Chapter Text
Luuk hummed low in his throat, the lollipop clicking softly against his teeth as he leaned back in his chair. His foot nudged the swivel, turning him in a lazy arc while his eyes stayed fixed on the file glowing across his screen. Ever since yesterday’s exchange, Rover had been on his mind.
Golden eyes weren’t rare, resonance shifts left plenty of people with that shade but Luuk knew better. He would recognize that gaze anywhere, even after all these years. At first, doubt gnawed at him, but the longer he replayed the encounter in his apartment, the more certainty hardened in his chest.
It was him. He survived.
And yet… he didn’t remember. That stung more than Luuk cared to admit.
His gaze dropped back to the file, scanning Rover’s details for the fifth time. Education, address, medical records it was ordinary, almost boring.
Until he reached the resonance report.
Classified.
Luuk’s brows knit. “That’s strange.”
As head doctor of the Academy, he had clearance for every report, students, professors, staff alike. Resonance data was vital in emergencies, and nothing was ever hidden from him. For Rover’s file to be locked meant only one thing.
Academy presidential approval.
“Doctor Herssen?”
Luuk’s fingers flicked, switching tabs in an instant as Nurse Nana approached, setting a steaming cup of coffee on his desk.
“Isn’t it too early for a lollipop?” she teased, eyeing the candy between his lips.
“Just trying to stay awake, Nana,” he replied, voice casual, though his mind still lingered on the locked report. “No emergencies yet?”
“As of now, it’s peaceful.”
“Great, it’s exam weeks so let’s stay alert” Luuk said offering her a candy and she shook her head.
“Will do and take the coffee instead Dr. Herssen”
“heh..sure, thank you..”
.
.
“The exam will take an hour and a half,” Rover announced, leaning casually against his desk as his gaze swept the lecture hall. “Don’t rush, take your time. If you have questions, raise your hand. And no, I’m not answering anything from the questionnaire.”
A few students groaned, earning a chuckle from him. “Really? You thought I’d give you the answers?” He reached behind the desk, pulling up his tablet. “I’ll send the questionnaires now. We did a quick review earlier, so I trust everyone’s ready?”
A chorus of mixed yes and no rippled through the room. Rover shook his head, amused, until his eyes narrowed toward the corner.
“Lynae.”
“Y-Yes!” Lynae’s invisibility flickered out as she startled, springing upright with an awkward laugh. “I dropped my pen! Haha…”
Rover checked his watch. “Thirty-five minutes late. Again.”
“I’m so sorry! I had an emergency, I swear I woke up early for this!” she babbled, arms flailing in frantic explanation.
“It’s fine. Just take your seat, Lynae.” He gestured calmly.
“I promise, professor, it won’t happen again,” she sighed, trudging to her desk.
“Mm. You said that last time too.” Rover tilted his head, voice mild but firm. “We’ll talk after the exam.”
“…Yes.” Lynae’s shoulders slumped.
No matter what trick she tried even her forte, which most people never detected this professor always caught her. He’s too sharp to be a professor, Lynae is sure that this guy is more than a professor.
Rover tapped his tablet, and the questionnaires appeared across the students’ screens in neat succession. “Begin,” he said simply, his tone carrying enough weight to settle the room.
The lecture hall fell into a hush. Fingers tapped against tablets, eyes narrowed in focus, and the faint hum of concentration filled the air. Rover leaned back in his chair at first, watching the rhythm of the room, the way some students dove straight in, while others hesitated, rereading the first question as if it might shift under their gaze.
After a few minutes, he rose, pacing slowly between the rows. His steps were quiet, the kind that reminded the students he was present without breaking their focus. A hand lifted timidly, and Rover leaned down, listening.
“Professor, does this mean we should..?”
“Clarify the phrasing, yes,” he interrupted gently, his answer clipped but helpful. He never gave solutions, only nudges back toward the path.
