After breakfast, Ahmed, Misaki, and Honoka set out together. The air was slightly chilled, and the sun had barely risen above the buildings. Honoka walked between them with hesitant steps, as if she feared the world might suddenly return to the cruelty she had known yesterday.
They didn't speak much on the way. Yet, the presence of Ahmed and Misaki beside her was enough to make her chest feel a little lighter.
When they reached the school gates, something strange began to happen.
Glances.
Whispers.
Students abruptly stopped talking as the three of them passed by. Some stared... others whispered to their friends while looking at Ahmed with clear astonishment. Honoka's footsteps froze for a moment.
Honoka (in a confused whisper):
"Why... are they looking like that?"
Ahmed didn't answer immediately. He felt that something abnormal was unfolding, but he didn't know what. Before he could think further— the school speakers suddenly blared, cutting through the noise of the hallways:
"Student Ahmed... please report to the principal's office immediately."
A brief silence fell over the corridor. Dozens of eyes turned toward him all at once. Ahmed and Misaki exchanged a quick glance, while Honoka felt a sharp tightening in her chest.
Misaki (in a low, anxious voice):
"Ahmed..."
But Ahmed shook his head calmly.
Ahmed: "It's okay... I'll be back in a moment."
He began walking toward the administrative office, but the feeling that something significant was happening grew with every step. Only a few minutes passed before the speakers crackled to life once more:
"Students Misaki... and Honoka... please report to the principal's office immediately."
Misaki's eyes widened. As for Honoka... she felt as if her heart had stopped for a second. She looked at Misaki with palpable fear.
Honoka (in a trembling voice):
"Have... have they found out...?"
Misaki didn't know what to say. But she took her hand gently. Then, they walked together toward the principal's office... unaware that what awaited them behind that door would reveal everything.