Chapter 154
The boys exited the room in silence.
Not a single word passed between them. Everything felt quieter than usual, muffled against the floor and walls as if the building itself had been waiting for them to leave.
They stepped out of the main hall, brushing past older students and staff members who gave them no more than a passing glance. The sky outside was painted a dull grey, clouds layered thick like wool. The sunlight fought to break through but had clearly given up.
It wasn't raining, but it felt like it should have been.
The breeze was still. And the day felt hushed.
Yohan checked his phone, his thumb gliding across the screen before he spoke, his voice soft, as if not wanting to disturb the mood too much.
"We've already missed the first class," he said, eyes still on the screen. "And the second one's nearly over. So… looks like we've got a longer break today."
He glanced up. "What do you guys want to do?"
No one answered.
The silence returned almost immediately, like a lightning strike.
There was something about it— it was awkward but not quite as harsh. It clung to their skin and slowed their movements like walking through mud. The mud staining them as they walked through, leaving it's mark on them.
IAM trailed slightly behind the rest. His expression unreadable. He didn't look at the others, nor at anything in particular. His gaze was set forward, yet seemed like it wasn't seeing anything at all. Both of his hands were buried deep in his pockets.
Henry, walking closest to Yohan, slowed to a stop. He checked his watch, then took a breath—a full one, like he needed it to speak.
He turned, planting both feet, and faced IAM.
"Okay," Henry began, his voice louder than it needed to be. "I'm not the kind of person who enjoys this… whatever this is." He motioned vaguely between them all. " This weird, tense atmosphere between people I actually know."
"It doesn't matter to me how you feel about this, but for what it's worth… I think this is the least I can do."
IAM stopped in his tracks and looked at him. His eyes were dark and still.
"You're not as nonchalant as you made yourself out to be," IAM said.
A flicker of confusion passed over Henry's face. "When did I ever say I was nonchalant?"
IAM gave a lopsided smile and shook his head. "Don't worry about it." He brushed past him.
Henry blinked, still confused, then slowly turned back around, catching Yohan's eyes.
"How about…" he said, a smile growing on his face, "we celebrate?"
Reuel arched a brow. "Celebrate what, exactly?"
IAM answered before anyone else could. "You didn't notice?" He glanced at Henry, then back at Reuel. "Henry managed to form his Avien. That's how he managed to escape from the bullies and stand his ground properly against them."
Reuel's expression shifted immediately. He turned to Henry, his eyes narrowing slightly as he focused with his avien. After a second, he felt it—the steady, disciplined flow of mana circulating in and out of Henry's body.
"You really did it…" he murmured. "When?"
"Yesterday morning," Henry replied with casual ease.
"You were trying to form your Avien that early? Literally right after waking up?" Reuel asked, incredulous. "You've been training like that?"
Henry shrugged. "Not really. I don't work that hard."
Reuel scoffed. "If that's what you call not working hard, I'd hate to see what happens when you try."
Yohan, who had been silently observing the exchange, "Why don't we try going to one of those restaurants?"
Reuel suddenly perked up. He raised a hand and waved it around. "There's this pastry place not far from here," he said, eyes glinting. "I've actually been eyeing it for a while now."
Henry looked uncertain. "Won't it be expensive?"
Reuel waved a hand like it didn't matter. "What's the point of celebrating if you don't splurge a little? Come on—get in the car already!"
"Let's go! Move! Now!" he shouted dramatically, grabbing Henry by the shoulder and pushing him toward the academy vehicles.
...
The place was called Hopastry.
It sat tucked neatly into a corner of the academy's inner commercial district, just past a row of minimalist cafés and uniform stores.
From the outside, Hopastry looked more like a boutique than a restaurant. Its signage was elegant—a sleek, cursive red font glowing faintly against a black and white tiled background. Inside, the design stayed true to the academy's signature colors: black marble countertops, red velvet seating, and walls streaked with polished white paneling.
The air was warm, faintly sweet, laced with the aroma of butter, vanilla, and roasted nuts. Behind the counter was a long glass display showcasing an army of immaculate pastries—glazed, powdered, filled, folded and layered.
IAM and the others were seated at a four-person table near the window. Outside, the cloudy sky cast a soft light over the room, making the glass shimmer faintly.
"This place is nice," Reuel said, looking around with approval. "I really like the vibe."
IAM leaned back in his seat, eyes still half-lidded. "Okay."
Reuel narrowed his eyes. "Why are you trying to act nonchalant now?"
IAM cracked a lazy smile. "No, no—you're right. It's a nice, quiet place."
There weren't many people inside. Just a couple of students seated quietly in the corner and a pair of older instructors murmuring near the counter.
IAM finally picked up the menu. He scanned it for two seconds—then abruptly stood up from his chair.
Reuel lunged across the table, grabbing his waist. "Nope. Sit. Down."
There was a minor struggle, nothing serious—just enough to get a few stares. Eventually, IAM gave up and sank back into his chair with a groan.
"Relax," Reuel said, rolling his eyes. "All we've gotta do is do well in our studies, and we'll get mos t of the HP points we spend today right back. It's no big deal."
IAM stared down at the menu again, eyes darkening like a storm cloud.
"I've changed my mind," he muttered. "This place is hell on earth."