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40: A Ghost in the Hallways

Author: Pann Ludovica
last update Last Updated: 2025-02-02 00:19:28

POV: Beatrice

Dinner was suffocating. The weight of silence pressed down, thick and unyielding. My gaze flicked around the table, taking in the rare sight— all three Morunaga brothers, and Dario. The tension between them, unspoken but tangible, made my stomach twist.

Dario sat to my right, stiff and withdrawn, his bruised face a stark reminder of his earlier clash with Ryuu. He hadn’t said a word since we sat down, avoiding my eyes as if looking at me would only worsen his situation. Across from me, Ryuu remained unreadable, his presence both unsettling and oddly grounding.

I silently thanked whatever force had kept Gojou away tonight, but the relief was fleeting. If he found out about Dario’s arrival—and the fight—things could spiral further. My grip tightened on my fork, the pressure grounding me.

Fukui broke the silence. "Are you alright?"

I forced a nod, my voice flat. "Just tired."

He offered a small, knowing smile, but it felt empty. Pity. That was what he saw when he looked at
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