Dusk Glow

Chapter I: Between Fang and Claw

The high school cafeteria. It's lunchtime, and Darla, in her usual awkward glory, is sitting alone at a table, half-dreaming about being in the center of a supernatural love story. Of course, she's completely unaware that two very different peculiar boys are about to change her life in the most dramatic way possible.

Another day in this boring high school, but somewhere deep down, I know I'm meant for something more. I mean, I'm not like other girls—my life is destined for romance, mystery, and... danger. I can just feel it.

She absentmindedly doodles hearts in the margins of her notebook while sighing dramatically.
Jakkub strolls into the cafeteria, quiet as always, in his signature leather jacket. His eyes scan the room until they land on Darla. There's a moment—at least for him—where the noise of the cafeteria fades, and he feels a tug at his heart.

Jakkub's Inner Monologue (J.I.M):
Why does she always look so... lost? I can't stand seeing her sit alone like that. I don't know what it is about her, but... I can't help it. I just want to make sure she's okay. It's stupid, but... I care. Even if she's way too obsessed with that plasma leech.

He starts walking toward Darla, hesitant, unsure if this is the moment to actually talk to her or just sit nearby like he usually does.

Edwynn glides into the cafeteria, his long hair perfectly groomed, his presence commanding attention without even trying. He spots Darla almost immediately—well, he spots Jakkub staring at Darla, and that's what really draws him in. He smirks to himself, already forming a snarky comment in his mind.

Edwynn's Inner Monologue (E.I.M):
Oh, look who's here, our resident wulfen. And who's he staring at? Of course... Darla. Poor boy doesn't realize she's far too fragile for someone like him. Not that I care. But still... it wouldn't hurt to remind him of the difference between a brute and a refined gentleman such as myself.

Edwynn saunters over, his movement so smooth it's almost unnatural, and takes a seat right across from Darla without asking. Jakkub, still standing nearby, freezes.

She looks up from her notebook, surprised.
"Oh, ah... Edwynn! I didn't see you there!"
She blushes slightly, as if him sitting with her is the most romantic thing that's ever happened.

Soo, his hair is just... perfect. Why does he always look like he stepped out of some gothic novel? It's like he's... a prince from another era. Blargh, I need to stop fangirling.

"Of course you didn't, darling," Edwynn says in his posh accent, flipping his hair back with the kind of ease that only comes with centuries of practice.
"I tend to move rather... silently.
It's part of my charm, I suppose."
He shoots a sideways glance at Jakkub, still standing there awkwardly, and smirks.

Jakkub grunts, not thrilled with his presence, but finally makes a decision and sits down next to Darla, on the opposite side from Edwynn. His broad frame contrasts starkly with Edwynn's lean figure.

J.I.M: Why is he always around her? He's... dangerous. She's too kind to see it, but he's manipulating her. I should say something, but...

Jakkub shifts in his seat and looks at Darla.
"Fla nah, Darla?" he asks softly.
Darla looks between the two boys, completely missing the tension between them.
"Hoo Jaku, I'm great! I mean,
it's... a totally normal day."
Her voice wavers slightly, because nothing feels normal about having both of them at her table at once.

"I was just... writing some poetry."
She flips her notebook closed in embarrassment,
but her mind is racing.

Oh My Plumbob! Edwynn and Jaku are both here... is this... a love triangle? Could this actually be happening? Am I... special?