**Chapter 2: Repercussions**

The tension in the dean's office was palpable as Kai's gaze lingered on Ray's battered face. Rakai, still shaken, stood beside Ray, his eyes darting between Kai and the two attackers, Tylil and the random guy, who were now seated across from them, their faces sullen. Kai's expression turned stern as he addressed Tylil and the random guy. "I need to know what happened here. One of my students is standing in front of me with a bruised face and a burst lip. I want to know why." Tylil shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his durag slightly askew. "It was just a misunderstanding, Dean. We were trying to resolve an issue with Tota, and things escalated." The random guy, who had yet to introduce himself, nodded vigorously in agreement. "Yeah, Tota's been avoiding me, and Tylil here was just trying to help me resolve the issue." Kai's eyes narrowed. "I've spoken to Tota, and he tells me he had no idea what this person wanted. Can you explain what this 'issue' is?" The random guy hesitated before speaking up. "I'm his... business partner. We were supposed to collaborate on a project, but he's been dodging me." Kaira's eyebrows shot up. "A business partner? What kind of project?" The random guy seemed hesitant to elaborate, but Tylil jumped in, his tone defensive. "Look, Dean, it's not like we attacked them for no reason. We had a legitimate grievance." Rakai snorted, his sassiness returning despite the tense atmosphere. "Legitimate grievance? You call beating us up legitimate?" Kai raised a hand, silencing Rakai. "Enough. I think I've heard enough from both sides. Tylil, you and this... business partner of Tota's will leave campus immediately. You're not welcome here until further notice." Tylil's face darkened, but he stood, his movements stiff. "Fine. But this isn't over, Dean." As the two attackers left, Kai turned to Ray, Rakai, and Tota, who had just entered the office, looking pale but determined. "Ray, Rakai, are you okay? Do you need medical attention?" Ray shook his head, still feeling dazed. "N-no, I'm fine, Kai. Just a little... sore." Kaira's expression softened, and he reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair out of Ray's face. "I'll make sure you get the help you need. And I promise you, Ray, I'll get to the bottom of this." Rakai cleared his throat, breaking the intimate moment. "Um, Dean? What about Tylil? He's not exactly innocent here." Kai's eyes clouded over. "Tylil will face consequences for his actions. I'll make sure of it." As the group left the dean's office, Ray couldn't shake off the feeling that this was far from over. The repercussions of the altercation would be felt for a long time to come, and he couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. The walk back to their dorm was somber, with Tota still looking queasy and Rakai fuming. Ray stuck close to Kai, who had slipped his arm around Ray's shoulders, holding him close. As they entered their dorm, Kai turned to Ray. "I need to make some calls, Ray. But I want you to take it easy today, okay?" Ray nodded, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him. "Okay, Kai. I'll be fine." Kai's eyes searched Ray's face before he nodded and headed off to make his calls. Ray watched him go, feeling a sense of gratitude and relief wash over him. With Kai on his side, he felt like he could face anything. But as he turned to enter his room, he caught a glimpse of a text message on his phone. It was from an unknown number, and all it said was: "This isn't over."