"PROFESSOR ZANE!!!"
The three voices overlapped.
Before Zane could even react—
They ran toward him.
And the next moment, they were already there.
Maera grabbed him first, her arms wrapping tightly around him. Selene followed right after, clutching onto his coat as if letting go would make him disappear again. Even Drevin, who was usually composed, stepped in close—hesitant for a second, then joining them.
Zane blinked.
"Oh…!!"
For a brief moment, he just stood there, slightly surprised.
Selene's grip tightened.
A soft sob escaped her as her face pressed into his outfit, her shoulders trembling slightly. Maera held on just as firmly, her breathing uneven.
Zane looked down at them.
Hmm…
They're happy to see me.
A small smile appeared on his face.
Then, casually—
"I know you're happy to see me," he said, "but you shouldn't let your guard down."
His tone turned slightly playful.
"What if I'm just someone disguising myself as Zane?"
The effect was immediate.
