"Goodbye Shadow," Lauren sighed as she leaned back in her chair, staring at her console.
A strong glow filled the room from her large 4K screen. She had just won a battle royale tag team match in COLD Warfare, a game widely popular among today's youth.
In a world that looked peaceful on the surface, most young people were not business-minded as expected. Instead, many were drawn to games, fantasies of war replacing reality itself. For many, it was an escape from the dullness of everyday life.
And Lauren was no different.
After finishing her match, she stood up and walked to the balcony. She took off her glasses and took a deep breath, letting the cool night air hit her face. The sky was still dark, but morning was close. She only had a few hours left before high school started again.
All the drama. All the attention. The constant pressure to maintain a perfect image at school and in the dormitories.
"Argh, shit… here we go again," she muttered.
A familiar name crossed her mind, Lily Richards. Their rivalry had grown intense after they tied for first place nationally. There was always a need to outperform each other.
Backed by one of the richest companies in the world, Lauren Smith lived a pampered life. She was gifted with a high IQ, and although her parents were busy building their empire, she found herself drawn to gaming instead of business.
Unlike her, her younger brother Austin was different.
Austin Smith, the lastborn, was the heir to the family company. He showed a strong interest in business and was seen as the "perfect child." Calm, composed, and always responsible. He received the attention Lauren never cared about, but somehow still noticed.
Lauren never cared much about family roles. She only cared about her console.
Austin, on the other hand, was starting high school now, and Lauren had been assigned to look after him.
She stood at the balcony again, still lost in thought, In a low voice she mumbled.
"Why are you still up, little man?"
Austin had walked in quietly behind her.
"I'm speaking to my friends one last time before I become a full adult," Austin replied casually.
"Full adult?" Lauren smirked. "You're scared, aren't you?"
"Geez," Austin said, stepping closer. "I'll be fine."
Suddenly, he threw his phone at her head.
The movement was fast, but Lauren barely reacted. She simply flicked her hand and deflected it without looking.
"You're talking to the top COLD Warfare player," she said with a grin.
In one quick motion, she pulled Austin closer and lightly grabbed his throat, not enough to harm him, just enough to remind him.
"Go sleep. It's a long day tomorrow," she ordered.
Despite everything, the two siblings shared a strange bond that kept them close.
---
Next Morning
"Damn, bro, you're dressed to kill," Lauren laughed as she looked at Austin.
"Come on, that outfit clearly shows your athletic body," Austin replied.
"Yeah, yeah. A fine goddess like me deserves praise," she said proudly.
"My clothes just do the trick," Austin added with a smile.
Both siblings got into their sports cars, each lined with silver accents and gold detailing.
As they left the mansion, their parents waved from the entrance before heading off in a large SUV. Behind them remained only maids and guards stationed around the estate.
The Smith family was not just rich, they were powerful. A major player in the business world, especially in oil processing, with a strong global influence.
But despite all of that, Lauren was more thoughtful than most expected. She believed there was more to life than material wealth. She was compassionate, well-mannered, and carried herself with quiet confidence. Every girl around her saw her life as perfect.
But perfection, to her, felt empty.
------‐
Mike sat at his desk in the dormitory, staring at the ceiling. He tapped a pen lightly against the table.
It was past 10 p.m., and Jim still hadn't returned.
In his hand, Mike held a pen he used to scribble random thoughts into an old notebook he had found in the room. It was a habit he had developed, writing and drawing whenever he felt bored.
A way to escape his thoughts.
Just then, the door creaked open.
Mike looked up.
A figure peeped inside, then slowly walked in and closed the door behind him. Their eyes met in silence.
For a moment, neither spoke.
"Umm…" Mike finally said.
"Cath Cort. Jim Cath Cort," the boy said quietly. "Didn't mean to scare you."
Mike nodded slowly and went back to writing.
The room fell silent again, except for the sound of Mike's pen scratching the paper.
Jim walked to the window and closed it.
"So… what's your name?" Jim asked, trying to start a conversation.
"Mike."
"Mike… Richards. Is that right?"
"How would I know? It's your name," Jim replied.
"Is it first name then last name, or last name then first name?" Mike asked again.
"Does it matter?" Jim said without looking up.
"I don't know. Usually when I meet people, I kill them," Mike said casually.
"What?"
"Games," Mike quickly added. "Local Warfare and stuff like that. I'm a gamer. I only kill in games."
Jim looked confused. Jim now thought Mike might be more confused than he was.
"Stop tapping the pen… it's killing me," Jim complained as he tried to sleep.
Mike paused. The room went quiet again, and eventually, both of them fell asleep.
---
Next Morning
By the time Jim woke up, Mike was already ready.
"What are you wearing?" Jim asked in shock.
"What's wrong with it?" Mike replied, confused.
Jim sighed and handed him different clothes.
Soon after, the boarding master arrived and entered the room, holding a timetable.
"Mr Jeffreys," Mike said
"Miss Khanyisa Adams will guide you around the school. She's waiting at the library after breakfast."
"Thank you," Mike replied.
After he left, Jim explained briefly about Mr Jeffreys and how he had been at the school longer than anyone could remember.
---
The Library
After breakfast, Mike rushed to the library. But when he arrived, no one was there.
He waited.
Twenty minutes later, she arrived.
She walked in confidently, swaying slightly as if she owned the space. Her attention was on her phone as she chewed gum, blowing a bubble and popping it.
Without looking at him, she extended her hand for a handshake.
Mike stared at her, irritated, and snapped his fingers to get her attention.
She finally looked at him, still holding her hand out.
Then she poked him lightly, snapping him out of his thoughts.
He quickly shook her hand.
"I like your clothes," she said.
"Thanks, I like you too, wait, I mean your clothes too," Mike stuttered.
She giggled softly. She found his nervousness cute.
She then gave him a tour of the school. Most of it was small talk, while Mike embarrassed himself repeatedly. Khanyisa kept laughing, clearly enjoying his awkwardness.
Mike, on the other hand, couldn't help but keep glancing at her, her face, her energy, her presence.
For the first time in a while, he felt something unfamiliar.