By the next morning, the entire school buzzed with whispers.
"Did you see Lia yesterday? She literally fought everyone herself!"
"Kairav was right there with her… married to her, apparently."
"And Angelo… the guy is scary. He didn't even break a sweat."
"Jay, Aries, and Kiefer helped, but Lia was the main force. She's insane!"
Even the teachers were on edge, careful not to approach Lia or Kairav too closely. Principal Ramos muttered under his breath as he walked the hallways, clutching his papers:
"If anyone knew what really happened… no, better not. I'm not surviving that."
At their usual hangout spot, Lia, Kairav, Angelo, Jay, Aries, Kiefer, Eren, Kit, Mayo, Freya, Ella, Rakki, Mica, Ion, Lexi, Cindy, Mira, and Denzel gathered quietly.
Lia sat at the edge, calm as ever, letting the others speak.
Eren whispered, "I can't believe the whole school knows now. What if Kiara sees?"
Kit muttered, "Everyone's scared of them now… but is that enough?"
Mayo frowned, rubbing his arm where he got hit. "We all fought, but Lia… she took full blame."
Freya and Ella exchanged glances. "She's amazing… and terrifying at the same time."
Rakki and Mica nodded silently, a mix of admiration and worry on their faces.
Ion, Lexi, Cindy, Mira, and Denzel whispered among themselves, shocked at how calm Lia was despite everything.
Lia finally spoke, her tone low but firm:
"Let them talk. Rumors won't matter if we're ready. Kiara won't stop, and neither will anyone trying to test us. We prepare, or we lose."
Jay leaned closer. "So… what's the plan?"
Lia glanced at Kairav. "Everyone learns something new. Fighting techniques, strategy, defense… We train tonight. Angelo, you coordinate the drills. I'll handle the team directly."
Angelo smirked. "Already planned. Lia, Kairav, you're running the most intense part."
Kairav added calmly, "We all work as a team. Kiara comes, we respond together."
Lia's eyes scanned each member. "Remember this: I take the blame, but the school will learn the hard way not to underestimate Section E. Each of you has a role. Nobody panics, nobody fights alone.
By midday, the whispers had turned into full-blown gossip:
Students avoided Lia, Kairav, and Angelo in the hallways.
Teachers gave them space, some even stepping aside instinctively.
Section D murmured nervously, especially Michael and Kiara's allies.
Kiara herself, though she smiled confidently, was growing increasingly impatient.
Some students tried to test boundaries. A couple of boys from Section D threw a water bottle near Lia. She didn't move—her calm aura alone froze them.
Jay whispered to Aries, "She's like… untouchable."
Aries nodded. "Yeah… and terrifying."
That evening, Lia didn't speak much. She went to her room, Kairav following silently. She reflected on the fight, the rumors, and the tension building in the school.
"I don't care what they say," she finally whispered to Kairav. "They think this is just about yesterday. But it's bigger than that. Kiara won't stop. Section E won't stop. And we won't let her get the upper hand."
Kairav nodded. "We're with you. Always."
Outside, the school buzzed with stories, whispers, and gossip. Inside, Lia prepared herself quietly, knowing that the real storm was just beginning.