June 8th, 8:00 AM — Class 1-D
The sun filtered gently through the classroom windows, casting a warm light on the rows of desks. Every student sat in their place, the usual morning buzz replaced by focused silence. Ivy Draelin stood at the front, test book in hand, reading aloud.
Miss Elira, their teacher, watched them calmly. Aria's eyes, however, were fixed on Kairon Vale. The boy leaned back in his chair, his hand on his chin as he gazed out the window, completely uninterested in the lesson—or so it seemed.
Suddenly, the wall-mounted speaker crackled to life.
"This is Kael Nyre, Student Council President. The following students are to report to the board room immediately."
The entire class tensed.
"Darian Rad, Daiki Tusk, Draven Bic, Aria Nyre, Kairon Vale, Ivy Draelin, Caden Myles, and Kei Strathmore."
A heavy silence settled in. Miss Elira sighed.
"What is it this time…"
Kairon was the first to move. He stood, hands in his pockets, and walked out without a word. Ivy followed right behind. Aria stood as well, pausing by Kei's seat. He looked lost.
She tapped him gently. "Let's go."
He nodded, slowly rising. The rest of the class whispered amongst themselves.
"Such problematic children," Lucien muttered under his breath.
Miss Elira clapped her hands once. "Turn to page 55 of your English notebook. Now."
As the class complied, Miss Elira looked out the window.
"I suppose… they're about to be shocked."
---
At the Board Room
Knock. Knock.
"Come in," Kael Nyre's voice rang clear.
The students entered—and froze. Teachers were present. Juan, one of the school's staff members, gestured toward the chairs.
"Please have a seat."
They sat in two rows. Class D students facing their rivals—Class C.
Kael adjusted his glasses. "I know the meeting was supposed to be at 4:00 PM, but the school has decided to act swiftly."
Gasps. Ivy blinked. "That can't be true…"
Kairon muttered, "Expected. We're Class D, the loser class. Obviously, we fail. And then—expulsion."
Class C students grinned smugly.
Kael continued, "Class C, along with their teacher Mr. Nathaniel, has withdrawn their accusation of assault against Kei Strathmore. However—there remains the unresolved issue of the leaked exam papers found in Kei's bag."
A murmur rose among the students.
"To determine the truth based on merit, a test will be conducted now. Pass the exam, and you are cleared. Fail—"
His tone darkened.
"—and you will be expelled."
"What's going on?!" Ivy whispered in panic. "They're holding a test now?!"
Kei sat frozen, jaw clenched. Aria placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Just do your best," she whispered.
Kairon yawned, eyes half-lidded. But Aria noticed it—that subtle spark behind his gaze.
Ivy clenched her fists. "Let's do this."
Caden nodded. "If Ivy's in, I'm in too."
Kael raised his hand. "You'll all be separated. Different rooms. The exam begins now."
---
— Two Hours Later —
The results came quickly.
Scores. Names. Disciplinary actions.
A crowd gathered around the class board. Gasps filled the hallway.
One name stood out—Darian Rad, known for bullying Kei.
Score: 85. Perfect. Too perfect.
But beneath the results was a second list.
Students expelled for misconduct: Darian Rad
Draven Bic
Daiki Tusk
The hallway exploded in whispers.
Kael stepped forward, voice sharp.
"Evidence confirms Darian, Draven, and Daiki attempted to manipulate the test results using falsified exam papers. Their scores do not align with historical performance. The exam they took? Leaked. Recycled. Fake."
Shock rippled through the hallway.
Then came another name—Kei Strathmore.
Score: 50.
Real. Average. Honest.
Kael declared, "Kei Strathmore is hereby cleared of all accusations. No disciplinary action will be taken."
Kei stared at the board, stunned. Aria exhaled slowly.
Class C was shattered. Three expulsions. Their reputation and points, ruined.
---
— Flashback: 4:00 PM, The Day Before —
A barren alley behind the dorms. Draven kicked a stone. "Damn it."
Daiki wrung his hands. "How do we even tell Mr. Nathaniel we want to withdraw the accusation?"
"He's gonna lose it," Draven muttered.
Darian, strangely calm, smirked.
"You idiots haven't figured it out yet?"
Draven glared. "What's so funny?!"
Darian chuckled. "We just say we're dropping the assault accusation. Not the paper thing. That still sticks. They found the questions in Kei's bag, after all."
Daiki's eyes widened. "You mean… we confess, but only part of it?"
"Exactly." Darian's eyes gleamed. "Ren came up with the idea. He's the one who planted the papers in Kei's bag."
Draven frowned. "But why does Ren hate Class D so much?"
Darian shrugged. "He just enjoys watching others fall."
And they laughed—believing they had outsmarted everyone.
---
At the Special Annex Building—4:00 PM
Aria leaned against the wall. "So that settles it. Once they confess, it's over."
Kairon shook his head. "No. It's not over yet."
"What do you mean?"
"The exam papers. They'll never confess to that. If they do, they're expelled. Kei would only be suspended."
Aria's eyes widened. "So… they'll only withdraw the assault case. Not admit to the paper setup."
Kairon nodded. "Exactly. That's why we made the deal—to free Kei from the first case. It gives them a false sense of security. Makes them careless."
Aria stared. "And… how do we catch them off guard?"
Kairon's voice dropped to a whisper.
"We ask Kael to hold a surprise test. Completely different questions. Real ones. The real culprit will think they've already won—and either cheat again or score too well. Kei? He'll just do his usual."
"But… Kei isn't a good student."
Kairon smirked. "That's why it'll work."
Aria blinked. "You're scary smart… how'd you think of this?"
He shrugged. "Saw it in a movie once."
"What movie?"
"The Ticking Mindtrap. Old spy flick."
"…That doesn't sound real."
He grinned. "Maybe it's not."
---
10:00 AM — Present Day
Ivy and Caden clung to Kei's shoulders.
"You're free!"
Kei grinned. "Told you I was innocent."
"Don't get cocky," Aria scolded.
She looked toward the back.
Kairon stood alone, silent.
I still can't believe… his plan worked.
Kael turned to Class C.
"You're to evacuate by tomorrow. Dismissed."
As students filtered out, Kairon made to leave—until Kael stopped him.
"Class C withdrew the accusation. Why?"
Kairon shrugged. "Who knows?"
Kael smirked. "Indeed. Who knows."
---
Class 1-D — Later
Laughter. Cheers. Applause.
Students crowded around Ivy, Kei, Aria—and Kairon.
"This couldn't have happened without Aria and Kairon!" Ivy beamed.
Everyone clapped.
But Kairon raised a hand.
"No," he said. "It was all Aria. She came up with the plan. I just followed her instructions."
Aria blinked in shock.
Why is he lying…? Why make me take the credit? What is he planning…?
The celebration continued—but Aria's mind was racing.
And Kairon looked at the window… quietly fading into the background.