Rei looked at Lucas with a calmer expression after hearing his words. For the first time, she felt like there was someone who truly supported her in dealing with Asano.
After a brief silence, Rei sighed and spoke in a softer voice, "Lucas… thank you."
Lucas gave a small smile. "I knew you were going to say that."
Rei rolled her eyes. "Don't be annoying."
"Too late," Lucas replied playfully.
Rei finally let out a small laugh—something rare after all the pressure she had been under. "But seriously… if it weren't for you, I'd probably still be stuck feeling angry and frustrated."
Lucas lightly patted her head. "I told you, didn't I? I'm here to help."
Rei smiled. Although she wasn't completely satisfied with the outcome, she felt relieved knowing that, at the very least, Asano couldn't abuse his power freely anymore—at least for now.
From that moment on, Rei and Lucas grew closer. Despite her tough exterior, Rei started opening up more to Lucas, feeling comfortable talking to him.
The next day, during lunch break, Komuro Takashi and Hisashi Igou ran towards Rei's classroom, looking serious.
"Rei!" Komuro called out as soon as he reached her desk. "Have you heard about Asano?"
Rei looked at them calmly. "Yeah, I already know."
Hisashi looked surprised. "What? How?"
Rei crossed her arms and smirked. "Because I already got my revenge."
Komuro frowned. "Wait… what do you mean?"
Rei glanced at Lucas, who was sitting not far away with a relaxed expression.
Lucas simply shrugged. "Let's just call it a little miracle."
Komuro and Hisashi exchanged glances before looking back at Rei.
Rei sighed in satisfaction. "I finally got back at him, thanks to Lucas."
Hisashi looked at Lucas, clearly impressed. "Whoa, are you serious? What did you do?"
Lucas grinned. "Ah, just a classic trick to bring down arrogant people."
Komuro observed the interaction between Rei and Lucas, then narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "You two… are getting closer, huh?"
Rei flinched slightly but tried to stay composed. "Hah? Don't be ridiculous."
Lucas chuckled. "She's just admitting that I'm amazing. That's all."
Rei scoffed and lightly punched Lucas's arm. "Don't get a big head!"
Komuro sighed, watching the two of them. Something had definitely changed in the way Rei spoke to Lucas.
Meanwhile, Hisashi smiled. "Either way, it's good that Asano finally got what he deserved."
Lucas smirked. "This is just the beginning. People like him don't last long."
Komuro, Hisashi, and Rei exchanged glances, feeling that Lucas might be right.
For now, one problem was solved. But the world was still full of challenges waiting for them all.