At school, the bell signaled the end of classes. In the courtyard, Marlie gave Axel a brief hug.
"I'm going to find Miria," she said, smiling. "As soon as I hear anything, I'll let you know, okay?"
"Count on me. I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything about Isabella," Axel replied.
"Okay, see you later!" she called, walking briskly away.
Axel turned around, about to go home, when a whisper caught his attention. Four boys were talking quietly near the stairs.
Intrigued, he approached discreetly, keeping a safe distance to avoid being seen.
"Did you see her? Diana?! How Isolde exploded!" exclaimed one of the boys. "I knew she was sweet, almost shy... but wow."
"Did you see how she pressed her against the locker? I've never seen Isolde freak out like that," the other added, almost admiringly. "Honestly... that aggressive side of hers... it's exciting."
He bit his lip and made an ambiguous gesture with his tongue, looking perverse.
"I wonder what she's like in bed..."
"Hmph!" a sharp voice suddenly said from behind them.
The four boys jumped and turned around. Axel was staring at them, arms crossed, a dark look on his face.
"Oh... uh... Axel. What a surprise..." one of them stammered, trembling.
"Don't you have anything better to do than stand there drooling like dogs?" Axel said sharply.
"Yes, yes! We were just about to... uh... say goodbye!" the other stammered.
Without waiting, the small group quickly dispersed.
Axel remained alone for a moment, thoughtful. Diana... What could have driven her to act like that?
He let out a long sigh, ran a hand through his hair, and turned on his heel.
"I need to clear this up, but I'll do it later," he murmured.
And he walked away with a determined step, toward Isabella's.