《Extraordinary: The Academy》 A New Beginning THE ACADEMY 6TH PERIOD 14TH of APRIL, 2018. "Earth to Elise" The sound of my name broke me out of the trance I was lost in. "Elise!" Max''s voice cut through my thoughts, her usual sophisticated tone rushed and urgent. "We need to hurry to chemistry lab practice." She glanced at me, her brown eyes filled with concern behind those glasses of hers. I put a quick smile on my face. "Sorry, I was just... lost in thought. Just thinking about... chemistry," I replied with a false laugh, trying to shake off the melancholy that had settled over me like a cloud. It wasn''t entirely a lie; I was stressed about the next class. But it was more than that, it was the revelation I had stumbled upon earlier that day... The memory came flooding back as if I had no choice but to relive that moment again. I saw myself walking through the dimly lit halls of the school, making my way to the library ¨C my favourite place to take a nap. "Samuel?" I whispered to myself, recognizing the voice I had grown to love over the past six months. But something was off; his words were not meant for me. "Shh, don''t worry about Elise," Samuel reassured the junior girl who stood before him, their bodies entwined in a shamelessly lovey-dovey embrace. "She means nothing to me." The girl cooed her expression a mixture of satisfaction and jealousy. "I hate that she''s always around you," she complained, tracing patterns on his school-crested short-sleeve sweater. Pulling him closer, she seals their lips together as her eyes grin in my direction, right back at me. My heart shattered into a million pieces, each one a sharp reminder of the betrayal I had just witnessed. With our lab coats in hand, we both strolled out of the brightly lit class. A glance at the window reminded me that it had been raining for days without stopping, three days to be precise. "El, are you okay?" Max asked, snapping me back to the present. Our footsteps echoed through the hallway as we hurried to chemistry lab practice. I forced a smile, pushing the painful memory away for now. "I''m fine," I lied with a practised ease, hoping she wouldn''t see through my fa?ade. "Just stressed about this class." "Alright," Max said hesitantly, not entirely convinced. But she let it slide, focusing on our impending arrival at the chemistry lab. As we entered the classroom, I couldn''t help but feel the weight of that earlier conversation hanging over me like a storm cloud, threatening to unleash its torrent at any moment. The sharp sting of tears threatened to spill from my eyes, blurring the rows of test tubes and Bunsen burners arrayed before me. I blinked rapidly, the memory of Samuel''s betrayal insistently clawing at the edges of my consciousness like a ravenous beast. A small voice, barely audible above the din of my racing thoughts, whispered for me to hold on, to keep up appearances. And so, I did. "Alright class, settle down," our chemistry teacher''s voice reverberated through the room, slicing through the fog of my sorrow. As if on cue, Trent sauntered in, his piercing eyes making him seem as though he was an ethereal creature that had just wandered in from some otherworldly realm. I could feel the iciness emanating from him, a coldness that mirrored the tempest brewing inside me. "Acid and base reaction" was already written clearly on the whiteboard in blue marker. "Elise, Max, please help set up everyone''s apparatus and please be careful not to break them", the lady in a white lab coat instructed. Max, ever observant, took her seat to my left, concern etched onto her delicate features. "Elise, are you sure you are okay?" she queried, worry evident in her tone. "You appear to be rather... disturbed." "Disturbed" may have been an understatement; it felt as if my heart had been ripped to shreds, the pieces scattered haphazardly like confetti after a particularly devastating storm. But Max couldn''t know that. Nobody could. "Really, Max, I''m fine," I insisted, attempting to muster a smile. "It''s just... chemistry, you know?" "Ah, yes, the delightful combination of elements and compounds," she mused, her brow furrowing in concentration as she adjusted her glasses. I nodded. The familiar dance of equations and formulas provided an anchor, something to focus on other than the searing pain that threatened to consume me. And yet, despite my best efforts, Samuel''s voice continued to echo through the labyrinthine corridors of my mind. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "Elise means nothing to me." Each word was a dagger to the heart, a reminder of the fragility of love and trust. But as I sat there, flanked by Max and Trent, I couldn''t help but think that maybe, just maybe, I wasn''t as alone as I felt. The moment the bell rang, signalling the end of our chemistry class, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. My hands, though still trembling from the painful memories, eagerly reached for the test tubes and beakers littered across our workspace. "I''ll take care of these," I volunteered, hoping that the task would keep my mind occupied, even if only momentarily. "Are you sure, Elise?" Max inquired, her concern evident in the furrow of her brow. "You''ve been rather out of sorts today." "Positive," I replied, forcing a smile onto my lips, trying to convince both her and myself that everything was fine. "I just need a moment to clear my head, is all." With hesitant nods, Max and Trent left the lab, leaving me alone with the remnants of our experiment. The rhythmic clink of glass against glass filled the room as I set about cleaning up, the mechanical movements providing a reprieve from the tumultuous whirlwind of thoughts swirling through my mind. While trying to dismount my burette from its stand, a gentle but unwanted voice breaks my concentration for a split second, "Hey, Elise," a familiar voice called out, causing my heart to lurch painfully within my chest. Glancing up from the glassware, I found myself staring into Samuel''s deep-brown eyes, the very same eyes that had once promised love but now only held deceit. "Samuel," I managed to choke out, my voice barely more than a whisper. He flashed me a dazzling smile, seemingly oblivious to the emotional turmoil raging within me. "Need some help?" he asked, casually leaning against the edge of the table, his black hair falling effortlessly across his forehead. It was almost nauseating how easily he slipped back into the role of loving boyfriend as if nothing had changed. Aside from the fact that he doesn''t know, I am aware of his dirty, little secret. "Uh, no, thanks," I stammered, desperate to put some distance between us. "Eli, I was thinking..." he coyly spoke, almost snaking his arms around my waist. My hands stopped his just as they made contact with my body. My eyes met his, as they shone with confusion at my sudden rejection. The swirls in his amber globes drew me back to the moment I witnessed. A moment that broke my image of him. A voice broke our prolonged eye contact. "Elise!" At that moment, I spotted Fancy, another one of our classmates, lingering by the door, her hazel eyes scanning the room. My heart seized upon the opportunity for escape. "Actually, Fancy," I called out to her, my voice wavering slightly. "I need to talk to you about something" "Sure thing, Elise!" she eagerly replied, bounding over to my side. Her warm smile and bright energy provided a welcome contrast to Samuel''s sly demeanour, and I felt a small measure of relief wash over me as he retreated from our conversation, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. I was glad to be away from him but the revelation I witnessed played on repeat in my head. Half of the words Fancy spoke couldn''t register in my head. As Fancy and I talked together, the sound of laughter and lighthearted banter filled the room, a stark juxtaposition to the heavy silence that had pervaded only moments before. And yet, despite the comforting presence of my