Nico pushed open the door to Mr. Willer’s classroom, the weight of his meeting with the director still hanging heavy on his shoulders. The moment he stepped inside, he noticed the shift in the room. Conversations died down, eyes turned toward him, and the atmosphere thickened with curiosity. It was as though every person in the room knew something had happened—something significant.

Nico quickly moved to his seat, trying to avoid eye contact with anyone, but he could feel the stares burning into his back. He’d expected some attention after being called to the director’s office, but this was different. They were looking at him like he was someone else—like they knew something they shouldn’t.

He sank into his chair, focusing on the front of the classroom, hoping that whatever whispers were circulating would fade soon enough. But then, from the corner of the room, a familiar voice cut through the silence.

“Well, well, well,” Kyle’s voice was loud and filled with mockery. “Look who finally made it back. What’d you do this time, Nico? Cheat on a test? Steal something? Or was it worse?”

A few scattered snickers followed his words. Kyle, one of the more popular and obnoxious guys in the class, had never been subtle about his dislike for Nico. The tension between them had only grown since Nico had copied Kyle’s taekwondo ability during their fight. Kyle had never forgiven him for that, and now, with everyone’s eyes on Nico, it seemed like the perfect time to strike.

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Nico’s jaw clenched, his hands gripping the edge of his desk. He could feel the anger building inside him, but he kept his mouth shut. The last thing he needed was to lose control in front of everyone. Kyle’s taunts had a way of cutting deep, but Nico wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

Kyle leaned back in his chair, grinning. “Come on, tell us what you did. It’s gotta be something big if they called you to the director’s office. Or are you too scared to say?”

More laughter followed, but before Nico could even think of how to respond, Mr. Willer’s voice cut through the noise.

“That’s enough, Kyle,” Mr. Willer said firmly, his eyes locking onto Kyle with a no-nonsense expression. “Nico doesn’t need to explain himself to anyone, least of all you.”

Kyle’s grin faltered, and he sat up a little straighter. Mr. Willer wasn’t known for being strict, but when he intervened, people listened. Kyle scowled but didn’t push any further.

Nico exhaled quietly, grateful for the teacher’s intervention. Mr. Willer continued to address the class, his tone calming the tension in the room.

“I understand everyone’s curious, but there’s no need to jump to conclusions or make assumptions about your classmates,” Mr. Willer said, casting a glance around the room. “Let’s focus on the lesson.”

The class slowly turned their attention back to their notes and textbooks, though Nico could still feel the occasional glance thrown his way. He took a deep breath, willing himself to stay calm. The last thing he needed was more attention. After everything that had happened with the director and the higher-ups, he had to tread carefully.

Mr. Willer shot Nico a brief, understanding look before returning to the lesson, and Nico felt a small sense of relief. At least someone in this place had his back. Mr. Willer had always been fair and even-tempered, and today was no different.

But as Nico sat in the back of the classroom, staring at the board, he couldn’t help but think about what had just happened. Kyle’s taunts, the strange looks from his classmates—it all added up to one thing.

Somehow, rumors were spreading. About him. About the valley. And if he wasn’t careful, those whispers would only grow louder.