Boots struck the pavement in steady rhythm, a chorus of movement flowing through the open field. Rows of fresh recruits marched in unison, their steps measured, their breathing even. Sweat clung to their brows, yet their strides never faltered.
Some jogged, their pace controlled—not hurried, not sluggish, just enough to keep their bodies primed. Muscles tensed and eased, posture upright, their forms balanced between discipline and ease. Each motion carried intention, a quiet pulse of creativity guiding their flow.
Not stiff, not careless—just the perfect blend of control and instinct. A force sharpening itself, molding into something greater.
Sai moved through the campus with effortless confidence, his presence turning heads without need for arrogance. Every exercise, every test—he passed with precision, never stumbling, never second-guessing.
On the sparring grounds, opponents fell before they could register his strikes. In the shooting range, his bullets found their mark without fail. Blade in hand, his swordplay was fluid, each motion sharp and deliberate, a dance honed to perfection.
The Author Police training pushed recruits to their limits, but for Sai, it was merely a series of steps to be mastered. He didn't just qualify—he set the standard.
"Hello everyone, thank you all for picking me as your best Author Rookie in this ceremony. I am honored to be acknowledged as an Author Police, and together we can strive for the best, surviving for the worst and fighting the evil who crushed our fallen loved ones, I will do my best to be your strongest hope!"
Applause erupted like thunder, rolling through the campus in perfect unison. The rhythmic claps echoed across the training grounds, a testament to the admiration he commanded. Bright camera flashes flickered, capturing every angle of Sai—his sharp features, composed expression, and effortless charm.
The news painted him as the perfect prodigy—handsome, gifted, flawless in every skill he touched. But what truly set him apart was his humility. He never boasted, never looked down on others, and that only fueled his popularity further.
Whispers and excited murmurs filled the air, especially among the girls, who watched him with sparkling eyes.
---
On a quiet weekend morning, Sai strolled along the side road near the old library, his steps light and unhurried. The soft glow of dawn bathed the streets as he made his way toward the hospital, a familiar destination.
Inside, nurses exchanged knowing smiles the moment he walked through the doors. They had known him since he turned sixteen—always arriving with flowers and chocolates, brightening the days of patients with effortless kindness.
Yet, despite their admiration, a playful frustration lingered among the women. Sai gave so much, yet never asked for anything in return. It felt unfair that none of them could give him something back—at least, not in a way that could ever match his sincerity.
Sai stepped into the hospital room, the scent of fresh flowers mingling with the sweet aroma of pastries and warm soup. Balloons swayed gently near the ceiling, their soft rustling blending with the steady beeping of the monitor.
On the bed, a blind girl sat up, her lower half still wrapped in the warmth of her blanket. Though her world was cloaked in darkness, her expression remained peaceful, content with what little she had.
She tilted her head slightly, sensing the faint shift in the air, the quiet yet familiar presence at the door. A small smile touched her lips.
"You're here. Sai is that you?" Her smile, gentle and unwavering, carried a warmth that words could never match. It was a quiet reassurance, a simple yet profound gesture that reached him in ways he couldn't quite explain.
Sai felt the usual weight of his rigorous training lift, if only for a moment. Visiting her before each session had become a habit—not out of duty, but because, somehow, it made the day feel lighter.
No matter how grueling his training would be, starting the morning with her warmth made it all worthwhile.
"I've been doing well, Paige. I became the top 1 of the Author Police just like you wanted."
"Great! I knew you could do it."
"I brought you chocolates and flowers."
"What color?"
" Yellow. Sunflowers just the way you like them." She ran her fingers over the petals of the fresh flowers, tracing their delicate curves as if memorizing their shape. The scent of chocolates and pastries filled the room, and she savored each bite, appreciating the flavors Sai always brought her.
Though she couldn't see, she felt the care behind every gift, the thoughtfulness in every visit. A soft hum of contentment escaped her lips as she held onto the warmth of his presence.
"These are wonderful," she murmured, her smile never fading. "Just like always."
In the end, happiness can be anything.