Glow Beneath The Ruins

🖤 Episode 12 – Between Betrayal and Loyalty

🎬 [Scene One – Fancy Restaurant – End of Last Night]

Eliar sits silently, suppressing an inner storm. Rita chatters coldly, but his expression doesn't change.

A notification lights up his phone: a funny filtered picture from Rei, or a short message — "Don't forget the ice cream tomorrow!"

His eyelid twitches. His eyes soften for a second.

Rita notices. Her jealousy boils. She leans closer.

Rita (with a mocking tone):

"Your mind's not here... Thinking about her? That street girl?"

Eliar (cold and sharp):

"At least... she's not empty."

He stands abruptly, chair scraping back. Leaves without a word. Rita seethes, biting her lip in fury.

🎬 [Scene Two – Rei's Home – With Her Grandmother – Same Night]

Rei eats dinner with her grandma. The atmosphere is warm, food delicious, soft laughter fills the room. But Rei's eyes are distant. She smiles without soul.

Grandma (gently):

"Is everything okay at school, dear?"

Rei (faint smile):

"Yeah... everything's fine."

She sets her spoon down quietly. Blinks fast, as if shaking off a thought.

In her room, she pulls out an old drawing of a cat. She stares at it — or maybe at the memories behind it.

Rei (whispering to herself):

"Why are you like this… I can't figure you out."

🎬 [Scene Three – The Boss's Office – Midnight]

The Boss watches a recording on his screen — Eliar with Rei at the restaurant, looking both sad and calm.

Boss (softly, eyes glinting):

"Good... the more he breaks, the easier he obeys."

Himura enters, carrying a file.

Himura:

"As you asked... I told her. She didn't believe me, but the doubt has started."

Boss (with a faint smile):

"We don't need belief... just cracks. You know how cracks work."

Himura (sarcastic):

"And the father? Looks like his heart's not in one piece anymore."

Boss:

"Won't matter soon. Take him... for tonight's training. Don't let him heal so easily."

🎬 [Scene Four – School Rooftop – The Next Day at Noon]

Eliar stands near the rooftop railing, staring at the sky. Clouds drift slowly. Wind ruffles his hair. He looks wounded… but silent.

The rooftop door opens gently. Rei steps in, holding a small bag. She approaches hesitantly.

Rei (soft smile):

"I knew I'd find you here… it's a beautiful day, isn't it?"

He doesn't answer. Keeps staring into the distance.

Rei (light laugh):

"I brought something… your favorite ice cream from my grandma's place. Thought you might need something cold… after a long day."

She offers the bag. He doesn't look.

Eliar (dryly):

"Keep it for yourself."

Rei freezes. Her hand slowly lowers.

Rei (quietly):

"Did I… do something wrong?"

Eliar (sharply):

"Your presence is what's wrong."

Silence. Rei tries to hold herself together.

Rei (whispers):

"Himura… told me something strange about you. I didn't believe it, but..."

Eliar (snapping):

"Of course you believed it! You people always do — believing lies before even asking. Thinking you understand, but you know nothing!"

Rei (trembling):

"I just wanted to know… if it was all fake. Everything between us."

Eliar (blade-like):

"There was nothing. It was just... amusement. And honestly? I regret even that."

Rei's eyes widen. She steps back. Breath shaky, cheeks flushed. But no tears — just a painful gleam.

Rei (choked voice):

"You're lying. Even in your hate... you lie."

She turns and walks away fast. He doesn't move. Just a frozen shadow, bleeding silently inside.

After she's gone, Eliar lifts his head to the sky. Closes his eyes tightly, as if the air itself has become suffocating.

Inner Monologue (Eliar):

"I'm sorry, Rei… but if you knew the truth now… you'd die."

🎬 [Scene Five – Gang HQ – Midnight – Boss's Office]

Eliar walks in silently. Face drained, eyes dull. Himura stands aside, Boss watches his son like a hunter watches prey.

Boss (calmly):

"Saw you on the rooftop... Good thing you didn't chase her. I would've been deeply disappointed."

Eliar (emotionless):

"She cried because of you."

Boss (mocking):

"Oh? I thought it was because of you. How poetic… we share the damage."

Himura:

"I think he's ready… he doesn't scream anymore."

Boss:

"Take him. Begin his new training. Make it brutal. I don't want him remembering what being human feels like."

🎬 [Scene Six – Training Facility – Dark Hallway – Late Hour]

Eliar stands in a gray arena, dressed in black. Hands at his sides. His eyes empty.

Instructor:

"Your goal: move through the corridor, eliminate all virtual targets, no mistakes. Emotions won't save you here."

Doors open. Armed dummies rush forward. Gunfire simulations, flashing red lights, echoing footsteps.

Eliar moves like a machine. No hesitation. No mercy. Every shot hits — yet his eyes don't show victory… only cold, mechanical death.

Boss (watching on screen):

"When he feels nothing... he doesn't fail."

Himura (coldly):

"But when he explodes... no one will know how to stop him."

🎬 [Scene Seven – Rei's House – Midnight – Her Room]

Rei lies on her bed, scrolling through pictures of her and Eliar. She picks up her notebook, starts writing.

Rei (thinking aloud):

"He's not like that… something's wrong. I won't dig into his past, but I'll watch everything."

She circles Himura's name. Pulls the blanket over her. Eyes wide open… sleep is far away.

🎬 [Scene Eight – School Courtyard – Lunchtime – Next Day]

Eliar sits alone. No food. Hands on the table. Head buried in his arms. A few students glance, but he doesn't notice.

Rei sees him. Pauses. Then walks up and taps his arm lightly — but intentionally.

Rei (weak sarcastic smile):

"What's this? You think this table's free real estate? Since you're such a pro thief, take this gift."

She offers a small cake. He lifts his head slowly. Eyes red. Pain etched deep on his face.

Eliar (whispers):

"Thanks…"

She sits across from him. Starts eating. No more words — just warm glances.

Inner Monologue (Eliar):

"I was supposed to stay away… but she always brings me back. Even with a small piece of cake."

🎬 [Final Scene – School Rooftop – After Classes]

Himura stands alone, holding a tiny camera. He sends a video to an unknown number.

Text on screen:

"Phase Three begins tomorrow."

End of Episode – To be continued...