**Consequences of Confession**

The fluorescent lights in the hallway seemed to hum in sync with Ray's racing heart as he made his way to the nurse's office. The words "my boyfriend" still echoed in his mind, replaying the scene like a broken record. He couldn't believe Kai had said that, not just to him, but to the entire class. Ray's face burned with a mix of emotions - shock, embarrassment, and a hint of excitement. As he entered the nurse's office, the warm smile of the nurse, Mrs. Thompson, greeted him. "Ray, dear, what happened to you?" she asked, her eyes scanning the bruises and cuts on his face. Ray took a deep breath and recounted the events, leaving out no details. Mrs. Thompson listened attentively, her expression growing more concerned with each passing moment. When Ray finished, she nodded and began to clean and dress his wounds. "I'm so sorry this happened to you, Ray," Mrs. Thompson said, her voice filled with empathy. "But I have to say, I'm a bit surprised. You're a great kid, and I've never seen you get into trouble. What do you think happened with Tylil and that other guy?" Ray shrugged, wincing as he moved his bruised face. "I don't know. I think they just didn't like me, or something. But it's not just that - it's what Dean Kai said." Mrs. Thompson's expression changed, a hint of curiosity creeping into her eyes. "What did he say?" Ray hesitated, unsure if he should share the secret. But something about Mrs. Thompson's kind demeanor put him at ease. "He said I'm his boyfriend," Ray whispered, his eyes scanning the room as if he feared being overheard. Mrs. Thompson's eyes widened, and she leaned in closer. "Oh, Ray, that's quite a complication. As the dean, Kai is in a position of authority, and being in a relationship with a student is against university policy. This could get messy." Ray's heart sank, and he felt a wave of anxiety wash over him. He had suspected that Kai's confession would have consequences, but he hadn't considered the potential fallout. Just then, Mrs. Thompson's phone rang, and she answered it. After a brief conversation, she hung up and turned to Ray. "Ray, Dean Kai wants to see you in his office. He says it's urgent." Ray's stomach twisted into knots as he stood up, his injuries aching in protest. He took a deep breath and made his way to Kai's office, unsure of what to expect. As he entered the office, he was greeted by Kai's intense gaze, his eyes burning with a mix of emotions. "Ray, I'm sorry about earlier," Kai said, his voice low and husky. "I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that. But I couldn't help myself - I had to claim you, even if it means risking my job." Ray's heart skipped a beat as he met Kai's gaze. He knew that Kai's confession had set off a chain reaction, and he wondered if their relationship was strong enough to withstand the consequences.