Insectx

This story of survival starts on Earth, in the bustling city of Dallas, Texas, renowned for its vibrant commercial and cultural scene. This bustling metropolis, home to attractions like the Dallas Arts District and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, talk about a rich history.

In a Video playing on Youtube, in Texas, “Are you getting this?!” Says a person in the video.

“Over there, some giant bug-like creature just—” another one responds in a video.

“Dude!! Watch out!!! AAHHHK!!!” Says the first person from the video as it ends abruptly.

Inside a schoolroom at the University of Texas at Dallas, three friends—were engrossed in a YouTube video playing on a phone. The shaky footage showed a chaotic scene. “Whoa, dope, is this real?” One of the three people exclaimed, his eyes wide.

“Dimwit, some of youtube have a wide range of video content, including music videos, movie trailers, vlogs, educational videos, live streams, and much more.” remarks the second person watching the video.

“But that bug is huge, it’s like...it’s from a fantasy world.” Observe the first person watching the video on his phone.

“I dunno, it kind of looks fake to me since it looks like a human.” Says the third person watching the video.

“You mean like a superhero, Chad?” The second person remarks.

“Yes, how cool would that be? A human with insect wings, it’s been like one of those mutated superheroes from the X-men movies.” Says Chad.

“X-men? Don’t ya think?” the first person added as a hand reaches out and grabs the phone from him.

“Shaun?” Chad asks.

“Seriously, Reynard, Chad, Geraldo, What’s so great about a pair of bug wings?” Shaun Jang (Age 19) and a college student muse. “Sounds downright freaky to me.”

“It’s not that freaky, Shaun.” Reynard said as he took his phone back.

Shaun narrowed his eyes at the paused video. The blurry frame showed a shadowy figure with elongated limbs catching the sunlight.

“Look at that,” Reynard said, zooming in. “It’s not just wings—it’s got mandibles. Like a praying mantis.Or a scorpionfly, or something.”

“A scorpionfly? Seriously, anyway enough of that, Some people wanted to grab a drink tonight, if you guys are down.” Shaun said.

“Really I thought your parents never liked you drinking.” Geraldo added, surprised.

“I know they’re just looking out for me but tomorrow is a special occasion,” Shaun stated, a slight grin forming on his face. “Because it’s the day I turn 20.”

“No way,” Chad exclaimed.

“20! Tomorrow,” Reynard echoed, his eyes widening.

“Yes, if you guys are down,” Shaun reiterated, looking at each of them expectantly.

“Are you serious?” Geraldo finally managed, a wide grin spreading across his face. “Man, that’s awesome! Of course we’re down! We gotta celebrate your big two-oh!”

Chad pumped a fist in the air. “Yeah, definitely! Where are we thinking of going? The Rusty Mug? Or maybe that new place, The Thirsty Scholar?”

Shaun shrugged. “I was thinking something a bit more... low-key, like the Roost? With some Girls. Less hassle, more freedom, you know?” He winked. “Plus, no bouncers checking IDs.”

Reynard scrolled through his phone again, a thoughtful expression on his face. “The Roost? you do that you do realize that a family place and the usual high school students and college students.”

“I know but I promise my parents I’ll play safe.” Shaun said, a hint of exasperation in his voice. “It’s just a chill get-together, not some crazy rave. Besides, there’ll be a few other people from our classes there, so it won’t just be us four trying to awkwardly hit on random girls.”

“Sorry, you know how my parents are.” Reynard apologized.

“Goddammit? Romeo Haha!” Chad exclaimed.

Geraldo commented, “Besides, they’re only concerned with you.”

“Well, If you’re not Interested...” Shaun said.

“Now, now. We never said anything like that, did we?” Says Chad.

“Yes, we’re escorting you there, birthday boy.” Both Geraldo and Reynard said and bowed.

As you can see, Shaun Jang is pretty popular on campus, over 5,000 followers on every social site in Texas, grades always around A+ and open invitations to parties and group dates. In terms of the food chain, you could say he’s the apex predator.

