Behavior problems...

 The four of them groaned as they trudged toward Potionology.

"I don't see why we even need this class," Ace grumbled, dragging his feet. "I mean, are we ever gonna be mixing potions in real life? Like, seriously?"

"Speak for yourself," Deuce shot back, his hands stuffed into his pockets. "I'd rather learn something useful than deal with Crowley's endless errands."

"Both are awful," Grim piped up, waddling alongside them. "You guys don't even have to make the potions—I do! And I'm a magical being. I shouldn't have to be stuck doing boring school stuff!"

"Wow, Grim," Yuu said with a smirk. "Way to make it all about you."

He puffed out his chest. "It is about me!"

As they neared the classroom, Ace groaned dramatically. "Ugh, I can already hear Crewel yelling at us. Why do we even bother showing up on time? He's just gonna make us redo everything anyway."

"Because we'd get in trouble if we didn't," Yuu reminded him.

Just as she spoke, the door to the classroom creaked open, and the group slipped inside. The room was already bustling with students setting up cauldrons and preparing ingredients.

But as they found their seats, the door opened once more with an exaggerated creak. In strolled Leona Kingscholar, his steps unhurried, his hands in his pockets, and a casual smirk on his face.

"Fashionably late, as always," Ace muttered under his breath.

Professor Crewel's sharp eyes locked onto Leona the moment he entered. With a flick of his wrist, the professor pointed toward the front of the room. "Kingscholar. Late again. At least you're consistent."

Leona just shrugged, clearly unfazed. "I like to make an entrance."

"An entrance you'll regret if you keep testing my patience," Crewel said, his tone clipped. He scanned the room before clapping his hands together. "Partners today! I've already decided who will be working together."

The class groaned collectively, but Crewel continued undeterred. "Kingscholar, you'll be partnering with Yuu." His sharp gaze flicked to Leona. "Maybe some diligence will rub off on you for once."

Leona raised an eyebrow, but to everyone's surprise, he didn't argue. Instead, he simply strolled over to Yuu's station, his smirk still firmly in place. "Guess I'm stuck with you, Herbivore."

Yuu blinked, unsure whether to be annoyed or amused. "Lucky me," she replied, her voice laced with sarcasm.

"Ace and Deuce," Crewel continued, gesturing to the pair. "Try not to blow up your cauldron this time."

"Hey! That was one time!" Ace protested, though Deuce looked sheepish.

"Grim and Ruggie," Crewel finished, pointing at the mischievous hyena lounging near the back. "Let's see if you two can actually follow instructions for once."

Ruggie grinned. "Oh, don't worry, Prof. I've got this."

As everyone settled into their stations, Yuu glanced at Leona, expecting him to slack off or give some excuse to avoid the work. Instead, he rolled up his sleeves and began measuring ingredients with precision.

"Uh... Leona?" Yuu said hesitantly, watching as he carefully added powdered moonstone to the cauldron.

"What?" he asked without looking up, his tone casual.

"You... actually know what you're doing?"

He smirked, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. "What, surprised?"