Chapter 46 - 7.8 : When the Spotlight Becomes a Target
That morning, the school was unusually busy. With the upcoming exam prep program, students arrived earlier than usual. The moment Al stepped through the school gate, a familiar voice greeted him.
"Yo, mysterious boy!" called out Rina—the short-haired tomboy who proudly claimed to be Al’s only true friend at this school.
She gave him a light elbow jab.
"You’re early today. Don’t tell me you got cursed into studying all night?"
"You know why we have to be here early, and you still ask," Al replied casually.
"Hahaha, can’t a girl make small talk?"
"Small talk? That doesn’t suit me," Al muttered lazily.
Rina chuckled. Al could only sigh. Somehow, her friendly presence made the tense morning feel lighter.
But from across the school yard, Jogo—the martial arts team captain—watched Al with a scowl.
All his previous warnings seemed completely ignored. Worse, Al looked even closer to Rina now.
Moments later, Rudi walked by. His face looked rough, dark circles under his eyes, tie crooked, and hair a mess. He was walking not far from Al, who was still enduring Rina’s chatter.
"Al. Watch out, Rudi’s coming," Rina whispered.