The hallway felt longer on the way back.
Every step echoed.
Every classroom door Ren passed seemed to pause, students inside turning to look through the windows.
Word seemed to travel fast at Sakura High.
"Kaito's brother got called to the principal's office."
"Joined Sakuratei."
"Wonder if he's getting expelled."
Ren stopped outside Class 1-C. Took a breath. His hands were still shaking slightly. "Just walk in. Sit down. Don't react."
He opened the door.
It was Mid-homeroom.
Mr. Tanaka at the front, mid-sentence about tomorrow's quiz.
Every head in the classroom turned simultaneously.
Complete silence.
Mr. Tanaka's expression was carefully neutral. "Welcome back, Ryūhara. Take your seat."
Ren walked down the aisle. The silence was suffocating. He could feel every eye tracking his movement, some curious, some fearful, some calculating.
He reached his desk, sat down heavily.
The moment he did, a crumpled paper ball landed on his desk.
