July 10th, 2026, Friday. Taji lay on the worn mattress, staring at the ceiling. The doctor’s words echoed in his ears: the bullet fragments lodged in his body ten years ago had finally been removed. Though a heavy burden had lifted, a hollow ache remained in a corner of his heart. Beside him, Bryan slept soundly. The shadows on his young face seemed to bear witness to the shock and guilt that still weighed him down from that day a decade ago.

"Bryan."

Taji’s soft call went unanswered. Taji moved closer, gently shaking Bryan’s shoulder. Bryan’s eyes fluttered open slowly, a dazed gaze meeting Taji’s.