classmate, I couldn''t shake the feeling that something was amiss, as if the very fabric of my reality was unravelling at the seams. "Elise?" Fancy''s voice broke through my thoughts, her hand gently touching my arm. "Are you okay? You seem kind of...distant." "Sorry," I murmured, blinking away the unshed tears that threatened to expose my vulnerability. "I''m just...distracted." "Hey, it''s all right," she reassured me, her smile softening with understanding. "We all have those days." Indeed, we all have those days, but this one seemed to stretch on forever, each agonizing moment punctuated by the echoes of betrayal and heartache. Yet as I stood there, surrounded by the shattered remnants of my world, I couldn''t help but cling to the hope that perhaps, in time, I might find the strength to pick up the pieces and rebuild. After Fancy left, I found myself alone in the chemistry lab, the hum of the overhead fluorescent lights my only companion as I methodically scrubbed the glassware. The way the water swirled around the beakers and test tubes, spiralling down the drain like a whirlpool of fragmented memories, seemed to mirror the chaos that had taken residence in my heart. My hands shook as they gripped the sponge, the bitterness of betrayal still burning within me, and I tried to focus on the task at hand, losing myself in the rhythmic motions of cleaning and rinsing. "Elise, why are you so...?" I whispered to myself, my voice shaking with unspoken emotion. "Why do you always let them in? Why can''t you just..." And then, without warning, the ground beneath me began to tremble, the familiar hush of the classroom shattered by the cacophony of shattering glass and splintering wood. My heart leapt into my throat as I stumbled backwards, instinctively reaching for something - anything - to steady myself, but there was nothing to grab onto, just the cold, unforgiving surface of the lab bench. "Earthquake!" someone screamed from outside the room, their terror-stricken voice piercing through the chaos like a siren''s call. As I stood there, rooted to the spot, my eyes locked onto the large glass cabinet teetering precariously before me, its once-sturdy frame now a twisted mass of metal and glass. "Help!" I choked out, tears streaming down my face as I realized the futility of my cry. No one could save me now, not when the world itself was crumbling beneath my feet. "Someone call 911!" I heard in the distance, the words echoing in my ears just as the monstrous cabinet finally succumbed to the relentless shaking of the earthquake, its shattered contents hurtling toward me like a storm of razor-sharp raindrops. "Please," I whispered, closing my eyes and bracing myself for the impact. But before the darkness could claim me, a single thought flickered through my mind, a final beacon of hope amid despair: "At least now, this heartache won''t matter anymore." And then everything went black. Like, Share, and Leave comments. I love reading them because I don''t have friends IRL. ***************** Hello guys, Chapter 1 to 3 is undergoing major editing by 22-year-old me in 2023 because it was written by 17-year-old me in 2018. I''m sorry if some things change. I will work a bit more on the dialogue. I promise you, it gets better and longer and nicer. And btw, at the end of every chapter, I leave a song from any series I am interested in with the title of the drama Annyeong! "I will go to you like the first snow ¨CGoblin" Awakening to Confusion THE ACADEMY 2022, PRESENT DAY That very day, something changed. I found myself slowly coming to consciousness, welcomed by the silence around me. ¡°Hello? Is anyone there?¡± I called out, the uncertainty in my voice echoing throughout the unfamiliar room. The steady hum of various machines was the only response I received, leaving me with an eerie sense of isolation. My limbs ached and protested as I tried to move, the weight of my body seemingly insurmountable. I strained my ears, attempting to catch any hint of movement, but the thrum of equipment continued to dominate my senses. Then, without warning, the sound of footsteps approached, growing louder as they drew near. My heartbeat quickened, and a strange mixture of relief and apprehension coursed through me. A young woman dressed in a school uniform appeared before me, her black jacket stark against the sterile white surroundings. Her headphones rested casually around her neck, contrasting with the careful precision of her attire. She looked just as surprised to see me as I was to see her, her eyes wide with shock. ¡°You¡¯re finally awake!¡± she exclaimed, the words both an accusation and a greeting. ¡°Take it easy,¡± She advised, coming closer. ¡°You¡¯ve been out for a while. 4 years to be exact¡± ¡°Ah, sorry for the mess,¡± she said, picking the wet rag from my lap and placing it on the table beside a basin of water. ¡°It seems you had a fever last night. He must have just left this here when you got better.¡± Her words were gentle, almost like a soothing lullaby that tried to make sense of my foggy memories. ¡°Who are you?¡± I asked, the words slipping from my lips before I could stop them. My mind raced, trying to connect the dots and make sense of the situation. But instead of answering, she simply stared at me, her gaze unyielding and piercing. ¡°Call me Sophie,¡± she said, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. My mind raced, trying to reconcile the dissonance between what I knew and what I was experiencing. It felt like someone had taken the pieces of my life and thrown them into the air, leaving me to scramble and pick them up, unsure of how they fit together anymore. ¡°Where am I?¡± I pressed, desperation seeping into my voice. I needed answers ¨C anything to ground myself in this confusing reality. The hum of the machines seemed to grow louder with each passing second, their relentless noise threatening to swallow me whole. The room was pristine and sterile, smelling faintly of disinfectant. It looked like some kind of medical facility. ¡°You¡¯re in the school¡¯s infirmary,¡± She explained, her brown eyes filled with concern. ¡°After the earthquake, you were brought here.¡± ¡°Earthquake?¡± I muttered, trying to recall any memories of such an event. Fragments of chaos swirled through my mind, but they were disjointed and indistinct. Despite my confusion, I couldn¡¯t help but notice her genuine worry, which made me all the more curious about what had transpired. ¡°Elise, we¡¯ll fill you in on everything later,¡± She assured me, her voice soothing. ¡°For now, just focus on getting better.¡± She offered a small, reassuring smile. ¡°Okay,¡± I agreed, feeling a mixture of relief and frustration. Though I wanted answers immediately, I knew She was right - my body needed time to recover. Slowly, with the girl¡¯s help, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and attempted to stand. My knees wobbled, but She steadied me, her grip surprisingly firm for someone so slender. ¡°Thanks,¡± I murmured, trying to regain my footing. As I did, I couldn¡¯t help but be struck by the onslaught of sensations surrounding me. The cool tiles beneath my feet contrasted with her warm touch; the faint scent of lavender wafted through the air, cutting through the sterile atmosphere. ¡°Everything will be fine, Elise,¡± she reassured me, guiding me towards the door. ¡°Now, let¡¯s get you cleaned up and dressed, then we¡¯ll introduce you to everyone again.¡± ¡°Everything will become clear soon,¡± she said cryptically, her tone measured and controlled. ¡°For now, it¡¯s important that you regain your strength.¡± As she spoke, I couldn¡¯t help but notice the way her eyes flickered towards the door, as if expecting someone else to arrive. ¡°Is someone coming?¡± I asked, my curiosity piqued. The steady drone of the machines suddenly felt suffocating, their continuous presence a constant reminder of my vulnerability. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. ¡°Oh! Nothing at all.