Although it’s kind of odd and immature to chew over popularity in college, but like animals though humans are social creatures, for all organisms that lives in groups such as lions or ants in some shape or form, there exists a hierarchy and as one of those living college life from the top, so Shaun never do anything that’d risk throwing this away, his carefully curated image, his easygoing charm, and his knack for being in the right place at the right time had solidified his status. And tomorrow, his 20th birthday, was just another reason to celebrate that position

As the sun began to set on the University of Texas at Dallas campus, “Yo Shaun, are you sure you should be getting drinks with other girls?” Chad exclaimed.

“What do you mean?” Shaun asked.

“Look at Kayla.” Chad pointed subtly.

Approaching them was a girl with striking blue hair, adorned with a vibrant pink flower tucked behind her ear. She wore a cerulean short-sleeve casual mini dress that contrasted beautifully with her hair, and low-heeled black shoes. She certainly cut an eye-catching figure.

“Hey, Shhaauunn!!” The girl named Kayla practically dashed towards the guys, her voice bright and enthusiastic.

Shaun, ever the smooth operator, offered a charming smile. “Kayla, hi.”

“Are you excited, tomorrow is your birthday? I wish my birthday was today.” Kayla said.

Shaun’s eyes lit up as he greeted Kayla, his charm on full display. “Hey, Kayla! Yeah, I’m stoked for tomorrow. Can’t wait to celebrate with my friends.” He gave her a warm smile, and Kayla’s eyes sparkled in response.

“So, Kayla, what brings you here this afternoon?” Shaun asked, his interest genuine, but also calculated to keep the conversation flowing.

“I saw you guys heading this way, and I was just wondering if you were going to the Roost too?” Kayla asks, completely ignoring Shaun’s question, her gaze fixed on him with an almost childlike intensity.

Shaun chuckled, a practiced, easygoing sound. “Yeah, that’s the plan and my parents made my favorite, Korean BBQ and Mandu, and a chocolate fudge cake, a small get-together there. Are you thinking of heading over?”

Kayla giggled. “I was just grabbing a coffee with friends, so yeah! She playfully tossed her hair, and Shaun laughed, playing along.

“Kayla, you wanna grab a drink with us later?” Reynard asks.

“Shaun is coming.” Geraldo added.

“Sure!! I’ll join! Wait for me, Shaun!” Says Kayla excitedly.

As they talked, Shaun’s phone buzzed, glancing at the caller ID, he knew who was calling him: Mom and Dad. although he wanted to focus on the present moment. Being the center of attention was second nature to him, and he reveled in the attention.

...But parents came forth, with a slight sigh that only his closest friends would notice, Shaun pulled out his phone. “Hold on a sec, guys. Gotta take this.” He gave Kayla an apologetic smile before excusing himself, the familiar sight of his parents’ names flashing on the screen.

Shaun walked a short distance away from the group, answering the call with a warm smile. “Hey, Mom! Hey, Dad! What’s up?” His tone was cheerful, but slightly more subdued than when he was interacting with Kayla and his friends.

“Happy birthday eve, Shaun! We’re so excited for tomorrow,” his mom said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. “Don’t forget, we’re having a small get-together at home before you head out to The Roost with your friends. Your favorite Korean BBQ and Mandu, just like you asked for.”

Shaun chuckled. “Thanks, Mom. I know, I haven’t forgotten. I’ll be home around 5 pm to help with the preparations. What time are the Grandmas and Grandpas coming over?”

“You know them, they would love their only grandson to become a man, if they don’t kill each other, like Christmas time.” Dad said.

“Yeah! Yeah! I know how you feel about Christmas.” Shaun jokes.

“Yeah! My parents were from Busan, and your mom’s parents were from Seoul.” Dad added.

