"Right, well done." Professor Quinn clapped her hands together wearing a grin. "Let's go through some stretches and loosen up those tight muscles."

The students let out sighs of relief, knowing their pain was now over for another day at least. This part of the lesson was always the most relaxing—at least in comparison to the physical abuse they'd suffered previously.

As professor Quinn took them through the stretching exercises, she spoke candidly. "Use your free day to decide your teams for the exams, anyone not on a team by Monday will be placed in one by myself."

"Oh, and don't think that because its a team exam that you can slack off," she added, grabbing the heel of her foot and pulling into a deep hamstring stretch. "I'll be evaluating you all individually—as well as how you can work in a team."

Seeing the bone-breaking stretch that the woman so effortlessly showed, many of the students paled. The professor was still wearing the skintight bodysuit, exposing her lean, yet curvaceous body.

Such a sight would usually be appealing to teenagers their age—yet to the boys, staring was just another road to death.

Even Rudy who had struggled to take his eyes off the woman in the first week had turned a corner. He was like a monk, unaffected by any fleshly desires—seeking nirvana.

However, a small trickle of blood escaped his nose before he swiftly wiped it, maintaining the facade.

After the stretching, the students made their way back towards the castle with rehearsed steps. The usual groans and complaints resumed once they were out of earshot of the sadistic professor—none wanting to take the chance of being overheard.

"I still don't know why they have this class in the morning…" Melody complained, her cheeks flushed red, hair a mess.

Ignoring Melody's usual grumbles after combat class, Michael moved onto more pressing matters. "We're grouping up for the exam right?"

"Naturally." Rudy replied, running his hand through his hair matted with sweat. The guy's wiry frame had put on some bulk in the past few months, his muscles now visible beneath his white shirt.

Perhaps it was the combination of getting enough nutrition and the constant workouts from combat classes.

Michael too had experienced some change. He'd had a growth spurt, now standing a couple of inches shy of six feet. He towered over everyone his age, and if it weren't for the azure lining in his robe—others might mistake him for an older student.

Melody scoffed, "Just don't hold us back Rudy…"

Michael raised an eyebrow, his eyes gazing at her with disbelief. She was avoided like the plague in combat class, it was by far her worst subject. In fact, he wouldn't be surprised if the girl was the lowest ranked in the class.

His gaze lingered for a few moments, seeing the knitted brows and obvious annoyance in her expression. She had also changed since their time in the Winterborne manor—both physically and mentally.

Though Melody hadn't grown much in height, her body was starting to bud—like a flower on the cusp of blooming. Her once flat and almost skinny features were beginning to show signs of change, a sign she was in the midst of becoming a woman.

Feeling his cheeks flush slightly, Michael turned his attention to Rudy who had once again ignored Melody's words, treating them as if they were just hot air.

His expression tensed for a moment before he frowned.

"Alright… What is it?" he asked, stopping in place.

"Hm? What are you talking about?" Rudy asked, as if sensing the intent behind the words.

"Are you two fighting or something?" Michael queried, feeling as if something was off.

The two would usually engage in some light banter, but things seemed a little more tense than usual. From what he'd seen in the past, they'd never gotten to this point before.

Melody's expression turned fierce as she pointed at Rudy, "This guy stole my underwear…" her voice loud—causing those still lagging behind to whip their necks in their direction.

"Bullshit! I wouldn't touch your crusty underwear with a ten foot pole!" He thundered back, causing the blue-haired girl to audibly gasp.

"T-they're not crusty!" she retorted, a fierce glare appearing a moment later.

Sparks seemed to fly between the two as they faced off in public. Orange mana began to dance from Melody's palm as she readied an attack—seemingly intent on exacting her revenge.

If Michael didn't sense the mana in the air, he might have thought the situation was funny. Like a seasoned veteran, he swooped in, appearing between the two in a flash.

His tall frame blocked the duo, stalling the fight momentarily.

"How about we discuss this away from so many prying eyes…" he said in a low voice, gesturing to the students who had hung back to eavesdrop.

Many of the girls in the group of first-years looked at Rudy as if he was some sort of creep—making him even angrier.

Without waiting for a response from the two, he linked arms with them both and dragged them inside with a few stern words. They ascended the stairs to the violet dorms, all the while Rudy and Melody were glaring at each other threateningly.

When they made it inside, Michael closed the door behind him and let out a deep sigh.

"Melody… I forgot to tell you…" he began, giving her an apologetic smile.

He lifted one end of the lounge, revealing a black laced pair of underwear. It was small, yet revealing—the kind that would be embarrassing for any girl to show to anyone but their betrothed.

Melody's face instantly reddened as she let out a squeal of embarrassment. She surged forward and collected the underwear before retreating into her room, slamming the door behind her.

Rudy blinked, as if unable to register what he'd just seen. His cheeks turned red after a few moments—his thoughts unknown.

He cleared his throat, turning to Michael. "Why were they there?"

Before he could answer, Melody appeared once again, her cheeks still flushed red. There was embarrassment, but also anger—directed at Michael this time.

"Yes Michael… why were they under the lounge?" she asked accusingly.

So in the face of his two friends, he was forced to explain what had happened earlier in the week. After skipping a few details, it turned out that Melody had dropped them on her way back to her room.

Michael had been about to tell her, but Rudy appeared before he could yell out.

"So in order to save you some embarrassment, I kicked them under the lounge…" he admitted, feeling a little guilty. "But I completely forgot about it until now."

The duo looked at Michael incredulously, glancing at each other as if deciding to believe him or not. Without exchanging words, they both came to the same conclusion.

Melody sighed, "I'm sorry for accusing you Rudy…" she said gracefully.

Rudy waved his hand, "It's fine—though the girls probably think I'm a weirdo now…"

Michael laughed, "So not much has changed then?" he shot back.

However, this caused his friend's gaze to sharpen in response. "You're acting quite carefree for the person who caused all this mess…" he said, cracking his knuckles. "I might have forgiven Melody—but I haven't forgiven you yet…"

"H-hey man, it was all just a misunderstanding." Michael said, retreating backwards slowly. The look on his friends face said it all, he wanted some retribution.

"One that could have been avoided," Melody added, the corner of her lips twitching.

Before he could react, both Melody and Rudy lept forward to attack. Michael covered his head and leaned forward, trying to make himself a smaller target—however, the expected blows did not come.

Instead, he heard a hearty laughter and muffled giggle bouncing off the walls.

Slowly, he moved his arms and raised his gaze, only to see Melody and Rudy with amused expressions, clearly enjoying his plight.

"Haha! Your face was priceless!" Rudy guffawed, holding his sides.

Melody too seemed to enjoy the spectacle, her earlier embarrassment now long forgotten. A bright smile hung on her face—one that seemed impossible only a few months ago.

They had all grown closer over this time.

Michael let out a small laugh, feeling slightly relieved. He didn't mind being the butt of the joke—not if it could keep his friends from fighting. It just showed how much he now cared about the two in front of him.

"I forgive you man," Rudy said, slapping him on the back with a little too much force.

"Yeah… thanks man."

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