Ethan turned toward the voice — it was White Miller.
When White Miller decided to protect someone, he did it to the extreme — to the point of standing against the entire world for them.
When they were kids, if someone bullied her, he was always the first to find out and defend her — even if it meant fighting students from lower grades.
He had always been gentle, polite, almost perfect…Yet for her, he would throw away that composure without hesitation.
And now, it seemed, nothing had changed.Anna cried once, and here he was — appearing right on cue.
Ethan looked away. "It's nothing. I transferred to Science A-Class and came to collect my things, that's all."
"Then take them," White said flatly. "But apologize to Anna."
Summer blinked in disbelief."Excuse me? Maybe you should figure out what actually happened before playing hero."
Her tone was quick and fiery — too quick. The words were out before she could stop them.
White frowned, clearly unused to being challenged."Isn't it obvious? If Anna's upset, someone must have bullied her."
Ethan, taller than Summer, could see the faint irritation in White's eyes."White, I'm just trying to move my stuff. Why are you making a scene?"
Her voice was hoarse — almost raspy — as if she were suppressing a cold.That only deepened his frown.
He already knew about her transfer, and he didn't doubt it.But her attitude — the cold, detached tone — rubbed him wrong.
"No one's stopping you," he said curtly. "But there's no need to be rude to Anna. You're acting unpleasant."
Ethan's expression didn't change, though her heart gave a small twist.They'd grown up together — like brother and sister. And now, for the first time, he called her unpleasant.
But instead of arguing, she simply crossed her arms and replied lazily,"Think what you want. If you're that desperate for drama, fine — we'll wait for Mr. Lin. Then we'll see who's right."
Anna's fingers tightened around White's sleeve. Her stomach churned with unease.If Mr. Lin confirmed the transfer, then she'd be the one who looked bad for trying to stop it.
But she quickly comforted herself.I didn't stop her. Chris did. I only asked a question.
Then, just as the air grew heavy, a firm voice echoed from down the hall:
"What's going on here?! Class is about to start!"
Mr. Lin arrived, Ben Lee trailing nervously behind him.
Anna's mind spun — and then she took the offensive."Mr. Lin, we heard Ethan was transferring to Science A-Class, but we weren't sure if it was true. She came to move her desk, so we didn't let her, just in case."
Her tone was innocent, her expression pure.But White shot her a side glance, a flicker of doubt crossing his face.
After all, she had told him about Ethan's transfer earlier — and now she was pretending not to know?
Anna noticed his look and felt a wave of panic — but when no "affection down" chime came from her system, she relaxed again.He still didn't care about Ethan. That was all that mattered.
Mr. Lin, however, frowned slightly. He'd always had mixed feelings about Anna. Bright, well-mannered — but something about her never sat right. She was too calculating for her age.
He sighed."Yes, Ethan has officially transferred to Science A-Class," he confirmed. "Everyone, please congratulate her."
The room erupted in a low murmur.
Mr. Lin continued, his tone turning stern."As for the upcoming monthly exam results — Chris Zhao, come to my office after class. For now, everyone back to your seats. If you're free, go help Ethan move her things."
Chris's face went pale. He immediately released his grip on the desk."Y-Yes, Mr. Lin."
Anna clenched her fists, forcing a smile."Ethan, I'm sorry. I didn't understand the situation and wasted your time. Let me help you move."
Before Ethan could answer, Summer jumped in with mock sweetness."Oh, no, how could we trouble you, Miss Hawthorne? With that tiny frame, you might faint before we reach the stairs. Better stay put and rest."
Anna's face darkened, her jaw tightening.But she reminded herself — I have the system. They're just ordinary people.By the time I'm done, none of them will matter.
Plastering on a smile, she said softly, "Then I'll head back for class. Goodbye, Ethan."
Ethan shoved her hands into her jacket pockets, ignoring her completely.As she turned away, she rolled her eyes and started walking toward the Science building.
Summer quickly caught up, looping her arm through Ethan's."Hey! From now on, we're classmates. Ask me anything, okay? I'll introduce you to everyone later!"
Ethan smiled faintly — a real, relaxed smile for the first time that day."Thanks, Summer. Lunch is on me."
Summer's face lit up."Deal! The sweet-and-sour ribs at Canteen 2 are amazing! You have to try them!"
Ethan chuckled quietly, slowing her pace to match Summer's.For the first time in a long while, her heart felt light.