Chapter 10
A little boy ran through a chaotic crowd of children, laughter and noise echoing all around him.
In the middle of the chaos, he noticed something.
A little girl had fallen.
She struggled to get up, fear filling her eyes as the crowd rushed past her.
Without hesitation, the boy ran to her.
"It's okay," he said softly, helping her up and brushing the dust off her clothes.
She looked at him, tears streaming down her cheeks.
The boy reached for her hand.
"Come on."
Together, they ran.
They didn't stop until they reached a small clearing, hidden by tall trees that blocked out the noise.
Silence.
Peace.
The girl sniffled, looking up at him.
"Thank you," she whispered.
The boy smiled.
"Don't worry. I'm here to protect you."
They sat together, talking and laughing like they had known each other forever.
The boy watched her, something warm settling in his chest.
"What's your name?" he asked.
The girl opened her mouth.
"My name is—"
Kai's eyes snapped open.
He sat up slowly, breathing out.
"That dream again…"
He ran his hand over his face, trying to steady himself.
Dining room
Kai walked in, still half-asleep, only to see Jax standing by the door.
"Good morning, Jax."
"Good morning, Young Master," Jax replied, bowing slightly. "Your parents left early. They won't be back until tonight."
Kai nodded absentmindedly.
Then, suddenly—
"Jax… do you believe in signs?"
Jax raised a brow.
"Signs?"
"Yes. Signs."
Kai leaned against the table.
"I had that dream again. The same girl… dark skin, chubby cheeks… emerald eyes."
He paused.
"I've seen her before. But this time… it felt real."
Jax remained silent.
"I feel like I need to find her."
Jax exhaled slowly.
"With all due respect, Young Master… finding someone from a dream won't be easy."
"I know," Kai said firmly. "But I still want to try."
He looked at him.
"Help me find her."
Jax hesitated, then nodded.
"I'll do what I can."
Kai smiled faintly.
"Thank you."
Outside – Morning
Asha ran as fast as she could, her bag bouncing against her back.
"Wait! Wait!"
But the bus pulled away.
She stopped, breathing heavily.
"Seriously… again?"
She looked around, frustrated.
Then—
A sleek black car pulled up beside her.
The window rolled down.
A boy leaned out.
He had a sharp jawline, piercing eyes, and a calm but dangerous kind of presence.
"Need a ride?" he asked casually.
Asha stepped back slightly.
"I don't even know you."
He chuckled.
"But we go to the same school, don't we?"
Asha narrowed her eyes.
"I've never seen you before."
"You have now."
He leaned his arm on the window.
"And I'd hate for you to be late again."
Asha hesitated.
Something about him felt… off.
Not bad.
Just… intense.
"I won't bite," he added. "Get in."
After a moment, Asha sighed.
"Fine."
She got into the car.
Inside the car
At first, silence.
Then slowly, the tension faded.
The boy was easy to talk to.
Too easy.
Asha found herself relaxing without even realizing it.
School gates
The car stopped.
Asha stepped out.
"Thanks for the ride."
"Anytime," he said, watching her closely.
She turned and walked toward the school.
Immediately, whispers started.
"Who was that?"
"Did you see the car?"
"Is that her new guy?"
Asha ignored them.
She was already used to attention.
But for some reason…
She could still feel his gaze on her back.