<b>Chapter </b><b>186 </b>


    Ivan held onto York’s hand as if it were hisst lifeline, but finally managed <b>to </b>calm down.


    “York,” he repeated, his voice steadier this time.


    “I’m here. I’m right here.” York, mimicking Alessia’s gentle manner, patted Ivan’s head softly. “How are you feeling?”


    “I’m okay.” Ivan let out a slow breath and shook his hea


    He nced over York’s shoulder at Zane, whose sobs left him gasping for air. Guilt flickered across Ivan’s face.


    “I… I scared him,” Ivan admitted, each word an effort, but he forced himself to exin.


    “It wasn’t on purpose! I didn’t mean to push you–it’s just, you never answer!” Zane’s voice broke as he hupped through his tears.


    “Oh, so if someone doesn’t talk, you just shove them? Do you even realize how strong you are, you giant?” York shot back without thinking. Ivan tugged on his sleeve, and York grudgingly reined in his temper,


    York clicked his tongue in irritation. “Unbelievable. You can’t do anything right.”


    “Teacher’sing! Teacher’sing!<b>” </b>


    The kids scattered in an instant. Mr. Zimmerman entered, his face clouded with


    concern.


    “What’s going on here?” He set his books down on Ivan’s desk, eyeing the trio sternly.


    “Who started this<b>?</b>”


    “Zane! Zane was picking on the new kid!” The ss quickly chimed in, and Zane, desperate to defend himself<b>, </b>started sniffling again, his tears and runny nose. returning with a vengeance<b>. </b>


    Seeing this, Ivan fished a tissue from his bag and handed it to Zane, then gave York’s sleeve another tug, silently asking him to exin.


    York rolled his eyes, but Ivan’s insistence won out. He ryed what had happened.


    Mr. Zimmerman sighed. “You did well to stand up for your new seatmate. Everyone, read quietly for now–I’ll be back in a minute.”


    122


    12-02


    He led Zane <b>out </b><b>of </b>the ssroom.


    <b>The </b>moment the door closed, the room buzzed with chatter again<b>. </b><b>York </b>Ignored it <b>all</b>, <b>flopping </b>back into his seat and shoving his books haphazardly into <b>his </b>desk.


    “Thanks.” Ivan pulled a piece of candy from his backpack–the one Karen <b>had </b>slipped him that morning.


    York didn’t hesitate, popping it into his mouth. “Told you, I’ll look out for you<b>.</b><b>” </b>


    Ivan nodded, a small smile finally breaking through.


    York nced over, relieved.


    For the rest of the day, York stuck to Ivan like glue. Curious ssmates kepting over, asking about their rtionship or about the new kid’s background, but York brushed them off and said nothing.


    Kids‘ tempers re and fade fast–Zane, having been scolded, didn’t hold a grudge against Ivan. Instead, he brought over some snacks and apologized. Ivan offered him a piece of candy in return.


    York was a little jealous, so Ivan handed him the rest of the candies from his bag. which finally brought a smile back to York’s face.


    “I’ll walk you home after school,” York said: “Alessia said to make sure you get to your mom’s shop–do you know the way?”


    Ivan nodded.


    “Your mom owns a shop? What kind?” Zane perked up, grinning as he leaned in.


    “A breakfast ce.” Technically, it started as a breakfast spot, buttely it had grown into more of a full diner–business had picked up far more than they’d expected.


    “His mom’s food is amazing,” York jumped in, sounding oddly proud.


    “Really? Can I try it sometime?” Zane’s eyes lit up; the prospect of food always got his attention. His family worked in food development, so he’d grown up surrounded by new vors and dishes–no wonder he was so tall, and such a foodie.


    “Sure,” Ivan replied.


    “No way!” York shot back at the same time.


    Ivan was the first to agree, York the first to refuse.