The next morning at the School of Shadows rolled in like fog—quiet, still, and watchful.
After the starlit moment on the cliff with Richard—where Javi had laid his past bare and heard the words that stuck like a spark in his chest:
"If you want to make your family proud... start with yourself first."
—something in him felt different.
Maybe not a full transformation. But something had shifted.
---
Across campus, students trudged along stone pathways, rubbing sleep from their eyes. Another day. Another mystery. Another challenge that waited behind unmarked doors.
Rukawa Hiroshi moved like a shadow cutting through mist. Straight posture. Measured steps. His mind was already ahead of him, halfway through the next chapter of Basics of Deduction.
A few students nodded as they passed him.
"Morning, Hiroshi."
"Senpai."
He answered with a slight bow—formal, brief, automatic.
His hand reached for the library door.
Then paused.
Something... unusual.
A flicker of sound. A sense of presence. Instinct stirred in his chest.
He raised a brow but kept moving, pushing the door open with calm precision—
Only to find himself face-to-face with a very familiar smirk.
"Good afternoon! Senpai!"
Javier Garcia stood near a bookshelf, two fingers raised in a dramatic salute, looking like he owned the room.
Rukawa blinked once.
Then again.
"…Garcia? You're early."
"Uh-huh," Javi said, lips twitching upward. "Guess my body clock decided to finally grow up."
Rukawa stepped inside, quietly shutting the door behind him.
His expression barely shifted, but his tone sharpened with dry amusement.
"So... you've decided to be responsible?"
Javi leaned back against the shelf like it was a throne.
"Hey, I can be serious once in a while."
He let the words hang in the air, arms folded, chin tilted just slightly in challenge.
Rukawa rolled his eyes—almost imperceptibly.
Still, a faint smirk tugged at the edge of his mouth.
"I didn't say you can't."
Javi chuckled, pointing a finger directly at him.
"But you were thinking it. I saw it in your eyes."
"I don't have time for your theatrics, Garcia." Rukawa's voice was even. "The real question is—are you ready?"
Javi stood a little taller, arms crossed, mock insulted.
"Do I look like I'm not ready?"
His hand went to his hip in exaggerated flair, his grin refusing to fade.
Rukawa gave him a once-over, eyebrow lifting.
"You look cocky. As always."
"Yet I'm still alive."
"Doesn't mean you'll stay that way."
Rukawa walked to the far table, the kind used only by the serious students—or the ones too stubborn to quit. He pulled out a chair and sat, nodding at the one across.
Javi let out a short breath. Not a sigh—more like a release of tension. He followed, flopping into the seat with his usual mix of laziness and intent.
"Don't worry about me."
He leaned forward, elbow on the table, chin resting in q this book."
Rukawa studied him. Silent.
Then, the corner of his mouth lifted—barely.
"Whatever happened to you…" he said softly, "I guess it's a good thing."
For a second, Javi didn't answer.
Then he smirked.
"Told you I can be serious."
They had landed on Chapter 10: Interpreting Silence and Pauses.
Pages 251 to 280.
It couldn't have been more ironic.
The library—usually filled with shuffling pages, the low hum of discussion, and the occasional cough—felt different today.
Still.
Heavy in a way that demanded attention.
As if the walls, the dust, even the air between the shelves wanted to listen.
At the long wooden table, under the mellow glow of the brass reading lamp, Javier Garcia was still.
Not bored-still.
Not fake-studious-still.
Genuinely still.
His hands didn't tap.
His foot wasn't bouncing.
No exaggerated sighs.
No playful mockery.
Just quiet reading.
His pencil moved occasionally—underlining, marking margins, tapping his chin softly in thought—but there was a rhythm to it. Calm. Steady. Intentional.
> "Silence is not absence. It is intention. What is not said speaks volumes."
Javi read it twice.
And for some reason, it hit him harder than it should.
He underlined it with care, his movements uncharacteristically gentle.
What is not said... speaks volumes.
No grin.
No snide comment like "what is this, poetry class?"
He just sat with it. Let it settle.
Across from him, Rukawa Hiroshi lifted his eyes from his own copy of the book.
Silently.
Subtly.
He didn't speak. He didn't raise a brow or make a comment.
Instead, he watched.
Watched Javi's posture—straight.
Watched his eyes—focused.
Watched the boy who had once groaned at the idea of discipline now quietly tracing the words with genuine interest.
