Return.

I walked down the hallway, students passing by, some staring, others whispering. There was a ridiculous rumor circulating that I frequented a brothel, which was strictly illegal in Solstice. Another story was about me leering at girls from behind benches. Ridiculous, I know.

Blaze perched on my shoulder, enjoying the spectacle and finding it immensely entertaining. Sighing, I realized that these rumors started from something trivial and snowballed into a bigger issue.

As long as it wasn't directly affecting me...

"Ren!" I heard someone call from behind.

I turned and saw Raven approaching, drawing attention with her hurried pace. The last time I went to the canteen, she wasn't there. I waited, but she didn't show up that day.

"Sorry!" Those were the first words she said as she reached me.

"For what?" I asked, puzzled.