Another student frowned at their screen, and Rover paused behind them, arms folded. “Read the second line again,” he advised, voice low. “You’re missing the condition.”
The soft tapping of screens slowed, then ceased altogether as the final minutes ticked away. One by one, students submitted their work, the lecture hall gradually emptying until only silence remained. Rover sat back, watching the last few shuffles out, his tablet confirming the exam’s closure. He exhaled, the tension of oversight easing, and then his gaze shifted toward the door.
Lynae had finished earlier than most, and he knew she’d be waiting outside.
“Lynae, come in” Rover called, his voice carrying through the doorway.
Lynae dragged herself inside, shoulders hunched, fingers fidgeting against the hem of her sleeve. She hated these kinds of talks, usually professors just scolded her, and she endured it until it was over. She braced herself for the same, but Rover’s first words caught her off guard.
“How are you?” he asked, leaning back against the desk, voice calm.
Her brow rose. “Uh… I’m fine?”
Rover tilted his head slightly, studying her. “So, what’s going on? My class isn’t the first period and still you are late... What are you doing in between?” His tone was gentle, not strict just curiosity rather than accusation.
Lynae’s gaze dropped to the floor. “Well, that…” she mumbled, unable to finish.
“You don’t have to share if you’re uncomfortable,” Rover said, folding his arms loosely. “I just want to understand. You’re not in trouble. I’m asking because you’re smart, Lynae. Talented. But your attendance is slipping, not just on my class but other professors have noticed too”
Her throat tightened. She hadn’t expected concern, not from him. “I… I know,” she whispered. “It’s just… things keep happening. I try, but…”
Rover’s expression softened, though his eyes stayed sharp. “Then let’s figure it out. You don’t have to carry it alone. But if you keep drifting like this, the Academy will stop seeing your talent and only see your lates. And I don’t want that for you.”
Lynae bit her lip, torn between relief and embarrassment. For once, it didn’t feel like a lecture it felt like someone actually wanted to know why. “I… I know,” she whispered. “It’s because I’ve been… taking jobs. Sideline work. Between classes.”
Rover’s brows rose slightly, but his tone stayed even. “Jobs?”
“Deliveries, errands, sometimes helping shops with inventory. It pays a little, and I need it. But sometimes it runs longer than I expect, and then I’m late. I didn’t want to say anything because… well..” She trailed off.
“I see…” Rover nodded, but didn’t press further. He could tell Lynae was uncomfortable, and chose instead to soften his tone. “Well, I won’t ask more if you don’t want to disclose it but are you able to manage your time from now on?”
“Yes! I promise. It’s almost done, so…” She scratched her head, gaze dropping.
“Alright, alright. I’ll trust you on that. But Lynae, if you need help, or anything at all… you can talk to me, okay?”
“Oh, sure…” she replied, a little surprised. “I was certain you’d scold me.”
Rover chuckled. “Do you want me to?”
“Nope! This is fine!” she laughed, easing up.
“Look, I don’t want to pry into why you’re doing what you’re doing now. But don’t jeopardize your studies. Perhaps we can work through your schedule? make it more flexible?”
Her eyes lit up. “I’d like that, yes. Just until next week!”
So, they sat together, adjusting her timetable until it felt workable. By the end, Rover leaned back, satisfied. “This isn’t final, I’ll need to speak with the other professors. But at least we can try to make it work, alright?”
“It’s okay. This is truly a big help, professor. Thank you!” Lynae’s voice carried genuine relief.
“Now, off you go, you still have exams to finish.”
“Alright! Thank you again, Professor!”
Rover watched her leave, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He sighed, returning to his desk. His phone buzzed with a new message. Opening it, he found an image, a playful drawing of a seal with a snowball balanced on its snout. The corners of his mouth curved upward as he sent back a quick reply.
His gaze drifted to the window. The clouds hung heavy, darker than the forecast had promised. It was supposed to be a cloudy day but not like this.
