"You remember me, right, buddy?" someone said, a hand landing casually on Evan's shoulder.
"You..." Evan didn't even need to turn around. That voice, that vibe—it could only be one person.
And sure enough, when he looked back, his hunch was right.
James stood there, grinning.
"What are you doing here?" Evan asked, genuinely surprised. He thought he'd been separated from his friends for good. Maybe luck hadn't completely abandoned him after all.
"I'm in the same section as you—Section A," James replied with a grin. "Why? Not happy to see me?"
"No, no. I'm just... surprised. Honestly, I'm really glad," Evan said, smiling. "But what about Rey? I didn't see him."
"Oh, Rey's in Section B," James explained. "They split us up."
Evan blinked, confused. "Wait… but you're still friends? Aren't classmates usually in the same section?"
James raised an eyebrow. "You do realize friends can exist outside your homeroom, right? You've seen students from different classes hanging out."
"...Right," Evan mumbled, still looking a bit unconvinced.
"Anyway, when I walked in earlier, I didn't see you," Evan said, remembering the empty seat next to him.
"Oh, I was snoozing in the back. Had to stay up all night working," James yawned, pointing to his lonely desk.
"Want to come sit with me? Or would you rather stay here with this grumpy dude?" he added, jerking a thumb toward Rook.
Rook's jaw twitched, but he didn't say anything. He knew James wasn't someone to mess with casually.
Evan glanced around. "Won't your usual partner mind?"
"I sit alone anyway. Keeps the drama low."
"Alright then, I'll join you. I don't think I can study well with this tension," Evan whispered, packing up.
"Cool. I'll lend you my notes till you catch up," James offered, handing him a neat notebook.
The two began chatting while waiting for the next teacher.
Unbeknownst to Evan, just sitting with James caused a ripple in the classroom.
"Hey, isn't that the new guy? The one sitting with James?"
"Yeah, I thought he was some no-name nerd, but if he's with James… maybe he's rich."
"Totally. James only hangs with big shots. Maybe he's a gangster's kid... or like, the secret heir of some elite family?"
And just like that, the rumors took flight—whispers fluttering from desk to desk, even leaking into other sections.
Soon after, the classroom quieted as the next period began. With James beside him, Evan finally managed to follow the lessons.
Then came the most awaited time for many students: Lunch Break.
The room buzzed with chatter as students rushed out, some heading to meet friends in other sections.
"Yo Evan, let's hit the cafeteria," James said, tugging him along.
"Wait, I brought my lunch," Evan said, pulling out a plain yellow cloth-wrapped box.
"Ooh, homemade food, huh? Let's eat with Rey. He should be waiting," James said, already walking.
At the cafeteria, they spotted Rey sitting at a table.
"Hey James, grab something quick before we—"
Rey stopped mid-sentence as the student behind James came into view.
"Evan?! You found him first?!"
"Surprise," Evan smiled, taking a seat beside him.
"Man, I hope you like our school," Rey said, half-talking, half-munching.
"Yeah, James and I met earlier, and we figured we'd eat with you," Evan replied.
"I'll get some food," James said, heading off.
"Wait, you could just share with us," Evan offered.
"Nah, I don't do homemade food," James called over his shoulder. "Even if I bring it, I won't eat it."
"Hey—" Evan started, but Rey cut him off.
"Don't bother. I've tried for a year. He's stubborn like a boulder."
"But how hard can it be to—"
"Harder than you'd think."
James returned with two cheese sandwiches and a soft drink.
Meanwhile, Evan unwrapped his lunch—four golden chicken drumsticks nestled with steamed veggies, a chocolate cupcake topped with chips, and a side of dipping sauce.
James did a double-take.
"...Okay, Evan. Level with me. Which family do you belong to?"
Rey nodded. "Seriously. That looks like a luxury chef's bento. You sure you're not the kid from those Section A rumors? Y'know, the secret heir or gangster's son?"
"What? No! I'm just a regular, everyday normal m—ow!"
Evan winced mid-sentence as he accidentally bit his tongue. Hard.
[System Alert: Attempting to belt out copyrighted lyrics in broad daylight? Tsk tsk. This is your first and only warning. Next time, we're confiscating your mic. Keep the concerts in the shower, bro.]
{A/N: You again?! I thought you died in the last chapter's cliffhanger! Still coming back for more, huh? You tired of living?}
Heh. You think that pathetic excuse of a plot twist could kill me? Hah! Go eat dirt, author. Do you ever hear a—LEGENDS NEVER DIE! YAHHHHHHHHH— vanishes dramatically 💥
{A/N: Oh, you're so dead. The war's officially on. I swear this story won't end until I erase you from existence.}
"Okay... so it was just a rumor," Rey said, leaning back. "But how did you end up in Section A? That class was already locked. Even rich kids couldn't buy their way in."
He looked at Evan, suspicious yet curious. Deep down, Rey felt Evan's identity was... off. Something about it didn't add up.
Only time would tell if that hunch was paranoia... or prophecy.