The Academy's Doomed Side Character

"What?"

"I said I don’t want to join your team."

Just like that. Clear. Direct. No frills.

A flicker of surprise passed across Leo’s face—barely noticeable, but definitely there.

He hadn’t expected that.

Honestly? Neither did I. But hey, no backing down now.

I offered him a small, polite smile. The kind you’d give someone handing out "join my cult" pamphlets in public.

There was an awkward silence between us. Neither of us said anything. We just... stared.

And then—

Cough.

Leo cleared his throat, like someone trying to awkwardly redirect the conversation.