Alex gripped the edges of the sink, knuckles white, forcing himself to breathe. The red glow in his eye dimmed slightly, but the pain—the hunger—was still clawing at his insides like a beast rattling its cage.
Stay in control… just a little longer…
He shut his eyes, focused on his breathing, and slowly the sharp tremors in his limbs eased. The glow in his eye remained faint, barely noticeable now, but still there. A silent reminder of the monster he was becoming.
He turned away from the mirror and shuffled back toward the clinic bed, every step heavy, his body still aching. As he collapsed onto the mattress, exhaustion smothered his thoughts.
And then… darkness.
When Alex opened his eyes again, soft sunlight streamed in through the blinds, painting golden lines across the white walls. The antiseptic scent was still there, but the room felt… quieter. Warmer.
He blinked, trying to gather his thoughts—only to notice a weight resting gently against his left side.
His eyes widened.
Miranda was asleep, her head nestled against the edge of the bed, one arm draped over the covers. Her breathing was slow and peaceful, strands of her dark brown hair covering part of her face. She looked like she hadn't moved all night.
Alex stared at her, the corners of his lips tugging upward. Someone had stayed. Someone had worried.
They'd known each other since childhood. Growing up next door to each other, they'd shared lunches, dreams, and more than a few secret adventures outside the neighborhood limits. She had always been the brave one—speaking up when others wouldn't, standing her ground when others backed off. And somehow, she'd never left his side, not even now.
She stayed…
His thoughts were cut short when Miranda stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She blinked slowly before realizing where she was—and who she was leaning on.
"Oh—!" She straightened, rubbing her eyes and brushing her hair aside. "You're awake?"
"Yeah," Alex said, his voice rough. "Just woke up."
She smiled softly, concern still lingering in her gaze. "How are you feeling?"
He hesitated, then nodded. "Better… I guess."
Before either of them could say more, the clinic door creaked open.
Zane walked in first, hands tucked into his pockets, smirk already forming. "Well, well, look who decided to join the world of the living."
Alex rolled his eyes.
Behind Zane came Kirito, quiet as ever, his gaze sharp and calculating. His eyes flicked to Alex, then to Miranda, before returning to Alex with a faint frown.
But Zane, of course, had to speak.
"So… Miranda," he said, a mocking grin curling on his lips, "you spent the night here? With him?"
Miranda narrowed her eyes. "He was unconscious, Zane. It wasn't like that."
Zane chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, hey, just asking. I mean, if you two are dating or something, you should probably tell the rest of the class."
Alex's face flushed slightly, but he didn't say a word.
Miranda crossed her arms. "You're unbelievable."
Zane only smirked wider before glancing at Alex. "Still, I gotta admit, you surprised me yesterday. I didn't think you had it in you."
Alex remained silent.
Kirito, meanwhile, hadn't spoken. He was staring at Alex, thoughtful. Something didn't sit right with him. He had seen Alex fight. He had felt the pressure—the shift in aura when Alex landed that final blow.
That… wasn't normal, Kirito thought, narrowing his eyes.
Something had changed in Alex… and Kirito was determined to figure out what it was.
Just as the room settled into a brief, awkward silence, a collective ding! echoed from their pockets.
Everyone reached for their smart devices almost simultaneously.
Miranda was the first to speak after glancing at her screen. "It's from the school… a reminder."
Zane raised a brow. "Reminder?"
Kirito nodded, already reading it. "'Official classes resume Monday morning. All students are to be prepared with their uniforms, assigned dorms, and training gear.'"
Alex leaned back against the pillow, eyes half-lidded. "Wait, so everything that happened… the combat assessment, the fight with Blake… that was all on the weekend?"
"Apparently," Zane muttered, scrolling down. "No wonder everything felt so chaotic."
Kirito slipped his phone back into his pocket and gave Alex a sideways glance. "Guess that means you'll be popular on your first day. Beating a Tier B guy while supposedly being Tierless? That'll turn some heads."
Zane smirked. "He's right, you know. Better get ready to sign some autographs, superstar."
Miranda laughed. "Oh please, don't inflate his ego."
Alex chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head. "I didn't ask for all this attention…"
Zane leaned in with a mock-serious look. "You punched it into existence, my guy."
They all burst out laughing, the tension in the room finally lifting a little.
Kirito, though, didn't join in. He was smiling—but his eyes were still locked on Alex. Observing. Calculating.
There's more to him than he's letting on. No one gets that strong overnight…
Before anyone could comment further, the door creaked open again.
A nurse stepped in, clipboard in hand and a bright smile on her face. "Well, looks like someone's feeling better."
She gave Alex a once-over. "Vitals have stabilized, and the doctor cleared you for discharge. You're free to leave, but I recommend you take it easy for the rest of the day."
Alex nodded, slowly standing up. "Thanks."
The nurse scribbled something on the clipboard, then added, "Also, a reminder—don't skip meals. You look like someone who forgets to eat."
Miranda chuckled as she stood up. "Trust me, I'll make sure he doesn't."
Zane elbowed Kirito. "See? She is his girlfriend."
Miranda threw a pillow at him. Zane ducked, laughing as he made his way out.
Alex looked around at the group—his friends, or at least… people who stayed. Despite everything, he felt a little more grounded than before.