Mortal Flaw

three | fire.

――☽☼☾――

Novak Household

Julian's panicked, shouting over the balcony, "My gel is missing, and I need it!" He sprints downstairs and urgently questions his mom, "Mom, have you seen my gel?"

She calmly responds, "I put it in your cabinet."

In a hurry, Julian races back upstairs, catching the attention of Melissa, who inquires, "Where are you going, bud?"

He quickly replies, "Out with friends," before running into the railing.

Melissa diverts her attention, "You've been avoiding them the entire summer, but now you want to hang out with them?"

Julian grimacing in pain, groans, "Yes, mom, things change, people change."

Melissa laughs and jokes, "Who would've guessed I would end up raising a philosopher?"

Just as he's about to leave, Julian's phone buzzes. "Mom, I have to head out. I'll talk to you later," he announces while walking to the door, and she turns around, reminding him, "Wait, aren't you supposed to watch the game with your father today?"

"Why does he still watch the Vandals? They haven't even had a winning season," Julian huffs.

Melissa, shocked but amused, retorts, "You know how your father is about his alumni, and they're actually ranked this year."

Julian reluctantly agrees, "Fine—I'll be back before then," and disappears in an instant.

Melissa waves him off, "Okay, well, bye." Noticing his keys, she rushes outside, only to realize Julian is already far away. Shaking her head, she mutters to herself, "Keith and Richard are in the opposite direction."

Glen then emerges from the garage and asks, "Where did Julian go?"

Melissa shrugs, replying, "Honestly, I have no idea. He'll be home in time to watch the game."

――――☽☼☾――――

Gladvern Forest

Harper's eyes dart nervously through the forest. "You took me to the forest on our first date?" she questioned.

Julian grinned at Harper's skepticism. "Come on, you haven't seen it yet," he said, gently tugging her hand as they broke into a run.

"Look at those," Julian said, his eyes filled with memories. "They're like my secret hideout. I used to play in them all the time, when I was a kid."

Harper's lips curled into a smile. "They look like octopuses." She wrinkled her nose. "Not a big fan of octopuses."

Julian grinned, "I've got something that will make you smile."

Harper, abruptly stopping and tugging back, admitted, "I don't really like things that involve the outdoors."

Julian persisted, "We first met at a creek," he reminded her. Harper's expression betrayed a sense of guilt. "You're not even giving it a try, Harper. Follow me over here." He gently took her hand.

Harper glanced around and observed, "It looks like it's going to rain. We should get back soon."

"Just wait a moment," Julian insisted, a hint of excitement in his voice.