After the Fire
Scene 1: The Quiet Aftermath Two weeks later, Avalon stood still. No alarms. No black suits. No power games. Just spring wind through open windows and students who no longer whispered behind their hands—but looked Haruto in the eye and nodded. Respect. Earned. Not gifted. Haruto sat under the sakura tree, the same one he first saw Aoi beneath—full circle, scars under his collar, knuckles healing, heart beating slower now. A shadow moved beside him. She didn’t need to speak. Aoi. In a long coat, boots laced tight, hair undone and falling across her shoulders. She sat beside him and didn’t look away. “You haven’t slept,” she said softly. “Sleep feels… too quiet,” Haruto answered. She handed him a thermos of hot tea. “You’ll get used to quiet again.” He looked at her, then down at
- Writer
