8 Still following

SEVEN YEARS LATER

Sunlight streamed through the large window pane of the penthouse on the higher floor of the building, casting dancing patterns on Calyx's face as he gazed down at the sprawling metropolis below.

Suddenly, Calyx's hands shot up to catch an apple thrown to him.

"I told you to stop doing that," Calyx said as he took a bite from the apple, shifting his gaze from the city to Haze.

"We have to keep those super human reflexes of yours sharp," Haze justified, walking over to the kitchen counter.

"They're always sharp," Calyx replied as he shifted his gaze back to the window.

The penthouse was a large, beautifully designed space with floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. It was a residence only the wealthy could afford, and Calyx's aunt was certainly affluent—a fact he hadn't realized until he first stepped into the house.

Calyx's parents were not poor, but they lived a modest lifestyle in the suburbs, their expenses never too extravagant. Since moving in with Irene and Haze, however, everything had been different.

Calyx walked over to the kitchen counter, which was not far from the living room. Haze was preparing himself some cereal for breakfast.

Calyx opened one of the cupboards gently, grabbing a plate before taking the cereal box and pouring some into a waiting bowl.

"Pass the milk," Calyx said.

Haze pushed the milk carton, allowing it to slide smoothly toward Calyx, who sat on the other side of the counter. Calyx caught the carton effortlessly, flashing a grateful smile at Haze.

"So, any ideas for the project?" Haze asked, raising his head to look at Calyx as he continued consuming his cereal.

"None, you?" Calyx returned the question as he began eating as well.

"I've got nothing," Haze replied, scraping the last of the cereal with his spoon.

"Well, that's just great then," Calyx said, not bothering to hide the sarcasm in his voice.

"Hal probably has something. I mean, she knows how useless we are," Haze said as he stood up, taking his bowl to the sink and dumping it in.

"Well, have you tried calling her?" Calyx asked.

"No, what's the point? We'll be in school soon anyway," Haze replied as he walked over to the living room.

Calyx picked up his bowl and walked over to the sink, dumping it beside Haze's.

"My mum's not even home. We could just skip the day," Haze proposed as he collapsed onto the sofa, staring at the high ceiling of the large penthouse.

"You know she'll get a call if we miss a day," Calyx reminded Haze as he grabbed his bag from the sofa.

"Yeah," Haze agreed as he jumped up from the sofa and grabbed his bag. They both walked over to the elevator that served as the only entrance and exit to the house.

Haze pushed the button, causing the doors to slide open as they stepped into the elevator. Then, with another push of a button, the elevator began its descent.

With a gentle halt, the elevator came to a stop, revealing the lobby of the building they resided in.

With hurried steps, they exited the elevator and rushed for the exit, hearing the voice of the receptionist as they walked past.

"Morning, boys," the middle-aged man said, lifting his gaze from the screen before him.

"Morning, Oswald," both boys said as they reached the door of the building.

"A bit late today, aren't you? You might miss the tube," Oswald remarked as the boys left the building.

"We'll definitely miss it if we stay chatting with you," Haze quipped, as they dashed out.

"What time is it?" Haze prompted, leading Calyx to glance at his watch.

"7:15," Calyx replied.

"We can make it," Haze said with determination, and they both started running as fast as they could through the streets, expertly navigating through the crowds.

"We should've taken a cab," Calyx remarked between breaths as they ran.

"In this traffic? That'd be worse," Haze retorted, not slowing down as they turned into another street.

They could now see the stairs leading to the subway station. Haze pushed himself to keep up as Calyx ran slightly slower, ensuring he didn't leave his friend behind.

They bounded down the subway steps, eyes fixed on the train, its doors still open. The toll gates opened as they scanned their phones, and with a final burst of speed, they boarded just in time.

The train doors closed behind them mere moments after they entered. They made it just in time.

Both boys caught their breath as the train started moving, finding their way to two empty seats. A voice announced for everyone to buckle up, as the train was about to enter mach drive.

Calyx and Haze secured themselves and leaned back, their breathing slowly returning to normal.

"This is strange," Haze noted.

"What? The people following us or the Quasar watching them?" Calyx asked.

"Both," Haze replied, narrowing his eyes.