Bully Lord

Part-22

The last rays of the setting sun cast long shadows as James and Ryan finally finished clearing a sizeable portion of the overgrown patch. Ryan, drenched in sweat and surprisingly enthusiastic (thanks to the phantom threat of Principal Byzed's wrath), finally tossed his rake down with a grunt of exhaustion.

"Alright, I've done my time," Ryan mumbled, wiping his brow with a grimy t-shirt sleeve.  He turned to leave without a word, a hint of grudging respect flickering in his eyes.

James watched him go, a wave of relief washing over him. Not only had he completed the detention without getting chased by wild dogs (that penalty still gave him chills), but he'd also managed to avoid a fight with Ryan. It felt like a small victory, a testament to his newfound strategic thinking.

With a sigh, James hefted his own rake and began to head towards the school exit. He cast a final glance at the cleared patch, a sliver of satisfaction warming him. Maybe this "Bully System" wasn't all bad. 

Suddenly, a voice startled him. "James!"

He turned to see Mili standing outside the school grounds, a hesitant smile playing on her lips. Notably, she wasn't wearing her school uniform.  In her hand, she held a small, beautifully decorated box.

"What's this?" James asked, curiosity piqued.

Mili stepped forward, her cheeks flushed slightly, she told him while looking otherway. "It's a cake," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "I made it myself."

James raised an eyebrow. As far as he knows she is a straight forward girl in the class.

"What's the occasion?" he asked, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

Mili avoided his gaze, her fingers fiddling with the box. "Well," she began, her voice got back her usual straight forwardness, "it just felt... uncomfortable leaving things unsaid."

James' smile widened.  This wasn't just about a cake, was it? This was Mili, in her own way, acknowledging his actions and expressing her gratitude.

"Thank you, Mili," he said sincerely, his heart warming.

He reached out and gently took the box from her hands. The delicious aroma of vanilla and chocolate filled the air, making his stomach rumble.

"This looks amazing," James said, genuinely impressed.

Mili blushed even deeper which really look odd to him. "Just... don't mention it in school, alright?" she said, her eyes telling him if he share it with someone he might be dead.

"My lips are sealed," James promised with a wary smile. "Besides, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Ryan wouldn't dare mess with you again. Not after what happened today."

Mili shook her head, a determined glint in her eyes. "He wouldn't have dared anyway. I can handle myself just fine. But... thank you, James. For standing up for me. It meant a lot. Besides, Ryan's family is nothing compared to mine. They wouldn't dare mess with me."

He watched as Mili turned and walked away, her ponytail bouncing with each step.  A strange mix of emotions washed over him – relief, satisfaction, and a flicker of something new stirring within him.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and purple, James couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope.  Maybe, just maybe, this strange turn of events wouldn't be all bad. After all, it had led him to stand up for a friend, complete a bizarre mission (with an admittedly delicious reward), and encounter a new side of a classmate he thought he already knew. 

With a smile on his face and a cake box in his hand, James turned and walked away from the school, ready to face whatever challenges the Bully System and his newfound abilities might throw his way.