‡† The Unseen †‡

15 † Echoed Interpreter †

It wasn't a literal statement, you dummy. Who asked you to used my line?

And Devon actually laughed. That was enough for Raven, and apparently, enough for Kaya as well. Although it was quiet, startled—it was real. And Raven was feeling so content at that moment, happy to watch from afar, arms folded, quietly proud. And as if Devon could hear what he was thinking about, the guy sent another look his way.

That look..

This time, it’s not just thank you. 
It’s: "You were right. She’s different."

Raven smiled.

Tell that to your younger self by days who just kept gazing at her and itching to draw her like she was some puzzle. At least I still get to tease you.

And Raven, in response, gave a small nod as if to say:

I told you so.

———————

The courtyard hummed quietly after school hours. Students were scattered around, mostly leaving. Devon was leaning against a tree, his arms crossed, staring out into the dusky sky, a relaxed look on his face. Kaya, as expected, walked toward him, clutching her notebook. And Raven.. Raven watched from a distance, already guessing how this is about to unfold.

And ready to butt in case my predictions came true. But, knowing Devon.. of course it will.

Raven watched as Kaya smiled upon approaching cautiously, her expression hopeful.

“Hey… Devon? You.. left this in the lab.” She hands him the notebook.

Devon still stared into the sky, like it was more interesting than an actual human being. He nodded, barely looking. “Thanks.”

He collected the book but didn’t offer more. And Raven watched, scoffing unbelievably, as Kaya continued to stand awkwardly, eyes flicking to his unreadable expression.

Devon, you idiot..

Kaya spoke again, discouraged but not completely undeterred. “So, um… the way you fixed the circuit board today—that was seriously cool.”

Devon shrugged carelessly, much to Raven's amusement and horror. “It’s nothing.”

God, Devon. What exactly would you do without me? The only other human being that struck you as someone worth drawing and you can't even strike a dang conversation?

Silence stretched, and Raven did his best to stifle his laugh as Kaya’s smile faltered a bit. She opened her mouth, trying again, but it was obvious she didn’t know what to say.

Behind them, Raven shook his head—

You two fur brains..

—and strolled over with his usual lazy stride and a half-smirk, sighing loud enough for both Kaya and Devon to hear.

Raven caught the look Devon shot him, but he ignored it and said to Kaya, “When he says ‘it’s nothing,’ what he actually means is ‘he stayed up till 2 AM studying schematics and he’s proud but doesn’t want to admit it.’”

Kaya blinked, surprised. Devon, typical Devon, just sent Raven a dry look, but there was the tiniest flicker of gratitude in his eyes, one Raven noticed but would never admit to seeing. Beside him, Kaya let out a short laugh, looking amused and relieved at the same time.

Guess you BOTH owe me for saving the room.

“Ah," she said, putting on a fake accent, "Mysterious tech genius with humility issues. Got it.”