Alicarde walked over to a library chair and casually dropped into it, facing the three boys.
Akimitsu, the dark-haired one with a wiry frame and sharp eyes, Felix, a chubby blonde with round cheeks and a perpetually cheerful expression, and Alec, the dark-skinned boy who always seemed composed, were all surrounded by a large pile of lecture notes they were diligently transcribing.
The sound of pens scratching against paper filled the otherwise quiet space.
"Yo, what's up, you bastards? Which of you were cursing me?" Alicarde's voice cut through the calm like a blade.
Akimitsu, looking sheepish, avoided Alicarde's gaze. The three "pioneers," as Alicarde called them, looked up at him with sparkling eyes.
They were his self-appointed trio of "loyal followers," though their loyalty often came with relentless teasing.
"Morning, boss," they greeted in unison, their voices hushed in the library.
