The recess bell echoed through the halls, and the courtyard of Aurora Academy filled with voices, laughter, and hurried footsteps. Isa and Rafa walked side by side, carrying their lunchboxes. But before they could sit down, they were intercepted by two familiar figures: Bruna and Lara.
Bruna, with straight dark brown hair and always wearing way too much makeup for her age, crossed her arms with a malicious smile. Lara, with platinum blonde hair and a cold stare, simply looked Isa and Rafa up and down, as if they had already lost the battle before it began.
Bruna: "Well, well, look who it is. Claws' 'protected ones.' Must be nice to have a delinquent as your bodyguard."
Isa (out of patience): "This again? Don't you ever get tired?"
Lara (dryly): "We're just being realistic. Rafa, you should be thankful you're even still here. After everything you've done, any other school would've kicked you out by now."
Rafaela took a deep breath. Her instinct was to snap back, but she remembered the conversation with Isa over the weekend and the promises she had made.
Rafa (trying to stay calm): "You don't know anything about me. So stop talking nonsense."
Bruna (mocking laugh): "Oh, but the whole school knows. The girl who can't let go of a bottle and always gets into trouble. Must be so hard holding your friend together, huh, Isa?"
Isa took a step forward, furious.
Isa: "You have no idea what she's been through. Making up stories doesn't make you better. It just shows how small you are."
Silence fell for a moment, and a few nearby students chuckled quietly. Bruna bit her lip, annoyed, and pulled Lara by the arm.
Bruna: "This isn't over. If you think you can steal the stage at the festival, you're dead wrong."
The two walked away, leaving the air heavy. Isa turned to Rafa.
Isa: "Don't worry. I'm with you, no matter what they say."
Rafa just smiled, though her chest felt tight. That battle wasn't over yet.
---
Meanwhile, in the classroom, Lucas was restless. He had printed out some old reports about strange cases at Aurora Academy: missing students, fights swept under the rug, even rumors of teachers tied to gangs.
Matheus noticed his eyes glued to the papers.
Matheus: "Still on that investigation, Lucas? You're going to get yourself into trouble."
Lucas: "Somebody has to care. There's something wrong here, and it's not just about Claws. It's bigger than that."
Diego (laughing nervously): "What, you wanna be a detective now? Got it, I'll call you Sherlock Lucas."
Lucas (serious): "Go ahead and joke. But when everything blows up, don't say I didn't warn you."
Diego forced a laugh, but deep down he felt a chill in his stomach. He remembered the arguments at home and how his father always said, "that school only breeds delinquents." Maybe there was some truth to it.
---
At the hospital, Claws got an unexpected visit: Eduardo, a fellow gang member. Eduardo was tall, skinny, and always wore a black cap, even indoors.
Eduardo: "Claws, the guys aren't happy. After the attack, war is just a matter of time. You gotta choose: either stand with us, or they'll see you as a traitor."
Claws (irritated): "I'm not abandoning my school friends. They've got nothing to do with this crap."
Eduardo (narrowing his eyes): "They're exactly the ones who'll drag you down. Everyone knows they're your weakness. Keep this up, and there's no turning back."
Claws stayed silent, trying to ignore the pain in his body and the weight on his heart.
---
Back in the school courtyard, Rafa and Isa finally sat down to eat, though the tension lingered. Diego joined them, dropping his backpack onto the ground with exaggerated flair.
Diego (trying to lighten the mood): "Alright, security's here. If more rivals show up, I'll crack jokes until they give up."
Isa chuckled softly, but she noticed Diego's smile was just a mask.
Isa: "You're always joking, Diego. But are you really okay?"
Diego looked away.
Diego: "Of course. Everything's great. Just… don't like when my mom says I'll end up like Claws, lost in the streets. But hey, nothing new."
The group went silent. It was rare for Diego to let something so personal slip. Rafa placed a hand on his shoulder.
Rafa: "We're in this together, no matter what. You won't be alone."
Diego smiled, more genuinely this time.
Diego: "Thanks, Rafa. I needed that."
---
At the end of the day, they all gathered near the school gate to wait for Isa, who was saying goodbye to her grandmother who had come to pick her up. Bruna and Lara passed by again, this time with Henrique — a third-year student known for stirring up trouble.
Henrique (mocking): "Well, look at that… Claws' little gang. Without him, you're nothing but lost kids."
Matheus (cold): "Better worry about your own life, Henrique. You've got no right to talk about anyone."
Henrique laughed and walked on, but it was clear that wouldn't be the end of it either.
---
That night, the six of them chatted in their group messages.
> Rafa: "Isa and I are rehearsing for the festival tomorrow. Anyone coming?"
Diego: "Only if there's food."
Lucas: "I'll pass. Got some things to check…"
Matheus: "You're digging into the school again, aren't you?"
Lucas: "You bet."
Claws: "Just be careful. The festival will be the perfect place for trouble."
Rafa stared at the last message for a long time, her heart racing.
Rafa (thinking): "He always talks like he's carrying the world on his shoulders… and maybe he really is."