The tension at Minagawa High hung in the air like static.
Security had increased. Cameras were being checked. No one dared speak about the word on the wall, but everyone felt it. The silence in the halls was unnatural.
Leo hadn't left Kieran's side since that rooftop.
During lunch, they sat near the window overlooking the courtyard, pretending to read. But Kieran's eyes kept scanning the gates.
"Are you expecting them to walk in during math class?" Leo muttered, trying to lighten the mood.
"I'd prefer that," Kieran said, dead serious. "At least then I'd see them coming."
Leo sighed. "Then let's be ready."
---
The storm broke after school.
Two figures in black stood across the street from the school gates, leaning against a motorcycle. One had silver piercings across his eyebrow; the other chewed gum like it was an act of war.
Kieran spotted them instantly.
"They're scouts," he said under his breath. "Watching. Waiting."
Leo stood beside him. "Then what do we do?"
Kieran's voice was flat. "We don't run. We make them think we're not afraid."
"And if they don't buy it?"
Kieran gave a hollow smile. "Then we show them why I was their top fighter."
---
That night, Leo lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. He knew life had changed the moment Kieran entered it. But he didn't realize how much until now.
This wasn't just school drama anymore.
It was war.
And he'd already chosen his side.