By the next day—
Everybody knew.
Even people that didn't fully understand what was going on…
Knew that something was going on.
That was how gossip worked.
It didn't need full information.
Just small evidence.
And big imagination.
She stepped into the compound and immediately felt it again.
That same energy.
But stronger.
People were not even hiding it now.
They were staring.
Openly.
Turning their necks like CCTV cameras.
These people have no shame.
She walked to her seat and dropped her bag.
Agadi was already there.
Of course.
"Today go worse," Agadi said without looking up.
"It's already worse," she replied.
Favor joined them.
"They were talking about it outside," she said.
"Who?" she asked.
"Everybody."
"Onye kwu that thing."
She sighed.
No peace.
Jiggy rushed in.
Actually rushed.
"My people!" he said.
Agadi didn't even look at him. "If it's that thing, keep it."
"I have new update!"
"Keep it."
"I know who started it."
That got attention.
Even she looked up.
"Who?" Agadi asked.
Jiggy leaned in dramatically.
"Somebody saw them talking after class two days ago."
Agadi blinked.
"That's all?"
"That's how it started," he said proudly.
The class around them murmured.
"That's not even evidence," she said.
"It is evidence," Jiggy argued.
"It is not," she replied.
"Onye kwu that thing," Favor supported.
Jiggy frowned. "You people don't understand investigation."
Agadi laughed. "Detective Jiggy."
Then—
The two people walked in.
And immediately—
The whole place shifted.
Not loudly.
But you could feel it.
People started nudging each other.
Looking.
Whispering.
She watched carefully.
This time, not just curious.
But observing.
Really observing.
And she noticed it again.
That small tension.
That careful distance.
That "don't look but still look" behavior.
Yeah… something is definitely there.
Agadi leaned closer.
"They can't even hide it properly."
"They're trying," she said.
"They're failing."
Mr Charles entered.
"Good morning."
"Good morning, sir."
His tone was normal.
But his eyes?
Scanning.
He paused slightly.
Then dropped his bag.
"Open your books."
No extra talk.
No questions.
Just straight to business.
That alone changed the mood a little.
Class started.
And this time—
He didn't entertain anything.
Not even small.
At some point, two people at the back started whispering.
He turned immediately.
"You two—stand up."
They stood up quickly.
"If you want to talk, go outside," he said. "This is not a discussion hall."
Silence.
"Sit down and focus."
"Yes, sir."
They sat.
Quiet.
Very quiet.
She glanced at Agadi.
Agadi raised her eyebrows slightly.
Yeah… this man is serious today.
A few minutes later—
He asked a question.
"Who understands this?"
Silence.
Then—
Jiggy raised his hand slowly.
"Sir… I don't understand."
Mr Charles nodded.
"Good."
The class chuckled.
"At least you are honest," he added.
Then he looked around.
"The rest of you—if you don't understand, say it."
Nobody spoke.
He shook his head.
"Don't come here and pretend. It will not help you in the exam."
His voice was firm now.
Real.
Not joking.
And just like that—
The class became serious.
For real.
Even the side looks reduced.
Even the whispering slowed down.
For a while—
Everything felt normal again.
But not completely.
Because once in a while—
Someone would still look.
Still notice.
Still smile.
And it would start again.
Small.
Quiet.
But present.
During a short break—
It came back fully.
Students relaxed.
Voices returned.
And the teasing?
Continued.
But softer this time.
More controlled.
Agadi leaned back.
"This thing will not end soon."
"No, it won't," she agreed.
Favor nodded. "Unless something happens."
"Like what?" she asked.
Favor shrugged. "They talk."
Agadi shook her head. "They will not talk."
"Why?"
"Too many eyes."
She paused.
Then glanced around.
At everyone.
Watching.
Listening.
Waiting.
She nodded slowly.
Yeah… nobody would be comfortable.
Jiggy came back again.
"I think they will deny it till the end."
"They have already denied it," Agadi said.
"They will continue," he replied.
Favor shook her head. "Onye kwu that thing."
Then—
Something small happened.
But it mattered.
One of them stood up to leave.
The other one didn't look.
At all.
Not even once.
Too careful.
Too intentional.
And that alone—
Said everything.
Agadi leaned toward her slowly.
"You see?"
She nodded.
"I see."
Agadi smirked slightly.
"They are trying too hard."
She leaned back in her chair.
Watching everything.
The people.
The reactions.
The tension.
Then she let out a small breath.
This place…
She looked at her book.
Then back at the class.
We are actually here to read… but look at us.
She shook her head slightly.
A small smile forming.
This lesson centre is not normal.