Three of us walked down the road.
Not as friends.Not as enemies.Just as three answers to the same question.
What does it mean to exist in a world that can erase you?
Aaryan walked ahead with confident stride — relaxed shoulders, sure steps, someone the world would love if I wasn't here.
The girl kept pace beside me — silent but present, breathing steadier now, steps not fading, shadow not flickering.
And me?
I walked between the past and the future —with Aria's book in one pocketand a reminder of mercy's cost in my chest.
The city around us shifted —less ash, more color, buildings slowly repairing themselveslike the world was trying to impress its audience.
[ System Notice: Stage Setting — Optimistic Tone ][ Reason: Reader wants contrast before conflict. ]
Even the system was aware of pacing.
Aaryan noticed the change too — he smiled slightly.
"Beautiful, isn't it? The world is bending to keep things interesting."
"Interesting for who?" I asked.
