Gray's day had already been exhausting. Rumors swirled like bees, Razor's bruised face was still the hottest gossip, and three boys had practically begged to join his "gang" during lunch. By the time the final bell rang, he was ready to go home, collapse onto his bed, and pretend none of this had ever happened.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans.
"Gray," Riku said, blocking the classroom door like a giant stuffed guardian statue. His eyes sparkled with way too much energy for someone who had eaten three plates of curry rice at lunch. "Don't go home just yet."
Gray frowned. "Why not?"
"Because…" Riku leaned in, lowering his voice dramatically. "They're waiting."
"Who's waiting?"
Riku only smirked, like a general revealing a secret weapon. "You'll see."
The Schoolyard Scene
When Gray finally dragged himself outside, he froze.
At least twenty students were milling around the back schoolyard. Some leaned against the fence, others sat on the steps, and a few were clearly trying to look as tough as possible—arms crossed, faces serious.
And then, as soon as they spotted Gray, they all straightened.
"There he is!" someone whispered."The guy who beat Razor…""No way, he looks so normal.""Don't underestimate him! That's part of his genius…"
Gray turned on his heel immediately. "Nope. I'm leaving."
Riku grabbed the back of his collar. "Oh no, you're not. They came here for you."
"Why would anyone come here for me?!" Gray hissed.
"Because you're a legend!" Riku grinned. "Think about it, Gray—this is how it starts. Every great leader has their first gathering. This is destiny!"
Gray's eye twitched. "Destiny can shove it."
The Crowd Speaks
Before he could escape, a boy with dyed blonde hair stepped forward. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and had the kind of presence that usually made weaker students back away. But now? He actually bowed his head slightly toward Gray.
"We've all heard about what you did to Razor," he said in a surprisingly polite tone. "We've had enough of bullies running this place. We want to stand with you."
Gray's jaw dropped. "Stand with me? Are you insane? I'm not—"
Another voice cut him off. "Gray Aster!" This time it was a girl, ponytail swinging as she stepped out from the group. "You're exactly the kind of leader this school needs. Someone fearless. Someone who doesn't back down."
Gray raised both hands. "Whoa, whoa, slow down! You've got the wrong idea. I'm not fearless—I'm terrified right now!"
Some students chuckled, but others looked dead serious. They didn't care what he said; their imaginations had already written him into the role of untouchable gang leader.
Gray's Unwanted Speech
Riku clapped loudly, drawing everyone's attention. "Quiet, everyone! Our great leader will now address his loyal followers!"
Gray's heart nearly stopped. "WHAT?!"
Riku pushed him forward, and suddenly Gray was standing in front of twenty pairs of expectant eyes. He opened his mouth, then closed it. His brain screamed at him to run. But the weight of their stares froze him in place.
Finally, he blurted, "Uh… hi."
The crowd leaned in.
"I'm not… really a leader. I don't have a plan. I just… accidentally tripped Razor. That's it. So, seriously, you don't need to follow me. Go home, live your lives, do your homework—"
But to his horror, the crowd erupted in cheers.
"See? He's so humble!""Only a true leader would deny his greatness!""He's playing it cool. Genius!"
Gray clutched his head. Why is this happening to me?!
Mina Watches From Afar
From the second-floor hallway, Mina leaned against the window, watching the bizarre scene unfold. A whole crowd gathered around Gray like he was some mythical hero, while he looked like he was about to faint.
Her lips curved slightly. "He really doesn't want this… but it's happening anyway."
Beside her, her friend whispered, "Mina, do you think he's really that strong?"
Mina's eyes narrowed. "No. But… strength isn't the only reason people follow someone."
The Aftermath
Eventually, the group dispersed, but not before loudly declaring they'd "await Gray's next command."
Gray slumped against the school gate, drained of all energy. "Riku… what just happened?"
Riku slapped him on the back proudly. "What happened? You just held your first gang meeting, boss!"
Gray groaned. "I want to die."
But despite himself, a strange feeling tugged at his chest. Fear, yes. Embarrassment, definitely. But also… a flicker of something else. Excitement.
Maybe, just maybe, this wasn't the end of his peaceful life. Maybe it was the beginning of something completely out of his control.
End of Chapter 8