As Shaun chatted with his parents, he glanced back at his friends, making sure they were doing okay without him. Kayla was laughing with Reynard and Geraldo, and Chad was watching him with a knowing look. Shaun smiled to himself, feeling grateful for his loving family and his close-knit group of friends.

“Okay, Mom, Dad, I’ll see you soon. Love you guys too. Bye!” Shaun wrapped up the call, tucking his phone away and returning to the group. “Sorry about that, guys. Where were we?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Kayla grinned. “I was about to say yes to grabbing drinks with you guys later.”

Shaun laughed, playfully rolling his eyes. “Well, I guess that’s settled then. Let’s make it a great night!”

“Yay!” Kayla runs up to hug Shaun from behind.

THROB! Shaun snaps his arm forward, shoving Kayla away.

“Eek!” Kayla yells. “What the...Shaun?”

“What’s wrong, Shaunster?” Geraldo asked.

THROB! THROB! “Sorry, guys... I’m not feeling that well, so I’m gonna head home.” Says Shaun.

“What?! Just like that? After...” Reynard noticed as Shaun walked away.

“I know sorry...Going for five rounds of drinks with the wrestling majors probably wasn’t a good idea?” Shaun kept walking.

“What? All of a sudden?” Reynard asked.

“Wouldn’t be the first time, he’s always performing Disappearing Acts.” Chad added.

Geraldo said. Yah! I know but our school has wrestling majors, Since when?”

“Damn it, Shaun, I wonder what’s up.” Kayla says to herself quietly.

On his way home, Shaun sighed. “Wrestling major? Really? Running out of excuses, here.”

As you can see, Shaun have...a secret that he never reveals to anyone, yeah! you could say, Shaun is in the similar boat to that guy with the hospital mask, he wasn’t like that at the beginning of the semester. Shaun did hear he used to get along swimming with everyone else, so how did he get to be so alone.

Well it’s all because of his own dark secrets, inferiority complex and insecurities.

The first time he heard about his biggest insecurity was that he had a few too many drinks at a party, and broke out in hives from some kind of allergic reaction to the alcohol.

He didn’t know how but maybe, it was the humiliation, or the looks of disgust on everyone’s faces, after he got out of the hospital. He lost all his self-confidence and ended up keeping to himself, apparently.

Yes! There are always going to be private parts, everyone has something to hide, exposing their biggest nightmares is essentially to them your weakness, you may be wondering how this is relevant to someone popular like him, well...

As Shaun walked home, the cool evening air did little to calm his racing thoughts. He couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in after Kayla’s hug. The physical reaction had been intense, and he was grateful to have made a quick exit.

“What’s wrong with me?” Shaun muttered to himself, frustration and anxiety swirling in his chest. He knew he couldn’t reveal his secret to anyone, not even his closest friends. The fear of being ridiculed or pitied was too overwhelming.

As he approached his house, the warm glow of the porch light welcomed him. Shaun took a deep breath, trying to compose himself before going inside. He didn’t want his parents to notice anything was wrong.

“Hey, sweetie! You’re home,” his mom said, greeting him with a warm smile. “We’re almost ready to eat. Why don’t you go wash up and we’ll get started?”

Shaun nodded, heading to his bathroom to freshen up. As he washed his face, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror as he took off his shirt, revealing a set of bandages over his chest and back. He then takes the bandages off, revealing a huge pair of transcendent dragonfly wings across his back.

They are his own set of insecurities. The sight of his dragonfly wings, a manifestation of his deepest insecurities, filled Shaun with a mix of emotions, what’s so cool about bug wings? He said. Sounds downright freaky to me. He said, there’s nothing freaky about them right!

He stared at the delicate, almost translucent wings, marveling at their intricate patterns and colors. Translucent and iridescent, they shimmered faintly in the light, a breathtaking and impossible sight in the colors of blue and green as they were alive.

Shaun’s mind wandered back to the incident that started it all, on the day he was 5, at the Texas State Fair, a place of vibrant colors and sounds, where children’s laughter and excitement filled the air. For 5-year-old Shaun, it was a day of wonder and discovery. But amidst the joy and thrill, something unexpected happened.

