As they entered the classroom, Zayn froze for a moment after casting a glance at his new classmates. He looked troubled.
— Something wrong ?
— No, nothing. I thought I saw something… Listen, Tora, this school is full of delinquents of all kinds, so be careful, okay ?
— Yeah, he answered confused.
During the lesson, Zayn didn't speak a word to him, even though they were sitting next to each other.
"He's not as talkative as earlier. Did someone in particular catch his attention in the class ? He seems constantly on edge."
Tora didn't pay attention to the "lesson", which wasn't very interesting anyway, he was more concerned with his classmates.
There are 3 types of students in a class: the ordinary ones, the teacher's pets, and the delinquents. The ordinary ones, similar to background characters in a movie, simply listen to the lesson without drawing attention to themselves. This category normally blends in with the crowd, since most students are of this type, but here, they stood out more than anything else.
Indeed, the vast majority of the class were delinquents of all kinds. Some didn't listen to the lesson and had fun playing various games at the back of the room, while others chatted or slept. One had to wonder why they were even there. Most of the front seats were completely empty, so anyone sitting there was quickly noticed.
"No one seems to be listening to what the teacher is saying, though we can't really blame them."
At that moment, Zayn elbowed Tora.
— Stop staring at them, you'll get noticed.
— Yeah, you're right.
After 30 minutes of class, the teacher tried an exercise to grab the students' attention.
— Alright, now pair up with someone. This way, you'll be forced to meet your new classmates.
"Where are we, exactly ? In kindergarten ?"
Those in the front were embarrassed and looked around, not knowing what to do. Strangely, those in the back seemed equally intrigued and had already paired up. On his side, Tora didn't have to worry, he already had someone to be with. He was sitting just to his right. But when he turned his head, Zayn was no longer there. Instead, another boy had quickly jumped into the empty seat. He seemed rather arrogant, the type of person who thinks they're everyone's friend. His clothing was sloppy, he smelled of cigarettes and alcohol.
He was of Spanish origin He was of Spanish origin and, although he was in his first year, he was 21 years old. He had a completely shaved head with very small strands of hair. His ears were slightly protruding and adorned with two silver half-ring earrings. His eyes were amber-colored.
— Want to work together ? You seemed a bit lost, haha. I'm Daniel.
— No thanks, Tora replied curtly. I'm already with someone.
— You're kidding me? You were alone, don't lie.
— He must've gone to the bathroom, he'll be back soon.
— You think I'm stupid ? Stop lying.
Daniel grabbed Tora's wrist with all his strength, as if to express his frustration.
— Let go of me ! You're hurting me!
Tora clenched his right hand into a fist and hammered it several times onto Daniel's hand. When he finally let go, Tora rubbed his wrist, which had turned completely red. This act of defiance did not sit well with Daniel, who immediately got angry. He slammed his hand on the table, making several students jump, then grabbed Tora by the collar.
— I'm going to smash your face in, you piece of shit !
— Don't you think you're exaggerating a bit ?!
Tora expected the teacher to intervene, but he had already hidden behind his desk like a frightened child. That's when he realized he was left to fend for himself.
— Shit !
He tried to push him away with both hands, but Daniel didn't budge an inch, he was a real walking pile of muscle. Daniel pulled back his arm, ready to throw a punch, giving Tora just enough time to see it coming. He tilted his head to the side and narrowly avoided it.
"Now what ?"
Not knowing what to do, Tora grabbed Daniel's arm with both hands to prevent him from throwing another punch, but Daniel released his grip to free up his other hand, making Tora's efforts completely useless. This time, Daniel aimed for the stomach and hit his mark. For a moment, Tora's breath was knocked out of him, but he still managed to endure the impact. Now free to move, he kicked his chair and hit Daniel's legs squarely, causing him to lose his balance and fall on his butt. Taking advantage of the moment, Tora turned around hoping to run toward the exit, but instead, he found himself face to face with someone else.
— Move !
— You shouldn't have pissed off my friend.
With a swift motion, he flicked open a folding knife and pointed it at Tora.
What kind of crazy class is this ?
At that moment, a backpack struck the head of Tora's attacker, sending him falling face-first onto the floor. It was Zayn, who had just entered the classroom.
— Zayn, where the hell have you been ?!
— I went to the bathroom for two seconds, what's going on here ?! Watch out !
Tora turned around and saw Daniel charging at him like a bull. He didn't have time to react and remained motionless, so Zayn grabbed him by the collar with all his strength, inadvertently choking him in the process, and slammed him onto the table to help him dodge. However, Daniel didn't stop his charge and ran straight into a chair, crashing violently to the floor.
Tora's throat instantly turned red.
— I'm really sorry !
— It's… fine. But what's wrong with him, anyway ? he mumbled painfully.
— He's probably drunk. Hurry up, he's going to get back up !
Tora rushed out of the classroom. On his side, Daniel picked up the knife from the floor and waved it at Zayn, who was trying to block his path, cutting him several times on his hands and arms. Zayn instinctively backed away out of fear and couldn't bring himself to stop him any further. With the way clear, Daniel ran after Tora, who had already reached the stairs.
After that, sounds were heard repeatedly, like a bass playing the same note over and over. Then, there was total silence.