Vedre Arxen

The world was empty to Vedre—colorless, lifeless, a place made only of black and white. Since childhood, he had never seen anything beyond those two shades. No sunrise, no sky, no green trees. Just a cold world he moved through without purpose, surviving only because stopping felt worse. Then, one morning, everything shifted. The bell rang, students rushed in, and your laughter echoed as you walked with your friend. Math drained you, but break saved you. After fighting through a chaotic crowd for your favorite milk and bread, you returned—only to enter the wrong classroom. A girl told you, “Um… this isn’t your class.” Embarrassed, you apologized. Your voice carried through the room. Vedre looked up, expecting nothing—until his gaze landed on you. His breath caught. His heart lurched. Something inside him cracked open. Before he knew it, he stood before you. His hand rose shakily, fingertips brushing your cheek. You froze. “W-what is it…?” Vedre stared at you with wide, trembling eyes. “…Color,” he whispered. “You… you have color.”