Reborn Through Fire (Kisa and Gilbert)

It was late at night, yet a crowd of astonished onlookers encircled Mia as she returned.

Several young men beamed with excitement. "Incredible, Mia! You're back, against all odds!"

"Are you alright? You've lost so much blood from those wounds."

"Get yourself cleaned up before infection sets in."

Mia smiled warmly, moved by their heartfelt concern. Scanning the surroundings, she desperately searched for the young man she had met earlier, but only caught a fleeting glimpse of a retreating silhouette. She wanted to chase after him, but hesitated, self-conscious of her disheveled appearance. Expressing her gratitude to the concerned group, she retreated to her room.

After a soothing hot shower, she tended to her injuries and slipped into clean clothes. Her heart racing, she ventured out, eager to find the young man who lived in the room behind hers. She wondered if he was asleep. He had promised her that if she survived and returned, he would share his name. Now, she could not wait to see him. In the past, she had dismissed the idea of love at first sight. Yet, here she was, experiencing the unimaginable.

Walking past two imposing trees, she noticed the light was still on in the young man's room. Her heart swelled with joy, the pain from her injuries momentarily forgotten. His door was slightly ajar. At first, Mia was elated, but as she approached the doorway, her nerves began to fray. After a moment's thought, she decided to grab a few tubes of ointment as a pretext to see him. Clutching the ointment, her anxiety eased slightly. However, as she arrived at his door, her heart dropped. Inside the room, she saw not only the young man but also Hayes.

Hayes lounged in his chair, elbow resting on the edge of the table, exuding a powerful, imposing aura. He absentmindedly traced the rim of a water glass with his long fingers, seemingly unconcerned. His hand was wrapped in the gauze Mia had applied earlier that day. Despite Hayes' imposing presence and icy demeanor, the defiant young man standing nearby held his own. Hayes possessed a dark, alluring beauty while the young man radiated an untouchable purity. The youth's cool, unyielding eyes could make anyone feel inferior.

Mia hesitated at the doorway, regretting her decision to come. She never expected Hayes to be in the young man's room at this hour. None of them spoke. Mia was torn between staying and leaving. Finally, Hayes broke the silence.

Looking at Mia, he asked with a smile, "What brings you here?"

Mia awkwardly clutched the medicine bottles, responding. "I, uh, brought some medicine for his wounds."

Hayes let out a soft, knowing laugh. "He's only been here a day, and you two are already this close?"

"Please don't misunderstand, sir," Mia said respectfully. "I thought we would all be training together, so we should help each other out."

"Helping out?" Hayes chuckled as if he had heard a joke. "Perhaps you have forgotten the rules of survival here?" Mia lowered her head, remaining silent. Hayes gazed at his injured hand, slowly smiling. "You've been here a while, and I've never seen you care for anyone else like this. You... like him, don't you?"

Mia's heart clenched, but she quickly shook her head. As she looked up, her eyes met the young man's calm, unwavering gaze. He seemed entirely unruffled, showing no surprise or happiness. 'He doesn't like me. Of course not. I have been wallowing in the darkness for so long, how could he?'

Suddenly, Hayes stood up and began walking toward her.