Seize A Lost Identity

Chapter 13: The Return

The engine of Xio's new motorcycle roared as he sped down the streets, the early morning air brushing past his face. His sleek, black leather jacket clung to his toned body, accentuating the transformation he had undergone over the past month. The once lean and quiet Xio now exuded confidence, his frame broader, his presence more commanding.

For weeks, he had shut himself away from the world. After the fight with the seniors, Xio had been a ghost, skipping school and ignoring his friends' calls. His time was split between grueling workouts at the gym and silent hours at the café, where Jules had become an unexpected source of calm. He didn't know why he was drawn to her, but every visit felt like a gravitational pull he couldn't resist.

Xio revved the engine as the school building came into view. A crowd of students loitered near the gates, their chatter interrupted by the rumbling of his motorcycle. He parked it smoothly, the machine gleaming under the sun. When he removed his helmet, gasps rippled through the group.

"Is that Xio?"

"He looks so different!"

"He's... gorgeous!"

Xio's sharp jawline and chiseled features were now paired with a more muscular frame, making him seem almost unrecognizable. He adjusted his leather jacket casually, his expression neutral as if he were unaware of the waves he was causing.

Near the gate, Nadia spotted him. Her eyes widened, and without a second thought, she sprinted toward him, her friends following closely behind.

"Xio!" she called out, skidding to a stop in front of him. "Where have you been? And—" her eyes scanned him from head to toe, "why do you look... taller? And so... muscular?"

Her voice drew more attention, and soon a small crowd of curious students gathered nearby, whispering and giggling.

Xio smirked faintly, his voice calm but teasing. "Missed me?"

Nadia folded her arms, clearly unimpressed with his nonchalant attitude. "You disappeared for a month! You didn't answer any texts or calls. Do you know how worried we were?"

Xio sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I needed time," he said simply, his tone softening. "Things were... complicated."

"Complicated?" Nadia echoed, her brows furrowing. "So you just ghost everyone? That's not fair, Xio."

Before he could reply, whispers from the crowd grew louder.

"Xio's seriously handsome now."

"Did he get taller too? Look at his arms!"

"I can't believe this is the same guy from last semester."

Xio ignored the comments, but Nadia's irritation flared. She shooed the gawking students away with a wave of her hand, her friends backing her up. "Nothing to see here, people! Move along!"

As the crowd dispersed, Nadia turned back to Xio, her expression softer. "Seriously, though. Are you okay? You've changed so much... it's like I don't even recognize you anymore."

Xio hesitated, his eyes meeting hers. "I'm okay now. Just needed to clear my head." He glanced around, noticing more familiar faces staring at him from a distance. The attention was overwhelming, but he knew it was unavoidable.

Dmitri emerged from the crowd, his expression a mix of surprise and relief. "Dude! You're back!" he exclaimed, walking up to Xio and giving him a playful punch on the arm. "Man, what the hell have you been eating? You're jacked!"

Xio chuckled, his first genuine laugh in weeks. "Nothing special. Just... working out."

Dmitri grinned. "Working out? Bro, you look like you've been training for a movie role or something!"

Nadia rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Well, we're glad you're back. Don't disappear on us again, okay?"

Xio nodded, his gaze drifting toward the school building. As much as he had avoided this place, a part of him felt like he was ready to face it again. He had changed—not just physically but mentally too. And while he wasn't sure how to explain it to his friends, he knew one thing for certain: this was just the beginning.