The Academy's Doomed Side Character

Leona flinched.

It was subtle—barely there—but I caught it.

I frowned.

"You say that like it’s a compliment," I muttered. "But it sounds more like a threat."

Leo didn’t deny it. He just looked at me calmly and said,

"I’m stating facts. I’m building a team. And Rin’s part of it."

"And like I said," Leona cut in, sharper than before, "Rin isn’t some kind of object that belongs to you."

Leo’s gaze flicked to her, and he narrowed his eyes in clear annoyance.

"I never said he was. I’m just stating that he’ll be joining my club. That’s all."

"Stating facts, huh?" Leona scoffed. "It sounds more like a command to me."

Leo tilted his head slightly. "What?"