The sky over Crestwood Academy was bruised‑purple by the time the last bell rang—a quiet reminder that the day had ended, but the tension hadn't. Aarvin felt it in the air: a strange heaviness, almost a warning.
Ever since James, Michael, and Henry had cornered him and Nairi that morning, the campus felt… different. Students whispered more quietly, teachers looked more alert, and even the ground staff avoided the far corridor near the training block.
John walked beside Aarvin, munching cold fries like nothing was wrong.
"You know," John said between bites, "if someone released a 'Top 10 Most Likely To Get Suspended' list—your name would be number one."
"Thanks," Aarvin muttered.
"Welcome," John smiled. "Just saying—we should probably be ready for whatever these seniors are planning."
Aarvin didn't respond. His jaw had been locked since morning, and his fingers kept replaying Nairi's voice: "…they followed me… I didn't want you to lose control…" He clenched his fists until his knuckles whitened.
John nudged him. "Bro. Earth to Aarvin. You alive?"
"Barely."
Before John could joke again, a familiar voice called from a distance.
"Aarvin!"
Riyan jogged toward them—dark hoodie, restless energy, eyes sharper than usual.
John blinked. "Oh great. Another warrior joins the party."
Riyan ignored him. His voice dropped low.
"I heard something."
Aarvin tensed. "About the seniors?"
Riyan nodded. "Yep. James and his buddies. People saw them hanging around the north block. They were asking your schedule. And…" He exhaled sharply. "They were asking about Nairi too."
Aarvin's blood went cold. John stopped chewing.
Riyan looked directly at Aarvin. "Whatever happened between you and Ridgehall, they think today is their turn."
"Let them come," Aarvin said, but there was no bravado—only steel.
Riyan crossed his arms. "I'm not letting you face them alone."
John raised a hand. "Uh—hello? I'm literally right here. I exist."
Riyan smirked. "You'll run the moment the first punch lands."
John nodded. "Correct. At least I'm honest."
Before Aarvin could reply, another figure joined them—smooth footsteps, controlled breathing, a calm voice:
"Coach Ramirez is asking for you."
Adrien. Tall. Silent. Observant. The kind of guy who didn't talk much, but when he did, every word mattered.
He stepped forward slightly, eyes scanning their surroundings like a security camera.
"You three shouldn't be here. Not alone. Not today."
John blinked. "Okay… who replaced you with Batman?"
Adrien didn't even bother reacting. He looked directly at Aarvin.
"You should stick with us. All of us."
Aarvin frowned. "Why are you suddenly involved?"
Adrien held his gaze for a long second, then said, "Because James once tried the same intimidation crap with someone I knew. It didn't end well—for either side."
Riyan muttered, "Damn."
John whispered, "Translation: Let's not die today."
Aarvin rubbed his forehead. "I appreciate it. But I don't want you guys dragged into this."
"You didn't drag anyone," Adrien replied. "They did."
John stepped closer, lowering his voice. "And let's be real—if these three psychos really want to start something… you're the one they'll target first. And if you get suspended—our team is dead."
Riyan nodded. "Exactly. So, whether you like it or not, we're sticking with you."
Adrien placed a hand on Aarvin's shoulder—firm, steady.
"You're not alone, Storm Boy."
For the first time that day, Aarvin's chest loosened—just a little.
*The Warning Before the Storm*
They headed toward the sports block to meet Coach Ramirez, but halfway there a junior girl ran past them, breathless.
"Don't go near the courtyard… something's wrong…"
She disappeared around the corner.
John stopped walking. "I hope she meant like… a snake or something. I can deal with snakes. Humans? Nope."
But the moment they reached the turn, they saw it. Three silhouettes in the courtyard, slowly pacing, waiting.
James. Michael. Henry.
Not hiding. Not sneaking. Waiting. Like wolves.
Aarvin exhaled. "So they came early."
Riyan rolled his shoulders. "Good. Saves us time."
John whispered, "No it doesn't save anything—why am I here??"
Adrien didn't speak. He simply stepped ahead, forming a triangle formation with Riyan and Aarvin.
James smirked the moment he saw them approach.
"There he is," James said. "Storm Boy. Perfect timing."
Michael tilted his head. "Before you get ideas, this isn't a fight. Not yet. If we wanted one, you'd already be in the infirmary."
Henry stayed quiet, hands in pockets, eyes cold.
James took a small step forward.
"We're here for a message."
Aarvin stared him down. "I'm listening."
* To be continued…