged in relief, and a sigh escaped his lips after realising that it wasn't a threat but a person whom he knew.  It was Leila–his friend, who was also an orphan. She has been here longer than he was–same age as him, thus they got along well. 

He marched towards the door and swung it open, seeing the brunette with neatly tied up hair. She had freckles on her face, her eyes unusually golden. They were about the same age—and no one really knows how old they are nor where they came from—one did, but mostly did not. 

Matthias nodded, “Yeah. I'll be there in a second. I'll just get dressed.”

“Alright, I'll be in the kitchen. You're on kitchen duty for this week aren't you?” Leila asked.

“Even if I wasn't, I'd gladly help you.” He replied as the lady walked with her back facing him. He failed to notice how her cheeks and ears reddened. 

He closed the door and changed quickly. 

The moment he was about to step inside the kitchen, his eyes widened with surprise. He went frigid, staring at the back of the man seated on where he usually sits. He could recognise that silhouette no matter how much time would pass. His blond hair and striking gaze now that he turned around, facing him. 

It was Henry Arkhold. The Young Lord rumoured to be a demon—or a human who made a pact with the demon—who was completely opposite of that rumour. He was the one who saved him from the streets, though it was a secret between them. After all, Henry was far too young to have a child—and keeping him in his abode would rouse’ up suspicion from the townspeople as he was only twenty-seven. 

Matthias’ brain felt like it itched, yet it was far gone before he could even graze it. Ignoring that forgotten thought—he walked towards the young lord whose body exuded glee after noticing his presence. 

‘Perhaps this day isn't so bad’, Matthias thought. 

He greeted the older man with a soft smile. “Good morning, Henry. You’ve visited again.” 

Henry returned the gesture, patting the seat next to him, “Sit beside me.”

“No, I left him a message on my work table. It should be fine,” the older man replied with a shrug.

“If you say so,” Matthias replied and politely excused himself after. He then helped Leila prepare breakfast.  Scrambled eggs and fried potatoes were prepared, despite it being too early for such a heavy meal. 

The young man’s head became muddled with noises. He was waiting for the pot filled with water to boil. He stood, eyes hazy. The whiff of an expensive oud mixed with the old smell of the kitchen made him feel at ease, somewhat, like he was in a kind grandma’s home. 

Perhaps he was really dreaming while he was awake.

Surely, that was it. 

Matthias failed to notice the way Henry looked at him, with a slight smirk, as if he knew what he was thinking about. Soon, Mama Nana returned to the kitchen with the children. That snapped Matthias out of his day dreaming. He shook his head and grabbed the wooden plates — placing it on the table. He then grabbed his own plate, with the portion of scrambled eggs and one jacket potato already on it. 

It was a normal occurrence. Henry would just show up like this was his second home. 

Matthias took this chance to sneak out to the other dining table, with Henry following behind him with a cup of tea in his hand. Once he was situated on the chair, and about to start eating— he realised how the other man sat in front of him. 

His eyebrows raised as he looked at him.

“You've grown up to be a fine young man,” Henry stated while keeping his eyes on him, as if drilling his image to his memory. 

Matthias laughed awkwardly, “Geez. Don't speak like you're 80 years old already.”

Henry almost let out a giggle–such a gullible little thing Matthias is. He was much older than that. But oh well–he does not need to know yet. It wouldn’t be plausible. He wants to slowly entrap him with false freedom and then—

The door remained unlatched thus the butler, June, was able to make his way in. Dishevelled. Panting. Sweating. Hands on his knees—his tongue out, he almost drooled like a dog. 

“Y….y…you, Young Master!” His voice almost croaked, with a cough. 

Matthias couldn't help but feel pity towards the butler. It must be hard to work under someone like that, someone who just disappears from your sight without warning.

“Don't worry, I'll never do that to you—I promised that I'll stay by your side no matter what,” Henry whispered absentmindedly while staring at him as if he read what the other man thought. 

“Huh?” 

Henry laughed. 

Then he stood up. “Nothing, I was just talking to myself! I guess my little adventure has been cut short, but surely there will be another chance to see you again later on.” He said as he walked to where Mama Nana was, which left the younger man and the butler confused. 

Mama Nana peaked out of the kitchen, “Matthias, you and Leila should go out shopping. We are low on some items. Leila has the list and money, so could you please accompany her?”

Despite it feeling weird having someone look after him, Matthias had no choice but to get used to it or else Mama Nana would scold him. Leila emerged from the kitchen with her woven wooden basket. She wore a simple white dress which was enough to send the young man’s heart racing–gorgeous and ethereal, however his ego held him together.

“Let's go,” he murmured as he walked side by side with Leila. Both left the orphanage with smiles and laughter, enjoying each other's company. 

Not knowing that what's hidden beneath the Summer Orphanage is something sinister, completely opposite of their joyful tones…