Ultima's Bite!

April didn't move, didn't blink. She had dealt with too many unknowns to let some random stalker throw her off.

The guy held his ground, hands still in his hoodie pockets, watching her with casual interest.

"You're not like the others," he repeated.

April tilted her head slightly. "That's vague. Try again."

He smirked. "You hide it well, but I see it."

"See what?"

"The way you move. The way you react." His eyes sharpened slightly. "Like someone who's trained."

April's pulse remained steady, but her mind raced.

He wasn't wrong. Even while acting like an average high schooler, she couldn't erase her instincts. The way she knew where everything was without looking. The way she never hesitated.

Most wouldn't pick up on it.

But he did.

And that meant he wasn't normal either.

April adjusted her stance slightly—just enough to be ready. "And what exactly does that mean to you?"

The guy shrugged. "Means I was right to keep an eye on you."

"Flattering," she said dryly. "Now tell me who you are before I stop being polite."

For the first time, he actually seemed amused. "Polite? This is you being polite?"

April didn't respond.

He exhaled, as if debating something. 

Then, finally—

"Name's River."

She raised an eyebrow. "That's it?"

"For now."

April sighed. "Right. Mysterious stranger routine. Got it."

River chuckled. "You catch on quick."

"Then let me take a guess." April took a step forward. "You're either some wannabe detective, or you have a reason to be very interested in who I really am."

River's smirk faded slightly.

Bullseye.

April continued, voice calm. "So what is it? Who sent you?"

River looked at her for a long moment. Then—

"No one," he said simply.

She didn't believe him.

He must've sensed that because he sighed. "Look, I don't work for anyone. No secret orders. No hidden agendas. I just..." He hesitated. "Notice things."

April stayed silent, waiting.

River ran a hand through his hair. "And when I see something that doesn't add up, I like to figure out why."

April narrowed her eyes. "And you think I don't add up?"

His smirk returned. "Not one bit."

April clicked her tongue. "Well, that makes two of us, River."

River's expression didn't change, but something in his posture did. As if he was now being watched.

April had enough for today. If he was a threat, she'd deal with him later.

She turned. "Stay out of my way."

River chuckled. "No promises."

April walked off, not bothering to look back.

But she felt his eyes on her until she turned the corner.

Who the hell are you, River?