This was new.
Not a fluke.
Not a show.
Real.
Rukawa lowered his eyes again, but his thoughts stirred, honest and calm.
> "If he keeps like this… maybe I don't need to drag him out anymore."
"No complaints. No delay. He's starting to fit into this place."
He let the thought breathe.
It didn't feel smug. It didn't feel surprised.
It felt like relief.
For the first time in weeks, he didn't feel like he had to carry someone.
Didn't feel like the only one taking it seriously.
He didn't feel alone.
And in a way he couldn't articulate—not even to himself—he was grateful.
Grateful for this silence. Grateful for the shift. Grateful for him.
Maybe, just maybe… he had a partner after all.
No smirk crossed his face. No praise left his mouth.
But for a moment, the tension that usually lined his shoulders—softened.
And on the other side of the table, Javi was having a quiet crisis of his own.
His pencil hovered over the page for a second.
Then dropped back down with a soft tap.
His thoughts, in contrast to his stillness, were a storm:
> "Oh God, this is weird."
"Is this really me? Am I seriously doing this?"
"I'm not complaining. I'm not stalling. I'm not even distracting him."
"Is this what I'm like when I shut up for more than five seconds?"
It wasn't fear exactly—more like…
Unease.
He wasn't used to this version of himself.
The one that didn't need an audience.
The one that didn't flinch at discipline.
The one that didn't sabotage good things before they could settle.
He snuck a glance at Rukawa.
Still reading.
Still quiet.
Still not judging.
And weirdly, that made it better.
"He sees me... and he's not saying anything."
"Not in a bad way. Just... letting me be."
There was something reassuring in that.
In the silence between them.
In the absence of expectation.
In the rare, rare feeling that he wasn't failing someone.
And without knowing why, he smiled—just a little.
Not the cocky, smug smile he wore like armor.
But something smaller.
Softer.
Private.
Then he turned the page.
Almost at the exact same time, Rukawa turned his.
They didn't look at each other.
But they both noticed.
A pause stretched between them—not awkward.
Not uncomfortable.
Just… present.
Like the chapter had come to life between them.
And in that rare, fragile quiet of the library—
Where noise had no place and pressure had no voice—
Two boys who were once a clash of storms sat side by side in shared silence.
No words.
No conflict.
Just understanding.
--
THEN
---
The sharp chime of an alarm clock shattered the calm.
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
"Son of a—!" Javi flinched so hard his pencil fell off the table. "Why did you bring an alarm clock today?!" he hissed, clutching his chest like he'd been stabbed by time itself.
Across from him, Rukawa didn't even flinch. He merely pressed the button to silence the alarm, then looked at Javi with cool indifference.
"So we don't lose track of time," he said plainly. "And to make sure we hit the perfect window for your quiz."
Javi groaned, dragging a hand down his face.
"You're such a perfectionist."
"Last time we didn't have the stupid alarm clock," he muttered inwardly. "My heart didn't try to leap out of my chest back then."
Rukawa shrugged, a picture of stoic calm.
"Don't blame your jumpy attitude on me."
Javi gave a sigh so theatrical it belonged on stage, but the smirk tugging at the corner of his lips gave him away.
"Okay, okay. Quiz time. Let's get this over with."
Rukawa leaned forward, a slight curl on his lips. But this time, it wasn't his usual tired smirk.
It was darker. Sharper. Dangerous.
"Let's see if your serious version isn't just for show," he said, eyes narrowing like a predator spotting movement in the grass.
Javi's eyes widened.
> "That was... a creepy smirk."
"Rukawa? Is that you?" he asked cautiously, squinting at him as if trying to detect a shapeshifter.
Rukawa gave a slow blink, deadpan.
"Yes. This is me—happy."
Javi blinked.
Then blinked again.
And chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Well, that's a creepy way to be happy, man."
Rukawa didn't argue. He just reached for his notes and set the quiz paper between them like a sword thrown at someone's feet.
"Begin."
Javi swallowed, straightened up, and grabbed his pencil like a knight gripping a dagger.
"Okay, Garcia. You survived the cliff, the silence chapter, and now... Rukawa's horror movie version of happiness. You can do this."
Javi tapped his pencil once, twice, and inhaled slowly.
He stared at the paper.
Quiz – Chapter 10: Interpreting Silence and Pauses
Section 1: Explain what silence can imply during an interrogation.