¡± She offered a small, reassuring smile before continuing, ¡°But you need to focus on yourself right now. There will be time for everything else later. ¡°An earthquake,¡± I muttered, the fragmented memories of that day swirling like a storm inside my head. My heart raced as I recalled the ground shaking beneath me, buildings crumbling around us, and then¡ªnothing. A void where four years should have been. ¡°Take your time,¡± Sophie urged, her soft blue eyes filled with concern. ¡°When you¡¯re ready, I¡¯ll draw you a bath and help you choose some clothes to wear.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± My voice was barely a whisper, the disbelief and confusion still holding me in their tight grip. Four years? It seemed impossible. How could I be alive after all this time? As Sophie left the room, I began to examine my body, searching for any signs of injury or scars that might explain how I had survived such a catastrophic event. My fingers traced over my smooth skin, finding nothing but the steady rhythm of my pulse beneath the surface. It felt like a miracle ¨C a gift that I didn¡¯t quite understand. Gathering what little strength I had, I inched my way to the bathroom. My muscles felt stiff and heavy, but they were becoming more cooperative than I anticipated. The thought of being well-cared for in my unconscious state brought a flicker of warmth to my chest. The scent of lavender wafted through the air as I stepped into the warm water of the bathtub. As the soothing liquid enveloped my body, I allowed myself to sink deeper into it, feeling the tension in my muscles begin to release. I closed my eyes, focusing on the sensation of the water against my skin and willing my mind to quieten its relentless questioning. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Sophie¡¯s voice broke through my reverie as I opened my eyes to see her standing at the bathroom door with a concerned expression. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to startle you.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s okay,¡± I replied, managing a weak smile despite the turmoil within me. ¡°I¡¯m just... trying to process everything.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Sophie nodded, understanding shining in her eyes. ¡°Take all the time you need.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered, feeling a spark of gratitude for the compassion that this stranger seemed to have for me. Towelling off, I caught sight of my reflection in the misted mirror. It was surreal ¨C like staring at a stranger¡¯s face superimposed over mine. With a trembling hand, I wiped away the steam to reveal hazel eyes replaced by a piercing shade of blue, and brown hair now long and grey. My entire appearance had changed, my body somehow transformed into a more statuesque and refined version of itself. ¡°Who am I?¡± I whispered, my voice barely audible amidst the steady drip of water from the faucet. Staring at the unfamiliar reflection, I hesitated for a moment before gingerly reaching for the black cashmere cardigan and fitted track pants on the counter. The soft fabric seemed to be calling out to me, whispering memories of a past self that felt distant, yet strangely comforting. As I slipped into the clothes, I noticed an intricate logo embroidered on the cardigan¡¯s breast pocket ¨C a fiery phoenix entwined with a frigid snowflake, its symbolism as mysterious as my transformed appearance. ¡°Is this who I am now?¡± I murmured, tracing the delicate stitches with my fingertips, feeling the threads of the unknown intertwining with my new reality. The door creaked open, and in walked the lady from earlier, clad in a similar outfit. She offered a warm smile, her eyes brimming with empathy. ¡°I know you have a lot of questions, but everything will be explained. Your friends are all okay, and you¡¯ll meet them shortly.¡± Her words, though reassuring, did little to quell the storm of emotions brewing within me. Anxiety gnawed at the edges of my thoughts, intermingling with curiosity and a desperate desire for answers. How much has the world changed in the past four years? What happened to my friends during that time? And most importantly, who was I now ¨C the person reflected in the mirror or the one I remembered? ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered, swallowing the lump in my throat as I tried to steady my racing heart. The scent of lavender from her perfume mingled with the lingering aroma of the bathwater, enveloping me in a cocoon of familiarity amidst the uncertainty. As we exited the bathroom, I couldn¡¯t help but steal one last glance at the mirror ¨C at the stranger staring back at me with those striking blue eyes. Despite the fear and confusion, a flicker of determination ignited within me. ¡°Alright,¡± I said, my voice growing stronger. ¡°Let¡¯s go meet my friends.¡± And with that, we stepped out into the unknown, the sound of our footsteps echoing through the hallways like whispers from the past, guiding us towards a new beginning. Echoing footsteps reverberated through the air, magnifying my growing apprehension and curiosity. Sophie remained silent, her eyes focused ahead while I couldn¡¯t help but scrutinize her features, trying to discern why she seemed so recognizable. ¡°Is everything alright?¡± Her voice gently pulled me from my thoughts, and I realized I had been staring at her for an uncomfortable amount of time. ¡°Uh, yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± I replied, attempting to brush off the awkwardness while internally reeling with questions. ¡°I just thought you looked... familiar.¡± My words hung in the air between us, unanswered, as the distant murmur of voices reached my ears. Straining to listen, I caught fragments of their conversation. ¡°Guys, how are we going to explain to her? It will be too complicated.¡± ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± I asked, my heart pounding against my ribcage, betraying my outward composure. ¡°Your friends,¡± the nurse replied, her soft blue eyes regarding me with what seemed like concern. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they¡¯ve been eagerly awaiting your return.¡± As I approached the end of the corridor, my pulse racing with anticipation, I could feel the weight of the unknown pressing down on me. It was almost tangible, like a dense fog that enveloped me in a cold embrace. My fingers twitched nervously at my sides, longing for the comforting warmth of a familiar touch. The door to the room where my friends were gathered loomed before me, an obstacle that stood between me and the answers I so desperately craved. ¡°Yeah, it will be,¡± I heard a familiar voice through the door, her tone laced with a rare uncertainty, ¡°but you understood, right?¡± A false cough followed, disrupting the sombre atmosphere. ¡°Well, that was after he fainted.¡± his words dripping with charm. Even though I couldn¡¯t see him, I could imagine the smirk on his face as he teased whoever he was talking to. The voices sounded familiar, but I couldn¡¯t quite place them. There was a teasing quality to their banter, and it was comforting to hear their laughter. Still, the sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu weighed on my mind. Gathering my courage, I reached for the doorknob, pausing only for a moment to steady myself. Like, Share, and Comment, or else... Else... I¡¯ll sleep for 12 hours. Hehe ******* Crossroad of Choices THE DOME PRESENT DAY, 2022 ¡°Guys, shh... I can sense her coming. Act natural,¡± said a cautioning voice that sent a shiver down my spine, its familiarity taunting my amnesic mind. Despite all my worries, an inexplicable sense of comfort embraced me, as if invisible threads were weaving together a connection between us. My thoughts wandered to the aftermath of the earthquake, as I tried to piece together the fragments of our past together. Did anyone not survive it? How many people survived it? The female walking beside me had mentioned that amnesia was normal for those awakening from a long coma. Although the faces from before seemed blurry in my memory, I still remembered who I was, and that knowledge provided a glimmer of hope that these friends of mine might help fill the void left by the lost years. