Lookism:Legends

The morning air felt different at J High. Whispers buzzed through the hallways like static. Rumors of the battle with the God Dogs had spread like wildfire. Everyone had heard about the mysterious figure who shut down a gang in under ten seconds and most of them now knew the name "Jalen."

He walked into school quietly, bag slung over one shoulder, the same calm expression on his face. His uniform was neat, posture relaxed. But to the eyes of his peers, there was something heavier about his presence now. Something that made people step aside when he passed.

He reached his seat by the window and sat down as usual. A cool breeze drifted in through the half-open glass. The chair creaked softly as he leaned back.

"Hey."

He turned slightly. Daniel stood there, scratching the back of his head with a small smile.

"I wanted to say thanks," Daniel said. "For helping us out with the God Dogs. If you hadn't shown up…"

Jalen glanced at him, then turned his eyes back to the view outside.

"I wasn't helping," he said, voice low. "I was just itching for a fight."

Daniel paused. "Still… thanks."

Jalen didn't respond, but he didn't need to. The corner of his lip tugged upward slightly, and Daniel took it as acknowledgment before heading back to his desk.

The morning passed slowly. Class dragged on as usual. The same boring lectures, the same dull tone of the teacher's voice. Jalen half-listened, as he always did, fingers tapping lightly against the wood of his desk.

Then, just before lunch, Jay appeared at his side.

"Jalen," he said, sharp and focused. "Did you put Jasmine's wallet in Vasco's locker?"

Jalen blinked lazily. "What?"

"Jasmine's wallet. Someone took it and planted it in Vasco's locker. He's being questioned for it," Jay said, arms crossed. "You were near the lockers that day."

Jalen sighed and leaned back in his chair.

"Wasn't me," he said plainly. "I barely move from this seat unless I have to."

Jay frowned, trying to read him.

Before he could respond, Jace walked over, arms behind his head, looking between the two.

"Yeah, it wasn't you." Jace said confidently. "Now that I think about it you're practically a statue at school. You're not the type to sneak around doing anything. If he was going to confront someone, we'd all know."

Jay stared for another moment, then slowly nodded. "Alright. I'll keep looking."

He turned and walked away.

The bell rang. Students stood and filed out.