They walked side by side through the hallway — Ryan limping slightly, Arthur walking straight and steady as if nothing in the world could bother him.
Students turned to look. Some whispered. Some avoided eye contact. Some nodded respectfully at Arthur.
Ryan kept his focus forward.
Arthur glanced at him once. "You should walk properly."
Arthur slowly pushed the door open without any hesitation; the metal handle clicked as Arthur's hand tilted it a bit. Both of them entered room 212 in unison.
Their entrance wasn't too dramatic, but it carried the weight—like the air had shifted a bit, tension rose. Arthur moved with his calm demeanour, hands buried deep inside his pants pockets.
Ryan followed right behind, trying to keep his breathing steady—not to show any weaknesses that he's injured. He was getting mentally prepared for this meeting.