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re ready to meet your friends?¡± the girl asked, worry etched on her face. ¡°I already gave notice to them of your coming.¡± Taking a deep breath and mustering all the courage I could find, I replied, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m ready.¡± The girl placed her palm on the scanner, and the glass doors parted, revealing my friends within. Ten pairs of eyes locked onto me, and the room fell silent, the air thick with expectation. My heart raced as I stepped inside, my senses heightened by the tension in the room. The walls of the room were made of glass, allowing a clear view of the outside world without letting harsh light penetrate the serene space. Chairs were arranged in clusters, where my friends sat waiting for me, their expressions a mix of anticipation and concern. The scents of different perfumes mingled with the faint hum of electricity from the glass walls. I could feel the weight of their gazes on me, as if they were trying to see through the amnesia that cloaked me, waiting for a sign that I remembered them. Terror, anxiety, and a strange sense of nostalgia battled within me, their relentless onslaught threatening to overwhelm my senses. My head felt unbearably heavy as if it were being crushed under the weight of countless unspoken words. A cacophony of static-like sounds assaulted my ears, drowning out everything else. Waves of agony coursed through my body, fueled by the torrent of memories that threatened to burst forth and drown me in their depths. ¡°Elise!¡± The girl with bright blue eyes sparkled with unshed tears and cried out. Her familiar scent - a mixture of fresh flowers and sunshine - enveloped me as I returned. ¡°Guys, do something!¡± another voice joined in, this one panicked and urgent. ¡°Help her!¡± yet another voice pleaded, desperation evident in their tone. ¡°Stay calm, everyone,¡± someone else urged their voice a calming balm amidst the chaos that threatened to consume me. ¡°We¡¯ll figure this out.¡± My vision blurred and darkened, the faces of my friends melting and blending until they were nothing more than indistinct shapes suspended in a void of blackness. The last thing I heard was a strangled cry of, ¡°Oh shoot! She passed out¡± before everything went black. And then, there was nothing. Just an empty, endless abyss that swallowed me whole and left me feeling more alone than ever before. ***************************** ¡®Beep¡¯ Wait, a beeping sound. It then clicked in my brain, ¡°Oh well, I fainted.¡± Somehow managing to muster the strength, I opened my eyes and blinked against the harsh overhead lights, which felt like they were burning holes straight through my retinas. The sterile scent of disinfectant filled my nostrils, and the stiff linen sheets seemed to scratch my skin. I must have a love for hospital beds. Realizing I was alone in the room once again, I decided to explore my newfound interest - the plain white ceiling. As I stared upward, the unbroken expanse seemed to morph into shapes and patterns that swirled before my eyes. ¡°But why did I faint?¡± I pondered to myself, pulling myself back from the brink of losing myself in the stark simplicity above me. I saw images flash before my eyes but they were not clear enough; fragments of memory that felt like trying to catch wisps of smoke with bare hands. Closing my eyes, I tried to concentrate despite the stinging pain that shot through my head like lightning bolts. Maybe I had rushed things. My mind raced back to the moment when I met my ¡®friends¡¯ - those faces that seemed vaguely familiar yet entirely foreign at the same time. That must be the key. If I could recall what my friends looked like... But I don¡¯t think any of them had bright blond hair though. Who were those people? The memories teased at the edges of my thoughts, ever-elusive as I tried to grasp onto them. I needed some answers because all I could remember was the earthquake and the chemistry lab. And they mentioned something about an explosion... I inhaled deeply, gathering my courage as I stepped out of the room and ventured into the unknown. My bare feet padding softly against the cold, sterile floor, I made my way down the familiar hallway. The air was heavy with anticipation, my pulse quickening with every step. As I continued down the corridor, I couldn¡¯t help but overhear a hushed conversation taking place around the corner. My curiosity piqued, and I slowed my pace and strained to listen. ¡°What if she doesn¡¯t remember us anymore? Or worse, what if she finds out what she has become and decides to kill herself?¡± the first voice said, the panic evident in its tone. ¡°You know, for a guy, you are a drama queen,¡± the second voice replied, a touch of annoyance lacing their words. ¡°You overreact so much. Funny enough, she can hear you. Can¡¯t you, Elise? You don¡¯t have to eavesdrop, you know?¡± Giggling nervously, I rounded the corner and found myself face-to-face with two individuals whose features seemed to dance at the edge of my memory. ¡°I just stumbled into the conversation. Not to be rude or anything,¡± I explained, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. The person who caught me, a girl with a warm smile and gentle eyes, looked so familiar. As I tried to recall her name, images flashed through my mind - laughter, shared secrets, and long-forgotten moments of friendship - causing a sharp pain in my head. I rubbed my temples, willing the ache to subside. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t worry about it,¡± the guy said reassuringly, his expression softening. ¡°We¡¯re all just glad you¡¯re awake and on your feet again.¡± If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°Thanks,¡± I murmured, still feeling disoriented and overwhelmed. ¡°I¡¯m just trying to make sense of everything.¡± ¡°Take your time,¡± the girl replied kindly. Instantly, the two people I just met bowed down to the figure behind me. ¡°Sensei!¡± they conveyed with respect. Turning to the one they call ¡®sensei¡¯, I saw the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen, it was both clear and delicate. Sensei¡¯s deep blue eyes seemed to hold an ocean of wisdom, his golden-bronzed skin a testament to his strength and resilience. His clothing, reminiscent of ancient Israelite robes, gave him an air of nobility and grace. Snapping me out of my trance of how flawless his skin was, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you two be in the Dome now, everyone else is waiting?¡± he declared with authority. ¡°We will be on our way now, Sensei¡±, they spoke simultaneously. They bowed to the Sensei and walked to the ¡®Dome¡¯. A wave of curiosity washed over me as I followed their retreating figures, my footsteps echoing softly in the dimly lit hallway. My senses were heightened, taking in every detail around me - from the faint scent of wood lingering in the air to the gentle hum of fluorescent lights above. As I approached the entrance of the mysterious ¡®Dome¡¯, a flicker of nervousness danced in my chest, but I quickly quelled it, reminding myself that answers awaited within. ¡°Elise, shouldn¡¯t we be on our way too?¡± Sensei¡¯s words reverberated through me, a mixture of nerves and curiosity brewing in my chest. He extended his hand toward me, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. ¡°Me?! Oh! Please lead the way.