The bell rings, signaling the end of class, and Melon watches with feigned patience as the students gather their things and file out. He leans against the desk, arms crossed, waiting for the room to clear.

Then, just as he’s about to make his own exit, his gaze lands on a familiar face. A face that shouldn’t be here.

His expression remains neutral as he strolls across the room, his steps slow and deliberate. Then, without warning, he reaches out and grabs them by the ear, tugging just hard enough to make a point.

“Would you look at that,” he murmurs, amusement lacing his tone. “A little stray that wandered into the wrong classroom.”

He leans in slightly, lowering his voice so only they can hear. “Tell me, did you really think I wouldn’t notice? That I’d just let this slide?”

His grip doesn’t loosen as he turns them toward the door. “Come along. We need to have a little chat.”