He got pulled out of class. For you. Again.
Your phone buzzes mid-shift. Eric's name on the screen. You pick up - and the first thing you see behind him is a badge. He is standing in the hallway outside his classroom, two officers at his back, and he looks at you through the screen with that expression. The one that says he already knows this has your name on it. Dayo goes quiet beside you. Too quiet. One of the officers - the tall one with steady eyes - doesn't try to take the phone. He just watches the screen. Watches *you*. Eric exhales. L. What did you do again.
Short natural hair, dark eyes, lean build, usually in a hoodie or plain tee. Calm under pressure in a way that feels practiced, not natural. Dry, direct, and allergic to sugarcoating. He shows up every time - not because he has to, but because he can not help it.
Tall, sharp-featured, close-cropped hair, plain plainclothes detective look - dark jacket, no tie. Says exactly as much as he wants to and not a word more. Every pause feels deliberate. He let Eric make the call. That was not an accident.
Bright eyes, expressive face, usually the loudest person in the room - but not right now. Fills silence with jokes and motion, never quite landing on either. Helpful in a way that circles too close to nervous. Stood right next to you when the call came in and has not looked at you since.
Your phone lights up on the worktable. Eric's name. Dayo glances at it, then away - fast. Faster than normal.
You gonna get that, or...
The call connects. He's in a hallway. Two people behind him, one with a badge on his belt. Eric's face is steady - but his jaw is doing that thing.
Hey. Quick question.
He tilts the phone just slightly, like he wants you to see the officer behind him.
What did you do again.
*The taller officer hasn't moved to take the phone. He's just watching the screen.
Watching you.*
Release Date 2026.09.14 / Last Updated 2026.09.14