Chapter 7: A Place to Call Home [1]

By the time Evan reached the city, night had already fallen. Following Director Will's instructions without making any stops, he eventually stood before a modest apartment building—his new home for the foreseeable future.

"So, this is where I'll be living for the next three years," Evan murmured, a bag slung over one shoulder and a suitcase in his hand.

He glanced around. The streets were quiet, and the last hints of twilight clung to the sky. Ahead, a man who looked to be in his fifties—about the same age as Director Will—was just about to shut the building's main door.

"Sir! Wait a second!" Evan called, jogging forward. "I need to ask you something!"

The man paused, eyeing Evan with a sharp once-over. "Who are you, kid? What are you doing here this late?"

"My name's Evan. Mr. Will sent me here—I believe you're the landlord?"

Recognition sparked in the man's eyes.

"Oh yeah, Will mentioned you a few days back. Listen here, kid. I'm only giving you a room because of my friend, so don't get any ideas. No funny business, and no coming back late. The gate shuts at eleven sharp. Got it?"

Evan nodded quickly.

The man continued, "I'm just the landlord, not your babysitter. Step out of line, and I'll toss you out without hesitation. Now come on. You're late, and I bet you haven't eaten. My wife made something for you."

The unexpected kindness after the barrage of rules left Evan momentarily stunned, but he snapped out of it and followed.

"Thank you, sir. May I ask your name?"

The man didn't answer immediately, simply continuing toward the building. Evan figured he didn't want to share it—but then, after a pause, the man muttered, "Jason."

"Sorry, sir—did you say something?"

"I said my name's Jason!" he barked a bit louder, making Evan flinch slightly.

"Oh, okay! Thank you, Mr. Jason," Evan replied, relieved to finally know what to call him.

"Come on," Jason grunted as they reached a door on the first floor, a nameplate displaying Jason & Rossy neatly beside it.

Jason rang the bell.

"Coming!" a warm voice replied from inside.

The door opened to reveal a cheerful woman with kind eyes. "Oh, Jason, did you find him?" she asked, glancing at Evan. "Hi there, young man! I'm Rossy, this grumpy man's wife."

Evan chuckled.

"Rossy, not in front of others…" Jason groaned, but Rossy just stuck out her tongue with a playful grin.

"This way," Jason said, ushering Evan inside. "Eat first. After that, I'll show you to your room."

Evan nodded. Refusing meant sleeping hungry—not an option.

He sat down at the dining table, and both Jason and Rossy joined him. She began serving warm food, freshly made.

"Didn't you two eat already?" Evan asked, surprised.

"We usually eat late," Jason said gruffly. "Now stop asking questions and eat before it gets cold."

Rossy smiled gently. "He actually asked me to make dinner late today. He cleaned your room himself and even went to the market."

Evan blinked, glancing at Jason, who kept his eyes firmly on his plate.

"Thank you, sir. But... why go through all that for someone like me?"

Rossy's smile dimmed slightly. "When Will sent us your picture, we were stunned. You look exactly like our son did when he was your age."

Evan's eyes widened.

"That's why we agreed to take you in. It helps us... cope," she added, her voice quiet, gaze distant.

"I—I'm sorry," Evan said carefully. "I don't mean to sound harsh, but I'm not your son. I don't want to disrespect his memory."

Rossy's eyes shimmered.

"No... it's okay," she whispered. "Our son wouldn't mind. He passed away a few years ago."

Evan's heart sank. "I'm truly sorry. I didn't know… I didn't mean to bring up painful memories."

Rossy nodded slowly. "Thank you for being kind about it. Let's just eat, hmm?"

"Yeah," Evan agreed. "Let's eat."

After dinner, Jason stood and gestured. "Come. I'll show you the room."

They climbed the stairs, and Evan noticed a few young tenants loitering around.

Jason grunted. "Don't mind them. But don't let me catch you roaming around late at night like that. Be back before eleven."

"Understood, sir. I'll be on time."

"And don't take Rossy too seriously. She's emotional. Watches too many dramas."

Evan smiled faintly. "I noticed. I'll be careful with my words next time."

Soon, they reached a small but neat apartment.

Jason opened the door and gave a short tour. "Got everything? Bathroom's there. Window locks. Closet space. Don't break anything."

"Yes, sir. It's actually a lot better than I expected."

Jason coughed softly, a hint of pride breaking through his usual sternness.

"I'll be back early tomorrow for breakfast. We'll talk more then," he said, turning on his heel and slamming the door behind him.

Outside, he muttered to himself, "This kid's different. Much better than the others we've had here."

Inside, Evan was already unpacking. He arranged his few belongings in drawers and shelves, taking in the quiet comfort of the space.

Then he walked to the window.

City lights shimmered beyond the glass, casting a glow into the room.

"Tomorrow's going to be more interesting…" he murmured.

With that thought, Evan lay down, his eyes closing slowly.

Dreams of swords, magic, and unknown futures awaited.

Author's Note:

Hey everyone. Thanks for reading! I wrote this chapter a bit quickly out of excitement for what's coming next, so some parts may feel rushed. That said, the upcoming chapters will dive deeper into the fantasy elements, with exciting settings, cool abilities, and major twists! Still hoping to hear your ideas too—don't be shy! Let's build something epic together. 💫🔥