In the Eye of the Storm      

A group of students gathered near the lockers, their smartphones out, capturing the moment. 

The unmistakable sound of camera shutters clicking filled the air, punctuating the stifling silence. 

Xin's heart raced as he realized . . . that he had really underestimated Seraphina's popularity in school.

Xiaxia's grip tightened on Xin's arm. Her worry was evident. She shot defiant glares at the onlookers, silently challenging them to say or do something. 

Yet, the air remained thick with tension, and Xin felt like he was suffocating under the weight of judgment and scrutiny.

"Xiaxia, your department is in the opposite direction," Xin reminded his sister as he tried to disentangle his arm from her tight grasp.

"I'm not letting go until you're safely in your classroom," she insisted, glaring and growling at everyone like a cat.