The Void's System-Chapter 256: Rumors in the Dark

The boys’ dormitory was usually quiet by nightfall. Tonight? Not so much.

Half the hallway was crouched in front of Zane’s door. Some were kneeling, ears pressed to the wood. Others peeked through the tiny gap at the bottom. A few just leaned on the wall, whispering like it was the juiciest drama of the century.

"I swear I saw her," one boy hissed. "Tall, gorgeous—she walked right into his room."

"No way. That guy? The blindfolded no-power kid?" another scoffed. "What would a girl like that be doing with him?"

"Maybe she lost a bet?"

"Or... maybe he’s secretly a prince in disguise!"

Gasps circled. The speculation was spiraling fast.

"No, no, you’re all missing the obvious," one boy said, puffing his chest. "It’s gotta be his technique. He plays the mysterious, cold act to lure them in."

"Mysterious? He’s literally blindfolded and lazy! That’s not mysterious, that’s pathetic."

"But he caught Miss Evira’s chalk this morning!" another whispered harshly. "With one hand! With the blindfold on! You think a normal nobody could do that?"

That hushed the group for a beat. Then someone snorted. "So what? He’s still a nobody. Bet she just feels sorry for him."

Meanwhile, inside the room...

Mira stretched out on Zane’s bed, tugging the blanket over herself, while Zane sat cross-legged on the floor eating bread. Asher muttered darkly from his corner. "You do realize the entire dorm probably thinks you’re having the night of your life right now?"

Zane blinked. "Why?"

Asher gestured at Mira, who was curling up comfortably. "That’s why."

Zane tore another bite of bread and shrugged. "So? Let them think what they want. It’s not like rumors can hurt me." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Outside the door, the boys leaned in closer.

"Shh! I think I heard a girl’s laugh—"

"No, no, I heard him say something about... about pajamas!"

Collective gasps. "She’s changing in there?!"

The misunderstanding grew by the second.