Pull
"Aargh, this thing won't leave me alone!" Ray wrestled with the strange sensation crawling around his body before finally staggering toward the window for fresh air. His eyes wandered across the courtyard, and he caught sight of Jeffrey walking away from the academy gates with hurried steps, his shoulders slumped in shame.
"Oh, it looks like he can't stay here anymore," Melin said softly, peeking over Ray's shoulder. There wasn't a trace of surprise in her voice only quiet resignation.
Ray scoffed. "Well, he lost to a commoner. Maybe Monica Rosewood told him to get out of here. What a way to abuse power." His tone carried open disdain.
"I don't care if she's from [R] Country," Ray added, fists tightening against the window ledge. "Why is she even allowed to throw her authority around here? Isn't this supposed to be neutral ground?"
Melin glanced between the two boys, her brow furrowed. "Still, End did kick his ass. That alone should've been enough, right?"
Ray turned, grinning a little as if to lighten the mood. "Right, End? You should be proud at least."
…..
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Ray asked nervously. End hadn't spoken, only fixed his sharp gaze on him, unreadable and cold.
Finally, End broke his silence. "He got what he deserved."
Ray blinked, unable to tell if End's words were comfort or threat. He laughed awkwardly. "…Right, sure. Whatever you say."
---
Students' Representative Meeting Room
The room buzzed faintly with murmurs as the representatives filed in, some clearly annoyed by the sudden summons.
"First of all, thank you all for coming on such short notice," Monica Rosewood began, her voice commanding enough to silence the whispers. She sat at the head of the long table, her posture regal, her eyes sharp like a hawk scanning prey.
"There are a few things that need to be sorted out. That is why I called this meeting, so please do not waste time with complaints."
A few students shifted uncomfortably.
"Why is there even a meeting?" Mini muttered under her breath, tapping her pen against her notebook.
Monica's lips curved faintly, though her eyes remained cold. "This meeting was called because a student from Walton Academy attacked a student from Lion Academy. We must make sure the rules of this school are enforced without exception. If we allow one violation, more will follow. That cannot be tolerated."
The room fell silent. The tension was thick, everyone aware that this wasn't just about rules it was about power.
---
Lobby
"Yes, yes, finally I can join a club!" Melin's eyes sparkled with excitement as she bounced through the lobby. She clasped her hands together like a child on her birthday.
"This is one of the reasons I came to the academy," she said with determination. "But which club should I join? Hmm…"
Her gaze wandered across the colorful posters plastered on the wall. "Oh, right!" She brightened, pointing at one. "The flower club! I'll join the flower club!" Her smile was so wide it looked like it might split her cheeks.
Nearby students were chattering animatedly.
"Hey, did you see the notice on the board?" one asked.
"Yeah, I can't believe they're really doing it," another replied.
Melin's curiosity got the better of her. She hurried over to the board and scanned the newest notice pinned at the top. Her eyes widened as she read.
Moments later, she ran at full speed, barging into the room where End and Ray were. "Hey, End!" she yelled, nearly tripping over her own feet.
"What now?" End asked flatly, not even looking up.
"The student council is enforcing the dress code rule!" Melin announced, waving the notice in her hand like a flag.
"Yeah? So what?" End muttered, unamused.
Melin caught her breath. "Not only that they're recording every violation! If you break too many rules, you could get suspended… or worse expelled!"
Ray straightened up at that. "Huh? Expulsion? I doubt they'd go that far… but multiple violations on our records would be bad."
End shrugged. "Don't worry about me. They won't even see me. I won't get caught." His tone was so casual it was infuriating.
"But what if it happens during classes?" Melin pressed.
End stretched his arms lazily. "I'll deal with that. I plan to rest. See you later."
Melin pouted, lowering her voice. "End-ssi still doesn't open up to us…"
Ray leaned back in his chair, yawning. "Just leave him be. He said he won't get caught, so it won't be a problem."
He glanced at the clock, then back at Melin. "Anyway, we should prepare for class. Oh, by the way, the uniform doesn't suit you. Take it off." His grin was mischievous, teasing.
Melin froze, then narrowed her eyes. "…I think you should shut up, Ray-ssi. Or should I make you?"
"Nope." Ray shook his head quickly, scooting back in his seat like a child avoiding punishment.
"You little—!" Melin lunged forward.
Ray barely dodged, laughing as he raised his hands in defense. "Alright, alright! Don't kill me!"
The room echoed with their banter, the tension of the day momentarily eased by their childish bickering while End, silent as ever, watched from the corner, his eyes unreadable.