When Max walked back into the classroom, it was as if the entire room had frozen in place.
Every student turned toward him, their eyes wide with curiosity, confusion, and awe. No one said anything, not even Max. He strolled back to his seat like it was just another school day, like nothing out of the ordinary had just happened.
Except… there was one thing different.
He was smiling. Not his usual half-smirk or confident grin, but a full, wide, satisfied smile that stretched across his face. The kind of smile that made people wonder just what he knew that they didn't.
Even the teacher paused, glancing at Max as if he wanted to ask what had just taken place outside. But after a few seconds of internal debate, he simply chose to let it go and instead cleared his throat to make an announcement.
"Due to the incident that just occurred," the teacher said, "the next lesson is canceled. Lunch break will be extended."
The classroom instantly lit up.
