Chapter 67

"I'm really stupid, just like what they said," Itzy whispered to herself, her voice laced with self-blame. "I was too naive to think that they would change."

"Itzy?"

Her moment of self-reflection was interrupted by a familiar voice calling her name. Itzy quickly wiped her tears away when she saw Ryker approaching.

"Why are you here? The class has already started," Ryker inquired, concern etched on his face.

Itzy managed a weak smile and replied, "I just wanted to be alone for a minute. I'll head to the classroom once I'm okay."

Ryker's keen intuition led him to realize that something was amiss, and he chose to offer his support to Itzy. He sat down beside her, providing a reassuring presence that she wasn't alone in her distress. "So you're not okay, is that it?" he inquired gently. "Do you mind sharing it with me?"