Section 2: Identify three types of pauses and what they may indicate emotionally.
Section 3: Case scenario: A suspect remains silent after being asked about their whereabouts. Analyze the meaning behind it based on context clues provided.
He didn't speak. He didn't joke. He didn't fidget.
Instead—he wrote.
One answer at a time. Focused. Calm. Clear.
Across from him, Rukawa pretended to review his notes, but his eyes kept shifting to Javi's page. His expression remained unreadable, but his silence held a trace of quiet approval.
Javi scribbled his final sentence, double-checked his answers, and then slid the paper across the table.
"Done."
Rukawa raised an eyebrow. He took the sheet, read through each response carefully, pausing slightly between sections.
Then he looked up.
"This… isn't bad."
Javi smirked. "Not bad? From you, that's basically a trophy."
Rukawa ignored him and set his own completed quiz in front of Javi.
"Your turn. Grade mine."
"Oh? So we're doing this like equals now?" Javi raised a brow but took the paper.
He sat back, red pen in hand, and began to mark Rukawa's answers, his gaze moving seriously through the neatly written text.
Rukawa remained still, watching as Javi carefully scored each question.
No words.
No sarcasm.
Just quiet, steady work between two very different boys slowly finding rhythm.
No tension. No complaints.
Just progress.
And for a while, the library held only the sound of pencils and turning pages.
--
It started from there—every day, it became a habit.
Javi locked in. Rukawa honed sharper.
Chapter by chapter, like falling dominos, they knocked them down.
Ten chapters. One week. A breakthrough.
They were far from done—but they'd come a long way.
---
On a particular afternoon at the School of Shadows, the library was unusually quiet. Sunlight slanted through tall windows, casting gold across the pages. Javi was grinning—actually grinning—sitting across from Rukawa.
He nudged him. "Can you believe we actually pulled that off?"
Rukawa didn't look up. He raised a brow, brushing it off.
"You're that pleased with a simple milestone?"
Javi leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, a playful scoff escaping.
"Oh, come on. Don't act like you're not even a little impressed."
Rukawa looked up, eyes calm and precise.
"I don't need to act. I know my own abilities."
Javi let out a short laugh.
"You ever consider being a normal teenager for once?"
Rukawa rolled his eyes—typical Javi, always poking, always teasing. As irritating as it was... it chipped away at the walls.
"Being a typical teenager is a waste of time and brain cells."
"Brain cells?" Javi raised an eyebrow.
"Alright, Ice Partner."
Rukawa exhaled sharply.
"You know... I actually prefer the serious you."
Javi tilted his head.
"Really? Why?"
Rukawa leaned back again, gaze drifting past him.
"Because you're less... irritating."
Javi let out a mock gasp, clutching his chest.
"Excuse me? I'm adding flavor to your black-and-white life. It's called charisma."
Rukawa's tone softened a shade.
"Considering everything—we did hit the goal. But you need to stay focused. Even more than before."
Javi straightened, his smirk fading into something more grounded.
"I know. I am. I've been showing up, right? I haven't driven you completely insane."
A pause.
"Honestly... it's kind of fun. Twisted, sure. But it's growing on me. Even with you being a hard-ass."
Rukawa gave a short nod.
"Good. Because the deeper we go, the harder it gets. You understand what I'm saying?"
Javi sighed, brushing his hair back.
"Yeah, I get it. It's not gonna get easier. But I'm ready. I'm not the same slacker I was when we started."
Another beat.
"You're the one always pushing me to be serious. Well—here I am. So maybe give me a little credit?"
Rukawa studied him, expression unreadable… then nodded.
"Credit given. You've been putting in the work."
Javi smirked.
"Thanks. And hey—I couldn't have done it without you."
Rukawa raised an eyebrow, something like amusement flickering across his face.
"I am an excellent teacher."
Then—a knock at the door.
Javi's smirk vanished as his eyes snapped toward the sound.
"That's… weird."
Rukawa didn't move, but his eyes sharpened.
"Were you expecting someone?"
"Nope," Javi replied, brow furrowed.
"Were you?"
Rukawa shook his head once.
"No."
They exchanged a glance.
The kind that said: This wasn't part of the plan.
Javi shrugged, getting up from his seat.
"Guess there's only one way to find out."
He padded across the wooden floor, each step echoing softly in the quiet study room. Curiosity flared behind his eyes as he reached for the doorknob and twisted it slowly, cautiously.