“It’s going to be troublesome if it rains”
.
.
Across campus, Luuk was tidying his desk in the infirmary. The day had been mercifully calm, no sudden emergencies, only a handful of students stopping by for minor concerns. He stacked the last of the files neatly, the scent of antiseptic lingering faintly in the air. he slipped out of his lab coat and gathered his things, he glanced behind him to see nurse Nana tidying some of the beds.
“I’m leaving first nurse Nana”
“Take care Dr. Herssen!” Nana waved at him.
Luuk waved to her as he stepped out of the infirmary, the corridors already thinning with the end of day. A few students lingered, their voices hushed, and he offered them a polite greeting as he passed. The Academy felt quieter now, its energy winding down with the fading light.
Outside, the rain had grown heavy, drumming against the pavement and pooling along the edges of the walkways. A cluster of students huddled beneath the shed, waiting for the storm to ease. Luuk opened his umbrella, heading toward the parking lot, but paused when he noticed a lone figure at the corner.
Rover stood there, coat folded neatly over his arm, pacing as he spoke into his phone. The rain blurred his outline, but his voice carried clearly in the downpour.
“Yes… I’ll be there. I’m just waiting for the rain to slow… yeah… I’m sorry… thank you.” He ended the call with a sigh, tilting his head back to watch the sheets of rain fall. For a moment, he seemed caught between resignation and quiet thought, the storm pressing down around him.
“Stuck in the rain, Professor?”
Rover turned at the voice, smiling faintly when he saw Luuk. “Ah, Dr. Herssen. Unfortunately, yes.”
“Want me to walk you to your car?” Luuk lifted his umbrella slightly, offering the shelter.
“Thank you, Dr. Herssen—”
“Luuk,” he corrected gently. “We’re outside the Academy now.”
“Then just call me Rover. And ah… no, I don’t have my car today. It’s being fixed.” Rover gave a small shrug, coat folded neatly over his arm as he glanced at his watch.
Luuk’s eyes flicked to the rain, then back to Rover. He noticed the restless tapping of his foot, the way he checked his watch too often. “Need a ride?”
“Huh? Oh, no—it’s fine. I’ll just wait for the rain to slow down.” Rover shook his head, though his voice lacked conviction.
“Are you sure? You look like you need to be somewhere important. Don’t worry, I don’t mind a small detour.”
Rover hesitated, hand rested under his chin as he glanced at the downpour again. The offer was tempting.. because how long would he have to wait for the storm to ease? He didn’t want her waiting too long and he could always make it up to the good doctor later.
“Alright,” Rover said at last, exhaling. “I’ll take your offer, Luuk. But I’ll make it up to you.”
Luuk’s smile was brief but genuine. “Hm. Sure. Let’s go then.”
He led the way toward the parking lot, umbrella tilted to cover them both. Rover stepped in close, shoulder brushing against Luuk’s as they walked together through the rain. When they reached Luuk’s car, Rover slowed, his brows lifting slightly. The vehicle was a black sedan, polished finish, the kind of understated luxury that suited Luuk perfectly. It wasn’t too fancy, but it carried a quiet authority, expensive without needing to announce itself.
Luuk unlocked it with a soft click, the headlights flashing briefly against the rain. He glanced at Rover, catching the faint look of surprise. “It’s practical,” Luuk said simply, as if anticipating the thought. “Reliable, and it gets me where I need to be.”
Rover gave a small chuckle, shaking his head. “Practical, sure… but it suits you.”
Luuk opened the passenger door with a small smile, holding the umbrella steady until Rover slipped inside. The interior was just as refined with dark leather, clean lines, everything in order. Luuk followed, folding the umbrella and settling into the driver’s seat.
For a moment, the storm outside seemed distant, muffled by the car’s quiet hum. Luuk started the engine, the dashboard lighting up in a soft glow. He glanced at Rover again, noting the way he checked his watch, restless even now.
