THE SHIFT
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CHAPTER 6 : THE SHIFT
A gust of wind blew across the hallway.
Just as Miss Kim was wiping away the last of her tears, a tall man in a grey military-style coat stepped onto the scene. His shoes echoed sharply against the marble floor.
"Miss Kim," he said firmly. "The principal is asking for you. Right away."
Nicolas and Anya instantly straightened up. There was something off about this man—his presence was too sudden, too cold.
Miss Kim's expression changed instantly. The warmth in her eyes faded, replaced by calm professionalism. She nodded.
"Oh, yes. I'll be right there."
She turned to Nicolas and Anya, her smile back—but more rehearsed this time.
"Guys, I'll see you at your home today, alright? Just wait for me. Okay?"
She gently patted Anya's head and smiled again. Then, without another word, she turned and walked away with the man, disappearing down the hallway.
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Author's POV
Miss Kim wasn't running away.
She was protecting them—again.
She knew exactly who that man was: a general assistant to the headmaster, and more importantly, Kelly's father's personal messenger.
Miss Kim had seen it before.
Every time she got close to Nicolas and Anya, every time her care became obvious—Kelly's eyes would notice. Her father's reach would tighten.
And if Kelly ever realized Miss Kim was their quiet guardian... she wouldn't stop until she got her fired.
So Miss Kim chose distance.
Not because she didn't care—
But because she cared too much.
She couldn't let her help turn into their punishment.
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Back to the Present
As Miss Kim's footsteps faded, Nicolas and Anya stood in silence for a moment.
Then… both of them smiled.
Not the forced kind. But a small, knowing smile.
They understood now. Why she always stayed one step back. Why she never let them call her "auntie" in public. Why she walked away just when they needed her most.
And that understanding… made their bond stronger than ever.
They laughed softly, and without a word, turned and walked toward their class.
But the moment they stepped inside their classroom, the air changed. a silence fell over the room—just for a second. Then the whispers began.
They all knew.
Everyone knew.
That Nicolas and Anya were orphans.
Kelly, sitting smugly on her throne-like desk near the window, crossed her legs and tossed her perfectly styled hair over her shoulder. She didn't say anything right away. She just stared—at Anya.
Anya felt it immediately. The heat of those judging eyes. Her fingers curled around her bag strap as she walked to her seat, trying not to shrink.
"Careful, Anya," Kelly said sweetly. "Wouldn't want you to sit in the wrong seat and break school property. I heard orphanages don't teach manners."
A few students chuckled. Joseph, sitting on the edge of his desk like a waiting predator, cracked his knuckles.
Nicolas stepped protectively in front of Anya, his jaw tight.
But before he could speak, Joseph blocked him.
"Well, well, if it isn't the charity case himself," Joseph sneered, jabbing Nicolas lightly in the chest. "Did you cry into your soup last night, Nico? Oh wait—you guys even get soup?"
The class laughed louder now. It rang cruelly in Nicolas's ears.
But Logan... stayed quiet.
He had walked past Anya when she entered and sat at his usual spot near the back, putting his feet up on the chair. His eyes flicked toward her once, and then away.
Logan had one rule:
Never hurt a girl.
He didn't join the laughs. Didn't smirk.
But the more he watched Joseph and Kelly, the more his jaw tensed.
"Joseph!" Logan called out suddenly, his voice cutting the noise like a knife.
Joseph paused, blinking. "Yeah?"
"Send Nicolas to me."
Kelly raised an eyebrow, surprised. Joseph glanced between Logan and Kelly, unsure. "You serious?"
Logan just stared at him. Dead calm.
Joseph shrugged and turned to Nicolas. "The king calls. Go on."
Nicolas didn't move at first. He looked at Anya—who was now quietly taking her seat, her face hidden by her hair, holding back tears.
Then he turned to Logan.
"I'll come," Nicolas said, voice shaking with both fear and anger. "But… please don't touch my sister."
Logan's face didn't change much. But a tiny smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He looked at Kelly, who was distracted reapplying lip gloss.
Then back at Nicolas.
In a low voice, just for him, he said:
"Yeah… sure. For now, she's safe. When you're with me."
Then he spoke up dramatically, so Kelly could hear:
"Yes, yes, Kelly, don't touch her—for now. You can have your fun later."
Kelly blinked in confusion, but then gave a mocking nod. "Ohhh-kay, whatever. You're weird today."
Logan stood and walked toward the door. "C'mon, Nicolas."
The class went silent as the two boys disappeared down the hallway.
Inside the Boys' Bathroom
Nicolas readies himself for a hit as they enter the bathroom, but Logan's unexpected move make nicolas suprise
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AUTHOR THOUGHT
What will be the next move that nicolas did not expect let see in next chapter
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