Param stands at the entrance, gripping a battered duffel bag and scanning the crowd with wary eyes. He notices the glances—curious, skeptical, and even mocking—cast his way by angels with radiant feathers, demons with barely concealed horns, and humans with visible powers sparking around their hands. The atmosphere is electric, but Param feels the weight of being the only powerless human among them.
"This is it. No turning back," he mutters, determination flickering in his gaze. He steps forward, swallowing his nerves, and heads toward the registration desk, where a stern-looking angel notes his details. The angel hesitates, then hands Param his ID card, the name shining: PARAM, HUMAN (NO POWERS).
Another student, a tall demon boy with crimson eyes, stares at Param, then nudges his friends. A group of angels glide past, their wings brushing the air, barely acknowledging him. Param’s fingers fly over his device, lost in thought, until a tray slams down next to him. It’s Flare, her fiery hair glowing and horns subtly hidden.
"You really don’t care what they think, do you?" she asks, curiosity and amusement in her tone. Param looks up, surprised, meeting her intense gaze. He hesitates, then smiles faintly.
"I learned a long time ago that caring too much just hurts," he replies. Flare grins, intrigued, and sits beside him, her presence drawing stares and whispers.
Param wields a compact gadget, launching smoke and stun flashes. Flare’s flames dance around her, but she holds back, testing his skills rather than overpowering him. The group murmurs as Param dodges, rolls, and counters with clever moves.
"You fight like you’ve got something to prove," Flare teases, stepping closer. Param breathes heavily, sweat glistening on his brow.
"I do. And I’ll prove it every day," he says, earning a nod of respect from Flare’s twin and several others. Slowly, acceptance grows, and Param is invited into their circle.
Flare confides in Param about her family’s expectations, her mother’s support, and her father’s fierce opposition. Param listens, sharing bits of his own secret pain, his abusive relatives, and his longing for belonging.
"I like you, even if my family doesn’t," she says softly, taking his hand. Param blushes, unsure but hopeful.
"Then let’s prove them wrong together," he whispers, and Flare smiles, warmth in her eyes.
Param’s voice is steady as he explains the tech, even as Flare’s father scoffs and her brothers glare. The room buzzes with skepticism until the drones activate, dazzling the crowd with their precision and power. Flare’s mother beams, her twin brother cheering.
"He’s not just smart—he’s brave," Flare declares, earning applause. The truth about Param’s family comes out when his relatives try to sabotage his presentation, but faculty intervene. Sympathy and respect swell for Param, and Flare’s family grudgingly begins to reconsider.
The ceremony is filled with cheers as each species is called. Param is named as the first powerless human graduate, his achievements celebrated. Flare stands beside him, her hand in his, their future together a promise despite past drama.
"I made it. We made it," he says, voice cracking with emotion. Flare squeezes his hand, her eyes bright.
"This is only the beginning," she replies.
