Keal sat in his assigned seat. Despite trying to concentrate, he couldn't shake the feeling of eyes on him. Conversations hushed whenever he looked up. Whispers, stares, and glances followed him like shadows.
He clenched his fist under the table.
Why are they looking at me like I'm a monster…?
Before his thoughts could spiral, the professor entered and cleared his throat. "Settle down. Today, we begin with royal administration theory."
The room quieted, and Keal opened his notebook.
Meanwhile, in the adjacent classroom, Charles sat beside Edward. Their class had begun, and the soft scratching of pens filled the room.
Without a word, Aclaric—the quiet boy beside Charles—slid his notebook slightly toward him. Something was written in smooth, confident handwriting:
"Don't worry. I'm with you guys."
Charles glanced at Aclaric, surprised. He offered a small, grateful smile.
Edward, curious, scribbled a note and nudged Charles's arm: "What did he say?"
