Chapter 22: The Test That Never Came

James and Evan arrived in their classroom, weaving through the low hum of conversation. A few students glanced their way but quickly resumed their chatter.

The two returned to their seats, and Evan quietly pulled out his textbooks, aligning them according to the schedule Fiona had handed him earlier.

As the class began, Evan's initial excitement gradually dulled. The teacher's monotone voice droned on, turning minutes into hours. His eyelids drooped against his will, and he struggled to stay awake, determined not to embarrass himself on his first day.

Beside him, James was already dozing off like he owned the place.

Just as the period neared its end, the teacher's eyes landed on James, who was snoring faintly with his chin on his chest. A sigh escaped the teacher, followed by a few extra minutes of lecturing—mostly directed at James—before the period finally concluded.

As soon as the teacher left, the class erupted into casual chaos.

"Thanks, James!" someone called out."You saved us from the most boring last five minutes ever!"

The second period after break was always a struggle—even for the diligent ones. James, being James, had somehow made it tolerable.

James stood and stretched, dramatically flipping his imaginary cape.

"It's nothing. Just a small sacrifice for the greater good. It's my duty, after all," he said, striking a heroic pose.

Right then, a calm voice rang out from the doorway.

"Well, Mr. Helper, would you please sit down? I believe that seat is already taken."

The classroom fell silent as the door clicked shut behind the figure.

"Oh no… it's Sir Peter."

The students scrambled to their seats, backs straight, faces serious.

Peter strode in, eyes scanning the room.

"I trust you all remember the board test I assigned a few days ago."His voice was calm… too calm."Let me warn you now—the punishment for slackers today will be much harsher than usual."

Groans and gasps rippled through the class. Most of the students had clearly forgotten. A few confident faces stood out among the trembling ones.

"Hey, Rook! Did you prep for it?" a student whispered.

"Of course I did. You think I'd forget Sir Peter's test after what he did to me last time?" Rook replied, visibly shivering at the memory.

Peter's sharp gaze swept the room—until it stopped at Evan.

"Well, well… A new face. Care to introduce yourself, kid?" he asked, his tone more curious than accusatory.

Evan stood beside James, straightening his posture but saying nothing.

Peter frowned. "Are you mute or something?"

Evan quickly shook his head.

"Then tell me your name and why you're in this class," Peter demanded, clearly not expecting any unfamiliar students in his domain.

Evan spoke softly, almost hesitantly."Sir… I'm a transfer student. Today is my first day."

Unfortunately, his voice was too quiet to be heard across the classroom.

Peter's brows furrowed. "Enough with the excuses. Leave my class or I'll send you to the principal's office."

Evan blinked, stunned. What? But I answered you…

Before he could respond, James stood up beside him.

"Sir, please wait. There's a misunderstanding here."

Peter narrowed his eyes.

"Misunderstanding? James, are you telling me you support students sneaking into classrooms after break? Promoting harmony, are we?" His voice took a cold edge. "Perhaps you'd like to leave with him?"

James kept his cool. "No, sir. What I mean is—Evan isn't from another section. He's a new transfer student. Ms. Blake introduced him to the class this morning. If you don't believe me, you can verify it with her."

Peter's gaze sharpened. "You're saying… he was officially introduced by Ms. Blake?"

"Yes, sir. And I don't think a teacher would lie about that," James replied, his voice louder now, making sure the entire class heard.

The rest of the students chimed in, some eagerly.

"Yes, sir! Ms. Blake brought him in!""We all saw it!""Please confirm it with her!"

Peter's eyes widened slightly. These students... standing up for someone they barely know?

He sighed. "Very well. I'll go speak to Ms. Blake myself. But if I hear even a whisper while I'm gone…"

He didn't need to finish the sentence.

The door clicked behind him as he left.

"YES!"

The class burst into low cheers. No test for now! Hope flickered in their hearts.

Still, no one dared raise their voices too loud. Peter's threat loomed over them.

James nudged Evan. "Bro, sit down already. He's gone."

"But… what if he comes back and sees me sitting?"

"He won't be back before the bell. Trust me."

"…Alright." Evan hesitated before finally sitting down.

A few minutes later, the two were deep in conversation about the game they played the previous night—test forgotten, for now.

Meanwhile, down the hallway, Peter strode toward the teacher's office, fuming.

Inside, Fiona was sorting through student reports when he arrived.

"Ms. Blake," he said, cutting straight to the point. "I need to confirm something about your Section-A class."

"Mr. Peter? What's the matter?" she asked, surprised by the sudden visit.

"There was a student I didn't recognize in your class. I assumed he snuck in to hang out with a friend."

Fiona blinked. "Ah… you must mean Evan."

"You know him?" Peter raised an eyebrow.

"Hardly. Mr. Rick personally enrolled him. I was just told to introduce him to the class. That's all I know," she replied, shrugging.

Peter's jaw tightened. "Then I'll speak with the principal directly."

"You can try, but… good luck," Fiona said wryly. "He doesn't explain much to anyone."

Peter didn't answer. His mind was already set.

Without another word, he turned and walked out, heading straight toward the principal's office.

—To be continued—