THEO'S POV (Continuing):
I let my foot drop and straightened, rolling my shoulders as I faced him. He stood a few feet away, jaw tight, eyes blazing with disgust. His fists were already clenched at his sides.
I wiped a drop of coffee from my sleeve, then looked at him with cold amusement.
"What's your problem now?" I asked flatly.
Hari stepped closer, his gaze flicking briefly to the bleeding boy on the floor before locking back onto me.
"I should ask you the same thing," he said, voice hard. "What the hell is wrong with you? Do you enjoy beating people half to death in public?"
I smirked.
"Don't meddle in things you know nothing about."
"I know enough," he snapped. "I know that spilling coffee by accident doesn't deserve a lifetime punishment."
"Accident?" I repeated, laughing under my breath. "That's what you're calling this?"
I spread my arms slightly, motioning toward my stained clothes.
"This leather jacket is the single and only piece I bought from New York. This uniform was handmade by my private tailor in Japan. It's made from imported Japanese fabric. Not that cheap cotton trash everyone else here wears."
I took a slow step toward him, eyes dark.
"It costs more than that boy's life."
Hari's face twisted in disbelief.
"You're insane."
"No," I said coolly. "I just don't forgive mistakes."
"Everyone makes mistakes, Theo."
"Yes." My lips curved into something cruel. "But not everyone gets forgiven for them."
I turned my head, glancing back at the boy still crumpled on the floor, shaking and struggling to breathe.
"And I'm not in the mood to be merciful today."
I moved toward him again.
Hari stepped in front of me.
"Touch him one more time," he said, voice low and sharp, "and I'll report you to the head office."
That made me laugh.
Not a normal laugh.
A mocking, cold one that sent a chill through the air.
"Do you really think I care?" I tilted my head. "Go ahead. Run to the office. Cry to the principal. File your little complaint."
I leaned in, my voice dropping into something dangerous.
"My father owns this entire damn school."
I watched the anger flash in his eyes.
"So tell me, Hari… who do you think they'll listen to?"
I jabbed a finger into my own chest.
"The owner's son?"
Then I pointed lazily toward the injured boy.
"Or some nameless commoner?"
Hari's nostrils flared.
"I'm warning you one last time, Theo."
"And I'm ignoring it."