¡± I gingerly took his hand, feeling the warmth of his fingers envelop mine. As we walked, the Dome loomed before us like a majestic, crystalline castle. The sun¡¯s rays danced across its glass exterior, creating an ethereal glow that made it seem as though it had been plucked straight from a fairytale. The closer we got, the more my heart raced; part of me was excited to learn more about this mysterious place, while another part feared the unknown. Reaching the entrance, Sensei gestured toward a tablet mounted on the wall. ¡°I shall let you do the honours of opening the doors yourself, just place your hand on the scanner,¡± he encouraged with a gentle smile. Taking one last deep breath to steady my nerves, I pressed my palm against the cool surface. As the doors silently glided open, I stepped into a world unlike any other. ¡°Elise!¡± A blur of motion nearly collided with me as a girl flung herself into my arms. Her eyes sparkled with excitement and concern as she rambled, ¡°Are you okay now? When you conked out, I was so scared. I hope you didn¡¯t hit your head or have a concussion. Well, if you had a concussion, you would still be in the medics but I guess you are fine right?¡± She paused for a moment, her gaze searching my face. ¡°Oh my, how could it skip my mind? You have forgotten me? Well, I will reintroduce myself, I am Hannah and I control plants. Oops! I shouldn¡¯t have told you my power but anyhow I hope you are well.¡± Her words washed over me like a tidal wave, leaving me feeling disoriented and overwhelmed. My mind struggled to keep up with her rapid-fire speech, desperately trying to make sense of it all. The scent of freshly cut grass faintly clung to her clothes, reminding me of carefree days spent running through fields under a warm sun. As she finished speaking, her expression softened into a frown. A pang of guilt hit me like a sudden gust of wind, and I realised that my stunned expression had inadvertently hurt Hannah¡¯s feelings. Her eyes, the colour of freshly sprouted blue Hydrangeas in spring, shimmered with unshed tears as she pulled away from our embrace. I couldn¡¯t bear to see the sadness etched on her face, so I forced a smile and reassured her, ¡°I¡¯m fine, really. Thank you for your concern.¡± At my words, a tentative smile bloomed across her face, like the first rays of sunlight after a storm, warming my heart as it chased away the shadows of her sadness. I felt an innate connection to this girl whose warmth and energy seemed to be as boundless as the plants she could control. ¡°Did you just say you control plants?¡± I asked, wanting to know more about her extraordinary ability and hoping to ease the lingering tension between us. The words tumbled out of my mouth, driven by a mixture of curiosity and disbelief. Hannah nodded, a sheepish grin playing at the corners of her lips as she confirmed my question. Just then, a sudden cough interrupted our conversation, drawing our attention to the rest of the people gathered in the Dome. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I realized that we were not alone and that our exchange had been witnessed by everyone else in the room. It was as if my inner thoughts and emotions had been laid bare before them all, leaving me feeling vulnerable and exposed. Despite the awkwardness of the situation, I found solace in knowing that I was surrounded by others who shared my newfound abilities and experiences. These people, though their faces were still unfamiliar to me, held the key to unlocking the secrets of my past and the potential of my future. ¡°Please, have a seat,¡± he gestured to an empty chair among a circle of my peers, who were all watching me intently. Their gazes were a mix of concern, curiosity, and anticipation, but I could also sense their loyalty and camaraderie. These were my friends, even if I couldn¡¯t remember them just yet. ¡°Before we begin,¡± Sensei spoke up, interrupting my thoughts. ¡°I must ask if you are ready to hear what has transpired during your absence. The truth may be difficult to accept.¡± Swallowing hard, I nodded firmly. ¡°I need to know,¡± I insisted, my voice laced with determination. ¡°Very well,¡± he acquiesced, and with a glance at the others for support, began recounting the events that led to my awakening. The stillness in the room was palpable as I sat there. The scent of lavender sanitiser mixed with the faint rustling of clothes against chairs, creating an odd, yet almost comforting atmosphere. I took a deep breath, inhaling the unique mixture, reminding myself that I wasn¡¯t alone in this strange new reality. ¡°Elise,¡± Sensei¡¯s voice was gentle as if carefully treading through the delicate emotions that swirled around me. Sensei paused for a moment, his gaze thoughtful and distant as if he were reliving the past. ¡°When we all woke up from our comas, it became apparent that something extraordinary had happened to us,¡± he began, his voice soft yet firm. "¡°It all started on that day of the earthquake, the earthquake itself wasn¡¯t what caused the change but the other activities going on simultaneously as the incident occurred. Not so far from your school, the earthquake caused an explosion to happen at the underground research lab. The research was all about enhancing the human limit in different life situations.¡± ¡°But were they ever successful?¡± I interrupted. ¡°No, no they weren¡¯t. The earthquake had an immense impact on the lab and the toxins being researched got exposed into the atmosphere, nearly wiping out everyone.¡± He pauses, gets up from his seat, and paces around before stopping before the see-through wall of the dome. ¡°We assumed we were all dead but we were just going through a hibernation cycle of the toxins, altering our genes from the inside out. We were lifeless for two years, never ageing, just evolving.¡± ¡°This is where it gets a bit complicated. When everyone slowly woke up from this coma, those under thirty seemed to have gained these incredible abilities. It was as if the toxins had unlocked hidden potential within our very genes. Hence institutions like ours have been given the mandate to teach and supervise these unique abilities. So that you can live semi-normal lives.¡± As he spoke, I listened intently, my heart racing with each revelation. My mind raced to process the information while simultaneously grappling with the emotions that accompanied it - disbelief, fear, anger, and ultimately, acceptance. The world I had known was gone, replaced by a reality where extraordinary abilities were commonplace and danger loomed around every corner. ¡°Ah yes! Lest I forget. Your parents are aware of these changes. So, so that¡¯s not too much of a problem¡±. Relief washed over me. At least, Mom was safe. I felt a chill creep up my spine, despite the warmth of the room. The air smelled faintly of ozone, like the aftermath of a lightning storm, and the hum of electricity from the lights above seemed to vibrate through my skull. Was this truly my reality now? ¡°Elise,¡± Sensei¡¯s voice broke through my whirlwind of thoughts, his eyes filled with compassion. ¡°I know this is a lot to take in. But please remember, you are not alone. We are all here to help you navigate this new life.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± I choked out, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. Despite the overwhelming weight of it all, I couldn¡¯t deny the solace I found in knowing I had people who cared about me. ¡°Your friends,¡± Sensei continued, his eyes meeting mine with a look of deep empathy, ¡°they all survived the explosion, just as you did. Each of them has experienced their unique transformations, both in their abilities and in their physical appearances.¡± Gazing around at the faces of those I once knew, I tried to reconcile the friends of my past with these individuals who now sat before me, each one radiating an aura of newfound power and confidence. ¡°Each person¡¯s abilities seem to be tied to their innermost nature,¡± Sensei explained, his voice calm and reassuring.¡± Sensei¡¯s words echoed through the room, a quiet assurance that my friends were all here, their faces a mosaic of familiarity and strangeness. I watched their expressions, trying to find the connections between past and present, but the ache in my head grew more insistent, forcing me to give up for now. There would be time to sort it all out later, I reminded myself. ¡°Okay, I believe you,¡± I said, offering a small, hesitant smile. ¡°Anything else I should know?