Ember walked into the cafeteria and saw a crowd forming. She turned to the girl next to her and asked what was going on, as it was so loud.
The girl explained that Maya had supposedly stolen Kenji's friend's robotics design. Kenji was humiliating Maya and demanding that she admit she made a mistake. However, Maya continued to deny it. Ember nodded as she watched the cafeteria, noticing that most people were gathered around the crowd while only a few were still seated and eating.
Just as Ember was about to suggest leaving, she heard Kenji say, "Who knows if you became a genius by copying? A thief can't get a good grade." The crowd started laughing and whispering. Just as Kenji was about to speak again, a loud voice shouted, "Silence!"
Everyone turned to see where the voice came from. They saw a beautiful girl with long, black hair and red streaks that resembled flames. Her dark eyes sparkled like black pearls, and she looked annoyed as she confidently walked toward the group. The crowd parted to give her space.
Ember ignored the others and walked directly to Kenji and Maya. She saw Maya crying and shaking, with red eyes and a piece of paper in her hands, as she looked up at her.
Kenji was surprised to see Ember and started to say, "Why are you—"
Ember cut him off. "Why are you making so much noise in the cafeteria while I'm trying to eat? If you're going to act like this, do it away from me because I can't stand noise!"
Kenji was taken aback. "I'm sorry, I thought you wouldn't come this early."
Ember scoffed and looked around the room. Everyone avoided her gaze. Just when it looked like she would leave, she turned back and said, "And one more thing, Are you pretending to be an idiot or are you just plain stupid? Because everyone knows what's going on."
She continued, "If you create a design, you have to show it to the professor. If that loser copies it, the teacher will find out first. So instead of making a scene, why not just be honest? And you," she pointed at Maya, "stop whining and explain yourself. You are the one disturbing everyone."
Ember's words shocked everyone. Kenji, clearly surprised, asked, "Ember, why are you speaking for her?"
Annoyed, Ember replied, "I'm not speaking for anyone. I said this because if you make a scene, the teacher gets blamed. I respect him, so don't start trouble."
After that, Ember walked away confidently. Her friends hurried after her, asking, "Ember, why did you stop them? And don't you dislike that teacher?"
Ember looked back, unbothered. "I enjoy drama, but that was just boring."