Aurora Academy was buzzing with voices early in the morning. The noise of students, hurried footsteps, and even the shouts of a teacher calling out someone late blended with the sound of the gate slamming.
Claws entered alongside Mateus. His expression was serious, but inside he felt lighter. He still remembered the night before with his friends.
"— You seem different today, huh, Claws. You're even smiling." Mateus teased, nudging his shoulder.
"— Don't get carried away, man. I'm just in a good mood," he replied, but the smile gave him away.
Isa and Rafa were already in the courtyard, leaning against one of the columns, laughing at something on the phone. Rafa ran up to Claws and grabbed his arm:
"— We're hanging out again this Saturday, got it? No ditching me."
Claws raised an eyebrow.
"— Depends… you're not going to let me carry you drunk again, right?"
Rafa blushed and Isa burst into laughter.
Lucas appeared, adjusting his glasses and waving from a distance, while Diego came holding a bag of snacks — an improvised breakfast.
"— Did you guys know there's a history presentation today?" Lucas said, already a bit worried.
"— Oh no… of all days." Diego huffed, shoving another snack into his mouth.
Before they could continue, three boys — known as the school bullies — passed nearby, staring at the group. Claws just looked away, but Rafa didn't let it slide.
"— Those guys again? They seem to live looking for trouble."
Claws took a deep breath. He already knew that inside the school, he needed to keep up the act: the polite, quiet student who didn't want trouble. But it was hard when his blood was boiling.
The bell rang loudly. The six of them began climbing the stairs, but there was something in the air: the feeling that today wouldn't be just another day.