Part 4: Eyes That Linger in the Hallway
The academy classroom buzzed with the low murmur of students, though most were focused on their notes. Sunlight spilled through the tall windows, illuminating the rows of desks and the polished wooden floor. Today's lesson was in full swing.
Daigo stood at the front, chalk in hand, explaining the techniques of chakra control.
At the back of the room, Haruto sat calmly, legs crossed, pulling out his tiffin box. No one else was eating—just him.
He opened it slowly and began eating, the soft crunch of bread echoing slightly in the quiet classroom.
As he reached the last bite, he noticed Daigo turning around, eyes narrowing at him. Without hesitation, Haruto shoved the last piece into his mouth, chewing with deliberate calm.
Daigo blinked, annoyed.
"Haruto! Are you seriously—"
Haruto looked at him, then, in a playful gesture, gave the bite back, holding it out with a straight face.
The entire classroom erupted into laughter.
Daigo pinched the bridge of his nose.
"You little—"
Before he could continue, the bell rang, signaling the start of break.
Students began gathering their things.
Daigo shook his head, muttering under his breath.
"Hopeless…"
He adjusted his glasses and left the classroom, chalk in hand, stepping into the corridor while the students began moving toward the doors.
But just as the first few reached the door, CLICK.
The classroom door swung shut.
Everyone turned.
Souta stood by the door, hand gripping the handle, his face pale.
"Why are the seniors coming towards our class?"
The room went silent, every student glancing nervously at one another.
Haruto blinked slowly, tilting his head, saying nothing.
Misaki leaned close to Souta, whispering nervously,
"I knew it… the seniors bully that kid in Hina's class. Why are they coming here?"
Arashi, sitting calmly near the front, glanced at Haruto.
"Haruto… go hide. I'll handle this."
Haruto nodded silently and slipped quietly behind a row of desks, making himself as small as possible.
The door swung open. Five seniors entered, their footsteps heavy and confident.
The tallest one—clearly the leader—scanned the room, voice sharp.
"Where is the red-haired kid?"
Arashi stood slowly, hands folded calmly in front of him.
"I suggest you leave this class. And I hope you know whose class this is."
One of the other seniors scoffed.
"Stop acting like you're the leader of the class. What's Daigo-sensei even going to do, huh?"
Arashi glanced toward Daigo, who had already left, then back at the seniors.
"I myself am the class leader."
The tallest senior repeated, impatient.
"Just say where he is, and we'll leave."
Arashi remained calm, almost smiling.
"There is certainly no red-haired guy in our class."
One of the seniors, pointing towards Kaito, whispered to the leader:
"Boss… see over there? I think that's the kid."
The leader smacked the student on the head.
"You fool! That's lavender, not red."
Another senior shrugged.
"He's absent. Let's leave."
The leader growled and motioned to go.
But just as they turned, one of the group added quietly,
"Boss, that lavender-haired and silver-haired kids are the red-haired one's siblings."