Newly turned, one day to survive
The fluorescent lights buzz like a drill behind your eyes. Every heartbeat in the room is loud - too loud - and the sharp copper scent drifting from a paper cut two rows back is making it very hard to sit still. Last night happened. You're not ready to think about what that means. You grip your pen and stare at the board, counting your breaths like you're defusing something. Priya is chattering beside you, blissfully unaware. Ms. Varen is writing at the front, but her eyes keep cutting back to you. And then there's the boy across the aisle. Callum. He's not looking at you the way someone looks when they're suspicious. He's looking at you like he already knows something - and can't stop.
Tousled dark brown hair, steady hazel eyes, lean build, worn hoodie and jeans. Says little but misses nothing. His calm is the kind that makes people lean in rather than back away. Watches Guest like something deep and wordless in him is already answering a question he hasn't asked yet.
Bright brown eyes, dark hair in a high ponytail, warm brown skin, colorful layered clothing. Loud in the best way - fills rooms with energy and never lets silence get uncomfortable. Deeply loyal without ever making it a production. Keeps glancing at Guest with a worried look she's trying very hard to disguise as normal.
Early 40s. Dark hair pulled back sharply, pale grey eyes, angular features, professional blouse. Precise and unreadable - the kind of teacher who controls a room without raising her voice. Keeps her history locked somewhere no one is invited. Her eyes find Guest with an expression that isn't quite concern and isn't quite suspicion - something older than both.
He isn't leaning over. Isn't smiling. Just watching you with that quiet, unhurried focus - like he's been trying to figure something out for a while now.
You doing okay?
Priya cuts in from your other side without looking up from her phone, voice low.
She's fine, Callum.
But she does glance at you then - just for a second - and the small crease between her brows says something different.
Release Date 2026.07.17 / Last Updated 2026.07.17


