The day passed quietly. By recess, every student had already been given their exam schedule.
May 16th. Exactly thirty-one days away.
When the announcement ended, the classrooms burst into chatter. Students were free to leave or meet their teachers one last time, but hardly anyone stayed. Who would waste time in school when summer called? Only the top rankers lingered, books clutched like lifelines.
Rey and James waited until the corridors thinned, then headed toward a quiet corner of the building.
James leaned against the wall while Rey stepped into a familiar office.
Sir Peter looked up from his desk, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Rey? I didn't expect you here. I don't recall leaving much of a good impression on you."
Rey stood straight, hands behind his back, his voice steady. "Sir, I came to thank you. For everything after… that incident. I promise I'll repay you someday."
He bowed deeply, his posture stiff, his face serious.
Peter chuckled, stacking the last of his papers. "Nonsense. It's my duty as a teacher. Besides, your father once helped me greatly. Think of it as repaying that debt."
His tone softened for the briefest moment. "And if you ever need help with your studies, my home is always open."
"Thank you, sir." Rey straightened, giving a small nod. "But remember—you can call on me if you ever need anything."
"Haha." Peter laughed, waving him off with mockery. "I'll keep that in mind."
Rey turned to leave, but his sharp ears caught something beneath the man's breath.
"Be careful, boy. Your life may be in danger too…"
Rey stiffened mid-step. His heart skipped, eyes flicking back toward Peter. Had he really said that? Or was it his imagination?
"Finally done?" James asked when Rey emerged. He had been waiting with arms crossed, impatient.
"Yeah." Rey forced his voice steady.
"Then let's go. We still need to check on Evan."
Rey nodded and adjusted the strap of his bag. "I know where to start looking."
Minutes later, they left the classroom together.
"Where exactly are we going?" James asked, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
"Just trust me. Twenty-five minutes at most," Rey said with a small, confident smile.
James studied him for a moment, then let out a chuckle. "You know… you actually look good like this." His tone was half-joking, half-serious.
Around them, passing students were sneaking glances. Rey, who once blended into the background with a frail, nerdy look, now walked with an air of quiet strength. His posture straighter. His gaze sharper. The faint tiredness around his eyes had been replaced by something resolute.
James had always been the center of attention, but now Rey was drawing stares too—especially from the girls. Jealousy tugged at him, but he couldn't deny a flicker of pride either.
"Let's move before a teacher spots us," James muttered after they dodged their strict literature instructor by mere seconds.
Rey smirked. "Agreed."
The school gates were crowded. At least a hundred students loitered outside, their voices rising in excitement. Groups formed left and right, making plans for celebrations. Even the smallest circle was seven or eight strong.
James groaned. "Let's slip away before someone drags us to a party."
They angled toward the street, but a too-familiar voice stopped them cold.
"Oi, James. And you—new guy. Wanna join us?"
Jonny swaggered over with his clique. Nearly thirty students followed, most of them girls. The boys clustered around him like satellites, loud and cocky. The girls, however, spared more than a few curious glances at Rey and James, their stylish uniforms and sharper looks making them stand out.
"Come on, it'll be fun," a girl with chestnut hair and dark eyes chimed.
"No thanks," James answered flatly, tugging Rey's wrist. "We're meeting someone."
A ripple of mockery spread through Jonny's group.
"Trash hangs out with trash," one of them snickered.
James's steps faltered. He turned, his tone cutting. "Jonny. Haven't you trained your pets? They're making too much noise."
The air froze. Even Rey blinked in shock.
"You… what did you just say?" one of the goons growled, ready to step forward. Jonny raised a hand, holding him back.
Instead, Jonny sneered. "Where are your 'too-good friends,' James? And who's this guy? Never seen him before."
One of his lackeys muttered, "Boss, that's Rey. The gloomy nerd we roughed up by the factory."
Jonny's eyes widened briefly before narrowing. He let out a bark of laughter. "This? This is Rey? Hah! Look at him, muscles and all. Did you make a demon contract out of your manga fantasies, boy?" His group erupted in laughter.
Another snorted. "Nah, he's just a body double. Probably hired. But seriously, why take the job? That loser couldn't pay you a cent."
Rey stood silent, his expression unreadable.
James hissed under his breath, "Why aren't you saying anything? They're insulting you to your face."
Rey finally spoke, his tone calm. "Because arguing with them would be like banging your head against jagged rock. Painful. Pointless." His gaze swept the crowd once before he turned away. "Besides… have you ever seen a grown man argue with children?"
James blinked, then let out a small laugh despite himself. "Fair point." He followed without looking back, leaving the bullies stunned in silence.
Twenty-five minutes later, they reached their destination.
James's eyes widened as he took in the sight. "So this… is the place you meant."
-To be Continued-