When the door swung open, he blinked.
Standing just outside were Richard Doyle and Simon Curtis, both of them looking far too smug for their own good.
"Oh! It's you guys!" Javi's face lit up, the tension in his shoulders melting.
"What brings you here?"
Richard offered a cool smirk.
"Thought you might need a visit. You've been buried in that book for what—days?"
Simon, grinning ear to ear, chimed in before Javi could reply.
"Word's gotten around, you know. Ten chapters in a week? That's... borderline insane. But seriously, why did it take you so long to open the door? Were you two solving murders in here?"
Javi leaned against the doorframe, folding his arms, clearly amused.
"Yeah, we crushed those ten chapters. Pretty impressive, right?"
He smirked, proud but still trying to play it cool.
"And about the door... well, we weren't expecting visitors."
From behind Javi, Rukawa appeared like a shadow, arms crossed.
"I don't want distractions," he said curtly, voice flat.
Simon gave a dramatic eye roll.
"Relax, Mr. Samurai Mode. We're not here to ruin your zen."
Richard held up his hands, half-surrender, half-'peace offering'.
"We're not here for trouble. Promise."
"We actually came to congratulate you two," Simon added, more genuinely this time, though his signature grin remained.
Javi arched an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Thanks. We've been putting in the work."
Simon gave him a sideways glance, voice teasing.
"And by 'we,' you mean Rukawa's been dragging your butt across the finish line, right?"
Javi gave Simon a look.
"No. I've been doing my part, thank you very much. Anyway, don't just stand there like spooky hallway twins—come in."
Simon strutted in without hesitation, surveying the room like an art critic.
"Ooooh. Cozy. Very minimalist-chic. Could use a lava lamp though."
Richard followed with a chuckle, eyes sweeping over the table cluttered with notes and highlighters.
Javi shut the door behind them with a soft click.
"Yeah, it's not flashy, but it gets the job done."
Rukawa returned to his seat, expression unchanged, but his eyes stayed locked on the newcomers.
"You need something?" he asked bluntly.
Richard smiled, unfazed.
"Actually, yeah. We figured now that you've reached the halfway mark, maybe it's time we give you a little… 'spoiler alert'."
Javi raised a brow.
"'Spoiler alert'? Sounds dramatic."
Rukawa tilted his head slightly, curiosity evident despite his stoic exterior.
"What kind of information?"
Simon and Richard exchanged mischievous glances.
Simon stepped forward with a flourish, planting one foot atop a nearby chair like a pirate claiming his ship.
"Ladies and gentlemen, a Curtis speech is about to begin!"
Javi looked at Richard, bewildered.
"Is he always like this?"
Richard just chuckled.
"Yes. And no, it doesn't get better."
Rukawa sighed audibly.
"Speak. Now."
Simon gasped in mock offense.
"Interrupting the most riveting performance of my life? Rude. Just rude."
Javi covered his mouth to stifle a laugh.
"Come on, drama king. Hit us with it."
Simon leaned against the bookshelf for emphasis.
"Alright, here it is: once rookies finish the Basics, they'll be handed a written exam."
Javi straightened.
"A test?"
"A hundred questions," Simon said with gravity.
"And the passing score?" He held up nine fingers.
"Ninety."
Rukawa nodded slightly, as if that had already been anticipated.
"Just as I thought."
Javi groaned, running a hand through his hair.
"Of course it's ninety. Why not ninety-five while we're at it? Still… we expected something like this. Honestly? I don't know if I should be scared or excited."
Richard grinned.
"That reaction right there? That's how we felt too. Trust me, you're already ahead of the curve."
Simon added, nodding toward Javi.
"Yeah. For once, you're starting to think like us. Kinda terrifying, actually."
Javi snorted.
"Then I'm guessing once we pass the test, we're officially in the club?"
Richard gave him a sly wink.
"Absolutely. No more isolation. No more secret study room blues. You'll join the real fun."
Javi couldn't hold back the wide grin spreading across his face.
"Alright!" He fist-pumped the air, bouncing on his feet like a kid handed a mission.
Simon smirked.
"Easy there, Rocky. You still have to pass."
Javi rolled his eyes, but his smile didn't fade.
"Yeah, yeah. We got this."
Simon leaned closer to Richard, dropping his voice to a theatrical whisper.
"Hey... look at Rukawa. He's not even trying to look excited. Meanwhile, Javi's practically glowing."
