The sun crested the horizon behind the training yard, casting a long shadow from Jin's figure across the grass.
He didn't notice.
His eyes were forward now.
Focused.
Ready.
The moment lingered—still, quiet—until a light breeze swept across the yard, tugging faintly at his shirt, the ends of his hair. It cooled the sweat beading at his temple, and with a slow exhale, Jin lowered the staff and glanced up at the paling sky.
The stillness held for just another beat before the world began to stir.
Behind him, faint footsteps tapped across concrete.
He didn't turn around immediately. Just adjusted the grip on his staff and began walking back across the grounds toward the school. His arms ached from practice, but the ache was good. Familiar. Something he could hold onto.