“Alright,” Luuk said, voice calm but firm. “Here you go.” He offered his phone to him.
Rover accepted it, fingers moving quickly as he typed in the address before handing it back. Luuk glanced at the screen, one brow arching slightly.
An elementary school?
He didn’t comment at the address, only set the GPS and started the engine. The sleek black sedan glided out of the parking lot, headlights cutting through the storm. Rover sat back, coat folded neatly on his lap, but his restless energy hadn’t faded, his foot tapped lightly against the floor, his gaze flicking to the rain-smeared window, then back to his watch.
Luuk kept his eyes on the road, but the silence between them carried weight. He could feel the urgency in Rover’s movements.
“What a heavy rain, this was different from the forecast this morning,” Luuk said, breaking the quiet.
“Yeah, unexpected. And I even left my umbrella,” Rover replied, shaking his head.
Luuk nodded. “Good thing I ran into you then. Judging by the weather, it might take a while to slow down.”
“Yeah… thank you for offering. I’ll make it up to you.”
“You don’t have to,” Luuk said simply.
“Still…” Rover murmured, stubborn in his insistence.
Luuk glanced at him, chuckling. “Alright. I know you won’t rest that brain of yours thinking about this. How about… when I need a favor, I’ll ask you. How’s that sound?”
Rover raised a brow at that response, as if he expected it. “Better.”
Luuk was about to continue when the car’s radio crackled suddenly, static filling the cabin. Both men turned toward the sound as the interference gave way to a voice, an announcement breaking through the storm.
“Attention, travelers. A tacet field has formed along the eastern road, accompanied by a tacet discord breakout. Please be advised this may cause traffic delays in the area. Resonators are currently on-site and working to contain the situation. We apologize for the inconvenience and ask for your patience while the matter is resolved.”
The announcement faded back into static before the regular music resumed, leaving the cabin heavy with the sound of rain and the rhythmic sweep of the wipers.
Luuk’s gloved hands tightened slightly on the wheel, his eyes flicking toward Rover. The professor’s expression had shifted, more focused now, the restless tapping of his foot stilled as he looked at the direction of the eastern road.
“A tacet discord breakout in this weather… troublesome,” Luuk murmured as the car slowed with the traffic.
Rover frowned, eyes on the road. “Shouldn’t tacet fields stay dormant when they first form? Why a breakout so suddenly?”
“Who knows? Solaris is full of mysteries after the lament happened. and lately, too many things have been changing,” Luuk replied, his finger tapped against the wheel, gaze narrowing slightly before it flicked toward Rover’s hand, a tacet mark was on the back of his right hand. “I can see that you had awakened as a resonator”
Rover glanced down at his hand “Yeah”
“You’re not the combat type, are you?”
Rover sighed, then quickly looked away. “No. My resonance is… weak.” He cleared his throat, turning to the rain outside.
Luuk observed him, noticed the way he hid the mark by placing a hand on top of it, he then recalled the file he’d skimmed that morning. Rover’s resonance reports sealed beyond standard access. “I see. Not everyone is meant to fight after all.”
“Yeah,” Rover nodded, then turned his eyes toward Luuk, scanning him quietly. No visible tacet mark on him, but who knows if he actually had one. “And you?”
“I am one but I prefer my work in the Academy,” Luuk answered simply.
“I can see that,” Rover replied, his voice softer now.
The drive remained slow as they headed east. Through the rain, the shimmer of a barrier came into view, a resonance shield woven into a protective wall around the tacet field. Traffic was rerouted to safer roads, but from their vantage point they could see the people already at work: resonators containing the breach and fighting against the tacet discords, researchers moving with precision.
"Black Shores huh? they are always quick to respond" Luuk noted seeing the people surrounding the field were members of the Black shores, the familiar logo of their organization can be seen on their clothing.