¡± At that moment, Hannah emerged from behind me, strange-looking vines snaking around her hair. Her tone was casual, as she dropped the bombshell: ¡°Oh yeah, you control ice.¡± ¡°Wait! WHAT!¡± I blurted out in shock, feeling my heart race in my chest. My breath fogged up in the cold air, a visible reminder of the power that now coursed through me. Like, Comment and Share. (What¡¯s after like? You and I) ******************* Step by Step THE DOME PRESENT DAY, 2022 Elise POV Hannah¡¯s voice was shrill as she argued with Sophie, their words echoing off the walls of the glass room. I felt a wave of nausea wash over me as I listened to them bicker, my head pounding in my chest. The smell of disinfectant and stale air was overwhelming, and I longed to be back outside in the fresh air. ¡°Ice? ICE!!!!! Wait wait wait, Me? Elise? My power is Ice? But... how? Holdup, how do you all even know this? I just woke up¡± I struggled to sit up, my limbs feeling heavy and sluggish. My head spun as I tried to focus on the six people gathered around me. I could feel a strange sensation in my hands as if they were tingling with energy. From the back of the room, a soft-spoken girl with dark hair and glasses finally broke her silence. She sat at a desk, engrossed in a book, her presence almost overlooked in the chaos. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want to bore you with all the technical details.¡± She explained, her words infused with a hint of curiosity. ¡°In summary, a test was carried out and the results confirmed your abilities. However, the test is just theory. You still need to activate and train your abilities, or they can become dormant and non-functional.¡± Out of nowhere, a voice interjected, offering a hint of sarcasm and scepticism as he ended his silence.¡± In other words, you can either train or the only ice you will be making is a single snowflake¡± ¡°Trent! Be nice. She just woke up from a coma¡± a girl buried behind her book chided, her voice softer but exuding patience and understanding. The mysterious Trent appeared irritable, though his familiarity remained elusive. Sensei stepped away from the window, joining us with a tone of gratitude. ¡°Thank you Max for that explanation.¡± The weight of Sensei¡¯s words pressed down on me, urging me to make a choice. ¡°So, Elise, you have a choice to make. Would you rather live a normal student life without knowing how to use your abilities or, train with us and we will help you regain your memories?¡± The words that came out of Sensei¡¯s mouth gave me a lot to think about. Do I want to live a normal life never knowing what I could do or join them, learn about my abilities, and get my lost memories back? Looking across the room, everyone¡¯s faces expectant of the choice I have to make. ¡°So, Elise my dear, what choice have you made?¡± I knew in my heart what I had to do. These people were my friends for four years before the explosion happened, I will do all I must to regain those memories we shared. Who knows? These abilities of a thing could make it even more fun and dramatic. ¡°I mean, I¡¯m already here, might as well ¡®discover¡¯ myself. I¡¯ll join whatever this is. Count me in.¡± Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. The response elicited an enthusiastic, almost suffocating embrace from Hannah. She squeezed me tightly, her gratitude overflowing. ¡°YAHHHH! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Elise is joining us! No, takebacks, okay? It¡¯s going to be like back in...¡± ¡°Hannah, please release Elise. The poor girl is out of breath. And your vines are hurting around her¡± Sensei gently warned, a smile playing on her lips. As she slowly lets go of me, the retracting vines leave faint imprints on my arm. ¡°Welcome to The Academy. Think of it as a normal high school but with ability training¡±, said Sensei with a firm handshake. *Bells ring* ¡°That¡¯s our cue. We¡¯ll be on our way to our dorms now, Sensei.¡± Hannah bows and pulls a boy, who has been silent all this while, along with her as she makes her exit. The girl, still buried in the book and Trent bowed and left without a word. ¡°Sophie, I believe Elise should be sharing a room with-¡°, Sensei said while glancing around the room, ¡°Max, who has already left. It seems like I might have to trouble you a bit. Please, show her to her room, will you?¡± ¡°No problem, Sensei. I know how Max can be when she is into a new book.¡± Sophie sighs and shakes her head. ¡°Let¡¯s be on our way now, Elise. It¡¯s getting late. You need your rest for tomorrow¡¯s activities. Goodbye Sensei¡± She takes a bow and leads me out of the room. As we walked down the hallway in silence, I contemplated the day¡¯s extraordinary events. The discoveries, the pivotal decisions, the emergence of new friends, and the quest to recover my forgotten memories¡ªall seemed surreal and overwhelming. Lost in thought, I barely registered when we halted at our destination. ¡°This is the female dorm. Although you might see some guys going in and out, it¡¯s allowed. A lot of rules have lessened ever since we gained power. All the school buildings have been renovated, so it will be a bit confusing to get around. But there are direction signs at every corner,¡± Sophie reassured me, pointing to a green arrow sign with ¡°FEMALE DORMS¡± written on it. Relief washed over me as I contemplated the openness of the new world before me, as opposed to the strictures of the past. The chance to explore, to adapt, and to belong beckoned. Sophie guided me through the dorm¡¯s reception area and ushered me into an elevator. ¡°Your room is on the 5th floor. All 5th years are on that floor, including yours.¡± The fifth floor of the dormitory greeted us with its own distinct scent, a mix of familiarity and novelty. We made our way down the corridor and halted at a door adorned with name tags. G5AB Max Nattwin | Elise Redfox ¡°This is it, Elise Redfox. If you ever need assistance, my room is just down the hall, G5B. Get some rest; you have a busy day tomorrow.¡± Sophie offered a reassuring touch on my shoulder before saying goodbye. As she retreated, I watched her recede for a moment before turning my attention to the door before me. I took a deep breath and pushed it open, revealing a dim room illuminated by a solitary table lamp. The light cast elongated shadows, and a figure was hunched over a book, engrossed in their world. ¡°Hello? Max? I¡¯m Elise... we met earlier...¡± Silence hung in the air, a stark contrast to the lively interactions in the hospital room. Max¡¯s concentration seemed unbroken, buried in the pages of her book. With limited illumination, I examined the room¡¯s contents. It was divided into two distinct areas. One side remained vacant, featuring only a bed and a wardrobe, while the other was engulfed by an unruly library of books, their stories waiting to be unravelled. Barely visible amidst the sea of tomes was a bed that hinted at Max¡¯s mysterious existence. I gravitated towards the empty side, selecting comfortable clothing from the wardrobe, and venturing into the attached bathroom for a refreshing shower. Gazing at my reflection in the mirror, clothed in fresh attire and cleansed by the shower, I tried to reconcile my new reality with the fragmented memories that clung to me. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. Just take it one step at a time. It¡¯ll all be fine.