The silence stretched.
Principal Hanagaki's cold eyes studied Ren from behind wire-frame glasses. His fingers remained steepled, perfectly still.
"Do you know why you're here?" he repeated, voice measured.
Ren's hands gripped his knees harder. "Because I fought in the cafeteria."
"No." Hanagaki leaned back in his chair. "You're here because you were seen with known Sakuratei members last night. On school property during after hours."
"That's trespassing, in addition to gang affiliation."
He pulled out a tablet, turned it to face Ren. The screen showed security camera footage grainy, black and white, timestamped 8:23 PM. Ren clearly visible on the front steps with four figures behind him.
"I have reports," Hanagaki continued, "that you were on the rooftop with Hasegawa Fujimoto, Yuto Ishida, and two other members. Meeting with gang leadership. On school grounds."
Ren forced his voice steady. "I was talking to classmates."
"Don't insult my intelligence."