As Shaun wandered through the fairgrounds, fascinated by the various exhibits and attractions, he remembered panic on the ferris wheel, it broke down as one of the seats started bending down, he saw one of the kids fall, The memory of that day still sent shivers down Shaun’s spine. The Ferris wheel, once a thrilling ride, had turned into a nightmare. The sound of screams and the sight of the kid falling had left an indelible mark on his young mind.

As the seat swung precariously, Shaun’s small body was frozen in fear. He remembered the feeling of weightlessness, the sense of losing control, and the sound of his own screams mingling with those of the other kids.

The incident had triggered a chain reaction of events that would change Shaun’s life forever as his body surprisingly moved on its own, before it happens to think, he flew away to save the kid, from the ground, and soon he saved him.

Although the kid was unconscious, and never saw the dragonfly wings on Shaun, however, people started asking questions really, who was the dragonfly boy? They ask, Who saves the child? They ask, wasn’t he an experiment from the government? They ask all the questions that they never got a chance to answer as his parents make sure to keep him safe.

His parents, Ryong and Mi Hwa, took swift action to protect their son from the prying eyes of the public. They shielded him from the media frenzy, ensuring that the truth about the dragonfly boy remained a closely guarded secret.

Soon after, they immediately put on some bandages as they folded pretty easily, they acted just as cautiously. As Shaun grew older, his parents, Ryong and Mi Hwa, continued to shield him from the world, protecting him from those who might seek to exploit his unique abilities.

His parents even taught him how to fold his wings and conceal them from prying eyes.

They still allow him to go to normal school, but on one condition, he must never go out with anyone, never revealed his wings to anyone and he did, he distanced himself from others, he didn’t want to risk anyone accidentally discovering his secret.

And so the loner life he made for himself went on smoothly sailing, no one found out about his wings, however, despite the precautions, Shaun couldn’t help but feel like being alone was agonizingly miserable, he was living in a bubble, separate from the world outside.

He longed to experience life without the weight of his secrets, to be free to be himself without fear of judgment or persecution.

As he navigated the focus on getting into college, so before he entered college, he decided to change, even though it was a little uncomfortable, he folded his wings with bandages.

With the wings tucked away, he started to feel confident enough to be bolder, fascinating enough people being to surround Shaun one by one.

“Hey, Can I get your number...?” Says a girl, later recognized as Kayla.

However, Shaun couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. He knew that he was living a lie, that his true nature was hidden beneath the surface, while his wings were aching so much, Shaun wanted them out as they are a part of him and he should let them be.

Shaun Sighed. “Why was I born so different? I know that I was born with them, as much as I want... but that’s never going to happen, not in a million years, no one finds out about his wings...especially not Kayla.”

As Shaun opens the door from his bathroom, ready to re-enter his bedroom, he froze. Kayla was standing right there, directly in front of him!

“WHHAAAT?!” Shaun screamed, his carefully constructed composure shattering.

“KYAAAH!” Kayla screamed in return, startled by his sudden appearance.

Shaun slammed the door shut faster than he could even register what had just happened.

“Why aren’t you wearing any pants?!” Kayla yelled from the other side of the door, her voice a mix of shock and confusion.

“I am wearing pants?!?!” Shaun yelled back, then a flicker of hope ignited in his mind, ”Her reaction? maybe didn’t see my wings." he thinks.

“Kayla why are you—no, hold up, now did you get in?” Shaun asked.

“Well, your parents invited me in and the guys said we should drink at your place, so they told me to head over first and gave me your address.” Kayla said.

Shaun’s face twisted in a scowl. “Those little shit-heads,” Shaun muttered to himself, referring to his friends who had apparently invited Kayla over without his knowledge or consent. “Can they even respect one bit of my privacy?”

