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nAs the class continued, and Rudy's thoughts were consumed by the upcoming meeting in the staffroom, the classroom door swung open. In walked Eric, his entrance drawing the attention of everyone in the room, including Rudy.

nRudy couldn't help but be taken aback by the sight of Eric. He looked vastly different from the friend he remembered from their high school days. Eric now appeared more robust, strong, and confident, with a commanding presence that was hard to ignore. It was as if he had transformed into a more self-assured version of himself.

nAs Eric approached Rudy's desk, they exchanged a brief nod of acknowledgment.

nRudy, understanding the potential implications of his inquiries, decided not to press further on Eric's transformation. He had to be cautious, as asking about the change might indeed raise suspicion.

nInstead, he focused on the ongoing class and the events of the day, all the while keeping a watchful eye on the subtle and not-so-subtle differences he was encountering in this version of his high school experience. The mysteries of this altered worldline continued to occupy his thoughts, leaving him with a sense of curiosity and wonder about the unfolding events.

nAfter the school hours came to an end, the hallways of the high school were deserted, save for the distant echoes of students engaging in their various clubs and daily practices. Rudy, having left the classroom, made his way to the washroom to relieve himself.

nOnce he was done, he headed toward the staffroom, where he was scheduled to meet Rize. Any other student might have been filled with dread and anxiety at the prospect of visiting the staffroom, as it often meant punishment or additional assignments. However, Rudy walked with a sense of calm confidence. He believed he had done nothing wrong and had every reason to face the meeting with ease.

nAs he approached the staffroom door, he took a deep breath and knocked gently. When Rize's voice invited him in, he entered with a composed demeanor, ready to address any matter she wished to discuss.

nWhen Rudy entered the staffroom, he couldn't help but notice that it was unusually quiet, with none of the other teachers present. His curiosity got the better of him, and he asked,

"Where is everyone, Ms.Rize?

"

nRize, who was seated at her desk, looked up and responded curtly,

"They're all in a meeting.

"

nRudy, his inquisitiveness unrelenting, ventured further,

"Oh, I see. Were you not invited to the meeting?

"

nHer expression darkened, and she retorted,

"That's none of your concern, Rudy.

"

nRize then decided to get to the point and asked,

"Do you know why I called you to the staffroom?

"

nRudy shook his head, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"I haven't the slightest idea.

"

nRize's stern glare fell upon him, and she told him bluntly,

"I called you here because you dared to call me by my name.

"

nRudy stood his ground, refusing to back down.

"Names are supposed to be called by names,

" he repeated firmly.

n

"Don't act so smart. If you apologize to me, I won't take it to the principal's office.

"

n

"I am not going to apologize.

"

nRudy remained steadfast, refusing to offer an apology as Rize had demanded. He repeated his assertion,

"You always use your powers and authority to insult and disrespect me in the middle of the class, Ms.Rize.

"

nRize, though still displeased with his response, couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Her stern expression softened, and she fell silent, her thoughts a whirlwind of unspoken feelings. She couldn't bring herself to admit that her actions were motivated by a hidden desire to get Rudy's attention. In truth, Rize had developed a habit of calling Rudy out in the middle of her class whenever she noticed him talking with Alice, all under the guise of jealousy.

nRize's glare softened as she went quiet, unable to admit her true intentions. She realized that her actions might have come across as insulting and disrespectful to Rudy, even though that had never been her true intention. In the staffroom, Rudy decided to take an unconventional approach to address the situation. Crouching down to be at the same eye level as Rize, he caught her by surprise. She looked at him with a puzzled expression and asked,

"Rudy, what are you doing?

"

nRudy gazed into her eyes, his voice calm but determined.

"Rize, I want to ask you something. Do you believe in time travel?

"

nRize's brows furrowed in confusion at the sudden shift in the conversation.

"Time travel?

" she asked.

"What does that have to do with anything we were just talking about?

