The next morning, the entire school buzzed with rumors.
"They say he took on three seniors alone."
"Someone heard he used to be in a gang."
"I saw him walk away with blood on his knuckles… like a movie."
The tale had twisted into legend overnight, and Kieran Hoshino now walked the halls like a myth come alive. He didn't speak. Didn't confirm. Didn't deny. That only made it worse.
I, on the other hand, was dealing with my own mess.
"You what?" Clara nearly dropped her milk carton.
"I hit a guy with a dustpan," I muttered, stabbing my omelet. "In the rain. After class. It was dramatic."
"You legend!" She slammed the table in the cafeteria, drawing attention. "Leo, this is how BL manga starts! You're living it!"
"Shhh!" I hissed, blushing. "Keep your voice down!"
But it was too late. Two girls at a nearby table had already turned to whisper. Great. Now I was part of the rumor mill.
Clara leaned in, serious for once. "So what's the deal? Are you and Mr. Mystery bonding over broken noses now?"
"I don't know," I said honestly. "He thanked me. Kind of. Then walked off like nothing happened."
Right then, as if summoned by the universe, Kieran entered the cafeteria.
All eyes snapped to him, but he didn't care. He scanned the room like he was hunting something.
Or someone.
And then—his gaze landed on me.
I froze.
He started walking.
Straight. Toward. My. Table.
Clara's fork dropped to her tray.
"You've got to be kidding me," I whispered.
Kieran reached our table, stopped just beside me, and looked directly into my eyes.
"Let's talk," he said.
The room went dead silent.
He didn't wait for a response. Just turned and walked toward the exit, expecting me to follow.
And—I did.
Because somehow, I knew this was more than just lunch.