I paused.
If I say Jairo, they might think I’m retaliating. If I say nothing, they might conclude guilt.
So I chose the only safe answer.
“I have a pattern,” I said. “I reported harassment and outsiders. Today, a knife appears. It’s retaliation. A frame.”
Ms. Alvarado’s eyes narrowed. “Do you have proof?”
“Not yet,” I admitted honestly. “But I will ask permission to investigate.”
The discipline officer scoffed. “Investigate? You’re a student.”
I pulled out my phone and opened my gallery—not the knife, but the previous video. “Sir, ma’am, you saw this evidence before. I documented. I didn’t fight. I’m doing the same now.”
Mr. Dela Cruz watched my face. He looked like he was weighing something.
Finally he said, “Shun, we will hold you in the office for now while we review. This coul