"

nRudy took a deep breath and continued,

"I need you to understand something, Rize. I've time-traveled from the future to the past.

"

nRize rolled her eyes in disbelief and scoffed,

"Time travel? Rudy, you can't be serious. This is just too far-fetched.

"

nBut Rudy didn't waver, and he stayed in the staffroom, determined to make her believe. He explained,

"I know it sounds unbelievable, but it's the truth. I've experienced things that couldn't have happened in the past. I've seen events play out differently, like our conversation just now. You called me out in the past, but I remember it differently.

"

nRize's skepticism remained, but there was a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes.

"And why would you time travel, Rudy?

"

nRudy replied,

"I don't know the reason yet, but I'm here to figure it out. And I need your help, Rize, to understand the changes that have occurred in this worldline.

"

nRize, still skeptical but intrigued by Rudy's claims of time travel, decided to challenge him. She wanted a solid proof that he had indeed traveled from the future. With a hint of amusement, she told Rudy,

"All right, if you really are from the future, let's see if you can prove it.

nRudy pondered her request, wondering how he could convince her.

"What kind of proof are you looking for?

" he asked.

nRize thought for a moment and then said,

"I'm going to take a surprise test soon. Guess the date of the test.

"

nRudy furrowed his brow, his expression one of genuine uncertainty.

"Why would I remember the date of a test, Rize? It's not something important enough to be remembered.

"

nRize fell silent, seemingly contemplating another question. After a few seconds, she asked,

"Alright, how about this? Predict for me, who's going to win the next World Cup?

"

nRudy chuckled softly and replied,

"Rize, I was never interested in sports, so I have no idea who won the World Cup.

"

nRize let out a weary sigh, her skepticism growing. She scolded Rudy,

"You're wasting my time, Rudy. If you don't have a way to prove your claim, you should leave.

"

nRudy, with a hint of a mischievous smile, said,

"There is something I know that could prove my claim.

"

nStill skeptical but amused, Rize asked,

"And what is that, Rudy?

"

nRudy leaned in closer and whispered,

"You like me, Rize. That's why you always call me out in class, to get my attention.

"

nRize's eyes widened in surprise, and her cheeks flushed slightly. She was caught off guard by Rudy's revelation. For a moment, she didn't know how to respond, but the truth in Rudy's words left her with a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty. Rize stammered,

"Wha... What are you talking about, Rudy?

"

nThe revelation had left Rize utterly embarrassed. Her face turned bright red, and she yelled at Rudy in an attempt to hide her embarrassment.

"You're harassing a teacher, Rudy! Using such improper words!

" Her threat, under ordinary circumstances, would have been legitimate, but in this case, it was not.

nRudy simply chuckled and shrugged his shoulders, unfazed by Rize's outburst. He leaned closer to Rize and said with a mischievous grin,

"Well, I know I'm right.

"

nHis confidence continued as he recounted an unexpected memory.

"You even kissed me on the lips once, Rize. It was after you had finished your job as a trainee in the school.

"

nRize's glare intensified, and for once, she found herself at a loss for words. She couldn't comprehend what was happening, torn between wondering if Rudy was telling the truth and grappling with the implications if he truly had time traveled.

nRudy moved his hand towards Rize and gently caressed her face, a wry smile playing on his lips.

"I'm glad we're both alive,

" he said softly.

nTheir eyes locked, the mood in the room growing more intense. However, their intimate moment was abruptly interrupted by the sound of a door opening and a teacher walking into the classroom. They quickly adjusted their positions, concealing the heated atmosphere.

nRudy, breaking the silence, told Rize,

"I need time to remember everything, Rize. I promise I'll prove that I truly have time-traveled.

"

nWith that, he left the staffroom, leaving Rize with a flushed face and a fluttering heart, her thoughts in disarray as she grappled with the unexpected revelations and the unspoken emotions that had surfaced during their encounter.

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