Everyone at the table and even a few from nearby tables turned toward Gara.
"I'm just saying," Gara continued calmly. "We're only first-years. We don't really know what happened. What if there really was a victim? Wouldn't that be tragic?"
The students at the next table nodded in agreement. Even Andine nearly nodded too, but quickly shook her head.
"But what if the rumor isn't true? Wouldn't that make Professor Langga the real victim here?" she argued softly.
Her wide, innocent eyes made Gara pause, didn't corrupt her further. He let out a quiet sigh.
"Forget it," he said. "If the rumor's false, Professor Langga will handle it himself. Just finish your meal."
Andine nodded and obediently returned her attention to the steaming bowl of supplement soup. Gara did the same.
Only Madha seemed uneasy. He kept sipping his soup while sneaking glances at Gara, his expression tight and restless.
...
