The clouds hung heavily over the campus that afternoon, creating long shadows over the students who were gathered in the open courtyard. The sun peeked out from behind the gray clouds, like fading memories trying to break through a thick curtain. Sids reclined on the bench, his gaze following a basketball soaring through the air until it thumped against the rim. Epoy was seated next to him with his sketchbook in hand, his pencil moving restlessly, even though he was not looking at the page.

There was a certain tension between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It felt more like a barely visible energy buzzing beneath their skin — a connection they were gradually learning to accept.

But today, something different stirred in the atmosphere.

A tall student walked by the edge of the court. His presence was subtle, much like the light breeze before a rainstorm. With dark hair and sharp eyes, simply dressed in the school uniform with his sleeves rolled up, the newcomer didn’t say a word, yet many heads turned to look at him. He wasn't striking like Apollo, who was full of charm and confidence, but there was a regal quality to his calmness, a power that didn’t need words.

He paused to watch the game. Someone tossed him the ball, playfully urging him to join in.

He didn’t hesitate.

The way he moved — smooth yet precise — even made Epoy stop mid-motion, observing how this unfamiliar student easily blended into the game, as if he had always belonged. He didn’t take over or show off. He just played well, with every move careful and every gesture quiet.

“Who is that? ” Sids grumbled, crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes.

Epoy tilted his head. “I haven’t seen him around before…”

That was partly accurate.

After the game, the boy introduced himself while calmly wiping sweat from his neck with his shirt. “Levi Caelous Cielo,” he said with a slight nod. “Just call me Lou. ”

There was nothing particularly remarkable about him — no sudden glow or heavenly presence. He even smiled softly like an ordinary transfer student, polite and gentle. But as he turned to walk away, Epoy's hand shook slightly around his pencil, and Sids squinted again, as if something familiar was trying to break into their consciousness.

Apollo had been watching from the walkway across the building.

He squinted as the sunlight hit his camera lens while he adjusted for a shot. His mouth turned down slightly. That calm guy — Lou — something about him annoyed Apollo, though he couldn’t quite figure out why.

He didn’t like how Lou was quiet but always seemed to be listening. He didn’t like how Lou would answer questions in a manner that felt puzzling. He didn’t like how Lou’s gaze lingered on Epoy — no, on Libulan. It made Apollo’s chest feel tight.

But most of all, Apollo disliked the feeling that Lou was observing him — not just with curiosity, but as if he truly understood him.

As if Lou already understood the parts of himself that Apollo was still trying to fix.

Apollo took a hazy picture of him.

Click.

He put the camera down. The photo looked strange, as if something was off. It wasn't the picture itself — it was what the camera was trying to show. Apollo looked at the picture, then at Lou’s back as he walked towards the dark trees by the chapel.

He couldn't explain the annoyance growing inside him, it felt strangely like a rivalry. But he wasn’t sure what he was competing for.

Sids and Epoy didn’t notice it, but the heavenly world had started to awaken once more. What they thought was just a vague familiarity with Lou was more than that. It was a memory. An ancient presence hiding behind skin and school uniforms.

Makaptan — the God of the Sky — was now living among them as Levi Caelous Cielo or Lou.

He had come down stealthily, choosing not to awaken their memories just yet. He had witnessed what happened the last time the balance was upset. The split between Libulan and Sidapa. The breakdown of harmony in the heavens. Now, with Apollo dangerously close to falling apart again, Makaptan chose to watch — and if necessary, to step in.

He acted like a regular person, unnoticeable, distant, and helpful when needed.

But deep inside, he held the storms. And the lightning was ready.

He noticed hints of Sidapa emerging in Sids — the quiet protectiveness, the slight growl in his voice when he looked at Apollo. He recognized the moonlight returning to Epoy — that soft glow surrounding the boy's pale skin, the warmth in his gaze when he thought no one was observing.

Makaptan — Levi — was watching all of them.

And Apollo? He didn’t see it yet, but he had chosen the wrong rival. Levi wouldn’t face him with anger or jealousy. He would challenge him with the truth, with the weight of knowing exactly what Apollo had done.

And when the moment arrived, he would force Apollo to choose — between obsession and redemption, between controlling destiny or accepting it.

For now, he just smiled when Epoy shyly greeted him the following morning.

"You’re Lou, right? "

"Yes," Levi answered quietly, "and you are? "

"Mayari Jericho or Epoy," he replied.

"That's a lovely name," Levi responded. Then he glanced past him — his gaze resting for a moment on Sids before turning towards Apollo across the hall.

He lowered his head gently, like the sky providing calm before the storm.