Javi overheard and turned with a lazy grin, amusement twinkling in his eyes.
"Wrong again, Curtis. That is Rukawa excited. Just wait for it—look closely."
They all turned to Rukawa, who stood near the corner of the room, arms crossed, face stoic.
And then… there it was.
A subtle, almost imperceptible curve at the edge of his lips. A shadow of a smirk, dark and quiet.
Javi tilted his head toward him.
"See? That's it. That's his version of a confetti explosion."
Simon recoiled slightly.
"You're kidding me. That's terrifying."
Richard chuckled, shaking his head.
"You're a weird one, Rukawa. Seriously."
Rukawa rolled his eyes, but there was a flicker of satisfaction behind the gesture.
"You should get going. Your afternoon class is about to start. Mr. Graves isn't known for his patience."
Richard let out a low whistle, giving a mock bow.
"Sharp as ever. You'd make a great timekeeper."
Simon groaned dramatically, throwing his head back.
"Ugh, more suffering. The tragedy continues."
Richard nudged him lightly.
"Come on. You're a detective now—or training to be. Embrace the pain."
Simon gave him a deadpan look.
"Oh, I believe in myself. But have you seen the way Mr. Graves stares into your soul? It's like he knows your browser history and all your regrets."
Javi laughed as he leaned against the doorframe.
"Trust me, if I could trade places with you right now, I would. I'm dying to get out of this room."
Simon pointed dramatically at him.
"Mr. Garcia, let the record show—you are officially insane. Detective classes are no joke."
Javi just shrugged, the smirk never leaving his face.
"You think I don't know that? I want a challenge. I'm itching for something real."
Simon leaned in, squinting at him with mock suspicion.
"Where is this confidence coming from? Is this a side effect of reading ten chapters too fast?"
Javi and Richard exchanged a look—quiet, knowing—and then smiled at the same time.
Javi's voice was softer this time.
"Someone told me to be proud of myself."
The room quieted for a beat.
Simon blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in Javi's tone.
"Huh..." he muttered. "That's... actually kind of sweet."
Richard gave Javi a small nod, his expression approving.
"Glad you remembered."
Javi rubbed the back of his neck, sheepish but smiling.
"Well, someone had to hammer it into my skull. Repeatedly."
Simon groaned, throwing his hands up.
"Ugh. Bromance alert. Disgusting. I feel like I walked into a hug I didn't sign up for."
Richard rolled his eyes.
"You're just jealous we had a character development arc."
Rukawa cleared his throat—deliberately. Loudly.
"Ahem. Leave."
Simon nearly jumped out of his skin.
"Alright, alright! Message received, Captain Killjoy!"
Richard chuckled under his breath while Javi walked them to the door.
"Thanks for dropping by. And hey—get ready. We'll catch up soon."
Richard gave him a sideways look.
"You know, that's what I hate about you. You're too damn cocky."
Javi gave an unapologetic shrug.
"You told me to make myself proud. I'm doing exactly that."
Simon spun around, walking backward toward the hallway and pointing at Javi.
"Let it be known—my IQ is still higher than yours."
Javi raised a brow and smirked.
"Yeah, yeah. Let's compare notes after you survive Graves' logic gauntlet."
Richard reached out and tapped Javi's shoulder just before stepping into the hallway.
"Just remember—too much confidence becomes arrogance. Keep your balance."
Javi nodded, more serious now.
"I know. Thanks again."
He closed the door behind them. Silence settled again.
Rukawa returned to his seat, still wearing that elusive smirk.
"Bromance," he muttered, dryly. "Contagious."
Javi snorted as he headed back to the desk.
"Please. That would require you having emotions."
Rukawa rolled his eyes, however he can't hide his amusement in his eyes. "Whatever just remember, Focus."
Javi just grinned and salute, like a soldier following orders.
--
Meanwhile, down the hallway...
Simon and Richard strolled toward their first detective class of the afternoon, their steps echoing softly off the old wooden floors of the School of Shadows.
Simon, hands in his pockets, glanced sideways and caught Richard smiling faintly to himself.
"Hey, Rich," he nudged him playfully, "why are you smiling like you've just seen a rainbow? Or wait—don't tell me. One of our classmates suddenly caught your eye?"
Richard let out a low chuckle, rolling his eyes.
"Nah, nothing like that." He looked ahead, thoughtful. "Just thinking... Do you think they'll pass the test like we did? Rukawa and Javi, I mean."