Shaun took a deep breath and tried to compose himself, hoping that Kayla hadn’t seen anything incriminating. “Hey, sorry about that,” Shaun said, trying to sound casual. “I didn’t expect you to be here so soon.”

Kayla looked a bit flustered, but she seemed to be recovering from the shock of their earlier encounter. “No problem, I didn’t mean to startle you,” she said, her eyes scanning the room.

As he stood there, behind the bathroom door frozen in uncertainty, “Hey, Shaun.” Kayla’s voice came out from the other side of the door. “Are you sure you’re feeling sick?”

“No! of course not.” Shaun said as he rubbed his back, thinking about the time that he was a child, looking back on the news of the incident on the TV.

“Hey, Mom?” Shaun asked.

“Yes!” Mi Hwa said.

“Why was I born with wings?” Shaun asked.

Mi Hwa’s expression turned solemn, and she exchanged a glance with Ryong before responding. “Shaun, I don’t know why you were born with wings but I’m happy I got a chance to have you.”

“But Mom, you have scars on your body, how did you end up like someone like me?” Shaun said.

“I know but I was very lucky to have a special boy like you, even though your wings are a part of you, I wouldn’t change that.” Mi Hwa added.

Ryong stepped in, his voice calm and reassuring. “She is right, I meant sure there won’t be people that won’t understand you, Shaun. They might be afraid or they might try to hurt you, I know it’s hard but I just want to make sure you’re protected, Shaun.”

Shaun nodded slowly, trying to understand the complexity of his situation as he held his locket. The small, black locket, the small opal shape from a thin black chain engraved on its smooth surface, was a delicate, unmistakable green Crystal dragonfly symbol.

He felt a pang of sadness, knowing that he couldn’t be himself in front of others. As he stood there, Shaun’s mind wandered back to the present. He was still behind the bathroom door.

“Hey, sorry about that,” he said, attempting to sound casual. “I’m feeling a bit better now.”

“Are you sure! It’s not just today... you just up and leave half the time by yourself a lot, are you...hiding something?” Kayla said.

“...no...I... maybe you’re right but it’s nothing at all.” Shaun stammered, desperately trying to keep his voice even.

“Shaun, let’s go.” Kayla said.

“Huh?” Shaun said.

“I know you have plans with your parents but I want to make you feel better, so a little pre-birthday bash at the Roost? My treat. Think of it as a private celebration for turning the big 2-0 so I’m gonna sit right here until you come out.” Kayla says determinedly.

Shaun’s heart sank as he listened to Kayla’s plan. He had indeed made plans with his parents, but he couldn’t very well tell Kayla that. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

“I know you are lying, you’re obviously pretending, there’s obviously always something worrying you and you’re obviously hiding something, but you won’t tell me or anyone.” Kayla said.

Shaun’s anxiety spiked as Kayla’s words cut deep. He felt like she could see right through him, and it was unnerving. “I...I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he stammered, trying to deflect her observation.

“Don’t lie to me, Shaun. I can see it. There’s something going on, and I want to help you. But you need to trust me.” Kayla shot out.

“Why? Why are you going so out of your way?” Shaun asked.

“It’s because I want to repay you for what you did during freshman year at college.” Kayla said.

“Oh! From that guy that constantly hit on you.” Shaun said.

“Yes don’t get me wrong I always hated when guys hit on me. That’s because I’m a girl, but you always respected my foundries even though I had doubt you have different motives, you respected me enough to understand my boundaries, and yes I was embarrassed but I’m glad you did.” Kayla said.

Shaun’s face warmed with a mix of surprise and embarrassment as he recalled the incident. He had acted on instinct, stepping in to help Kayla when that guy wouldn’t leave her alone. He hadn’t thought twice about it, but it seemed that Kayla had taken notice.

“I’m just glad I could help,” Shaun said, trying to downplay the situation. “Anyone would have done the same.”

But Kayla’s eyes sparkled with sincerity. “No, not anyone would have done the same. You stood up for me, and that means a lot. I want to repay you, Shaun. Let me take you out for your birthday. It’ll be fun, I promise.”

