Lucid Veins

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CHAPTER 7 : LOGAN'S LAW

Scene: Inside the Boys' Bathroom

Nicolas stood tense, his back close to the cold tiles. Logan turned slowly, the light catching his eyes just right. He raised his hand—and Nicolas instinctively flinched.

But the hit never came.

Instead, Logan's hand landed on Nicolas's shoulder, gripping tightly. His fingers dug in—not to hurt, but to shake him awake.

Logan's eyes burned.

"Are you stupid, Nicolas? Seriously. First I thought you were just weak—but now I think you're dumb, too."

Nicolas stared, stunned.

Logan didn't let go.

"You want to protect your sister? Or are you just pretending?"

He stepped closer.

"Do you even know who Kelly is? Or what Joseph becomes without someone controlling him?"

Logan's voice dropped, sharp and cold.

"When Joseph was with me, I made sure he never laid a hand on a girl. It's my one rule—no hurting girls, no bullying them. But Kelly? She doesn't care. She'll feed your sister to the wolves and smile while doing it."

He let go of Nicolas, pushing his chest lightly.

"This isn't my job. It's yours. You're her brother. Act like it."

Nicolas's voice trembled, but he spoke.

"Then… why don't you help us?"

Logan's expression changed.

A small, tired smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"I don't like bullying people. Not really. But I've got reasons. Things you don't understand yet. So no—I won't fight your fight for you."

He stepped back.

"Take a few days off. Make a plan. If you want to protect your sister, don't just talk—think."

He glanced at Nicolas's school uniform.

"Also… I'm going to hit you. Not really, but it has to look real."

Nicolas blinked.

"What?"

Logan's voice was low, calm again.

"Tear your shirt. Smudge your face. Take a few hits on the arm. Let them think I beat you. That way Kelly and Joseph will believe you're broken—and back off for now."

He walked to the door, flinging it open.

Then, loudly—dramatically, for everyone outside to hear:

"Do you seriously call yourself my age? If you don't have a backbone, don't bother coming back to school!"

Nicolas stepped out after him, bruised—not from fists, but from truth.

And for the first time, he didn't feel like a victim.

Scene 1: Returning to the Classroom

> Nicolas didn't feel like a victim.

For the first time, he felt like a shield.

He followed Logan back into the classroom. His shirt was torn, his lip slightly smudged—but his eyes were steady.

Kelly let out a loud laugh as soon as she saw them.

Kelly (smirking):

"Well, Logan! You really went all out on Anya's little brother. That's some loyalty."

Logan smirked back without hesitation.

Logan (mocking):

"Please. You think I'd go easy on him? In front of his sister?"

Then, quickly, he gave Nicolas a short glance—a silent signal: Go.

Scene 2: At the School Clinic

Anya rushed to Nicolas as soon as she saw his torn uniform. Her eyes widened, lips trembling.

Anya:

"Bhaiya… your clothes—your face… what did they do to you?!"

She burst into tears, gripping his arm tightly. Nicolas gently took her hand and led her toward the school clinic.

> The nurse looked surprised but allowed them to rest.

Then Nicolas requested early leave.

Scene 3: At Home

Back home, Anya sat on the couch, still wiping her tears.

Nicolas brought her a glass of water, then sat beside her and hugged her gently.

Nicolas (softly):

"I'm fine. Really. Just a little acting and torn fabric."

Anya (angry):

"I hate Logan. It's all because of him. He —he—he… It's my fault. I should've told you what Kelly does to me... every day."

Nicolas gently turned her face toward him.

Nicolas (serious but caring):

"No. Listen to me. Logan didn't hurt me. He helped me. Everything was fake—his idea. He wanted to protect you."

Anya blinked, stunned.

Nicolas (sharper, but still warm):

"But why didn't you tell me? Why hide this?"

Anya looked down, voice breaking.

Anya:

"Because if I told you… you'd transfer me to another school, or pay for something we can't afford. Miss Kim would worry too… and I didn't want to make her feel more responsible for us."

> Nicolas sighed, wiping her tears again.

Nicolas (softly):

"You don't need to carry that weight, Anya. It's not your job to protect everyone."

Anya (weakly smiling):

"It's fine. I'll find a way."

Nicolas (firmly):

"No. We will find a way."

They looked at each other—and for once, neither felt alone.

Suddenly, The doorbell rang.

Anya looked at Nicolas, confused.

Anya:

"Who could that be…?"

Nicolas stood and opened the door.

Standing there, slightly out of breath but smiling warmly—

Miss Kim.

In her arms: a neatly folded bundle of clean clothes

Miss Kim:

"I figured someone could use a new shirt… and some dinner."

Miss Kim sat down beside them. She looked at Nicolas, her eyes narrowing a little.

"Wait… Nicolas, your school uniform is torn too?" she asked.

Nicolas gave a small nod. "Yeah… it got torn earlier today. Logan helped us."

Miss Kim looked surprised. "Logan? Helped you?"

So Nicolas told her everything—how Joseph bullied them, how Logan stepped in, and what happened afterward.

Miss Kim listened carefully, then gave a small smile.

"Well, let's forget all that for now. You both need to clean up. I brought some clothes for you. Go wash up and change."

Nicolas and Anya nodded and headed to the bathroom.

When they came back out, it felt like the room had gone still.

Nicolas looked different—his new clothes were simple but clean. A white shirt, black pants, and neatly combed hair. His eyes looked calmer now, but there was still a deep fire behind them. He didn't look like a regular boy anymore. He looked… grown. Strong.

Anya walked in behind him. Her light blue dress floated gently around her legs. Her long hair was brushed straight, shining softly in the light. Her eyes were big and full of quiet strength. She looked like a princess—but one who had walked through storms.

Miss Kim stared at them for a moment, then smiled wide.

"You both… you look like angels," she said. "Real ones."

Nicolas looked down, a little embarrassed. "Miss Kim… we didn't make any food today…"

Miss Kim laughed. "Did you forget what I said? I said we're going to enjoy clothes and dinner. I already ordered it."

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Miss Kim stood up. "Perfect timing."

She came back with boxes of warm food. The smell filled the room, and for the first time in a long while, the three of them sat down and ate together. It felt like a family.

Halfway through the meal, Miss Kim suddenly said, "Oh! I forgot something."

She looked serious now.

"There's an Inter-School Cultural Fest next week. Only the top 10 schools are invited. It's a big event. A lot of rich students will be there. I've put your names in."

Anya blinked. "You… what?"

Miss Kim nodded. "Yes. You two are smart. Talented. But this will be tough. The other students come from rich and powerful families. They've had training, money, everything. But I know you can win."

Nicolas swallowed hard. "What happens if we do?"

Miss Kim's eyes sparkled. "You each get $10,000. Even second prize gives you $5,000. That's not just money—it's a new start. And the fame? It'll help you stand up to people like Kelly and her friends."

The room went quiet again.

Then Anya whispered, "We'll try our best."

Miss Kim smiled, stood up, and grabbed her coat.

"I know you will. That's why I believe in you."

She opened the door. "Goodnight, my angels. Big things are coming."

After she left, the room felt quiet but full. Anya and Nicolas looked at each other.

They didn't speak.

But in their hearts, they both knew—

Tomorrow would change everything.

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AUTHOR THOUGHT

"Hey guys, sorry for the delay! I had to work late, but I'm still running behind schedule. Don't worry, I'll upload again tomorrow, and I promise it'll be fantastic! "

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