HEROES

The Girl Who Chose Him

The hybrid academy was massive.

Unlike the tribrid quarters, the hybrid compound had a more structured feel—sleek towers connected by glass walkways, wide training fields stretching for acres, and metallic platforms floating in the air where students practiced their powers. Everywhere, the golden H emblem shone from walls, gates, and even the uniforms of the instructors.

James stepped out of the transport shuttle carrying his small bag, his eyes moving from one towering building to another.

“This place is insane,” he muttered.

Kennedy Kupla slapped his shoulder with a grin. “Told you, man. Welcome to the real world.”

Beside him, Jersey Stalemans let out a whistle. “Forget the buildings. Look at the girls in this place.”

James rolled his eyes.

The three boys walked into the hybrid dorm courtyard, where students were already arriving from different schools and orphanages. Some were showing off their powers casually—small sparks dancing from fingers, levitating bags, even short teleportation jumps to impress others.

Kennedy leaned toward James and whispered dramatically, “Bro… this academy is paradise.”

James shook his head. “You two need help.”

Then—

A girl walked past them.

She had long flowing blonde hair that shimmered under the afternoon light. Her posture was calm, elegant, and confident. She wore the hybrid trainee uniform already, but somehow it looked like it had been designed for her alone. Several boys nearby turned to look as she passed.

Kennedy nearly choked.

“There!” he whispered harshly, elbowing James. “That one. That’s your chance. Go talk to her.”

James looked at the girl for barely a second before turning away.

“Cut it out, dude.”

Kennedy blinked. “What?”

James adjusted his bag and started walking.

“I’m not like you guys. I didn’t come here to chase girls. I came here to learn… not to be a clown.”

Jersey burst out laughing.

Kennedy pointed after James. “Did he just call us clowns?”

Jersey laughed harder. “Kennedy, my brother, you’ve been insulted.”

Kennedy scoffed and folded his arms. “Relax. He’ll come around.”

---

The First Assembly

Later that day, all hybrid students gathered in the grand hall.

The hall was enormous, circular, and lined with holographic screens that displayed the HEROES insignia. Hundreds of students stood in rows, whispering among themselves.

At the front stood the three directors of the hybrid division:

Mr. King-J

Mrs. Relah

Mrs. Fedrah

All three wore formal gold-and-black uniforms, projecting authority.

Mr. King-J stepped forward.

His voice echoed through the hall.

“Welcome, trainees. You have been selected to join the Hybrid Division of the HEROES Academy. Here, your powers will be sharpened. Your minds will be tested. And your loyalty to the world will be proven.”

The hall went silent.

He continued.

“Training begins today.”

A murmur swept through the students.

Mrs. Relah stepped forward next.

“You will now pair up with a partner. You and your partner will report to the training field immediately.”

Students immediately started turning to one another.

Kennedy grinned and hurried toward a girl with dark curly hair.

“Tehila! Want to pair up?”

Tehila crossed her arms. “Why should I?”

Kennedy flashed a dramatic smile. “Because I’m charming.”

Tehila stared.

Then deadpan: “That’s exactly why I shouldn’t.”

Jersey laughed from behind and nearly fell over.

But after a moment, Tehila sighed. “Fine.”

Kennedy fist-pumped.

Jersey meanwhile had already gone to Musa, a serious-looking girl.

“Musa, wanna team up?”

She looked at him.

“Can you keep up?”

Jersey grinned. “Try me.”

She smirked. “Alright.”

James looked around.

Everyone was pairing quickly.

Then he saw her again.

The blonde girl.

She was standing near the side, also looking for a partner.

Kennedy spotted James staring.

From across the hall, Kennedy mouthed dramatically:

Go.

James glared at him.

But then he looked back at the girl.

She was still alone.

He swallowed.

“Well… I need a partner.”

He took a breath and walked toward her.

---

The Unexpected Feeling

As James got closer, something strange happened.

His heartbeat sped up.

His palms suddenly felt sweaty.

He frowned internally.

What is wrong with me?

I talk to Ava and T.L every day. Why am I nervous talking to one girl?

The girl turned as she noticed him approaching.

Her blue eyes met his.

She smiled politely.

“Yes?”

James opened his mouth.

Nothing came out.

His brain went blank.

Inside his head, he panicked.

Say something. Anything. Why are you standing like a statue?

The girl tilted her head slightly.

“Hello?”

James snapped back into reality.

“Oh—uh—hi.”

She waited.

James scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.

“My name is James. Um… would you maybe want to be my partner for the training?”

Before she could answer—

A tall, handsome boy stepped between them.

He had styled dark hair and an overly confident smile. Several girls nearby immediately began whispering.

Kennedy whispered from afar, “Uh-oh. Troy.”

The handsome boy bowed dramatically.

“Lena, most beautiful one, will you do me the honor of partnering with me for training?” He smiled. “I promise it will be the most exciting adventure of your life… my love.”

The surrounding students giggled.

James froze.

Great. Fantastic. I should leave.

Embarrassed, he quietly started turning away.

Then—

A hand grabbed his wrist.

He stopped.

His eyes widened.

He looked down at the hand.

Then up.

It was Lena.

She was holding his hand.

James stared, stunned.

Lena turned to Troy, her expression calm but firm.

“I’m sorry, but I already have a partner.”

Troy blinked.

Lena added coldly,

“And just to be clear… I am not your love.”

The hall went quiet.

Kennedy slapped Jersey’s shoulder.

“Nailed it.”

Jersey grinned. “This is cinema.”

Troy’s face tightened.

He glared at James.

Then scoffed and walked away, muttering under his breath.

Lena turned back to James.

Her serious expression softened into a warm smile.

“Yes. I’d love to be your partner.”

James could barely process the words.

He nodded quickly.

“G-great.”

Lena smiled again, then twirled lightly and began walking toward the training field entrance.

“Come on, partner.”

James remained standing there.

Completely still.

Watching her walk away.

Smiling like an i***t.

From behind, Kennedy and Jersey appeared beside him.

Kennedy folded his arms.

“Well, well.”

Jersey grinned.

“Mr. I-don’t-chase-girls.”

James snapped out of it.

He coughed and started walking fast.

“Shut up.”

The two burst into laughter and chased after him.

And somewhere ahead, Lena glanced back at James once—

and smiled to herself.