People were talking.
Not loud enough to catch teachers, but loud enough for anyone paying attention.
"Did you see that guy yesterday?" Nova whispered to someone behind me. "He didn't even flinch."
Jax laughed. "Yeah, he's… weird. Kinda scary, honestly."
I didn't care. Pretended I didn't hear. Played my game, scrolled through my phone. Life simple. Life meaningless.
Then I felt it again. That presence.
Kira. Sitting across from me. Not staring this time. Just observing. Calm. Like a hawk ready to strike at the perfect moment.
I didn't look. Didn't move. She didn't push. She just… existed. Heavy, knowing.
A group at the end of the hallway laughed too loud. A name slipped out. "Team Arata". Something about competition. They were planning tryouts. People were already talking about who would join.
I didn't care.
And yet… my body felt a small pull. Not because I wanted to. Not because I cared. Just… tugged.
Kira's eyes flicked toward the group. A small smirk. Like she knew I was noticing, even if I wasn't.
I sighed. Picked up my bag. Walked out the door.
Someone always followed. Always watched. Always expecting me to do something, anything.
I didn't move for them. Not yet.
But the game was starting. Whether I wanted to play or not.