Gray had one goal the morning after the "basketball incident": keep his head down, avoid eye contact, and pretend he was invisible.
Unfortunately, the universe didn't believe in mercy.
The Cafeteria Buzz
When Gray entered the cafeteria, he felt it — the stares, heavier than ever. Groups of students leaned together, whispering in excited tones.
"That's him, right? The guy who beat Razor and Scar-chin?""They say he didn't even touch them. They just fell.""No, no — I heard he's trained in secret assassination techniques."
Gray slammed his tray down, glaring at Riku. "Assassination techniques? Where do they even come up with this stuff?!"
Riku chewed his fried chicken cutlet calmly. "Legends have a way of rewriting themselves, boss. It's beautiful, really."
Gray dropped his head onto the table. "I'm not a boss. I'm a victim."
The Outsider's Interest
Later that day, Mina's classroom was buzzing with something different. A transfer student had just walked in — tall, lean, with a bored expression that immediately drew attention. His name: Kai Kurogane.
Whispers flew:"He's from Westbrook High…""That school's full of delinquents, isn't it?""I heard he already got expelled once."
Kai didn't seem to care. He simply sat down, eyes half-lidded, until Mina caught him glancing toward the window — where Gray could be seen, napping on the school lawn.
Mina noticed the faintest smirk tug at Kai's lips.
So even outsiders are watching him now… she thought, her curiosity tightening like a knot.
The First Recruitment
After school, Gray tried to sneak home early. But his escape was blocked — not by enemies, but by three first-years bowing awkwardly.
"Gray-senpai! Please let us join you!"
Gray blinked. "Join me in what?"
"In your gang!" the tallest one said. "You stood up to Razor, Scar-chin, and didn't even flinch. We want to follow someone like you!"
Gray waved his hands frantically. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. I don't have a gang! I don't even want one! I'm allergic to leadership!"
But Riku popped up behind him, grinning like a devil. "Welcome aboard, recruits. You've made a wise choice."
The three bowed again, shouting, "Thank you, Boss!"
Gray's eye twitched. "I hate you so much, Riku."
Enemies Stirring
That night, across town, in a smoke-filled karaoke room, another conversation was unfolding.
A group of rough-looking students from Eastside High, one of the most notorious schools in the district, were gathered around their leader, a broad-shouldered guy nicknamed Crusher.
One of his lackeys spoke up: "You heard about that kid at Ridgeview? Took down Razor and Scar-chin without breaking a sweat."
Crusher cracked his knuckles. "Sounds like trash talk. But if this Gray kid's making waves, we'll shut him down. No one builds a rep around here without my say-so."
The room roared in agreement. The first seeds of real conflict had been planted.
At Home: The Rumor Reaches Family
That evening, Gray tried to relax at the dinner table, but even here, he wasn't safe.
His mother frowned as she set down the miso soup. "Gray, your teacher called. Something about… fights after school?"
Gray choked on his rice. "Wha—?! That's all lies! Rumors! Slander!"
His father raised an eyebrow. "Rumors that half the district seems to believe. Care to explain why strangers are calling our house, asking about you?"
Liam grinned, poking his brother. "My big bro's a gang boss now! Can I be your second-in-command?"
Gray slammed his chopsticks on the table. "I'm not a boss! I'm a victim!"
His mother sighed. "Eat your vegetables, Victim-kun."
Even at home, he couldn't escape.
Mina's Suspicion
The next morning, Mina finally confronted him. She cornered Gray at his locker, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
"Gray… what are you playing at?"
Gray flinched. "I'm not playing anything! I don't even know the rules!"
"You've beaten two gangs in a row. Students are swearing loyalty to you. Outsiders are starting to show up at our school because of you. Don't you realize what's happening?"
Gray opened his mouth, then shut it again. The truth was, he didn't. He just wanted to be left alone.
But Mina wasn't finished. She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "If you're not careful… you won't be able to stop it, even if you want to."
The Chapter's End
Later that day, as Gray dragged himself toward class, he caught sight of Kai Kurogane leaning against the railing, watching him with an amused, calculating gaze.
For the first time, Gray felt a chill.
This wasn't like Razor or Scar-chin. This was something else.
And deep down, despite all his protests, a small spark flickered in his chest again — the thrill of something bigger on the horizon.
He just didn't know yet if it would be the making of him… or the end.
End of Chapter 10