PIT BABE: the dark nexus

Whispers & Rituals

The trio of best friends walked hurriedly towards their classes, Kim couldn't resist teasing Charlie about his latest crush.

"Come on, Charlie, spill the beans! Who's the lucky one this time?"

Charlie rolled his eyes playfully. "There's no one, Kim. You know I'm too busy for that."

"But that's the perfect time to meet someone new!" Kim insisted, nudging Charlie's shoulder with his own. "You never know when love might come knocking!"

Way chuckled at their banter, enjoying the lighthearted atmosphere. "I agree with Kim," he chimed in.
"You never know when you might meet someone who changes everything."

Charlie shot Way a mock glare. "Are you two ganging up on me now?"

Kim grinned mischievously. "Maybe we are! It's time to find Charlie a date!"

Their laughter filled the hallway as they reached the junction where their paths diverged.

"Well, I'll see you guys later," Charlie said, giving them a wave before heading off to his class.

Kim turned to Way with a smirk. "Looks like it's just you and me now, partner in crime. Ready for another thrilling day of lectures and assignments?"

Way chuckled, shaking his head. "As ready as I'll ever be. Let's do this."

But just as they were about to continue on their way, Way's attention was diverted by a sudden collision. He stumbled back a step, surprised, as Sonic scrambled to collect his scattered papers.

"Sorry about that," Way apologized sincerely, bending down to help Sonic gather his things.

Kim leaned in, curiosity evident in his expression. "Hey, what's all this?" he asked, gesturing to the papers strewn across the floor.

Sonic hesitated for a moment before replying, "Oh, just some research for a project."

Way shot him a knowing look, his intuition telling him that there is more to Sonic's project than met the eye. He simply smiled and helped Sonic gather his papers.

Way couldn't help but quip sarcastically as he glanced at the pictures and cryptic symbols strewn across the floor.

"Since when did your subject turn into ancient hieroglyphics?" he teased, his tone laced with playful skepticism.

Sonic hesitated for a moment, clearly caught off guard by Way's remark.

"Uh, well, it's a... um, research project," he stammered, his expression growing increasingly uneasy.

Kim, ever observant, caught onto the tension and leaned in closer. "These symbols look familiar, don't they, Way?" he mused, his eyes narrowing in thought.

Way nodded slowly, his mind racing with the realization. "Yeah, they do," he agreed quietly, his gaze flickering between Sonic and Kim. "They look like the symbols from our dreams."

Sonic's eyes widened in surprise, his earlier hesitation replaced by genuine curiosity. "What dreams?" he asked, his voice tinged with apprehension.

Way arched an eyebrow at Sonic, a hint of suspicion in his gaze. "Come on, Sonic, spill it. What's the real reason behind all these cryptic symbols and eerie pictures?" he pressed, his tone more serious now.

Sonic shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting around nervously. "Well, it's actually... about a dream I've been having," he admitted reluctantly, his voice barely above a whisper.