Bully Lord

Part-200

“I’ve been meaning to check it out,” James said. “Maybe this summer I’ll finally give it a go.”

Mili’s eyes lit up. “Great! I think it’ll be really good for you. And, we can also tackle the homework together while we’re at it.”

James chuckled and nodded. “Yeah, I’d definitely need help with some of those assignments.”

They exchanged a few more words, and Mili headed back to her seat, leaving James with the thought of the dojo lingering in his mind. The idea of learning real combat techniques appealed to him—especially after his experience in the dungeon. The skills he had gained there were powerful, but he knew they lacked the finesse of a trained fighter. Martial arts could offer him that edge.

Just as he was about to dive back into his thoughts, James noticed Toya at her desk, frowning slightly as she scribbled something on her notebook. He decided to approach her.

“Hey, Toya,” he said, standing next to her desk. “About your grandmother—I’m sorry I haven’t visited yet. Exams and everything… You know how it is.”

Toya, who had been sulking moments before, rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically. "Oh, please. Spare me the excuses. I know you're just too busy hanging out with your little girlfriend Mili. I guess my grandmother's not important enough for you to bother with."

James raised an eyebrow, amused by her attitude. "Is that so? I thought you were the one who was always complaining about me not visiting her."

Toya folded her arms, pouting as she spoke, "It almost feels like I invited you just so you could meet her before she passes away. I shouldn’t have asked someone who’s not even connected to us."

James couldn't help but laugh. "What on earth are you saying? Come on, I’ll visit your grandmother this weekend, no excuses. And I’ll make sure to bring her a huge bouquet of flowers. How's that sound?"

Toya softened her expression slightly. "Fine. But don't expect me to be happy about it."

James smirked, amused by her attitude. “I’ll make it happen soon. How about this weekend?”

Toya hesitated for a moment, then softened her expression. “Alright. Grandma’s been asking about you. She’s not going to be happy if you flake again.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” James said, his smile widening.

The rest of the class, overhearing their conversation, started exchanging glances. Toya’s sharp remarks and James’s calm responses only seemed to stoke the fire of an already existing rumor—that there was something more than friendship between James, Toya, and Mili. The so-called love triangle had become a favorite topic of gossip among their classmates, and this interaction only gave them more to talk about.

As James walked back to his desk, he couldn't help but notice the subtle whispers and stolen glances. He sighed inwardly, knowing that whatever he did or said around Toya or Mili would only add fuel to the gossip mill.