Chapter 21: The Anomaly Trio

After lunch, the students returned to their classrooms to drop off their lunch bags. As promised, Evan's new friends took it upon themselves to show him around the school before the break ended.

They regrouped in front of the Section-A door, with about fifteen minutes of lunch left.

"Alright, shall we start the tour?" James asked cheerfully.

Evan nodded with a warm smile. "Yeah. Thanks for doing this, guys."

Just as they were about to begin, a figure approached from behind.

"Evan," came a firm but familiar voice. "Didn't I tell you to visit me during lunch for some pointers?"

It was Ms. Fiona—hands on her hips, eyes locked on Evan.

"Oh, hi Ms. Fiona," Evan greeted with a polite nod. "I was about to explore the school with my friends. I really appreciate your offer, but they can help me catch up. I wouldn't want to take up your valuable time—you could be teaching other students or just enjoying your own break."

His mature response caught both his friends and Ms. Fiona off guard.

She blinked, clearly surprised, but quickly composed herself. "Well… if you're sure. I suppose you'll be fine with their help. But remember, if you ever need assistance, don't hesitate to come find me."

Her eyes shifted to Rey and James.

"Aren't you two from different sections?"

"Yes, Madam Blake," Rey said, giving a slight bow. "My name is Rey Dragonstorm. We met outside school yesterday and became friends. I just wanted to help him settle in."

Fiona nodded slowly. "Alright. Just make sure you don't lead him astray. Help him with studies, not... exams." She turned and walked off, disappearing around the corner.

As soon as she was out of sight, James nearly exploded.

"Evan! Do you even realize what you just passed up!?"

Evan tilted his head, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Bro! Ms. Blake is the top-ranked beauty in the entire school—unofficially, of course," James whispered dramatically. "She's the dream of every guy here. Most students would kill for the chance you just turned down."

Evan blinked, baffled. "Are you people seriously crushing on your own teacher? That's just... weird."

"Don't act like you're not interested," James nudged him. "You think playing the mature card will get you closer to her?"

"Wait, are you two actually into this nonsense?" Evan asked, already walking ahead to avoid the awkwardness.

"Not me," Rey said, raising a hand. "But James here… he once planned a whole proposal. I even saw the letter. There was a receipt for a dinner reservation and a bouquet of red roses."

"That's a lie! I was just... thinking about it. I never actually did it!" James protested, blushing.

"Sure, sure," Rey teased, dodging as James swung at him in mock anger.

"Ahem... Guys, shouldn't we be touring right now?" Evan interjected before Rey ended up with a black eye.

"Yeah, let's go," Rey agreed, laughing as he jogged ahead with Evan.

"Hey! Don't leave me behind!" James shouted, chasing after them.

With only ten minutes left before the bell, the trio hurried through key locations: the school field, the rooftop, and a few corridors along the way. It was a rushed tour, but Evan enjoyed every second of it.

Meanwhile, Fiona walked with purpose through the halls, her earlier calm shaken. She arrived at a door, knocked twice, and stepped inside upon receiving permission.

The office was quiet. Behind the desk sat a middle-aged man, tapping a pen against his palm.

"Sir," Fiona began, standing respectfully before him. "I'd like to ask about a student."

The man didn't look up. "So, you came after all. I figured you might."

He finally met her gaze, his expression unreadable.

"But you know the rules. There are things that simply can't be disclosed, no matter how curious one may be. What makes you think I'll break protocol for you?"

"I understand, sir," Fiona said. "But this student… he became close with those two the moment he arrived. That can't be a coincidence."

"Ms. Blake," the man said slowly, "sometimes, we must ignore the strange things we see. Looking too deeply can drag you into a mess you won't be able to escape."

Fiona's brows furrowed. "So you're saying I should stay silent and do nothing?"

"Yes. Just focus on teaching your students," he said firmly.

Fiona hesitated, then gave a small nod and turned to leave.

Once the door shut behind her, the man stood and walked to the window, watching the school grounds below.

This was Rick—the Principal.

He spoke softly to himself.

"Evan, I covered for you this time... but your decisions will shape what happens next. And of all people to befriend... a fallen noble and a stubborn heir hiding as commoners? What an unusual trio you've formed."

Returning to his desk, he sat and picked up his pen.

"Jason, just what kind of person have you brought into my school?"

Meanwhile, the trio returned to their classrooms just as the bell rang. Their break was over, but for some reason, it felt like their story was just beginning.

— To be continued —