Seize A Lost Identity

Chapter 15: The Echo of Laughter

The evening sky softened to become a soft orange as Xio and Jules strolled along together, their chatter sprinkled with humour. Despite the strange man's ominous appearance earlier, the air between them now was lighter, as if the weight of tension had momentarily lifted.

"You seriously want to go back to school? Xio asked, his tone tinged with disbelief.

Jules shrugged, a playful smile curling her lips. "Why not? It's been a while since I've done anything remotely. normal. Besides, she added with a wink, "I think I'd enjoy seeing your world up close. Could be fun."

Xio's face lit up with excitement, his earlier nervousness forgotten. "That sounds like a definite idea to me! I'm excited. Let's start tomorrow."

Jules laughed softly, her laughter like a melody Xio felt he'd heard before but couldn't place. "Sure, kid. Let's do it."

"Kid?" Xio stopped in his tracks, his brow furrowing. "I'm not a kid. I'm 18."

Jules raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms in a teasing smile. "And I'm 21. That makes you a kid in my book."

Xio stepped closer, his playful grin returning. 3 years isn't taking too much of a toll, he said, straightening up and putting his hand over her. "Besides, I'm taller than you."

Jules glanced up at his outstretched arm and chuckled. "Taller, sure. But still a kid."

Their playful exchange brought a warmth Jules hadn't felt in a long time. She examined Xio's traits—smile shyness of his eyes when he laughed, and the youthful attractiveness in his smile. She had a silent urge for a brief moment to believe that she was speaking to the Xio she cherished, the one who was stolen from her. The resemblance was uncanny, not just in looks but in the way he moved, the way he teased her.

Yet, she couldn't reconcile the impossibility of it. Why this young boy able to tell so much about the man she had lost? Was it a cruel twist of fate or something more profound?

"Jules," Xio's voice broke her thoughts. "You okay?"

She blinked, her smile softening. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking."

"About what?"

"Nothing you need to worry about, she said, ruffling his hair playfully, though her heart ached with unspoken emotions. "Come on, kid. I'll walk you to your bike."

Xio sighed with her choice of "kid", but did not disagree, falling in step with her.

The Shadows of the Past

As they neared the parking area, Jules couldn't shake the memories that had surfaced. Xio—the one she cared for—used to bully her that manner, by standing tall to highlight his physical height advantage and his laughter to fill the spaces in between. And now, this boy Xio, this boy, has the same vibrancy, the same feeling.

Could it really be a coincidence?

She looked over at him while he perched on his motorcycle, getting his helmet ready. The way he moved, the subtle confidence in his posture—it was all so familiar. Her heart tightened.

"Jules," Xio called, pulling her out of her thoughts. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay? Don't forget your school supplies!"

She made a face, a little chuckle escaping her mouth. "I'll bring a notebook just for you."

With that, Xio revved his bike and sped off, the sound of the engine fading into the evening air. Jules stood there for a moment, watching him go.

"I'll protect you this time, she whispered to herself, her hands clenching into fists. "No matter what it takes."

The Night's Resolve

Back at home, Jules sat by the window, staring out at the stars. It wasn't just about hanging out with him that made her decide to go to Xio's school, it was about protecting him. The person from the cafe a while ago had been a unmistakable indicator that danger still was in the shadows.

If Xio truly had some connection to her past, to the Xio she loved, then she couldn't risk losing him again.

Her thoughts wandered back to their playful banter earlier, a smile tugging at her lips despite the heaviness in her heart. She couldn't help but feel that sense of strangeness being near him, how he made her laugh and just forget, even briefly, about her pain.

Tomorrow would be the start of something new. One of the things that could bring her to the secrets she wanted—and the boy that she was falling to like it was forbidden.