FREEDOM

The digital clock clicks over to 7:30 AM, its rhythmic ticking filling the quiet room. Aran doesn't move at first. After a few moments, a pale hand emerges from the tangle of blankets, fumbles blindly across the nightstand, and gently presses the "off" button. Rubbing his eyes, he sits on the edge of the bed and watches the morning sunlight stream through the window.Pushing himself up, he crosses the room and slips into the bathroom.

Half an hour later, Aran steps out of the bathroom fully dressed. He wears a crisp white shirt beneath a blue coat, matching blue trousers, and a neatly tied red tie. Though the outfit is simple, it perfectly suits his slender frame. Slingshotting his bag over his shoulder, a bright smile spreads across his face as he heads downstairs.

The moment he reaches the hallway, a harsh voice cuts through the air. "You are late."

Aran’s feet grow heavy, refusing to take another step. His mother sits at the dining table, holding a cup of coffee and glaring at him with cold, unpleasant eyes. The beautiful smile vanishes from his face, replaced by an instant wave of fear. Slowly, he makes his way over to her and stands with his head bowed in humble submission. "I am sorry, Mom."

"This cannot happen every time," she says, narrowing her eyes as she sets down her coffee. "As your mother, I can't just let this go. You know the rules. Your disobedience means you don't get breakfast today."

"Yes," Aran whispers, staring at his shoes.

"I am heading to the campus now," she continues, picking up her keys. "You had better not be late again. See you in my office." With that, his mother leaves.

Aran lets out a deep breath he hasn't realized he is holding. He walks to the front door and slips into his shoes. Once he finishes tying them, a lonely thought crosses his mind. I don't even get time to say good morning.

By 8:45 AM, Aran arrives at Silverwood College—the prestigious institution owned by his mother, renowned for its advanced technology and strict rules. He goes straight to his mother’s office. Peeking inside, he sees her sitting at her desk, writing in official files.

"Mom, may I come in?"

"Yes," she says, looking up. "Good, you are on time. Aran, are you free after your classes?"

"After class, I have to go to my drawing classes," he answers. "I will be free in the evening."

"Then we have to go somewhere. I will pick you up at 6:00 PM after your classes, alright?"

"Are... are we going somewhere together?" Aran asks, a small, hopeful note catching in his throat.

"Don't ask questions. Just make sure you're ready on time."

"Okay, Mom. Then I am heading to my classes."

"Okay." Aran's Mom replies

Aran walks away feeling confused but secretly happy. It has been a very long time since he has spent any meaningful time with his mother. Lost in these hopeful thoughts as he reaches the classroom corridor, he suddenly slams hard into someone.The collision jolts him back to reality. Aran stumbles backward and squeezes his eyes shut, bracing for a painful impact with the floor. However, when the expected pain never comes, he finally dares to peek through his eyelids.Looking up, he finds a handsome face gazing back at him with a gentle smile. Aran is still held firmly in the stranger's protective arms. For a second, he completely loses himself in the boy's beautiful expression.

Suddenly, a sharp voice cuts through the moment from behind them.

"Amory, let's go"