Chapter 14: The First Step Toward Disappearance

As the three of them stepped into the classroom, they were met with a wave of judgmental stares—as if they were clowns entering a circus.

Sir Peter, already at the edge of his patience, didn't waste time.

"Out. Stand outside until the period ends," he snapped, his voice tight with suppressed fury.

With no choice, the trio turned and exited the classroom, taking up positions in the hallway.

Rey and Evan stood quietly, but James… well, James was James.

He began contorting his face into ridiculous expressions, trying to crack his friends up. They were close—too close—to breaking into laughter when the door suddenly swung open.

The three froze.

Rey and Evan straightened like soldiers, recognizing the footsteps instantly. James, however, remained clueless until he heard the familiar, spine-chilling voice.

"Oh? Seems Mr. James still hasn't grasped my words and is enjoying himself quite a bit."

James slowly turned to find Sir Peter towering behind him, his face thunderous. A cold shiver ran down James's spine as he quickly retreated back to his spot like a scolded puppy.

Peter had originally stepped out with the intention of letting the trio back in, assuming they had been delayed due to assignments. But the moment he opened the door and saw James mid-gesture, his already-thin patience snapped.

"You three. My office. Now."

He turned and strode back into the classroom without another word.

Rey and Evan couldn't hold back their chuckles at James's darkened expression as they followed him toward the office.

After the Period – In Peter's Office

"So, Mr. Zephyr…" Peter said, leaning back in his chair, his eyes fixed sharply on James. "Tell me, what exactly should I do with all of you?"

"Sorry, sir!" Rey spoke up before James could open his mouth. "It's my fault we were late. I asked them to help carry a bundle of sheets to the storeroom. On the way, Evan collapsed. We had to rush him to the infirmary. You can call them to confirm if you'd like."

Peter raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm… I was aware you had tasks to handle, but this sudden collapse—this is new." He reached for his phone. "Let's confirm, shall we?"

He dialed the infirmary.

"Yes. A student named Evan… collapsed? I see. Thank you."

Peter ended the call, turned back to the trio, and narrowed his eyes.

The tension in the room rose.

James, under pressure, blurted out, "Actually, sir… Rey also had a bit of a stomach emergency! He ran to the bathroom and only came out after fifteen minutes… that added to our delay too!"

Rey stared at James, silently mouthing: What are you doing?!

But James was too far gone—desperate to avoid a suspension or a dreaded phone call to his parents.

"Ah. So that's the part I was missing," Peter said dryly, then turned to Rey, his tone softening. "Are you okay, Rey? Do you still feel sick?"

That momentary concern was genuine. Peter held deep respect for Rey's late father—his former teacher, mentor, and friend. After the tragedy, Peter had taken it upon himself to help guide Rey. But that favoritism, while well-intentioned, wasn't exactly welcomed by the rest of the class.

"Alright, all of you can go. But don't repeat this, and make sure you're prepared for the finals. The entrance exams are close."

As Rey and James turned to leave, they noticed Evan hadn't moved.

"What's wrong?" Rey asked, turning back.

Evan smiled slightly. "You two go ahead. I want to speak with Sir privately."

Understanding the tone, they gave a quick nod and exited.

Peter glanced at him. "Yes, Evan? What's on your mind?"

"I'd like to request a leave… for two days," Evan said.

Peter's expression shifted.

"At this critical time?"

"I know it's important, but… I need it."

"And the reason?" Peter's voice grew firmer, laced with irritation. "You do realize how vital these final days are, right?"

Evan hesitated, his eyes lowering. "It's because…"

Peter waited.

"…if you won't explain, then I can't approve it," he said sternly.

Evan inhaled deeply.

'Sorry, Mom. Dad. I don't even know if you're alive, but I'm using your names now. Forgive me…'

"Yesterday, while I was studying, I received a call," Evan began. "A woman asked if I was Evan. When I said yes, another voice cut in and said—'Son, it's me, your mother.'"

Peter froze, his expression turning skeptical.

"I thought my parents were dead. That's what I was always told. But she described a family pendant—something no one but the orphanage head and I knew. Down to every detail. I think… I think they really might be my parents."

Peter's brows furrowed. "Evan, you could've been targeted. Scammers are known to use such tactics."

"I thought the same. But she even mentioned the crack near the pendant's core—something I've never told anyone. They want to meet me tomorrow, near my apartment. That's why… I want to go."

Peter stared at him long and hard.

Finally, he sighed.

"…Fine. But on one condition—you bring them to meet me the day after tomorrow. And if you don't come back, I'll come to find you."

"Yes, sir. Thank you."

As Evan left the office, a mix of excitement and melancholy flickered in his heart.

"The first step of my plan… to get myself kidnapped... has begun."

He chuckled to himself bitterly.

"Forgive me, unknown parents. I'm only borrowing your names… after this, I'll disappear. I won't be a burden anymore."

Rejoining Rey and James, Evan wore a faint smile.

And with that, the trio headed back to class—each carrying secrets the others didn't yet know.

Author's Note:

Hey everyone! Thanks for reading! 😄

This chapter marked the first step in Evan's mysterious plan—what's he really up to?

Things are about to heat up, so don't miss the next chapter!

Rey's journey to the top continues—see you soon, and have an awesome day!