Story:

Bill noticed Violet's watching.

His gaze shifted to hers with effortless ease, and he gave her a pleasant little smile.

Peach turned forward before her expression could answer for her.

Behind her, paper rustled again.

She stared at the margin of her notebook.

Violet knew who he was. She knew what they suspected, what Seira expected of them, and why remaining close to him mattered.

That did not make watching him pass her notes any easier.

Was Violet encouraging him deliberately? Testing him? Or had Bill found some new amusement that Peach would understand only after it had become a problem?

At the front of the room, Mikami folded the notice.

“The school will circulate this to your families as well. If your club finishes late, leave with someone else. No shortcuts through empty streets because you’re in a hurry.”

Her gaze moved across the classroom.

It lingered on the back row.

“And being certain you can take care of yourself is not an exception.”

Violet looked up with an expression of perfect innocence.

Peach nearly sighed aloud.