"Huh," Simon said, stroking his chin dramatically. "You mean those two overachieving rookies? Yeah, I've been wondering the same."
He gave Richard a side glance, his tone shifting to teasing.
"But let's be real—between those two, who's the better one?"
Richard stopped walking and gave Simon a look.
"Nope. I know where this is going. No betting. Period."
Simon pouted like a kicked puppy.
"Oh, come on! It's not really gambling. It's just... enthusiastic observation. With stakes."
"Nope." Richard crossed his arms. "You and your twisted idea of entertainment."
"You and your morality," Simon sighed with mock exhaustion. "So proper. So noble. It's exhausting."
Richard smirked, tapping his temple.
"That's my charm."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever, Mr. Top 2," Simon muttered under his breath.
Richard squinted at him.
"Hey, that was uncalled for."
Simon shrugged, clearly enjoying himself.
"Just stating the facts. Gwen's at the top. Then you. Then Diana. Then me."
"You memorized the rankings?"
Simon held up a finger.
"Detective. It's my job to know things."
Richard gave him a dry look as they resumed walking.
"Let's just get to class before I tape your mouth shut with your own ego."
Simon gasped, hand to his chest.
"Such violence! I'm wounded!"
But the laughter that followed from both boys echoed warmly through the hallway—a rare moment of ease in a school built on shadows.
As they reached the classroom, Simon pressed his face against the small glass panel in the door like a nosy raccoon.
"Well, well, well…" he said with a smirk. "Talk about perfect timing."
Richard raised a brow, shifting his bag strap.
"What now?"
"Mr. Graves isn't in," Simon replied smugly, wiggling his brows. "Looks like class is ours for the taking."
Richard frowned slightly.
"That's… odd. He's always early."
Simon waved it off.
"Maybe he's finally taking a vacation. Or a nap. Or maybe—he's eloping with Ms. Yuro as we speak!"
Before Richard could reply, Simon slid the classroom door open and made his grand entrance.
"What's up, classmates? Bruce Wayne has entered the building!"
The response was immediate: Diana rolled her eyes, some classmates groaned audibly, and one kid in the back muttered, "Oh no, not again…"
Richard followed him in, shaking his head with a half-smile.
"Man, I think you just murdered everyone's mood."
"What, no Batman fans in here?" Simon feigned offense. "Tough crowd."
He flopped into a seat beside Diana, dropping his bag with a thud.
"Guess they prefer the Joker," he muttered, scanning the room dramatically.
"Nah," Diana replied, not even looking up from her notebook, "You're not broody or cool enough to be Batman. More like… Goofy in a cape."
Simon gasped, clutching his chest like he'd been shot.
"Goofy? Me? How dare you, Diana. I am the night. I strike fear into the hearts of criminals!"
"You strike eye-rolls, that's what you do," Richard said, dropping his bag as he joined them.
"Hey, I got the gadgets for it," Simon argued. "You've seen what I can do with a phone and a pair of Bluetooth glasses."
"Gadgets, sure," Richard nodded, "But you'd trip over your own cape before landing a single punch." Diana, thoughts?"
Diana tilted her head, pretending to ponder.
"He is dramatic enough… maybe not Dark Knight… more like the Goof Knight."
Laughter erupted from nearby desks. Simon groaned and slumped over dramatically.
"I feel so unappreciated."
"Get used to it," Gwen's voice rang from the back. Calm. Sharp. Deadly accurate.
Simon straightened like a soldier caught by a general. Everyone glanced back.
Gwen Watson was standing now, arms crossed, face unreadable. Her brown eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't look angry—just expectant.
"Report."
Diana let out a breath. Richard sighed. Simon raised his hand lazily like a disinterested student.
"Yes, yes, class president. We're here to deliver rookie updates."
Gwen's gaze zeroed in on him like a hawk on a mouse.
"It better be something useful."
Simon placed both hands on the desk.
"Don't worry, Your Grumpiness. It's juicy."
"Simon," Diana warned quietly.
Richard stepped up, clearing his throat.
"We've confirmed it. Javi and Rukawa are halfway through the book. Ten chapters in one week. They've been grinding hard."
Gwen's expression shifted to a faint, approving smirk.
"Good. If they can't keep up, they're dead weight anyway."
"Wow," Simon said, "cold-blooded. But also… not wrong."
