Episode 3: The Strangers Meet

The night was filled with the sound of falling rain, echoing across the empty streets. Arson, just ten years old, walked home in the storm. His footsteps were slow but steady, unfazed by the weather. 

His face, though young, carried a seriousness beyond his age. He had learned early on that showing emotions made you weak.

But as he passed through a narrow alleyway, he saw a group of boys huddled around something—or rather, someone. Curiosity got the best of him, and he slowed down, peeking through the shadows. What he saw made him stop.

 

There was a boy, probably younger than him, being beaten. The boy was small and fragile, his clothes torn, and his face covered in mud and bruises. The group of bullies seemed to enjoy tormenting him, kicking him while he was down.

Arson turned away. It wasn’t his problem. He had learned long ago not to get involved in other people’s business. But just as he began to walk away, he heard a scream—one filled with desperation and pain. 

The sound of helplessness stopped him in his tracks.

Arson clenched his fists, his body tingling with an energy he tried to suppress. His eyes darkened, turning a faint blue as his power began to stir. Against his better judgment, he turned back and marched toward the group. 

As he approached, the air around him grew cold, and his presence alone was enough to make the bullies freeze.

“Leave him alone,” Arson said in a low, commanding voice.

The bullies, noticing the dark aura surrounding him, backed away, fear creeping into their expressions. They had heard of kids with powers, but seeing it in front of them made them uneasy. Without a word, they scattered, leaving the beaten boy on the ground.

Arson looked down at the boy, his face emotionless. The boy, drenched and injured, looked up at him with wide, tear-filled eyes. “Thank you,” he whispered, barely audible.

 

Arson scoffed. “You’re weak,” he muttered, turning to leave. “Go home. Don’t wander around at night.”

 

Jae-ho, still lying on the wet ground, watched Arson walk away. He couldn’t explain it, but something about the cold, detached boy drew him in. Gathering all his strength, Jae-ho stood up and followed him, limping but determined.

 

After a few minutes, Arson felt a presence behind him. His eyes flashed blue as he turned sharply. “Who’s there?” he demanded.

Jae-ho stepped out from the shadows, clutching his torn shirt. “I… I don’t have a home,” he said, his voice trembling. “Can I come with you?”

Arson frowned, his annoyance growing. “No,” he said coldly. “Go somewhere else.”

 

Jae-ho’s heart sank, but he didn’t give up. “Please… I’m scared,” he whispered.

Arson gritted his teeth, his frustration boiling over. “No!” he shouted. “Go away! You’re a burden!”

Tears welled up in Jae-ho’s eyes as he stumbled back, his heart breaking from the harsh rejection. Without another word, he turned and ran into the night, the rain mixing with his tears.

Arson watched him go, his chest tightening in a way he didn’t understand. “Sheesh,” he muttered, shaking his head. But as the minutes passed, the unease in his heart grew.

 

Why was he so worried about that boy? He didn’t know him. He shouldn’t care.

But he did.

To Be Continued.....