By the next morning at Will Stone Academy, everyone was talking about Daniel Stone.
In the hallway, small groups of students whispered to each other.
"I heard he has scars on his face," one student said.
"No, my cousin said he's hiding because he's too handsome," another joked.
Amina rolled her eyes as she walked to Class 7B. She didn't believe the rumors, but she couldn't stop thinking about the boy with the box.
When she entered the classroom, Daniel was already there.
He sat quietly at the back, the same brown box still covering his head. His books were neatly arranged, and he was writing in his notebook like usual.
Brian leaned toward Amina.
"He didn't take it off," he whispered.
"Obviously," Amina replied quietly. "He said he wouldn't."
The bell rang, and Mr. Daniels walked in.
"Good morning, class."
"Good morning, sir," the students replied.
The lesson started, but nobody paid full attention. Every now and then, someone turned to stare at Daniel.
During break time, things got more interesting.
A group of boys gathered near Daniel's desk.
"Hey, new boy," Brian said, trying to sound brave. "Aren't you tired of wearing that thing?"
Daniel looked up slowly.
"No," he replied calmly.
Another boy laughed. "Are you hiding your face because you're ugly?"
The classroom went quiet.
Amina frowned. She didn't like how they were talking to him.
Daniel didn't get angry. Instead, he calmly closed his book.
"I wear this because I choose to," he said.
Brian crossed his arms. "Then prove there's nothing strange under there."
For a moment, it felt like someone might try to grab the box.
Amina stepped forward quickly.
"Leave him alone," she said firmly.
Everyone looked at her in surprise.
Daniel turned slightly toward her, as if he was studying her reaction.
Just then, the bell rang loudly, ending break time.
The students quickly returned to their seats before Mr. Daniels came back.
But the whispers didn't stop.
That afternoon, as the final bell rang, Amina packed her bag slowly.
She noticed Daniel standing near the classroom door, alone.
Taking a deep breath, she walked up to him.
"Hey," she said softly.
Daniel turned toward her.
"I'm Amina," she added. "You don't have to tell me why you wear the box… but if people keep bothering you, you can sit with me."
There was a short silence.
Then Daniel gave a small nod.
"Thank you," he said.
As they walked out of the classroom together, Amina noticed something strange again.
Even with the box on his head, Daniel walked with confidence—like someone who had nothing to fear.
But deep inside, she felt certain about one thing:
The mystery of the boy with the box is just beginning
_ _ _ _