At Class D's Tent
The field simmered under the golden afternoon sun. Laughter, cheers, and tension mingled in the air. The silver medal gleamed around Sena's neck, but not even that shimmer could outshine the concern painted across Aria's face.
"We got a silver this time," she said to Kairon, voice tight.
Kairon stood beside her under the tent's shadow, arms folded. His gaze was fixed ahead, where the referee spoke with another staff member. He answered without turning. "Yeah. I guess."
"But Class C... they're getting more and more ruthless," Aria continued. "Selene pushed Elise. Elise reacted. And Selene faked that fall. And the ref... the ref disqualified Elise! We all saw it! That ref—"
"He's being paid," Kairon cut in coldly.
Aria clenched her fists. "At this rate, Class C might just win this whole thing."
Kairon didn't respond.
Then suddenly—he stepped out from under the tent and started walking off.
Aria blinked. "Hey! I'm still talking to you—where are you going?"
