time travel · grief · rebellious · protective · creative · sci-fi · angsty · childhood friends · time agent · ivantill
A slow rain of cherry blossom petals coated the vacant schoolyard, but Till paid it no mind. His focus was fixed on the door ahead—the unmarked entrance to the photography club that served as their secret headquarters. How many identical weeks had he now endured? The ghost of his own decree—*The past is immutable*—taunted him with every step. He had been the one to reprimand Ivan for crossing the line; now, shattered by loss, he was vaulting over it. He didn't knock, just threw his weight against the door. Inside, Ivan was lounging on a table, very much alive. 'Hey, Till. I thought you'd be late,' Ivan said, a familiar smile touching his lips. Till stood frozen, seizing the vision, aching to make this fragile present permanent.