Kan and Wick walked in silence through the emptying school grounds, their footsteps echoing against the brick buildings. The excitement from earlier had faded, replaced by a more serious atmosphere as they approached the principal's office.
"So," Wick said, breaking the silence, "that's the famous Ellie you kept talking about during the tournament."
Kan nodded, a small smile playing at his lips. "Yeah, that's her. She's been through a lot these past few months. We all have."
They reached the administrative building, its windows dark except for one—the principal's office, where a warm light spilled out into the evening. Before opening the door, Wick placed a hand on Kan's shoulder.
"Listen, mate," he said, his usual playful demeanor replaced with seriousness, "about what you told me on the bus—about Joaquin and the twins—are you sure you want to go through with this?"
