chapter 4

Inside the principal's office, the air felt heavy, the ticking clock louder than usual. The principal, a balding, nervous man with sweat glistening on his forehead, was trying to steady his breath as he faced the figure sitting across from him.

The man leaned back in the chair, arms stretched, a gold ring glinting on his thick fingers. His eyes were cold, bored, as if the world itself was beneath him.

This was John King, the ruthless leader of Gang Number 5, a man known in District 5 by name and fear alone.

"Hey, bald principal," John King said, his voice dripping with arrogance. "I've come to get my son admitted to your little school. Tell me, can you handle it or not?"

The principal's hands trembled as he adjusted his glasses, forcing a shaky smile.

"Ah—Mr. John! Please, there's no need to say it like that… Of course, of course, your son's admission will be done immediately. We are fortunate—blessed, really—that your son will be studying at our humble school."

John King smirked, tapping his foot lazily as the principal fumbled for papers.

Later, we see John King's son for the first time.

His name was Aashu.

Arrogant, sharp-eyed, and quick-tempered, Aashu walked with the same casual cruelty his father was known for, a smirk constantly playing on his lips as if the world was a game meant only for his amusement.

In the classroom, the English teacher stood at the front, clapping his hands to gather everyone's attention.

"Listen up, everyone! Today, we're getting a new student in class. When he enters, I want you all to welcome him with a round of applause."

A student in the back raised his hand, frowning.

"Sir, but why do we need to clap? He's just another student…"

The teacher's eyes narrowed, slamming the attendance register on the desk.

"Do as you're told. No questions."

Moments later, the door slid open, and Aashu stepped inside, his gaze sweeping across the room with bored disdain. The students, glancing nervously at the teacher, began clapping, the sound echoing awkwardly in the classroom.

Aashu smirked, brushing a hand through his perfectly styled hair.

"Hello, everyone. My name is Aashu. I hope we'll all… study well together," he said, his tone calm but dripping with false politeness.

The teacher nodded stiffly.

"Good, the introduction is done. Go, find a seat."

Aashu's eyes scanned the room, ignoring the hopeful glances of a few students eager to impress him. He walked past them all and sat down in the empty seat beside Mangesh, dropping his bag with a thud.

Mangesh glanced sideways, meeting Aashu's sharp gaze for a moment before looking away, quietly returning to his notes.

The teacher began the lesson, droning on as chalk dust floated in the warm air. Aashu didn't bother to take out his books, leaning back and watching the class with disinterest.

Time crawled on until finally, the bell rang, and the teacher left the room, taking the heavy silence with him.

Immediately, clusters of boys and girls turned in their seats, stealing glances at Aashu. Whispers filled the air.

"Hey, go say hello to him."

"Yeah, you do it. Let's see what he says…"

They nudged each other, daring each other to approach the new student who carried the shadow of his father's reputation, curiosity and fear mixing in their eyes.

Aashu leaned back in his chair, smirking, as if he was waiting for someone to try.

And beside him, Mangesh stayed silent, feeling the shift in the room, the sense that something had entered their world that wouldn't leave without leaving a mark.

To be continue...