Rover didn't say anything, but his gaze lingered outside, observing Black shores in the distance as their car finally cleared the rerouted path. the glow of the barrier fading behind them as the people from Black shore's figures grew distant in the rain. Traffic thinned, the road opening up again, and Luuk allowed the car to settle into a steadier pace.
Luuk exhaled, the tension easing from his shoulders. “Well,” he said, breaking the silence, “we’re past the worst of it. Tell me how your experience at the Academy was?”
Rover leaned back, his gaze softening as he thought. “It was great, actually. Everyone’s been so accommodating. The faculty and staff helped me find my way around, and the students…” He paused, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “They’re promising. Bright, curious. More than I expected.”
Luuk glanced at him briefly, the corner of his mouth lifting. “That’s good to hear. Adjusting to a new place isn’t always easy.”
Rover nodded. “True. But they’ve made it easier. I feel… welcomed.”
Luuk nodded, their conversation drifting into lighter topics, small details about the Academy, the quirks of certain faculty, and the way students filled the halls with energy. Despite the heavy rain outside, the drive felt smoother now, the earlier tension softened by the rhythm of their exchange.
As the car neared their destination, Rover shifted slightly, turning toward Luuk. “You can just drop me off here,” he said.
Luuk eased his car to a stop outside the elementary school gates, rain hammering against the windshield. He turned to Rover with a firm look. “In this weather? I told you I’d take you home. I meant it.” Seeing Rover hesitate, Luuk added, softer now, “I’ll wait here.” He held out his umbrella.
Rover sighed, accepting the gesture. “Alright.” He stepped out into the downpour, the umbrella snapping open above him.
Luuk watched as Rover crossed the courtyard, his gaze narrowing when a red-haired woman approached. Her hair was tied in a small side ponytail, neat but casual. The sight made Luuk lean forward against the wheel, curiosity pricking at him.
Who is she?
“A girlfriend?” he muttered under his breath, studying the exchange.
She handed Rover a backpack, and before Luuk could puzzle it out further, a pink-haired child darted toward them. Rover knelt instinctively, catching her in his arms with practiced ease.
Luuk straightened in his seat, his pulse quickening.
He had a daughter?
The question lingered in Luuk’s mind as Rover and the child bid goodbye to who Luuk assumed must be the teacher and approached the car through the curtain of rain. The backseat door clicked open, and the little girl slipped inside, her damp shoes tapping against the floor mat. Rover handed her the pink backpack before settling into the passenger seat, folding the umbrella neatly and setting it aside.
“Sorry about that,” Rover murmured, brushing droplets from his sleeve.
Luuk glanced into the rearview mirror, his smile softening. “And who is this adorable miss?”
“This is Aemeath,” Rover said, his tone carrying a quiet pride. “Aemeath, this is Dr. Luuk. He works at the academy with me.”
“What a beautiful name,” Luuk replied warmly. He reached into his pocket and held out a wrapped candy. “Hello, Aemeath. Would you like some candy?”
The girl’s eyes flicked from the candy to Rover, then back to Luuk. “Dad said I shouldn’t take things from people I don’t know.”
Luuk chuckled, glancing at Rover. “Well, he isn’t wrong. Being cautious is a good habit.”
“It’s alright, Aemeath,” Rover assured gently. “Luuk’s my friend.”
At that, her hesitation melted. She smiled, reaching out to accept the candy with both hands. “Thank you, Dr. Luuk.”
Luuk’s smile lingered as Aemeath accepted the candy, her small fingers clutching it with delight. He handed Rover his phone once more, waiting as the professor tapped in their next destination. Once the GPS chimed, Luuk eased the car back onto the road, wipers sweeping against the relentless rain.
In the backseat, Aemeath munched on her candy, her gaze wandering curiously over the sleek interior. Eventually, her eyes settled on the back of Luuk’s head, watching him in silence, as though trying to observe the man behind the wheel.
“No wonder you were anxious to leave,” Luuk said lightly, glancing at Rover. “You needed to pick her up.”
