The Silent Arrival

For the first time in a long while, Lucien Falkner walked into school without his usual hoodie. No more shadows covering his face, no more blending into the background. Instead, he wore a smart casual outfit—something Evelyn had subtly hinted that she liked. It wasn't much, just a well-fitted black button-up with rolled-up sleeves and dark slacks, but it was a stark contrast to his usual concealed appearance.

Ryan was the first to comment. "Since when did you start caring about fashion?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.

Lucien shrugged, as if it was no big deal.

Evelyn, walking beside him, simply smirked with satisfaction. I think I'm a good influence on you, she thought.

"Not bad," Caius added, giving Lucien an amused glance. "You actually look presentable now. What's next? Styling your hair?"

Lucien shot him a flat look. "Shut up."

---

The past few days had been... different. The tension between Lucien and Caius had settled into something else—not quite friendship, but no longer outright hostility. They still exchanged sharp words, but there was an underlying sense of mutual respect now.

"Honestly," Caius mused as they walked down the hallway, "I never thought we'd actually be friends."

Lucien didn't even look at him. "We're not."

Caius smirked. "Yeah, yeah. Keep telling yourself that."

Ryan chuckled, enjoying the shift in their dynamic. It was almost funny how natural it was for them to argue over literally anything.

Meanwhile, Evelyn and Lena watched from the sidelines, observing Lucien's subtle transformation.

"Damn girl," Lena whispered, nudging Evelyn. "You really upgraded your man."

Evelyn turned slightly red. "I didn't upgrade him. He just… changed."

"Mhm. Sure. Whatever makes you sleep at night," Lena teased, smirking.

Evelyn rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide the small smile forming on her lips.

---

Ever since his very public confession, people had started looking at Lucien differently. Whispers followed him wherever he went. Some were curious, some were admiring, and others were outright envious.

Ryan nudged Lucien. "Dude, you're literally becoming a heartthrob."

"Not interested," Lucien replied without hesitation.

"You're aware that girls are staring at you, right?" Caius pointed out, amused.

Lucien remained unfazed. "And?"

Lena sighed dramatically. "What a waste of a good face."

Caius laughed while Ryan shook his head in amusement. Evelyn, on the other hand, found herself strangely relieved that Lucien didn't seem affected by the sudden increase in attention.

---

Despite the calm on the surface, Lucien knew better. There was no such thing as true peace.

Damian's words lingered in his mind. The moment you start standing out, you invite trouble.

Lucien knew this wasn't over. Red Fang was still out there. Vermilion Oath was still watching. And now, with Caius in the picture, the stakes had only gotten higher.

But for now, just for a little while—he allowed himself to enjoy the moment.

---

For the first time, Lucien, Evelyn, Lena, Ryan, and Caius found themselves heading out together after class. It was an odd group, but somehow, it worked.

"So," Caius smirked, looking between Lucien and Evelyn. "What's next? Double date?"

Lucien glared instantly. "Shut up."

Lena burst into laughter. "Damn, you guys are cute. I can't believe I got front-row seats to this romance drama."

Evelyn, clearly embarrassed, tried to keep her cool. "Shut up, Lena."

Ryan just shook his head, grinning. Lucien sighed, but there was something different about his expression—something relaxed, something almost... content.

But deep down, he knew this wouldn't last forever.

For now, though, he let himself enjoy the normalcy.

Even if it was only temporary.

End of chapter 48.