The Monday after the Razor incident felt different from the very start.
Gray could feel it in the way people looked at him. Normally, when he shuffled into school half-asleep, nobody even noticed. But today? Heads turned. Conversations hushed. And when he sat down at his desk, he swore he heard whispers buzzing like mosquitoes in the background.
"That's him—Gray Aster, the one who flattened Razor's whole crew…"
"I heard he once fought ten guys at once and didn't get a scratch."
"No, no, he's secretly a martial arts master from the mountains. My cousin told me!"
Gray pressed his forehead to the desk with a groan. "Why me? Why always me?"
From the seat beside him, Riku leaned in with a grin, his round cheeks wobbling. "Gray, buddy, do you realize what this means? We're legends! We can totally cash in on this!"
"Cash in?" Gray muttered into the desk.
"Yeah! Fame, respect, free cafeteria food… maybe even girls!"
Gray lifted his head just enough to shoot him a flat look. "Girls? Do you hear yourself? I'm one rumor away from being expelled, and you're thinking about cafeteria food and romance?"
Riku puffed up defensively. "Hey, don't act like you're not enjoying this. Admit it—it feels kinda good being noticed for once, right?"
Gray froze. He wanted to say no. He really wanted to say no. But… the truth was, Riku wasn't completely wrong. Having people whisper in awe instead of ignoring him was… a strange kind of thrill.
Still, he muttered, "It's exhausting."
The First Approach
At lunch, the cafeteria was unusually lively. Gray sat in his usual corner with Riku, poking at his chicken cutlet, when a shadow fell across their table.
"Um… excuse me."
Gray looked up—and nearly choked on his rice. A group of three boys from Class 2-B stood there, looking awkward but determined.
"You're… Gray Aster, right?" the tallest one asked.
Gray's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Depends who's asking. If this is about homework, talk to Riku."
"Hey!" Riku yelped, crumbs flying from his mouth.
The boys shifted nervously before the leader spoke again. "We… we want to join you."
Gray blinked. "…Join me?"
"Yes," the boy said seriously. "Word is, you're building a gang to oppose Razor's crew and the other school troublemakers. We want in. You're the kind of leader this place needs."
Gray dropped his chopsticks. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Back up. I'm not building anything. And I'm definitely not a leader."
"But you beat Razor!" another boy said. "You stood up to the strongest bully in the school and came out on top. That means you're stronger than him, right?"
Gray threw up his hands. "I didn't beat anyone! He tripped on his own—"
Riku slammed his palm on the table dramatically. "That's right! You want to follow Gray, huh? Then you'll have to prove your loyalty!"
Gray nearly fell out of his chair. "Riku! Don't encourage them!"
But it was too late. The three boys' eyes lit up, nodding eagerly as though they had just received a sacred mission.
Mina's Observation
Across the cafeteria, Mina sat with her friends, quietly observing the scene. She was usually calm, the kind of girl who stayed out of drama, but lately she couldn't help noticing the sudden storm that surrounded Gray.
Her friend nudged her. "Hey, isn't that your classmate? What's going on with him lately?"
Mina frowned thoughtfully. "That's what I'm trying to figure out."
From her table, she watched Gray wave his arms desperately, trying to deny the rumors while Riku hyped him up like a circus announcer. The contradiction fascinated her.
On one hand, Gray looked like the same old lazy slacker who never took anything seriously. On the other, people were starting to believe in him—even when he clearly didn't want it.
Mina rested her chin in her hand. He's not strong. He's not intimidating. But somehow… people keep gathering around him. Why?
For the first time, she felt a small spark of curiosity. Maybe, just maybe, Gray Aster wasn't as simple as he seemed.
Back to the Corner Table
Gray finally managed to shoo the boys away (after accidentally agreeing to "consider their application"), and slumped back in his chair.
"This is insane," he muttered. "They really think I'm some kind of gang boss. What do I do now, Riku?"
Riku grinned, his cheeks full of rice. "Simple. We let them keep believing it. Then, before you know it, boom—we've got ourselves a real gang."
Gray buried his face in his hands. "I hate you."
But even as he said it, a tiny, reluctant smile tugged at his lips.
End of Chapter 7