Rover exhaled, his shoulders loosening now that Aemeath was safe with them. “Yeah. The rest of the kids had already been picked up, and I didn’t want to keep Miss Ciaccona waiting either.” He then turned to Aemeath “How was your day Aemeath?”
“It was fine! I got a star from Miss Ciaccona!” Aemeath thrust out her hand, the yellow stamp bright against her skin like a tiny badge of triumph.
“That’s great, good job,” Rover said, his hand resting briefly on her head. “And… sorry I was late.”
She shrugged, cheerful. “It’s fine! The rain was so heavy anyway. Oh! Did you see the snowfluff seal drawing I sent?”
“I did,” Rover replied, his tone softening. “It was very nicely done.”
Luuk, listening from the side, let a small smile tug at his mouth. “You like snowfluff seals?”
“Yes! They’re so cute!” Aemeath nodded eagerly, scrolling through her phone until she found the photo. She angled the screen toward him. Luuk leaned closer, catching the round, playful lines of the drawing. “Oh, that is very cute,” he said, warmth in his voice. “It definitely deserves a star.”
Aemeath giggled, pleased, and dropped into her seat with a satisfied bounce. Rover shook his head, half‑amused, half‑apologetic. “She gets very enthusiastic about her drawings and anything snowfluff seal related.”
“It’s fine,” Luuk answered, watching her from the rearview mirror with a gentler expression. “I find it endearing. I bet her mother feels the same.” His eyes flicked toward Rover, gauging, searching for a hint of confirmation.
He needs to know if he’s with someone, considering that Aemeath was not stated on his files. Who knows if he was actually married or with someone.
“I don’t have a mom,” Aemeath said suddenly before Rover could even respond, her voice clear and matter‑of‑fact.
The words caught Luuk off guard. He blinked, the smile faltering. “Oh… I’m sorry.”
Rover chuckled, easing the silence. “It’s fine. I took her in, I’m her guardian.”
“I see…” Luuk nodded slowly. For reasons he couldn’t quite name, the heaviness in his chest eased, leaving behind something lighter, almost hopeful.
Rain tapped steadily against the windows as Luuk drove, the wipers swiping back and forth in a steady rhythm. From the backseat, Aemeath’s voice filled the car, bright and cheerful as she shared how her day went.
“And then Miss Ciaccona showed my seal drawing to everyone! She said it was the cutest one,” she said, her words tumbling out quickly. “Oh, and we played a game at recess! I won twice!”
Rover glanced back at her, nodding with a small smile. “Sounds like you had a busy day.”
“I did! And I traded my apple for a cookie at lunch,” she added proudly.
“As long as you ate the sandwich,” Rover replied, amused.
“I did!” she confirmed. “Since I got a star today can we play split stars tonight? You promised!”
“We will, I promised you that, but we can’t stay late alright?”
“Yes!”
Luuk kept his eyes on the road, listening quietly. The child’s excitement carried through every word, and Rover’s calm responses balanced her energy. The car felt lighter, filled with her laughter and chatter, and Luuk found himself smiling without meaning to.
The car rolled to a stop in front of Rover’s apartment building, rain still falling in steady drops. Luuk reached for the umbrella and held it out. “Here, take this again,” he said.
Rover accepted it with a nod. “Thanks.” Aemeath leaned forward from the backseat, her smile bright. “Thank you for the candies, Dr. Luuk!”
Luuk reached out gently, patting her head. “It was no problem,” he said with a small smile.
Rover gathered her backpack and lunchbox, then lifted her into his arm. Holding the umbrella with his other hand, they crossed the wet pavement toward the building.
Luuk watched as the door closed behind them, the image of Rover carrying the child lingering in his mind. He shifted back in his seat, ready to drive off then noticed the coat left behind.
Rover’s coat, folded neatly but forgotten.
He glanced at the apartment again before a small smile made its way on his lips as he drove off.
“I’ll return it tomorrow”