Chapter 9

Sera Calix 🌟

The stars were brighter than I expected.

When Kael said, “Let’s go out,” I didn’t think he meant actually out like past the gates, into the city, off school property. But here we were, walking side by side down a quiet, lamplit street that felt like a dream come true .

We didn’t speak much,that was his thing...silence and I was used to it.

But weirdly, with him, it didn’t feel uncomfortable,it was like he said a lot just by being there.

People passed us in little crowds,couples , friends. Laughter echoed from the cafés that were still open with soft music playing.

I shoved my hands in my hoodie pocket, glancing at Kael. His hands were in his coat and his shoulders were squared. He was calm, cold expression on his face as usual, but his eyes kept shifting, taking everything in.

I turned back when I saw a small ice cream truck parked by the curb. There was a line of kids in front of it, all bouncing on their heels waiting for their turns. Neon stickers on the sides of