[Alarm Ringing] 

5:45 AM.

The gentle sound of the alarm chimed softly, like a soothing wind chime echoing in the tiny space. A light hand reached out from beneath the blankets to turn it off.

Epoy slowly opened his eyes to the ceiling, trying to adjust to the daylight. He was still getting used to this unfamiliar room. The light-colored curtains weren’t his. The scent of wood mixed with ocean air coming through the slightly open window was new. Even the quietness felt strange—so still compared to the city noise he was accustomed to.

He sat up, his messy dark hair falling around him, wearing a loose cream pajama shirt. He grabbed his glasses, put them on, and quietly began his morning routine. His actions were slow and careful, like he didn’t want to disturb the calm around him.

Today marked his first day at Antique University (AU) —a new student arriving halfway through the semester. He wasn't a fan of drawing attention to himself. Sadly, being new meant everyone would notice him.

On the other side of town, Sids tightened his boot laces, turned on his music, and took his helmet. His home was quiet, making his movements sound louder against the stillness. This was how he liked it. No chaos. No crowd.

His motorbike roared to life, a low rumbling engine beneath him. He adjusted his leather jacket, put on his helmet, and sped off into the waking city, his hair flying in the wind through the open visor.

At the school entrance, students were already gathering, laughing, and rushing inside. Epoy stood at the door, gripping his messenger bag tightly with both hands. His uniform was neatly ironed, with sleeves buttoned carefully, and a small moon pin attached to his collar.

He kept his gaze down, taking soft steps toward the office and trying not to attract attention.

But things didn’t go as planned.

He didn’t notice the uneven tile near the library steps. His foot tripped on it—sending his body forward.

A sharp inhale.

Then—

Strong arms caught him before he fell.

For a brief moment, everything paused.

His palms pressed against a solid chest. He looked up, surprised, and found deep, unreadable eyes beneath a tousled mess of black hair.

It was him.

Sids gazed down at the smaller boy in his arms—wide-eyed and surprised, with a hint of a floral scent surrounding him.

“Are you alright? ” Sids asked in a low voice.

Epoy turned red. “I—I… sorry. I wasn’t paying attention…”

Sids raised him up gently, his hands firm but careful. Epoy nervously brushed off his uniform, avoiding eye contact with the boy who had saved him.

“Are you new? ” Sids asked casually, slipping his hands into his pockets.

Epoy nodded. “Y-Yes. I just moved here…”

Their eyes locked again. There was a strange connection—something unspoken but weighty. Familiarity lingered in a stranger’s eyes.

“Be more careful next time, Luna,” Sids said, using the nickname without realizing it.

Epoy blinked in confusion. “What…? ”

Sids made a slight grimace. "Sorry. I meant to say, um. . . new person. " He quickly turned away, feeling awkward, and walked off as if nothing had occurred.

Epoy stood there, heart racing in his chest.

Luna…?

The name rang in his ears like a soft whisper from a dream.

Later that day, when Epoy entered the classroom he was assigned to, the only open seat was next to the same boy who had seen him. Sids glanced at him and gave a single nod. Epoy quietly took a seat, holding his bag close. He wasn't sure why, but he felt a sense of comfort. Like perhaps, just perhaps… he had known him before.