Shaun hesitated, unsure of what to say. He didn’t know how to react to Kayla’s kindness, or how to navigate the complex emotions that were swirling inside him. But as he looked at Kayla, he saw something in her eyes that gave him pause. It was a glimmer of understanding, of connection.

“Okay,” Shaun said finally, making a decision. “Let’s go to the Roost. But promise me one thing.”

“What’s that?” Kayla asked, her eyes curious.

“Don’t pry,” Shaun said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I...I don’t know if I’m ready to talk about some things.”

Kayla’s expression softened, and she nodded. “I promise, Shaun. I’ll respect your boundaries. Let’s just have fun, okay?”

Shaun nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. Maybe, just maybe, this night wouldn’t be so bad after all. ”Thank you, Kayla...But not like this, but one day, I will share this secret with you. It’s not easy...it’s probably the right thing to do." Shaun thought, with a deep breath, he opened the door, his magnificent wings now carefully hidden beneath his shirt and the familiar bandages.

“Ok! To the Roost.” Shaun nodded, feeling a sense of determination.

As he and Kayla headed toward their destination, the front door to his room swung open.

“Shaun, where are you going?” His mom asked.

“Mom, oh!” Shaun said.

Shaun’s eyes widened as he realized his mom had caught him. “Mom, I... uh... I was just going out with Kayla for a bit,” he said, trying to play it cool.

Mi Hwa’s gaze flicked between Shaun and Kayla, her expression unreadable. “I thought we had plans tonight, Shaun,” she said, her voice neutral.

Shaun felt a pang of guilt, knowing he had been caught out. “I... I know, Mom. But Kayla surprised me with a birthday celebration plan, and I didn’t want to disappoint her,” he said, trying to sound convincing.

Mi Hwa’s eyes narrowed slightly, and she looked at Kayla. “I see. Well, I suppose it’s okay, but be careful, Shaun. And don’t forget to be back home at a reasonable hour,” she said, her voice firm but gentle.

Shaun nodded, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. “I will, Mom. Thanks,” he said, smiling weakly.

As they left the room, Kayla turned to him and whispered, “Everything okay?”

Shaun nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her. “Yeah, it’s fine. Just had to deal with my mom,” he said, smiling wryly.

Kayla smiled back, and they headed out into the night, bound for the Roost, but what they didn’t realize is that there was someone watching them from afar, a praying mantis on the ground next to the person watching them. “Ah, I found it, the smell of my prey...”

At the Roost, a popular student haunt for high school students and college students, was already buzzing with activity, it had activities for all ages, arcade games, bowling, roller skating and Shaun’s personal favorite, karaoke.

As the sound of laughter and music filled the air. The smell of pizza and burgers wafted through the crowds, enticing everyone to indulge in a snack or meal. The arcade games beeped and flashed, drawing in kids and adults alike, while the bowling lanes were packed with groups competing for bragging rights.

Shaun and Kayla walked in, surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere. They were greeted by the friendly staff, who welcomed them with a smile. “Hey, guys! What can we get for you tonight?”

Kayla took charge, ordering drinks while Shaun browsed the arcade games. “Let’s play some games and have some fun!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Shaun couldn’t help but get caught up in Kayla’s enthusiasm. They spent the next few hours playing games, laughing, and joking around. For a while, Shaun forgot about his worries and just enjoyed the moment.

In one of the karaoke rooms, “Hmm. So many options. What to sing? What to sing?” Shaun said.

Shaun scrolled through the song selection, his eyes scanning the list of popular hits and classic rock ballads. Kayla sat next to him, humming along to the music playing in the background.

“Hey, let’s sing something fun!” Kayla suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “How about ‘I Gotta Feeling’ by The Black Eyed Peas?”

Shaun grinned, feeling a rush of adrenaline. “Sounds like a plan! but I already sang that song by myself.”

