Darian visits Kael privately and opens up, clumsily, about the past.

Darian leans against the doorframe of Kael’s office “you’re softer now. Not weak. Just… Different. Since him.” Kael didn't look up and continued from paperwork “get to the point.”

Darian sighed, took a step towards the table leaning on it with his hands supporting it.

“back then, in high school... We were assholes, we were kinda close, always bickering against each other. Riven wasn’t always with us so it’s mostly me and Jace . Both of us became more close to each other to the point of us two ended dating, being in a relationship makes us more conscious of our surroundings in case someone saw us doing things we weren’t suppose to do, since they know that Jace and I are close friends. Not until something happened. Riven saw us kissing on the dark corner of the near music room, he was surprised, no words let out of his mouth, he was just… there. We were about to explain it to him but he left running. We were worried, we tried to talk but he avoided us. Then, a news spread to the whole school, it was posted on the school forum. We thought he was the one who took the photo and posted it because he was the one who saw us. We talked to him in private, we asked why he did it, but there was no answer, he just stared at us, not with hatred but I think it was dissapointment. He told us he didn’t do anything but we didn’t listen, we blamed him, throw ill words at him, but he was silent. He just said sorry and told us that we won’t be seeing each other again. Then he left, after that we really didn’t see him again.” Darian sighed and turned around facing Kael.

Thought Riven was trying to destroy us. I never really knew if he did it. But Jace needed someone to blame, and i wasn’t going to let it be him.” Kael stopped a minute and stared at it for a bit, side eyeing Darian. “you two hurts him.” Darian sighs “we did. Not physically. But... Yeah, we did. Thing is, i don’t hate him now, I regretted it. I just don’t get what he sees in you.” Kael finally looks up. “i don’t either. But he stays.” Darian smiled bitterly, “don’t screw him up, Kael. He’s already survived too much. We were wrong about him.” Kael was quiet for a bit , muttered almost like a vow “i know. That’s why i won’t let anyone else try.”

Darian smiled “then Jace and I should better talk to him and clear the misunderstandings, be friends again…I hope” they both looked at each other, Kael sighed “yeah”.

Later that Day…

A trendy coffee shop near the university. Kael insisted they all “talk like adults.” Darian is suspicious. Jace is skeptical. Riven is quiet. Kael… Just orders black coffee like it’s war fuel.

Darian glancing between them as they sit “so… We’re just going to pretend this isn’t the weirdest table in the city?” Kael just chuckled faintly "It’s coffee. Not a funeral. Drink something.” Jace crossing his arms “this feels like a setup.” Riven finally speaking, calm but firm “it’s not. I asked him to bring us together, he told me about your story…yes, I want to clear things to and be…friends again, yeah.” Darian blinks“you did?”

Riven nods“i figured it’s time we stop circling each other like we’re going to snap.”Jace was muttering“didn’t expect you to be the one trying to play peacekeeper.” Riven looks him in the eye “neither did i. But i’m tired of walking into rooms and feeling like i’m stuck in 12th grade.” Kael sips his drink, watching quietly — proud but staying out of it, Darian leans back, chuckling slightly “alright. Credit where it’s due — i didn’t expect this version of you. I like him better.” Riven uttered a word dryly “he costs more therapy.”

Darian and Riven slowly started talking — not friends, but mutual respect grows, Jace is more stubborn, but keeps quiet once he sees Darian backing off. Kael doesn’t erase Riven’s past — he just makes sure no one uses it to hurt him again. Riven starts finding his voice more, especially around people who once had power over him

The pause. The shift. Silence. The kind that feels awkward but honest.

Jace softens just slightly “maybe we blamed you too easily back then.” Riven shrugs, honest “i probably would’ve blamed me too.” Darian smiled faintly “for what it’s worth... I don’t think we were as bad as you remember. But we definitely weren’t good either.” Riven, holding his coffee staring at it “and i wasn’t the easiest person to like. I was bitter. Angry. And i let it get the best of me.” then looked at them. Kael finally speaks “none of you are saints. But if we’re going to do this, leave the old knives at home.”

[ a start]

Darian lifting his cup “alright. Clean slate. But i reserve the right to still find you mildly annoying.” Riven cracks a smile “fair. You talk too much anyway.” Jace grins reluctantly “i give this peace truce two weeks.” Kael without missing a beat “i give it five minutes if Darian starts drama again.”

It's awkward, but hopeful. Riven stands his ground, finally — not as a victim, but as someone who’s moved on. Kael is proud but doesn’t overstep — he lets Riven handle it, Darian was surprised by Riven’s maturity, Jace is still wary, but the tension breaks.