ng was different about the day. The seats she had intended to occupy

o sit down, a cup of red juice, cunningly placed atop the chair, spilled all over her. Laughter erupted in the classroom, and

She refused to grant them the satisfaction of witnessing her anger or embarrassment. Slowly and calmly, she retrieved a tiss

ischief glinting in his eyes as if he had something to say. "Why

ly raised her eyes, meeting his gaze with icy indifference. "Don't bother yo

ke a step back, but the tens

tly into his blue eyes, saying nothing. Her calmness seemed to unsettle him further. He waited for a reaction, but when none came

ryone had anticipated entered. Aron, the boy she had collided with

y surveyed the room. Upon witnessing the chaos caused by the bullying directed at Liana, he paused momentar

The laughter that had filled the classroom began to fade gradually. "You have better

as clear that Aron held an unspoken authority over everyone. He was not just an ord

his demeanor. Instead of the usual smile she had seen before, his eyes

er a moment, he walked closer and asked soft

nterest. She replied in a low voice, "I don't need help." Her tone was steady, strong,

tures calm, and said quietly, "You know, being alone in a place

talk is merely a cover for

't quite comprehend. "Perhaps... but this place isn't ordinary. We all play

draw closer to her with silly remarks and feigned interest. She

is as they seem." He smiled a lopsided grin and then slo

smile, her voice steady. "Don't

He moved away from her slowly and returned to his seat in the middle of the room. His departure

ded to distance herself from the crowds. The air outside was refreshing, and the

m the main university buildings. A deep-seated nee

, her breath quickening slightly. Her eyes darted around th

erson. He was tall, slightly taller than Aron, but his features were sharper and more rugged. He bore th

ce. He didn't speak at first, as if studying her,

ice deep and smooth, b

ad no desire to engage in conversation with another pers

emarked, a small smile gracing his lip

not being obligated to. "I'm not here to enjoy the place

s pockets as if he were indifferent to the world. "I know that feeling," he said, gazing upward as if

ic nature. She understood why she was here and didn't need

" she declared firmly, but his pen

me with a slightly wider grin, yet it still carried t

unable to suppress the curios

eyes studying her intently. "Just jo

t think things will turn out as you expect," he warned

re meeting his eyes again. "I don't c

t a few steps away from her. "Perhaps not, but you will know

ay, leaving her standing in place, bu

id before disappea

r. She didn't know what it truly meant, but she sensed that she was on th

-that she was a member of the mafia, train