Darkest Before Dawn (Book 1)

(9) Silent Storms: The Painful Symphony of Goodbyes

The day unfolded under the gentle sway of a pleasant breeze that wafted through the open windows, brushing against the black shirt and blue jeans Zac had chosen for the day. Black, his steadfast favorite, seemed to reflect his mood as he meticulously inspected his reflection in the mirror. His eyes, filled with a blend of curiosity and nonchalance, met Darrin's as he entered the room, carrying a shopping bag in his grasp.

"How'd your test go?" Zac inquired, eyes fixed on the mirror, the reflection of his own curiosity dancing back at him.

"It went well." Darrin placed the bag on the side table, settling in. "Takeshi Sensei wants a word with you."
Today marked a math test, but Zac had chosen to drift in and out of school, seldom taking academics seriously.

"Translation: he wants to lecture me." Zac swiveled to face Darrin. "What's in the bag?"

"These are your sketches. Mr. Peter adored them. He's invited you to participate in an international art competition."

Mr. Peter, the celebrated artist, had been invited as the chief guest by the principal. During his visit to the art club, he had been captivated by one of Zac's ongoing sketches.
"Impressive. Ask the young artist to meet me." Mr. Peter's words echoed in the room.

"International level, huh? I'll give it a shot," Zac said, settling into a chair.

"The play was a hit with the faculty and students. Thank goodness they didn't catch on to the reality," Darrin redirected the conversation.

"Yeah. How's Mark? Did he show up at school?"

"No, he was absent."

Zac reached for his phone and dialed Mark's number, a tinge of concern in his actions.

"Hello?" A feminine voice responded.

"Hi, I wanted to talk to Mark."

"He's not home. If it's urgent, let me know. I'll pass on the message."

"I'll call back later. Thanks," Zac replied, hanging up.

Moments passed, and Darrin probed further. "What went down yesterday? Was there a showdown between you and Kaito?"

"We ended up in a public bath due to my disastrous teleportation skills. There was no room for a fight, so he took off."

"How did you figure out it was Kaito in Mark's guise?"

"Kaito's a master at face-copying techniques. We've clashed multiple times. Somehow, I sensed it was him. Plus, he's a pretty intense stalker," Zac disclosed.

"A stalker?" Darrin's surprise was evident. "Does he know you're Zero?" Zac, known as 'Zero' in his masked alter ego during fights, ensured his true identity remained concealed, safeguarding it from those unaware of his dual life.

"Maybe."

"I hope not."

"Hmm. School terror attacks are escalating. Students' lives are on the line. Why isn't Aurora Sentinels taking action against Shadowstar Sinister?"

"Don't fret. They'll handle it," Darrin reassured with a smile.

"Here's hoping," Zac murmured, his thoughts diving into a deep pool of contemplation.

☆☆☆

In the heart of their expansive dorm room lay two neatly arranged beds, adorned with cozy comforters and flanked by closets and desks. Ayumi, standing before the mirror, meticulously adjusted her hair, a determined focus etched on her face. The door creaked open, and Miyoko, her roommate, shuffled in, arms laden with an assortment of colorful shopping bags.