Rumors had already been spreading like wildfire…
But today?
Today the entire school looked at Aarvin differently.
Not with curiosity.
Not with fear.
Not with judgment.
But with expectation.
As if the whole school wanted to see what the Hale brother would become next.
And Aarvin hated it.
Hated every second of being watched.
A Tense Morning
When he entered the main building, the hallways went quiet for a moment.
Not fully quiet…
But that type of hush that happens when everyone pauses their conversation to observe something.
Someone.
Him.
Aarvin forced himself to walk straight, eyes low, heart thumping painfully.
He heard whispers behind him:
"That's him…"
"Did you see Adrien with him yesterday?"
"Is he joining the Hales?"
"No way—he's too timid."
Aarvin wanted to scream.
He wasn't joining anything.
He wasn't part of some gang.
He wasn't turning into one of them.
He was just Aarvin, who wanted to exist quietly.
But Oakridge didn't allow that anymore.
Naomi Steps Forward
As he reached his locker, someone appeared beside him.
Naomi Lane.
Her presence alone shifted the atmosphere.
Where Riyan was danger, and Adrien was silence…
Naomi was calculation.
Sharp mind.
Watchful eyes.
Someone who chose her words like weapons.
She leaned against the locker next to his.
"You've had an eventful week," she said softly.
Aarvin swallowed.
"Wish I didn't."
Naomi watched him for a moment, her expression unreadable.
"You know," she said, "when someone gains attention here… it's never for free."
Aarvin frowned. "Meaning?"
Naomi stepped a little closer.
"Zane is curious about you. And Zane's curiosity is dangerous."
Aarvin's stomach dropped.
"But I don't want anything from him—"
"That doesn't matter," she said, cutting him off.
"Here, wanting is useless. Power decides everything."
Aarvin looked away.
Naomi studied him carefully.
"You think you're weak," she said quietly. "But weakness doesn't attract boys like Zane. Fear doesn't provoke Liam. And silence doesn't make Adrien step in."
Aarvin blinked, startled.
Naomi tilted her head.
"You keep saying you're not one of them. But do you even know who you are?"
Aarvin didn't have an answer.
Maybe he never had one.
Not in Oakridge.
Not in the shadow of the Hale name.
When the Wolves Close In
Before he could respond, a loud voice echoed:
"Aarvin!"
He froze.
Zane Lockhart was walking toward him, the Iron Wolves behind like a silent wave.
Naomi straightened but didn't move away.
Zane stopped three steps from Aarvin.
Calm.
Collected.
Eyes sharp with interest.
"Morning," Zane said. "We need to talk."
Aarvin's breath caught.
"We?" he whispered.
"Yes," Zane replied. "You and me."
Naomi immediately stepped forward.
"What for?" she asked.
Zane smiled faintly.
"I don't recall asking your permission, Naomi."
She narrowed her eyes.
Aarvin felt trapped between them—predator and strategist.
Zane's gaze returned to him.
"You've stirred the school more than you realize. I want to understand why."
Aarvin shook his head.
"I didn't do anything—"
"That's exactly what interests me."
Zane leaned slightly closer.
"People who do nothing… rarely cause chaos. But you? You did."
Aarvin backed up a step.
Naomi's hand subtly moved to his shoulder—protective, but not openly.
Zane noticed.
He smiled.
"See? Even they're watching you differently now."
Aarvin whispered:
"Please… just leave me alone."
Zane's expression softened—but not kindly.
"You don't get that luxury anymore."
He turned away, speaking one last thing over his shoulder:
"Riyan protects you.
Adrien watches you.
And now I'm curious about you."
His voice dropped to something dangerous.
"That makes you important… whether you want it or not."
The Wolves walked away.
Aarvin stood frozen.
Naomi watched Zane leave, then looked back at Aarvin.
"Be careful," she said quietly.
Aarvin felt his heartbeat in his throat.
"Why all this? I'm not special. I'm not strong. I'm not—"
Naomi interrupted him gently:
"Then why is the whole school moving around you?"
Aarvin had no answer.
Because deep down… he realized something frightening—
Something Adrien hinted at.
Something Zane already understood.
Something even Naomi was seeing.
Maybe he wasn't weak.
Maybe he was changing.
And maybe Oakridge had sensed it before he did.