The rest of the school week passed with little trouble. Ein made a point to keep his head down, diligently avoiding Aaron whenever possible. He stuck to his routines, making sure to steer clear of the areas where he might run into the alpha. Despite his best efforts, though, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, and it made him more cautious and aware of his surroundings.

Aphmau, on the other hand, seemed to settle back into her usual cheerful self. She spent time with her friends, and though she noticed Ein's efforts to avoid Aaron, she didn't press him about it, respecting his space and his concerns.

Finally, the weekend arrived, bringing with it a welcome break from the constant vigilance of the school week. On Saturday afternoon, Ein and Aphmau found themselves lounging in the living room, the atmosphere relaxed and light.

"Hey, Ein," Aphmau said casually, scrolling through her phone. "I'm going to hang out at the park later with some people."

Ein looked up, intrigued. "Who are you meeting?"

Aphmau shrugged, her tone nonchalant. "Just some individuals I've recently met. They're really interesting, and they seem to know a lot about the area."

Ein raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Mysterious individuals, huh? Sounds intriguing. Should I be worried?"

Aphmau laughed softly, shaking her head. "Nah, nothing to worry about. They're just new friends. But you're welcome to come along if you want."

Ein considered it for a moment before shaking his head. "Thanks, but I think I'll pass. I need some time to just relax and clear my head."

Aphmau smiled understandingly. "Alright, but if you change your mind, you know where to find us. We'll probably be at the park most of the afternoon."

As Aphmau prepared to leave, Ein couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity about her new acquaintances. However, he pushed the thought aside, deciding that some quiet time at home was exactly what he needed after the tense week he had endured.

"Have fun, Aphmau," Ein said as she headed out the door.

"I will! See you later, Ein," she replied with a cheerful wave before disappearing down the street.

Ein watched her go, a sense of unease lingering at the back of his mind. He hoped that whoever Aphmau was meeting truly had good intentions, and he resolved to check in on her later just to make sure everything was alright.

After some time, Ein decided that staying cooped up at home wasn't helping his nerves. He needed fresh air and a change of scenery. Grabbing his jacket, he headed out for a walk, hoping to clear his mind.

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows as he wandered through the neighborhood, eventually finding himself near the park. The familiar sounds of children playing and birds chirping were comforting, and he took a deep breath, letting the tranquility wash over him.

As he walked deeper into the park, Ein's attention was drawn to a small gathering near one of the picnic tables. He squinted, recognizing Aphmau, Garroth, and Laurence talking with a group of unfamiliar faces. Curiosity piqued, he moved closer, trying to get a better look without being noticed.

The group of individuals had an air of mystery about them, their dark attire contrasting sharply with the bright surroundings. The one standing at the forefront, engaging in conversation with Aphmau, caught Ein's eye. He had a commanding presence, his sharp features and confident demeanor setting him apart.

Ein's heart skipped a beat as he realized who they were. The Shadow Knights—a notorious group known for their rebellious nature and formidable reputation at Phoenix Drop High. And the guy leading the conversation? Gene, the enigmatic and feared leader of the Shadow Knights.

Ein strained to catch snippets of the conversation. Gene was speaking in a low, authoritative tone, discussing something with an intensity that made Ein uneasy. He could see Garroth and Laurence listening intently, their expressions a mix of curiosity and caution. Aphmau, ever the social butterfly, seemed more open and engaged, but Ein could sense a hint of wariness in her posture.

Deciding he needed to intervene, Ein stepped forward, making his presence known.

"Aphmau, Garroth, Laurence," he called out, his voice steady despite the unease gnawing at him.

The group turned to face him, surprise flickering across their faces. Aphmau's eyes widened slightly, and she took a step closer to him. "Ein, what are you doing here?"

"I was just out for a walk," he replied, his gaze shifting to Gene. "Who are these guys?"

Gene's lips curled into a smirk, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm Gene. And these are the Shadow Knights."

Ein's jaw tightened. "I've heard of you."

Gene raised an eyebrow, clearly unfazed. "Good. Saves me the trouble of an introduction."

Aphmau placed a hand on Ein's arm, her touch calming. "Ein, it's okay. We're just talking."

Ein glanced at her, then back at Gene, his distrust evident. "What do you want?"

Gene's smirk widened. "Nothing you need to worry about, new guy. Just having a friendly chat."

Ein's eyes narrowed. "Friendly chat or not, I'll be keeping an eye on you."

Gene chuckled, clearly entertained. "Suit yourself."

As the tension between them simmered, Ein felt a surge of protectiveness toward Aphmau and his friends. He wasn't sure what the Shadow Knights were up to, but he was determined to keep them out of trouble, even if it meant facing off against Gene and his gang.

Aphmau squeezed his arm gently, her eyes conveying gratitude and a plea for calm. Ein took a deep breath, trying to rein in his anxiety. He would watch over them, but for now, he needed to trust that Aphmau knew what she was doing.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a tense truce, with Ein keeping a watchful eye on the Shadow Knights and Gene's enigmatic presence looming large.

     As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the park, Aphmau and Ein decided it was time to head home. They walked in silence for a while, the events of the afternoon lingering between them like an unspoken question.

     Once they were a good distance away from the park, Ein couldn't hold back his curiosity and concern any longer. He turned to Aphmau, his brow furrowed in confusion and frustration. "Aphmau, what the hell were you doing hanging around with the Shadow Knights?"

     Aphmau sighed, clearly anticipating the question. She glanced around to make sure no one else was listening before responding. "Ein, it's not what it looks like. Gene and the Shadow Knights... they're not all bad. They have their own reasons for what they do."

     Ein's expression hardened. "Reasons? Like what? Intimidation and causing trouble?"

     Aphmau shook her head, her eyes earnest. "I know they have a reputation, but there's more to them than that. Gene was just explaining their perspective. They feel misunderstood, and they're trying to change things in their own way."

     Ein crossed his arms, skepticism written all over his face. "And you believe them?"

     "I think there's some truth to what they're saying," Aphmau replied, her voice steady. "But I'm not naive, Ein. I'm being cautious. I wanted to hear them out, to understand their side of things."

     Ein let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair. "I get that you want to see the good in people, Aphmau. But the Shadow Knights... they're dangerous."

     "I know," she said softly. "That's why I need to be careful. But I also think we can't judge them without knowing the full story."

     Ein shook his head, still unconvinced but unwilling to argue further. "Just promise me you'll be careful, okay? I don't want you getting hurt."

     Aphmau smiled, touched by his concern. "I promise, Ein. I'll be careful. And thank you for looking out for me."

     Ein nodded, still wary but somewhat reassured by her words. They continued their walk home in a more comfortable silence, both lost in their thoughts about the days events.