Diana perked up.
"Since they're almost done, we should help them review! Like a support group—'Operation Rookie Boost!'"
Gwen visibly recoiled.
"Support group? What are we, therapists?"
"We're teammates," Diana corrected softly. "We help each other."
Simon raised his hand with a grin.
"I second that motion. Team Rookies! Let's make it happen."
Gwen groaned, rubbing her temple like they were giving her a migraine.
"Fine. But if we do this, we're doing it my way."
All three turned to her instantly. Red flag.
"Uh oh," Simon muttered, "here comes the 'Gwen Method.' You guys remember the obstacle course she made us do in the rain, right?"
Richard looked at Gwen cautiously.
"Alright, General Gwen. What's the plan?"
Gwen leaned against the wall, her fingers tapping rhythmically on her arm—her signature thinking pose.
"Simon and Diana will assist Rukawa."
Simon fist-pumped.
*"Yessss. I'm with my favorite edgy samurai."
Diana blinked. Then blushed furiously.
*"W-Why me? I mean—I guess that's fine…"
"That makes me with Javi, then?" Richard asked, already preparing for it.
"No." Gwen said flatly.
All three stared at her.
"What do you mean 'no'?" Richard asked slowly.
"I'll handle Javi. Alone."
Simon nearly fell out of his chair.
"What? No way. You two fight like cats thrown in a blender."
Diana frowned deeply.
"That's a terrible idea. You're oil and vinegar—you don't mix!"
"I can handle him," Gwen insisted calmly.
"And what do I do then?" Richard asked.
"You're smart. You'll figure it out," Gwen replied, brushing him off.
"But—"
"Don't worry," she added with a smirk, "I'll take great care of your roommate."
Simon leaned forward, squinting suspiciously.
"How exactly are you planning to handle him?"
"None of your business."
"You gonna seduce him or something?" Simon blurted.
*The room fell silent.
"SIMON!" The trio shouted in unison.
Gwen stormed over and grabbed his ear, twisting it.
"You little—!"
"Ow ow ow okay I'm sorry! I was joking!"
Richard facepalmed.
"You had that coming."
Gwen finally released him, stepping back with a breath of satisfaction.
"Ah. Nothing like a good ear twist to start the day."
"What if I go deaf?!" Simon rubbed his ear.
"Then you'll talk less. Win-win."
Diana frowned.
"You really didn't have to do that..."
"Well, sorry. I did."
Richard brought them back on track.
"So what now? Wait for them to finish the book and then what—ambush them with review drills?"
Gwen nodded.
"Exactly."
"Okay," Diana said thoughtfully, "Rukawa's manageable. But Javi? How do we convince him to let you help? He might bolt."
Gwen turned slowly toward Richard, raising a brow.
"That's your part. Roommate duties."
Richard blinked.
"You're joking."
Gwen smiled sweetly.
"Nope."
Simon leaned back in his chair, folding his arms.
"Well, this is either gonna be a masterpiece… or a disaster."
Just as the room settled into a semi-chaotic mess of whispered plans and exasperated sighs—
"I apologize for the late arrival," came the calm, clipped voice from the doorway.
All heads turned as Mr. Graves stepped in, his coat slightly damp from the outside mist, his sharp eyes scanning the class.
"You may now take your seats."
Chairs scraped. Bags shuffled. Order returned in an instant.
But inside, their minds were anything but calm.
---
Richard sat upright, fingers laced tightly over his desk.
"Javi will listen to me. I know him well enough… but Gwen? If she pushes too hard, he'll push back harder. How do I even sell this plan to him?"
He stole a glance across the room, where Gwen sat, composed like a coiled wire.
---
Diana clutched her pencil a bit too tightly.
"It's just a crush. A stupid, silly crush. You've given him food, you've shared a few words—it's fine. You're just helping him study. That's it."
But her heart didn't listen. Every time she thought of sitting beside Rukawa, reading together, pointing out notes—it fluttered like an idiot.
---
Simon was bouncing one leg under his desk, lost in thought but grinning to himself.
"Rukawa's still a mystery… but maybe that's what makes him cool. He's so serious all the time. But what if there's more? Like… what if he secretly likes pineapple pizza or builds origami at night? Mystery is better than gadgets. I am so ready to peel that stoic onion."
---
And Gwen…
She sat still, eyes closed, breathing deeply like she was preparing to face a firing squad.
