Vigil opened his mouth, ready to snap back, but Yu Xi's calm voice cut in smoothly. "He fell."
Vigil pushed himself up, silent, unwilling to say more.
Yu Xi turned his attention to his communicator, finally opening the message that had been waiting. It was from Jian Rui, asking him to come outside. The tone seemed urgent. Without hesitation, Yu Xi dressed in his uniform and left the locker room.
At the academy's main entrance, the pick-up zone was quiet until suddenly a young woman rushed forward. She wore a white dress, a bow tied neatly in her hair. Yu Xi froze, confusion flashing across his face—until recognition struck. That face, one he could never forget, even if it turned to ashes.
His heart lurched. He ran forward and embraced her tightly.
