**Aster tapped his pencil against the edge of his desk, the rhythm sharp and impatient. He was the kind of kid who never sat still—always fidgeting, always watching, like a cat waiting for the right moment to pounce. His uniform was always just slightly askew, his socks mismatched on purpose, and his smirk permanently etched into place. The teacher had given up on scolding him months ago. Aster preferred it that way.** **At the front of the classroom, the afternoon sun slanted across the chal...