The sound of the first class bell echoed through the halls of Aurora Academy. The week had just begun, but the atmosphere already felt heavy. Ever since the announcement of the gang war and the attack on Claws, the school had been more tense than ever. Everyone knew, everyone whispered — but no one had the courage to talk directly to the group.
Lucas adjusted his backpack on his shoulder, glancing around. He saw sideways looks, whispers, and even a few muffled laughs. Claws' name had spread through conversations, and his image in the hospital had been on every news channel. It was impossible to ignore.
Diego (forcing a smile): "Great, now we're officially the friends of the guy who made it on TV. Bet they'll ask for autographs."
Matheus (serious): "Diego, this isn't the time for jokes."
Diego (shrugging): "I know, I know. But if I don't laugh about it, I'll lose it. Everyone's looking at us like we're criminals too."
Isa walked a few steps ahead, head held high. But soon she noticed a group of girls leaning against the wall, laughing loudly.
Bruna: "Look over there… Rafa and Isa. Must be nice hanging out with a delinquent. Maybe he'll introduce them to some prison buddies."
Lara: "I heard Rafa almost got caught drunk again. Probably a lie, right? Since now she's a saint."
Isa suddenly stopped. Blood rushed to her face.
Isa: "You got a problem with me or with Rafa? Say it to my face, not whispering like cowards."
Bruna (mocking): "Relax, sweetie. We're just saying what everybody already knows."
Rafa took a deep breath. In the past, she would've snapped back instantly. But she remembered Claws' words and the promise she'd made to her brother. She simply took Isa by the arm and pulled her away.
Rafa: "Let it go, Isa. They just want trouble. It's not worth it."
Isa looked at her, surprised at her calmness. Rafa only gave a faint smile.
---
In class, the group spread out as usual. Lucas was restless, scribbling in his notebook without paying attention.
Matheus: "You're acting weird today. What are you plotting, Lucas?"
Lucas: "Nothing big… just that… have you noticed the school feels different? Some teachers don't show up, there's extra security, new cameras in the halls… feels like they're hiding something."
Diego: "Or maybe it's just because your buddy is part of a gang that just made the news, genius."
Lucas (serious): "No, Diego. It's more than that. This school has secrets. I'm going to find out."
Matheus sighed, but couldn't stop the spark of curiosity from hitting him too.
---
At recess, Rafaela sat in the courtyard, trying to ignore the whispers. Isa stood beside her, steady like a shield. A few girls approached — not the rivals from before, but others, shyer.
Kally: "Rafa… I just wanted to say that… I admire your courage. Not everyone could handle that much gossip."
Rafa smiled, surprised. Maybe not everything was lost after all.
---
Meanwhile, Diego was cracking jokes with the boys.
Diego: "If Claws were here, he'd already have punched those guys who keep staring."
The boys laughed, but Matheus noticed the empty look Diego carried once the laughter faded.
---
At the hospital, Claws was texting.
> Claws: "How are things there?"
Rafa: "Complicated. But we're holding it together. Just focus on getting better."
Isa: "Come back soon. School without you is hell."
Lucas: "Don't worry. I'm keeping an eye on everything. If something's wrong here, I'll find it."
Claws read and smiled faintly. He knew Lucas didn't say things lightly.
---
Late afternoon.
After class, the group left together, but each went their own way. Rafa went home, where she found her brother on the couch. He gave her a serious look.
Rafa's brother: "I hope you're keeping yourself under control, Rafa. I don't want another scandal."
She swallowed hard.
Rafa: "I'm trying. Really."
Isa went back to her grandmother's house, where the old woman waited with warm tea and a tired smile.
Grandma: "You're trying too hard, Isa. You don't have to carry the whole world on your shoulders."
Isa smiled, but deep down she felt exactly that: like she was carrying more than she should.
Diego got home to his parents arguing about grades, the future, and college. He locked himself in his room, put on headphones, and opened the group chat.
Diego (typing): "Guys, barbecue this weekend. I'll pay for the meat. Just don't leave me alone with my parents."
The group reacted with laughs and emojis, but no one saw the weight hidden behind his words.
Lucas spent the night digging through online forums, trying to connect news of violence to Aurora Academy. He found old mentions of covered-up incidents, but nothing solid.
Lucas (thinking): "I'll find out what they're hiding. Even if I have to do it alone."
And Matheus, already home, lay staring at the ceiling.
Matheus (thinking): "I've got to keep this group together. If we split apart, it'll be the end."
---
The next morning, back at school, the atmosphere was even heavier. A huge poster was taped at the entrance:
> "School Festival – Preparations Begin Soon!"
The group gathered in front of it.
Isa (trying to cheer up): "At least we'll have something different. Maybe it'll be fun."
Rafa (laughing): "I just hope they don't put me at the juice stand. That would be cruel irony."
Lucas (staring seriously at the poster): "Festival, huh… I bet something's going to happen."
The group exchanged glances. They all knew that, somehow, everything that had been building up would explode at this festival.