“Really.” Kayla asked.

“I never tell this to anyone but I sometimes go to karaoke by myself.” Shaun said.

“Not even with Reynard, Chad, or Geraldo,” Kayla exclaimed.

“No, not even with them,” Shaun said, a hint of a smile on his face. “I like to go alone sometimes, just to relax and have fun. It’s weird, I know.”

Kayla’s eyes widened in surprise. “No, it’s not weird. I think it’s kind of cool. You’re a mystery, Shaun.”

Shaun chuckled, feeling a sense of vulnerability. “I guess I am. But hey, let’s pick a different song. How about something a little more... dramatic?”

Kayla’s eyes lit up. “Ooh, like what?”

Shaun scrolled through the song list, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “How about a new song?”

“That’s cool.” Kayla said.

“Yeah but in Korean.” Shaun said.

“Ah, a Korean song!” Kayla exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “I’ve never sung a Korean song before. What’s the title?”

Shaun smiled, a hint of excitement in his voice. “Let’s sing ‘The First Time’ by BTS.”

Kayla’s face lit up. “I love this song! I’ve heard it before, but I’ve never sung it myself.”

Shaun nodded, feeling a sense of enthusiasm. “It’s a great song to sing with someone. Let’s do it!”

The karaoke machine loaded the song, and Shaun and Kayla began to sing. Shaun and Kayla began to sing, their voices blending, The Korean lyrics flowed naturally from Shaun as he was completely lost in the moment, The music swelled, and his voice soared, the emotions in the song palpable as he sang with conviction and passion, with Kayla.

However, in his moment, he kicked and spilled his drink on Kayla.

Shaun’s eyes widened in horror as he realized what he had done. “Oh no, Kayla! I’m so sorry!” he exclaimed, rushing to grab some napkins to clean up the spill.

Kayla laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “It’s okay, Shaun! Accidents happen,” she said, smiling as she helped him clean up the mess.

Shaun felt his face heat up with embarrassment. “I’m such a clumsy idiot,” he muttered, feeling mortified.

Kayla playfully rolled her eyes. “You’re not an idiot, Shaun. You’re just a little... enthusiastic,” she teased, grinning at him.

Shaun chuckled, feeling a bit better. “Yeah, that’s it. Enthusiastic,” he said, smiling wryly.

As they finished cleaning up the spill, Kayla leaned in and whispered, “You know, I think it’s kind of cute when you’re clumsy.”

Shaun’s face turned bright red, and he looked away, trying to hide his embarrassment. But deep down, he was glad that Kayla was being so understanding and playful about the whole situation.

“Kayla, Thank you and there is something I need to tell you.” Shaun said.

“Yes.I am all ears.” Kayla said.

But Shaun can’t help but wonder... what if... after the Roost... he finally tells someone his biggest secret.

But before he can tell her, the roost’s light goes off and it becomes completely dark.

“Huh?” Kayla asked.

“What’s going on?” Shaun asked.

WHAM The door slams open, “P-please evacuate!! Everyone should hurry outside immediately! There’s an armed man inside the building... He has some kind of giant weapon!” Says one of the staff. “This is not some kind of stunt!! Please, hurry out through the front exits right... ...now-

SLASH A giant scythe stabbed straight through the staff member. It looked to be that there were giant two scythes replacing the arms of a person, just like a praying mantis.

The sudden darkness and chaos caught Shaun and Kayla off guard. The staff member’s frantic warning and the gruesome sight of the giant scythe stabbed through him sent a chill down their spines.

“Oh my god,” Kayla whispered, her voice trembling with fear.

“W-what’s happening? Is this... really happening? Did a person just die right now? Crap...We have to get out of here...” Shaun said, but before he could finish...

“Ah, found you. The dragonfly Prince.” Says the person who resembles a praying mantis was headed straight for Shaun. And fast. SMASH, CRUSH.