¡± Returning to the room, I realized the corner lamp had gone off, plunging the room into darkness. Max had apparently gone to her bed, her attention still held captive by her book. ¡°Good night... Eli,¡± I whispered, touched by the use of the name that resonated with a sense of belonging. Acknowledging the moment of serenity, I replied, ¡°Good night, Max,¡± and allowed sleep to carry me away, into the realms of the unknown. Like, Comment and Share. Or else Total amnesia is coming for Elise. *************************************** Known to Unknown ¡°Eli, I said I was sorry¡± This voice, dripping with insincerity, filled the air as I stormed away. I couldn¡¯t stand his words, and he struggled to keep pace with my hurried steps, catching up and grabbing my hand to stop me. ¡°Don¡¯t apologize if you are going to keep repeating it! I told you I don¡¯t like being touched that way but you keep doing it.¡± Please, just leave me alone... for now" With as much self-control as I could muster, I implored, avoiding his gaze, my emotions simmering beneath the surface. It had already been an emotionally taxing day, and I couldn¡¯t bear any more stress. I found solace in my designated napping spot in the library, but a slim figure caught my eye as they moved among the bookshelves. ¡°Ariel, nap time I believe?¡°, the voice uttered before coming out from behind the shelves ¡°Max!¡± ********************************** FEMALE DORMS MAX AND ELISE¡¯S ROOM, G5AB *Alarm rings* ¡°Yes? You called?¡± A dream? More like memories surfacing. This is good. Very good. Taking a moment to study her new appearance, Max hadn¡¯t changed much, and it was hard to believe I had forgotten her. I observed her new appearance; her baby-face features had matured, but her glasses frame remained the same. ¡°Instead of staring at me, I propose you get prepared. Classes commence in an hour. I will not hold off for you.¡°, she said while putting her books in order ¡°I¡¯m sorry for staring. I... never mind, I¡¯ll go get ready.¡± Quickly, I picked out the uniform and hurried to the direction of the bathroom, but before I stepped through the door, I turned to Max and added, ¡°Oh, by the way, don¡¯t leave without me... Maxine¡± Her eyes flickered with surprise before softening. Sharing a smirk between us, I headed into the bathroom, the door shutting behind me. ************************** FIELD, THE ACADEMY Morning assembly, O, How I have not missed You! The very bane of my existence... Here goes nothing. Walking towards the large field with students already on their lines shot anxiety through my veins. Elise of four years ago would have had no issue walking with confidence towards the crowd. But here I am after four years in a coma, walking closely behind Max, with sweaty palms and shaky legs, as we made our way to the line for Year 5. ¡°Your apprehension is reaching me. Stop it. Reflect on the fact that these are the people you have known for four years.¡± Her voice, however monotonous, weirdly reduced my fears, even from behind the new book she was as always very engrossed in. She was still the Maxine who became my best friend since the first day of high school. However, her newly found vocabulary and phrasing of sentences would need a bit of getting used to. A high-pitched squeal broke the silence as everyone¡¯s attention turned towards me. ¡°She¡¯s here guys! Elise, over here!¡± ¡°Hannah, she was already making her way here.¡± Suddenly, everyone¡¯s attention is on me. I tucked my hair behind my ear, feeling increasingly awkward. Might as well exchange pleasantries. ¡°He..y¡±, I choked out with an awkward wave. ¡°Good morning The Academy¡±, echoed powerfully throughout the field, bringing all murmuring to a halt. Sensei was standing up on the podium, hands folded behind his back, gentle but firm eyes grazing through the assemblage as he began addressing us, ¡°The Academy is a prestigious institution for raising total future leaders. Here, we shall instruct you on obedience, diligence, and harnessing your innate abilities; propelling you beyond your limits. This is to equip you to face the real world without fear and be readied for whatever may come your way.¡± Stopping to take long, calculated strides across the podium, he continued his speech, ¡°Fail once, try harder. Don¡¯t allow your failure to define you or halt your progress. Rather, see it as a stepping stone to accomplishing better. Efforts bring results. Whether little or large, it will continually make a difference. Have an optimistic day. You are dismissed.¡°, he finished off with a small smile and walked off the stage. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°That was short. Does this happen even in the morning?¡°, I inquired from Max, not minding the book between us. A familiar bright voice from behind provided an answer to my question instead. ¡°No. This kind of gathering only happens on special days like the first day of school, the beginning of a test or exam week, or sometimes, for no reason. But I can assure you, it isn¡¯t all the time¡± I turned towards the speaker, locking eyes with bright brown orbs framed by brunette bangs. ¡°I heard you lost your memories temporarily?¡°, she cautiously asked. ¡°Well, I¡¯m just finding it hard to recognize a few faces. I¡¯m trying hard to get it back¡±, I answered with a sigh, ¡°But I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll come right back .¡± Hopefully, very soon. ¡°Take your time. It won¡¯t be easy because if you have noticed, our abilities altered some physical features.¡± So, that¡¯s why I look different. ¡°My name is Fancy by the way¡± while extending a hand towards me, which I took. ¡°We should head to class now. Everyone is leaving the field.¡± Fancy? Those darn bangs fooled me. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what kind of abilities she possessed. *************************** CLASSROOM BUILDING 5 I realized that each year had its building as I stood in front of the one labelled ¡°5.¡± We walked into the building, passing several doors with letters on them before stopping at a door marked with a golden ¡°C.¡± ¡°The school divides each year into three classes. A for students with physically enhanced abilities, B for students with manipulation abilities, and C for students with dimensional abilities. Although, we have some general classes together.¡°, she explained while holding onto the door handle. ¡°What class would I be in?¡± She thought for a moment, her pride evident as she answered, ¡°Class B. Since your ability is Ice manipulation, which is a manipulation power.¡°. Gesturing to the door by the left with ¡°B¡± on it, ¡°Here it is.¡± *Bell chimes* ¡°I have to run along now. Bye¡±, she hurriedly waves, disappearing behind the doors. ************************ CLASS B Summoning my courage, I opened the door to the brightly lit classroom. Desk chairs were arranged in neat rows and columns, and I tried to avoid the inquisitive gazes as I found a seat in the corner of the room. The door of the classroom opens and an unforgettable high-pitched voice envelopes the room, ¡°Elise! I figured you would be in our class¡±, she chirped, making her way in my direction Hannah!... I can¡¯t hate you but I hate this attention. I suppressed an eye-roll at the sudden shift of attention. ¡°I need to introduce you to everyone! I am super excited. Our reunion will be finally complete! I have waited months for you to wake up¡ª¡°, she gushed as she approached. She was interrupted by a dark-haired boy wrapping his arm around her waist. ¡°Oh! I¡¯m rambling. I¡¯m sorry¡±, a hint of pink appears on her cheeks, ¡°I¡¯m just a teeny-tiny bit excited. But, let me introduce you to everyone officially¡± Gesturing to herself, ¡°Obviously, you know my name already, Hannah. And this ghoul beside me is Senza.¡± The boy clung to her, his expression showing his displeasure. ¡°Well, when you stop creeping up on people, I¡¯ll quit calling you that then, babe¡±, she said while sweetly patting his arm. Glancing across the room, she pointed towards a tall, slender boy who was working on some sort of device, ¡°That¡¯s Pelz¡±, then whispered loudly to me, ¡°If you have any issue with electronics, he is your guy¡± ¡°Hannah, I can hear you loud and clear.