STRINGS BETWEEN US

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX OF LOCKED GATES, LOUD WHISPERS, AND A CURFEW THEY COULDN'T OU

Of course it wasn't.

"Lead the way," he said—so composed, so chill—like it was just another Tuesday.

I wanted to run. Disappear. But of course, I followed.

Because what else could I do?

When we reached the Disciplinary Office—located in the west wing of Sovereign Court, and colder than I remembered—the Disciplinary Head was already there.

But not just him.

Lucian Ortega was also present—Head of the Internal Ops. KD's classmate. And worse, someone with serious pull in this school. And then there was Bianchi Madriaga. Student Council Vice President. Seated. Poised. Pretending not to care—but it was obvious.

This wasn't just some casual hearing. This was war.

"Sit."

The order came without even looking up from the papers.

KD obeyed first—sinking into the chair like it was a throne. I sat stiffly beside him, heart racing.

Lucian's gaze lingered on us—sharp, unreadable, curious.
Bianchi didn't speak.
But her silence? Louder than any accusation.

"Sneaking out beyond curfew." The Disciplinary Head's voice was flat, but heavy.
Each word cut like a blade.

"Unauthorized use of campus keys. Breach of security protocols."

My throat tightened. The words felt clinical—too clean for the kind of trouble they promised.

KD stayed frozen, unreadable. Not even a twitch in his jaw, not a flicker in his eyes. Like he'd been waiting for this exact charge, rehearsing the scene in his head until it became muscle memory.

Me? My pulse was already climbing. I could feel it in my neck, in my fingertips. I was acutely aware of how still the room had gone—like even the air decided to hold its breath.

The Disciplinary Head's gaze swept over us, slow, deliberate. I hated how heavy it felt when it landed on me. Not piercing. Just... weighing. Measuring.

"Care to explain?"

Silence.

Then Lucian stepped in—calm, but razor-edged. He didn't raise his voice, but the weight in it was enough to pin me to my chair.

"This isn't just some childish mistake. This involves council privileges, student reputations, and your positions. Both of you."

Bianchi's gaze sharpened—subtle, but unmistakable. A small tilt of her chin, the faintest narrowing of her eyes—like she was testing for fractures. Daring me to crack.

KD didn't move. Didn't even blink. His stillness had weight.

KD finally spoke. "I unlocked the gate."

Everything in me went still. My pulse stalled, then surged so fast it felt like my ribs were rattling.

Lucian's brow twitched, the smallest tell. The Disciplinary Head paused mid-note, pen hovering over the paper. Bianchi's fingers tapped once—deliberate, unhurried. Almost amused, like she'd just been handed better entertainment than expected.

"And?"

KD's tone didn't waver. "If there's anyone you should question, it's me."

My stomach dropped.

"You're admitting to authorizing the breach?" Lucian's voice cut sharp, each word spaced just enough to make them sting.

"I'm not denying it."