Shaun and Kayla barely dodges the man’s attacks. “This... This can’t be real... Your hands... What the hell!?! What’s going on!? What... What kind of monster is this?!” Shaun said.

“You look like you’ve just seen a ghost. Haven’t met an insect human like yourself yet? I’m Thrax, my mileage.” Says the praying mantis man.

Thrax’s words sent a shiver down Shaun’s spine. “Insect human?” he repeated, his mind racing with questions. “What do you mean? And what’s with the... the scythes?”

Thrax chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. “You’re one to talk, dragonfly prince. You think you’re so special with your wings hidden beneath your shirt. But I’m the one with the power here.”

Shaun’s eyes widened in shock. “How did you know about my wings?” he demanded, his heart pounding in his chest.

Thrax lunged again, his scythe-like arms carving through the air with lethal precision. Shaun, fueled by a surge of adrenaline he hadn’t known he possessed, instinctively pulled Kayla behind him, shielding her as they stumbled backward. The Roost was now a scene of utter pandemonium, screams echoing as tables overturned and bottles shattered. The dim emergency lights cast grotesque shadows, making the towering figure of Thrax even more terrifying.

“Insect human? What is he talking about? Shaun,” Kayla whispered, her voice barely audible over the din, her eyes wide with a mixture of terror and confusion.

“I don’t know but we need to get out of here, now,” Shaun said, grabbing Kayla’s hand and pulling her towards the exit.

But Thrax was relentless, pursuing them with a speed and agility that was almost inhuman. Shaun and Kayla ran for their lives, their hearts racing with fear.

As they navigated the darkened corridors, Shaun couldn’t shake off the feeling that Thrax was more than just a monster - he seemed to know Shaun’s secrets, and was determined to use that knowledge against him.

“Do you have any idea how sweet bugs taste to a fellow bug like me? Absolutely... Mouthwatering!!” Says Thrax as he chases after Shaun and Kayla, about to get a hold of them, but before he can he gets hit in the face by something.

The impact sent Thrax stumbling backward, giving Shaun and Kayla a brief reprieve. They turned to see who or what had intervened, and Shaun’s eyes widened in surprise.

It was Kayla herself, standing tall with a baseball bat slung in her hands, “Shaun, are you alright.” saving them just in time.

“Kayla.” Shaun said as he saw her trembling with fear at the sight of Thrax.

“... Foolish imbecile. NO ONE INTERRUPTS MY PRECIOUS MEALTIME!!” The praying mantis screams.

“Run!! Get out of here, Kayla!!” Shaun yells.

At the bottom of the building, civilians had gathered, drawn by the commotion.

“Look! Up there!!” a civilian shouted. The window SHATTERED! “A person just...!!”

“KYAAHHHH! OH NO!!” Kayla screams as she gets shoved out the window.

“Good riddance, you unsavory chunk of human meat.” Thrax, the praying mantis said.

"Oh, no...!! No, no, no!! She’ll die!! What should I do?! Should I fly down and save her!? But...If I use them here with everyone watching, my life will...no...I just can’t." Shaun thought.

Below, the horrified exclamations of the civilians echoed.

“Wha...” a female civilian whispered.

“Look...!” another added.

“What?!” a male civilian gasped.

“AAAHHHHH,” Kayla screams internally, her descent accelerating.

Then, a voice cut through the air.“Gotcha!” It was Shaun.

“Shaun.” Kayla screams.

“Everyone will be able to see them, But I want to do The right thing.” Shaun said.

RIP RIP his clothes rip in the way of his wings, BURST revealing them to everyone in sight. His wings blast him back into the air.

The civilians below gasped in shock, their eyes fixed on the impossible sight of Shaun holding Kayla in mid-air. Some of them pointed, their mouths agape, while others took out to take photos or videos.

Shaun’s wings beat rapidly as he hovered in mid-air, his eyes locked on Kayla’s. He knew he had to get her to safety, and fast.

This is the story of a certain college student who’s fallen from grace in his desperate fight for survival of the fittest.