Caden was walking quietly across campus when he spotted Airah.
She wasn't alone.
The person beside her wore a hoodie pulled low over his face.
Caden frowned.
He was about to ignore them—
but something in his instincts told him not to.
He followed at a distance.
They stopped in a secluded corner near an unused hallway. Caden slipped behind a wall, careful not to be seen.
"What are you doing here, Charles?" Airah asked, irritation sharp in her voice.
"I just came to inform you—" Charles glanced around cautiously.
Caden immediately stepped further into the shadows.
"I'm checking if anyone followed us. Especially Caden," Charles muttered.
Oh?
Is that important?
Airah exhaled. "Relax. He's in the student council office. He's busy covering both positions since there's no vice president."
Charles smirked faintly. "Serves him right."
"Stop stalling. What is it?" Airah demanded.
"So impatient," Charles chuckled. "Vincent's finally making his move. Tomorrow, they'll target Julia. He knows where she studies—and her route home."
Caden froze.
Julia?
Ah.
Because she looks like Julie.
Are they planning to use Julia to get to Julie?
His jaw tightened.
Should I step out now? Warn them?
No.
If I reveal myself, they'll change the plan.
Julia will be the one in danger tomorrow.
And I won't let that happen.
"That girl really is Caden's girlfriend, right?" Airah asked, hesitation creeping into her tone. "Are we sure we won't get into trouble?"
"Caden won't be there," Charles replied casually. "And we're not hurting her. Relax. Don't you want to see his reaction?"
Caden shook his head slightly.
Pathetic.
Airah sighed. "Fine."
"And Dawn has her part too," Charles added. "She'll distract Cielo. That way, Julie and Julia will be alone."
They planned this thoroughly.
"Can Dawn really handle Cielo?" Airah asked.
"She can. And if she can't—Vincent will deal with it," Charles muttered.
Airah fell silent.
"That brat Vincent…" she said quietly. "I can't go against him."
"You don't need to," Charles replied lightly.
So that's the structure.
Dawn distracts Cielo.
Vincent corners Julia—and Julie.
Caden narrowed his eyes.
Vincent wants control over Julie. If Julie falls, Nicole follows. Then Kelly.
Two birds with one stone.
A faint smirk touched Caden's lips.
Not bad, Vincent.
But you're not the only one who can plan ahead.
When the two finally walked away, Caden stayed hidden for a few more seconds.
No impulsive moves.
Move wisely.
He returned to the student council office, mind already calculating.
He stared at his phone.
He needed to call Cielo.
He exhaled.
Better when I get home.
He gathered his things and left.
******
Cielo sat quietly in his room that evening.
He had already spoken to Caden.
Tomorrow, they would move.
And they had dragged Caden's girlfriend into it too.
This is going to get messy.
He ran a hand through his hair.
He still couldn't believe Julie had been dragged into something that was never meant for her—mistaken for Crisha, forced into silence, forced into fear.
Tita Carmen had informed him that the first hearing would be in three days.
He hadn't told her that Julie was involved.
He didn't want to force her to testify.
He didn't want her to relive that alley again.
But tomorrow—
How do I protect her if it happens in front of me?
He paused.
Then a thought surfaced.
Maybe it's time Dawn tells the truth.
If she wants to bait me—fine.
Let's see how deep she's involved.
Let's play this properly.
"Cielo?"
Kenneth stepped into the room.
"You look like you're planning something," Kenneth said. "Did Caden tell you anything?"
Cielo blinked in surprise, then chuckled.
"What are you, a spy? How did you know Caden called?"
"I was about to enter earlier. You were on the phone. It sounded serious, so I left," Kenneth shrugged.
Cielo laughed softly. "Yeah. Caden warned me. Tomorrow, they're moving."
"And?" Kenneth pressed.
Dave appeared by the doorway.
"Oh. Perfect," Cielo muttered. "Now I don't have to repeat myself."
Dave leaned against the doorframe. "I'm listening."
Cielo exhaled.
"They're planning to separate me from Julie. When Julie tries to protect Julia, Dawn will distract me."
Dave sighed. "You can ignore Dawn. She can't force you to stay. So what—are you taking the bait?"
"Yes," Cielo answered calmly.
Kenneth raised an eyebrow.
"It's time Dawn tells me the truth," Cielo continued. "If she wants me to fall into her trap, I'll make my own move."
Kenneth crossed his arms. "And you're telling us because…?"
Cielo smiled faintly.
"I need backup."
Dave straightened slightly.
"They're targeting both Julie and Julia," Cielo said. "They'll use Julia to manipulate Julie. Once Julie is shaken, they'll move to Nicole. And then Kelly."
He shook his head.
"What do you want us to do?" Dave asked.
"Keep them safe. If something happens, intervene. I don't want Julie to suffer anymore. And Julia didn't ask to be dragged into this."
Dave stepped closer and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You don't have to ask. Kelly's connected to this case too. It's our responsibility."
Kenneth nodded. "We'll send someone to stay near you."
"No," Cielo said. "I can handle Dawn."
"I know," Kenneth replied calmly. "But you need a witness. Whatever she says tomorrow—it shouldn't be just your word against hers."
Cielo paused.
Then nodded slowly.
"You're annoyingly smart."
"Compliment accepted," Kenneth grinned. "We're just glad you're asking for help this time, you selfish brat."
Dave gave him one last pat before leaving the room with Kenneth.
Cielo leaned back in his chair.
I need to inform the others.
Especially Julie.
He was already chatting with her.
Even if they didn't speak tomorrow—
he knew he wouldn't be able to stop her if she chose to act.
He stared out the window.
Tomorrow.
No matter what happens—
Dawn will tell me everything.