"Guys, wait."
Caroline stopped suddenly, her eyes fixed on her phone. Marcus and Kevin halted a step ahead when they noticed Daisy had stopped too, still holding Caroline's arm.
"There's a change of plans," Caroline said, lifting the screen for them to see. "There's a Math class on the second floor of Sprout Well. It's close to the staff room. Let's attend that instead of Physics on the third floor."
Daisy frowned. "Do you think… they'll come to class?"
"Let's talk while walking," Caroline said calmly, sliding her phone back into her pocket. Then, in an even controlled tone, she added, "Marko—you noticed too, right? We're being followed. It started back at Catenburg."
Marcus nodded. "Yeah. Anyone sitting outside Catenburg gets a clear view of freshers entering Sprout Well. Easy spot."
Daisy slowed her steps slightly and turned her head—just enough to glance back.
Near the corner stood a tanned guy in a black jacket, hands buried deep in his pockets, posture loose—as if he had nowhere else to be. A ring glinted on his eyebrow when he tilted his head. He wasn't pretending to be distracted—his eyes were openly fixed on them, unhurried, the faintest curl of satisfaction resting on his face as their steps slowed.
Daisy's fingers tightened around Caroline's hand.
"That's the guy," Kevin muttered. "The one who spent the night in our room."
"Ew. Don't say it like that," Caroline said lightly, linking Daisy's arm with hers. "You make it sound way more disturbing than it already is."
Despite herself, Daisy felt her chest loosen just a little.
Caroline tilted her head thoughtfully. "Wait—what if he's gay? That would explain—"
"Caroline!" Daisy and Kevin snapped at the same time.
"Okay, okay," Caroline raised both hands in surrender. "That came out wrong. My bad." Then, quieter, she added, "Marko, turn on your video cam. He'll leave once we enter the classroom anyway." as if discussing something mundane.
Marcus did as told, though his jaw was tight. He hadn't spoken much since they'd started walking toward the building, and the tension in his shoulders hadn't eased.
"Cheez," Marcus finally spoke, just before they reached the classroom. "Which department is this class usually for?"
"Computer Science," Caroline replied. "Second row. Let's sit there."
She took the seat without hesitation.
Daisy slid into the chair beside her, no questions asked. Marcus and Kevin exchanged a look—a silent disagreement.
"Relax," Caroline said softly, leaning back in her chair, hands resting on the desk. Her voice was calm but carried just enough. "Be glad I didn't choose the first row."
Her gaze lifted—straight toward the doorway.
"And trust me. We're here to attend class," she said, her voice carrying across the room. Nearby conversations faltered; several heads turned.
"Anyone who has a problem with that is free to explain themselves—to a lecturer."
The senior stood frozen just outside.
Whispers broke out around them.
"What's going on?"
"Isn't she scared?"
"Who is that guy?"
"Is he ragging her?"
Caroline didn't blink.
If you enter now, she thought, you're asking for trouble. A lecturer could walk in at any moment. If you leave, you admit you followed us.
So—what's your choice?
The senior hesitated—just a moment—caught off guard. Then he lifted two fingers from his eyes toward her in a silent warning.
Marcus stood immediately, stepping forward just enough to block the man's line of sight, staring him down—not aggressive, but unmoving.
The senior turned and walked away.
The entire exchange had been recorded—quietly—by Marko.
"Cheez, that was—" His voice was low, controlled, but there was a tremor beneath it—not casual, not sharp. Concern restrained by discipline.
"Not now," Caroline cut in quietly, eyes still forward. "We'll talk about everything after class."
A collective breath left the room. Daisy hadn't realized she'd been holding hers.
Marcus understood the subtext and dropped into his seat beside Caroline, his bag hitting the desk with a dull thud. Kevin sat next to him, rubbing his palms together as if trying to steady himself.
No one approached them after that. Even students who looked curious chose other seats. The group carried a clear, unspoken warning: Don't interrupt.
A few minutes later, Caroline opened her bag.
"I'm hungry," she said casually. "Should've brought juice." She pulled out a chocolate bar. "Daisy, want a Kit Kat?"
Daisy nodded and took it, and Caroline pulled out another Kit Kat and placed it directly in Marcus's hand without a word.
Kevin extended his hand. "What about me?"
"Searching…" Caroline dug into her bag and handed him one. "Here."
"And you?" Daisy asked.
"I'm craving something more than Kit Kat," Caroline said. "But a toffee will do for now."
Daisy broke her chocolate instinctively. "We can share if you want."
Caroline stopped her with a small shake of her head.
"Eat it. She's rarely generous with her snacks," a voice commented from behind.
Caroline turned slowly. "Who are you again?"
"It was just yesterday—we met during the tour and you forgot already," the boy said, a little deflated. He was short, thin and wearing a red T-shirt.
Marcus leaned back, already eating his chocolate. "That's the guy who looked like he'd faint if someone nudged him."
"Oh. Right," Caroline said plainly.
Somewhere near the staff room corridor, a senior passing by slowed, his gaze lingering on the classroom, having witnessed the entire incident.
"Hello, Mr. Chester. I heard you were waiting for me. How may I help you?" asked Mr. Benson, glancing briefly in the direction the student had been staring a few seconds ago.
"Good morning, Mr. Benson. I wanted to ask for your time to discuss a few things related to the event," Chester replied.
"That is my class," Mr. Benson said, pointing toward the classroom, asking casually. "Is there something interesting going on there?"
"Not much," Chester answered smoothly. "The freshers this year look quite active."
Mr. Benson smiled faintly. "You were the same in your first year—and you're still the same today. Let's meet after 3 p.m. during the break. If not, I'll see you at the council meeting this evening."
"Thank you, sir. I'll take my leave now," Chester said, giving a respectful nod.
As he walked away, Chester took one last glance into the classroom, thinking to himself:
This year's going to be interesting.