Chapter 19: A Seat Among Strangers

"Can you help me with something?" Principal Rick asked seriously, setting the letter aside.

"Certainly, sir. What do you need assistance with?" Evan replied, assuming it had something to do with the letter.

"Well, you see... um," Rick began, hesitating. Evan's brows furrowed. What could possibly make a man like him hesitate?

"Is the task unusual or difficult?" Evan asked, trying to understand the source of the discomfort.

Rick sighed. "Alright, here's the deal, junior. The stuff I spilled earlier—yeah, let's keep that between us, alright? If it gets out, you, your loaded aunt, and your swanky uncle might end up as walking treasure maps for the wrong kind of people."

His tone was half-joking, half-serious, an awkward attempt to cover his earlier slip.

Evan's expression hardened as he grasped the weight of the matter. "I see, sir. Don't worry. I won't tell a soul."

Rick nodded, relieved. "Good. I'll call someone to escort you to your class. Just... keep this under wraps, alright? For your safety."

"Understood, sir. I won't even tell my aunt or uncle," Evan said, placing his hand over his heart like a solemn oath.

"Good lad. Take a seat on the sofa while I arrange things," Rick said, pointing to a couch behind Evan.

Evan sat down, scanning the office curiously. A few minutes passed before the door opened.

An elegant woman with brown hair and sharp black eyes stepped in, bowing lightly to the principal.

"You called for me, sir?"

"Yes, Ms. Blake, thank you for coming. This young man is joining your section. His case is... unique, so please keep an eye on him."

Evan blinked. So she's my homeroom teacher.

He stood and bowed respectfully. She returned it with a nod.

"Understood, sir. I'll take good care of him," she said, turning to Evan. "Let's go."

"Thank you, sir. I'll be going now," Evan added before following her out.

As they walked through the corridor, Evan introduced himself. "Hello ma'am, my name is Evan Windstone."

She replied without turning her head. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Windstone. I'm Ms. Fiona Blake—your new homeroom teacher."

Then, without skipping a beat, she added bluntly, "I hope you won't disappoint Mr. Rick. He doesn't play favorites, so the fact he let you sit there... means you're either special or lucky. Study hard, alright?"

Evan could feel the suspicion behind her words. She probably thought he'd used some sort of influence to get into the school—or worse, into her class.

She recalled a memory: a student from a powerful family once had to stand the entire time during his meeting with Rick. But this boy… he was seated comfortably.

Still, she said nothing more, leading him up to the first floor, stopping in front of a door marked:<Section-A >

Laughter and chatter spilled through the door.

Ms. Blake sighed. "Let's go in before they get wilder."

She slid the door open. The room quieted in an instant as every pair of eyes zeroed in on the newcomer trailing behind her.

"Attention class. This is a new transfer student. I expect you all to help him settle in and treat him well."

Evan stepped forward hesitantly.

He scanned the room and saw only one familiar face.

A boy in the back grinned and silently mouthed, 'Found you.'

"Hello, my name is Evan Windstone. I'm a transfer from Arcanis City. I hope we can be friends," Evan said politely, but his stiff posture and soft tone made his nervousness obvious.

Most of the class lost interest almost instantly—except one boy, and a few others from what looked like the 'nerd gang.'

"Alright, Evan, you can take your seat... Let's see... Rook! You're up. Help him out with anything he needs," Ms. Blake said, picking at random.

Rook's face instantly twisted in silent protest, but he begrudgingly nodded.

Evan took the seat beside him and turned slightly. "Hi, I'm—"

"Oi, nerd. Don't talk to me," Rook snapped in a whisper. "If you snitch to the teacher, I'll make you regret it."

Evan blinked, a little surprised, but not entirely unprepared. "O-okay. I won't tell anyone."

Ms. Blake noticed the tension but said nothing for now. She began the lesson, though her gaze occasionally flicked toward Evan.

This one's going to struggle… she thought.

Still, before leaving the classroom, she paused at the door.

"Ah, Evan. If you need help, come see me in the teacher's office after class."

Then she left.

The classroom buzzed again with social circles and chatter. No one approached Evan—not even out of politeness.

But then—

Step. Step.

He could feel it.

Several students were slowly walking toward him.

Nerd gang, he figured.

Maybe he could find a place with them.

Just as they were about to reach him, a hand gently clamped down on his shoulder.

"Hey, you remember me, right?" a familiar voice said.

Evan turned his head and his eyes widened.

"Oh… you—"

To be continued.