Part-22

  The st rays of the setting sun cast long shadows as James and Ryan finally finished clearing a sizeable portion of the rown patch. Ryan, drenched i and surprisingly enthusiastic (thanks to the phantom threat of Principal Byzed's wrath), finally tossed his rake down with a grunt of exhaustion.

  "Alright, I've done my time," Ryan mumbled, wiping his brow with a grimy t-shirt sleeve. He turo leave without a word, a hint ing respect flickering in his eyes.

  James watched him go, a wave of relief washing over him. Not only had he pleted the detention without getting chased by wild dogs (that penalty still gave him chills), but he'd also mao avoid a fight with Ryan. It felt like a small victory, a testament to his newfound strategic thinking.

  With a sigh, James hefted his own rake and began to head towards the school exit. He cast a final g the cleared patch, a sliver of satisfa warming him. Maybe this "Bully System" wasn't all bad.

  Suddenly, a voice startled him. "James!"

  He turo see Mili standing outside the school grounds, a hesitant smile pying on her lips. Notably, she wasn't wearing her school uniform. In her hand, she held a small, beautifully decorated box.

  "What's this?" James asked, curiosity piqued.

  Mili stepped forward, her cheeks flushed slightly, she told him while looking otherway. "It's a cake," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "I made it myself."

  James raised an eyebrow. As far as he knows she is a straight firl in the css.

  "What's the occasion?" he asked, a pyful smile tugging at his lips.

  Mili avoided his gaze, her fingers fiddling with the box. "Well," she began, her voice got back her usual straight forwardness, "it just felt... unfortable leaving things unsaid."

  James' smile widened. This wasn't just about a cake, was it? This was Mili, in her own way, aowledging his as and expressing her gratitude.

  "Thank you, Mili," he said sincerely, his heart warming.

  He reached out aly took the box from her hands. The delicious aroma of vanil and chocote filled the air, making his stomach rumble.

  "This looks amazing," James said, genuinely impressed.

  Mili blushed even deeper which really look odd to him. "Just... don't mention it in school, alright?" she said, her eyes telling him if he share it with someone he might be dead.

  "My lips are sealed," James promised with a wary smile. "Besides, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Ryan wouldn't dare mess with you again. Not after what happeoday."

  Mili shook her head, a determined glint in her eyes. "He wouldn't have dared anyway. I handle myself just fine. But... thank you, James. For standing up for me. It meant a lot. Besides, Ryan's family is nothing pared to mihey wouldn't dare mess with me."

  He watched as Mili turned and walked away, her ponytail boung with each step. A strange mix of emotions washed over him – relief, satisfa, and a flicker of somethiirring within him.

  As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues e and purple, James couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this straurn of events wouldn't be all bad. After all, it had led him to stand up for a friend, plete a bizarre mission (with an admittedly delicious reward), and enter a new side of a cssmate he thought he already knew.

  With a smile on his fad a cake box in his hand, James turned and walked away from the school, ready to face whatever challehe Bully System and his newfound abilities might throw his way.