"Caden," Gabriel called out.
"Yeah—hello. It's nice to see you, Gab," Caden replied casually.
"Since I'm in a good mood today, I'll lead the way—and since you're also our guest at the school," he added with a grin.
"You're really something. If you insist." Caden shook his head at his antics. "Where's Julie?"
"I think she's still in the classroom, chatting away. You'll see her performance later. Cielo's busy too—he needs to prepare, so Dennis will be the one accompanying you," Gabriel explained.
"Oh, I see. So Cielo's part of the event as well." Caden nodded. "That explains why she's comfortable, huh?" He chuckled.
"Yep. She's inspired," Gabriel replied. "So… how's Charles?"
"Oh, about that?" Caden's tone shifted. "The school can't protect him anymore. He had to step down from his position as an officer. He's also on a one-month suspension at home while the administration decides whether he'll be expelled—or if removing his position is enough."
"Oh gods," Gabriel muttered. "So he has more free time to do whatever he wants."
"He needs to be careful," Caden said seriously. "One wrong move and his father—or their reputation—will be ruined."
"Wow. That's the first time the school actually took real action," Gabriel said. "Is it because you're president now?" he teased.
"Oh, please stop that," Caden groaned. "It just means more responsibility. I don't even have a vice president yet—everything's on me."
Gabriel laughed softly. "You can handle it." He gave Caden a light pat on the shoulder.
"So… how's Airah now?" Gabriel asked.
"Oh?" Caden paused. "She's more careful these days. She doesn't have Charles as her shield anymore."
"But we still can't let our guard down," he added. "We don't know what she—or they—might do."
"Yeah," Gabriel sighed. "Especially with Airah."
He didn't add anything more.
"Oh, Caden," a man called out.
Both of them turned around.
Gabriel immediately recognized him.
Right. I forgot he'd be here today. This bastard.
"It's nice to see you around, Caden," the man said with a polite smile. His gaze shifted to Gabriel. "You must be Gabriel, am I right?"
Gabriel returned the smile, though anger bubbled beneath his calm expression—anger rooted in what this man had done to Julie.
"Yeah," Gabriel said evenly. "And you're Vincent?"
"Yes." Vincent nodded. "You're the one Airah mentioned—the one who shares the same last name as Julie. Her current boyfriend, right?"
"Yes," Gabriel replied, still smiling. "Do you have a problem with that?"
"Oh, none at all," Vincent said smoothly. "I just wanted to meet you. Thank you for taking care of her."
What the hell is he saying? Gabriel thought.
He chose not to react. Civility came first.
"Do you want to walk with us?" Gabriel offered.
"Oh, thank you, Gab. It's nice having you back," Vincent said. "I'm actually a bit lost—this school is huge."
"You can ask the students around," Gabriel replied. "They're very helpful—especially since you're our guest."
"Right. Silly me," Vincent laughed. "I was hoping I'd see Julie and have her lead the way."
Is he dreaming? Gabriel clenched his jaw. He's the reason she doesn't even want to wander around anymore.
"Julie's busy," Caden interjected. "She's probably already in the theater."
"Ah, yes. I saw the announcement poster," Vincent said. "I want to watch. I want to cheer for her."
Cheer my ass.
"I guess you and Julie are good friends now?" Gabriel asked.
"Maybe," Vincent replied. "But I'd like to see her before the show. I want to talk to her. That's alright with you, right?"
Gabriel paused.
Vincent was testing him.
"So… is that a no?" Vincent pressed.
Gabriel smiled calmly. "It's not that. I still need to ask for her permission. Besides, she might already be preparing inside the theater."
"Oh. I understand." Vincent nodded. "I wish I could go now, but I still have a quick meeting."
Gabriel spotted the hall ahead and didn't respond.
"By the way, Gabriel," Vincent added. "How did Julie accept you? You share the same last name—wasn't that awkward?"
There it is, Gabriel thought. Nice try.
"What's wrong with having the same last name?" Caden said calmly. "Isn't it more important that they're comfortable with each other?"
"You're right. Sorry for the silly question," Vincent replied. "You know Julie too?"
"She was my classmate before," Caden answered.
"Oh. That explains it." Vincent smiled, satisfied.
Good thing Caden's here, Gabriel thought. Otherwise, I might've already punched him.
They reached the hall. Chris was already there—he'd expected to run into Vincent again anyway.
"Thanks, Gab," Vincent said. "Catch you later—and please, bring Julie."
Caden patted Gabriel's shoulder before entering the hall with Vincent. Gabriel let out a long sigh.
On his way back, someone tapped his shoulder.
"We saw how hard you tried not to punch Julie's ex," Raymond said.
"Yeah," Gabriel sighed, then laughed lightly. "It wasn't easy."
Raymond chuckled. "What was he saying?"
"He's unbelievable," Gabriel shook his head. "He actually expects Julie to show herself to him. Like some male lead in a novel whose heroine can't move on."
Raymond laughed. "Big ego. Some men refuse to accept reality."
"Yeah… but how do you think Julie would react if she knew?"
"Better not tell her," Raymond said. "She might lose focus later."
"Good call," Gabriel nodded.
When they reached the classroom, Gabriel scanned the room.
"They're already in the theater," Nicole said. "They're preparing."
Gabriel nodded.
I hope she doesn't get distracted by that man.
But… I know she won't.
Cielo's on her side now.