Jayden dashed after Lucretia, his mind spinning in confusion. He could sense something was off, but every time he tried to understand, Lucretia just brushed him off. As she neared the classroom door, she abruptly came face-to-face with Mimie and Crystal.

“Hey, Lucretia!” Mimie’s cheerful voice broke the tense air, but Lucretia only glanced their way, her expression distant, as she brushed past them.

Mimie and Crystal exchanged glances, a mix of surprise and ...