### Chapter 3: The Dean's Inquiry

The dim fluorescent lights above seemed to hum in sync with Kai's intense gaze as he bore into Tylil. The air was thick with tension, and Ray could feel his heart pounding in his chest. Tylil shifted uncomfortably under Kai's scrutiny, but his expression remained defiant. "I told you, Dean Kai, it was just a misunderstanding," Tylil said, his voice laced with a hint of arrogance. Kai's eyes narrowed. "I don't think so, Tylil. I've been made aware of a pattern of behavior from you that's concerning, to say the least. It seems you've been involved in several incidents this semester already." He paused, his gaze never leaving Tylil's face. "I've received reports of you instigating arguments in the community spaces, and there have been rumors of you being involved in some... unsavory activities outside of school." Tylil's smirk faltered for a moment, and Ray could sense a flicker of fear in his eyes. But the older student quickly regained his composure, and his expression hardened. "Those are just rumors, Dean Kai," Tylil sneered. "You can't believe everything you hear." Kai's expression turned cold. "I've been in this position long enough to know when someone is trying to spin a story, Tylil. And I don't appreciate it." He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "Tell me, Tylil, what do you know about the argument in the community space that led up to the confrontation in the cafeteria?" Tylil hesitated, and for a moment, Ray thought he saw a glimmer of uncertainty in his eyes. But then, the older student's mask slipped back into place, and he launched into a rehearsed account of the events. "It was just a disagreement, Dean Kai," Tylil said. "Ray and I had a difference of opinion, and things escalated. But I didn't start anything. He did." Kai's eyes flicked to Ray, and he raised an eyebrow. "Is that true, Ray? Did you start the argument?" Ray shook his head, feeling a surge of defensiveness. "No, Dean Kai. Tylil and that guy, they just started yelling at me out of nowhere. I was just trying to calm things down." The random guy, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "That's not true, Dean Kai. Ray was being really aggressive and confrontational. We were just trying to defend ourselves." Kai's gaze turned to the guy, and his expression turned skeptical. "I'm not sure I believe you, considering Tylil's history. I think there's more to this story than you're letting on." He leaned forward, his eyes boring into Tylil and the random guy. "I want you both to know that there will be consequences for your actions. You're going to have to face disciplinary action for your part in this incident." Tylil's face darkened, and he took a step forward, but the security guard moved to restrain him. "Easy, Tylil," the guard said. "Let's not make things worse." Kai's eyes never left Tylil's face. "I think we've heard enough for now. I'm going to have to review the security footage and speak with some witnesses. In the meantime, I'm putting you both on probation. Any further incidents, and you'll be facing expulsion." As Kai dismissed Tylil and the random guy, Ray felt a sense of relief wash over him. But he knew that this was far from over. The consequences of the incident were still unclear, and he couldn't shake the feeling that Tylil was going to make things worse before it was all over. As the two students left, Kai turned to Ray and asked, "Are you okay? That must have been really scary for you." Ray nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks, Dean Kai." Kai's expression softened, and he placed a hand on Ray's shoulder. "You're welcome, Ray. But I think we need to talk more about what's going on. Can you come to my office tomorrow after class?" Ray nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. What would Kai say to him? And what would happen next?