"What did I just do? Assist Javi? Alone? What the hell, Gwen? You two argue every time you lock eyes, and now you're voluntarily assigning yourself to him?"
She exhaled slowly through her nose, fists lightly clenched on her lap.
"Too late now. What's done is done."
Her eyes snapped open, calm but unreadable.
"I'll cross the bridge when I get there."
Then a smirk ghosted on her lips.
"Prepare yourself, Garcia… you're in for trouble."
---
But there was one problem.
There was no plan.
Gwen Watson, class president, the most prepared, calculated student in the room—had just launched herself into battle without a weapon.*
And as Mr. Graves began his lecture on "Behavioral Analysis and Predictive Profiling," Gwen's brain was nowhere near the board.
---
So what is Gwen's plan?
She didn't know.
Not yet.
But she had a sharp tongue, a sharper mind, and just enough curiosity about Javier Garcia to make this mistake… interesting.
--
Another week had passed…
The cafeteria of the School of Shadows was alive with its usual hum—clinking trays, murmurs, the occasional soft thunk of chairs being pushed back. Students floated in and out, pausing only to solve riddles before receiving their meals from the ever-watchful Ms. Yuro.
At a far corner table, Javi Garcia sat with his hands behind his head, stretching like he'd just finished a marathon.
"Phew. Finally…" he said, dragging the word. "Rookie days are almost over."
Across from him, Rukawa Hiroshi, posture still rigid and composed, responded with a calm nod.
"Yes. But one obstacle remains."
Javi groaned and let his chair drop with a thud.
"Yeah, yeah. The rookie test. Just when I thought I could finally sleep in."
"Complacency," Rukawa added evenly, "is the enemy of progress."
"Why do I feel like that should be carved on your forehead?" Javi muttered, though he didn't entirely disagree.
From behind the counter, Ms. Yuro, watching them with her usual knowing smirk, rested her chin on her hand.
"Kids these days…" she chuckled. "You'll be fine. You've come a long way."
Javi gave a nod of thanks.
"Appreciate the faith, ma'am. You're more confident in us than we are."
"Speak for yourself," Rukawa said.
Ms. Yuro leaned forward.
"I'm curious. How do you two review? You don't look like the flashcard type."
The boys exchanged a look. It was brief, but layered with a quiet understanding. The kind built on late nights, disagreements, and gradual respect.
"We quiz each other," Javi explained. "Verbal sparring. Sometimes he throws logic puzzles at me, and I try not to explode."
"We replicate the structure of the Book of Deductions," Rukawa added. "Testing each other's thinking under pressure."
"And arguing about everything along the way," Javi smirked.
Ms. Yuro grinned.
"Sounds like solid teamwork, even if it's unconventional."
She paused, then asked, voice softer:
"But what have you really learned?"
Javi blinked.
The mood shifted.
He dropped his gaze to the table, smile fading into something gentler.
"That I can take things seriously… if I try."
He ran a hand through his hair.
"I never thought I'd be the type to survive in a place like this, but here I am. Not perfect. But getting somewhere."
Ms. Yuro turned to Rukawa.
"And you?"
Rukawa's fingers brushed the rim of his glass before he spoke, his voice quieter than usual.
"That impatience ruins growth."
A beat passed. Then—
"And… solitude doesn't make you stronger. Just colder."
Javi looked up, a little surprised. That was… honest. Even vulnerable.
Ms. Yuro smiled.
"That's the kind of learning the test won't measure—but it's the most important kind."
Just then—RIIIIING.
The cafeteria phone rang.
Ms. Yuro raised a brow.
"Hold on."
She picked up the receiver.
"Yes? Uh-huh… oh. They're here."
She lowered the phone and giggled.
"That was Gwen. She wants to see both of you in her dorm. Now."
Javi's expression darkened.
His jaw clenched and he leaned back in his chair, irritation flickering across his face.
"Of course she does."
He didn't hide the edge in his voice.
Rukawa stood up immediately.
"Set aside your pride. If she's calling, it must matter."
Javi got to his feet slowly.
"Yeah, well… it better be worth it."
Ms. Yuro waved as they left.
"Take care, boys. And good luck."
Javi gave a half-hearted nod, his voice quiet.
"Thanks."
---
To Be Continued…
With the rookie test approaching fast and tensions thick in the air, one thing is clear: Gwen Watson's mysterious plan has already begun to take shape… whether she realizes it or not.