The morning was still damp with dew when Navies stepped out of his house. The cold air tingled against his skin, carrying the scent of moist earth after the night's dew. It was only his second day at school, and just like yesterday, he chose to walk to the bus stop with Balqis.
Despite having all the luxuries to travel more comfortably from a personal driver to an expensive car he still preferred taking the bus. It was the simplest way to avoid unnecessary attention.
However, upon arriving at the bus stop, their steps halted. A large notice board stood before them, its bold letters leaving no room for negotiation:
"Notice: All bus routes in this area have been permanently discontinued as of last night. Public Transportation Management."
Balqis narrowed her eyes, her jaw tightening. Without a word, she raised her foot and—
CRASH!
The glass wall of the bus stop cracked before shattering into countless shards, the fragments scattering loudly across the pavement. The heel of her high-heeled shoe snapped from the force of her stomp, but Balqis didn't care. What mattered more to her was the audacity of the bus company to alter the routes without prior notice.
With swift movements, she reached into the pocket of her coat and pulled out her phone. Her fingers hovered over the screen, ready to dial Mr. Kein. With just one command from her, this bus company could disappear from the transportation industry overnight.
But before she could make the call, Navies gently grasped her wrist, lowering the phone with a soft but firm touch. Then, without hesitation, he pulled Balqis into an embrace.
"If you lose control over something like this… how can I entrust my safety to you?" His voice was quiet but sharp, like a blade slicing through Balqis's awareness.
Balqis froze. Her breath hitched. The burning rage within her slowly gave way to something deeper regret. Her eyes stung, and before she could stop them, tears pooled at the corners of her eyes.
"I... I'm sorry, Sir..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Navies sighed before slowly releasing her from his embrace. "Go home and change your shoes. Send someone to bring me a bicycle here. I'll be cycling to school today."
Balqis hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her gaze. "But..."
"I'll be fine," Navies reassured her with a faint smile. "Don't worry."
She hated leaving Navies alone. But she also knew that his orders were not meant to be challenged. Reluctantly, she nodded and turned away.
Minutes later, a bicycle arrived. But instead of an ordinary one, what stood before him was a Gocycle G4 a premium electric bicycle with a striking design and cutting-edge technology. Its sleek black frame gleamed under the morning light, its futuristic body and aerodynamic wheels making it look more like a high-end gadget than a simple mode of transport.
Navies stared at the bicycle, his expression a mix of resignation and amusement. He let out a long sigh.
"Haaah... They really never stop surprising me," he muttered as he climbed onto the bike, ready to head to school in a way that, despite his best efforts, still managed to attract attention.
Then, without rushing, he began to pedal, letting the crisp morning breeze caress his face. Fresh air filled his lungs, mingling with the scent of damp leaves and the inviting aroma of toasted bread wafting from a café on the corner of the street.
Navies pedaled his bike leisurely, his eyes sweeping over the scenery he had only ever seen through a car window. The row of shops was just opening their doors, pedestrians rushed past with hurried steps, and the distant chime of children's bicycle bells echoed in the air. But this freedom wasn't entirely peaceful.
Suddenly, a loud honk shattered the morning calm. A car sped from behind, cutting into his lane and nearly veering into the bike path. Instinctively, Navies squeezed the brakes slightly, his heartbeat quickening. Yet, instead of irritation, a faint smile played on his lips. This was the city he had only glimpsed before—loud, busy, and alive.
He resumed pedaling, letting the wheels spin, carrying him through streets that now felt more real than ever.
But that fleeting serenity was shattered in an instant.
The roar of an engine filled the air as a black Mercedes sped recklessly in front of the school, weaving between vehicles at a speed far beyond what was appropriate. In mere seconds, the car overtook Navies and came to a sudden halt right in front of him. Tires screeched sharply, leaving black streaks on the asphalt and drawing the attention of students gathered at the school gate.
Navies was startled. His reflexes kicked in as he gripped the brakes, his body lurching slightly forward. He barely managed to keep himself from falling. His chest rose and fell—not from exhaustion, but from the sudden tension that gripped him. He lifted his gaze, and in that instant, he knew exactly who was behind the wheel.
The car door swung open with an air of arrogance. From inside, a girl stepped out. Her long hair cascaded flawlessly, gleaming under the morning sun.
Lily.
She tossed her hair back effortlessly, as if it were part of a grand performance, before her sharp, mocking eyes landed on Navies.
"Oh? Who was that I almost ran over?" Her voice dripped with feigned innocence. She tapped her chin with a finger, pretending to ponder before a smirk curled her lips. "Ah, Navies, of course. How unusual. Riding a bike today? Did you miss the bus this morning?"
Some of the watching students began whispering, a few chuckling under their breaths. But Navies remained silent. He only smiled slightly, as if Lily's words were nothing more than a passing breeze—not nearly strong enough to shake him.
And that was precisely what irritated Lily even more.
She crossed her arms, stepping closer, scanning Navies from head to toe with a look of disdain. "Don't tell me..." She let out a small, venomous laugh. "You spent all your savings on that fancy bike? Or maybe... your parents had to sell themselves just to buy it for you?"
Silence.
Navies' expression changed. Cold. Sharp, like the edge of a freshly honed blade. As if the temperature around them had dropped a few degrees. There was a fine line between patience and fury, and Lily had nearly crossed it.
Lily could sense something shifting. But before anything could happen, a gentle hand rested on Navies' shoulder.
Balqis.
She stood beside him with a calm expression. Her gaze was soothing, like a breeze cooling a fire on the verge of burning out. There was no smile on her face, but her voice was enough to snap everyone out of their stunned silence.
"Everyone, get going. Class is about to start."
The students who had been watching slowly dispersed. Some still whispered among themselves, but the tension in the air gradually dissipated.
Lily clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Tsk." Her glare flickered toward Balqis, sharp and unyielding, but she knew when to back down. Without another word, she turned and strode towards the school, though the displeasure on her face was unmistakable.
Navies let out a slow breath. He glanced at Balqis, who still stood beside him.
"Thank you," he said quietly.
Balqis merely nodded before walking away. But to Navies, her presence had already said enough.
The day may have started in chaos, but at least he knew he wasn't alone.