¡± His lisp stressing on the word ¡®clear¡¯. Giggling, she turned to the next person, who was already making her way toward us, her ginger-coloured pixie cut caught my eyes with every step, ¡°Elise, it¡¯s me Bri. I have missed you so much¡±, as she cheerfully pulls me into a hug. She introduced several more classmates, each with unique abilities until her attention was drawn to the banging of the door, pursued by the crackle of thunder snags everyone¡¯s attention, as a red-haired tall girl marched into the room fuming. Every eye followed her as she angrily stepped to her seat and planted her head on the table. ¡°And that would be Sarah. She sometimes gets into a ¡°mood¡± but she is a very nice person I promise¡±, Hannah whispered before turning to Bri for confirmation. ¡°Right, Bri?¡± Yeah right, I will try not to cross paths as much as possible. Scary... Across the classroom, oblivious to all the drama going on, staring out the window as the wind blew white layered hair across his face, I felt a sense of deep connection to this person. ¡°That¡¯s Trent. You guys used to be very close.¡± Hannah caught me staring at the person who I now know as Trent. JAs she was about to speak further, a clear voice cut her off, ¡°Good morning class¡± The teacher greeted them taking long strides into the classroom. Sophie, her headphones over her head, followed behind closely before heading to her seat. The class fell into order as the teacher turned to the board and wrote boldly, LIMIT Looking towards the class, he inquired, ¡°Who can tell me what limits are?¡± A few hands went up, ¡°Yes, Pelz. ¡°Limits are the boundaries of a person¡¯s ability. This is based on the training level of the individual. Hence, Limits are temporary and can be broken.¡°, he stated clearly. ¡°That is correct. This class aims to discover your limits and work on breaking them together. It won¡¯t be an easy task but with determination and training, you¡¯ll excel. Now, one after the other, I want you to come up to the board and write your ability and limit.¡± One after the other, everyone was called up to the board to write their limit. Snapping me out of my thoughts, I heard my name being called, ¡°Elise, it¡¯s your turn¡± Here goes nothing. With shaky hands, I took the marker from him and wrote in my most legible handwriting, Elise Ice Ability Limit: I haven¡¯t used the ability yet Giving the marker back, I made my way to my seat and finally, glanced up at the board, Sophie: Mind reading (need to be close to read mind clearly) Pelz: Technology (can control one device at a time) Bri: Puppets (small puppets) Hannah: PLANTS ( Just vines and flowers) Senza: Art comes to life (Just small paper art) Sarah: Weather (hard to control) Trent: Fire (small balls of fire) Jealousy coursed through me as I absorbed the impressive abilities of my classmates. ¡°Okay, I will send personal assignments to you all through your emails. Check through and do them properly. In the next class, we will be demonstrating our abilities. Class dismissed¡± The teacher packed up and began heading out of the class, but not before singling me out, ¡°Elise, please see me in my office now.¡± And he left. Like, share, and comment, or else, I¡¯ll cancel all ships about to sail. ******************************************* Surge of Energy CLASS B HEAD TEACHER¡¯S LOUNGE, YEAR 5 BUILDING Elise POV *Flashback* ¡°Come in and take a seat, Elise¡±, he said, gently ushering me into the room from behind his desk. As I stepped into the room, my eyes roamed, taking in the bare walls, and the desk strewn with a chaotic cluster of papers and books. He sat behind the desk, a cup in his hands. He walked over to me, placing the cup on the table before taking a seat across from me. ¡°I need you to freeze the water in this cup. Could you do that for me?¡°, he asked, his voice measured. Surprise, confusion, and doubt played across my face. Thoughts swirled in my mind, causing panic to rise. Seeing my unease, he locked eyes with me and offered encouragement. ¡°Breath for me Elise. Concentrate on the water and push it. You can do it¡± His words were soothing, and I obeyed, closing my eyes for a moment, and focusing on my breath. As I concentrated, I visualized the water in the cup. To my astonishment, a blob of water levitated out from the cup. ¡°I DID -¡°, my excitement was cut off by a loud splash. Curiosity drew our eyes back to the cup. What we saw surprised us both: at the bottom of the cup sat a ball of ice. Walking back to class, I tried to wrap my head around all that just happened a few minutes ago. Not only was I able to control water, but I had accidentally turned it into ice. Before I knew it, I was back at the door to my classroom, eager to share the good news with my newly reunited friends. *Bell Rings* Reaching for the door, it burst open to reveal Hannah and the other girls. Hannah grabbed my hand, leading me away from the classroom in haste. ¡°Elise! We have to be fast.¡°, she urged. Turning to the others, she added, ¡°If you guys don¡¯t hurry, I will make her start in your absence¡± My knitted brows hinted at my questions, but Hannah silenced them and pulled me along with the others. ************************** GYM BUILDING, FEMALE CHANGING ROOM Hannah¡¯s bright blue eyes scanned the room, ensuring everyone was present. She took a seat beside me, her gaze inquisitive, and asked about my talk with the teacher. My eyes roamed across the room, meeting Hannah¡¯s, and the silence grew thick, all eyes on me, waiting for what I would reveal. I slowly recounted my power discovery, even down to the emotions I felt. As I acknowledged how scared I was at first, I felt a squeeze to my knee that radiated understanding, the source of the comfort being Bri. A sense of relief washed over me. The end of my heart pour was met with a bone-crushing hug from Hannah, and before long, it became a short group hug. *********************** THE FIELD, PHYSICAL TRAINING CLASS Every student in year 5 had this class as a general class, this threw me into a crowd of new faces. Unlike the first encounter I had during assembly, I felt more at ease being in this crowd due to the few familiar faces around. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. A loud whistle pierced the air. ¡°Today will be a brief class. I want five laps around the field and conclude it with a bit of stretch.¡± Loud murmuring echoes around the crowd ¡°Five is not even brief, see the size of the field¡± I sighed heavily, stretching my legs to prepare for the run. A whistle signaled the start. Everyone found their positions and started moving. By the fifth lap, my eyes stung as sweat dripped into them, my top clinging to my skin. My calves burned as I pushed myself to finish the lap. The sun¡¯s intensity caught my attention; it was growing unusually hot. I hated running and any form of exercise. Around me, some had slowed to a walk, while others gave up and sat on the benches. But someone ahead was running energetically, untouched by exhaustion. I barely made it to the bench, falling to the ground, utterly exhausted. As everyone gathered for rest, the weather turned cooler. Despite my exhaustion, I was still curious about the person who was ahead of everyone during the exercise. ¡°That never-ending energy bar is O. You see, his ability is speed.¡± An unexpected voice slyly replied from behind, scaring me from my thoughts. Snapping my neck towards the responder, I narrowed my eyes at her. I need to stop thinking loudly around her. Sophie just shrugged and turned away with a smirk. We were instructed to partner up for stretching. Luckily for me, I got paired with Bri. Starting with light stretches, I could feel my muscles relax. Bri recommended that we level up our stretches, which I agreed to. What surprised me was when she went down into an elevated full split. She looked up at me as if to tell me to mirror her stance, ¡°Bri, there is no way in hell I am doing that. How can you even do that?¡± I am pretty sure there is a limit to human flexibility. Right? ¡°You know the puppet thingy.¡± ¡°Puppet? Like these wooden dolls with strings¡±, I asked. She let out a hearty laugh at the gestures I was making with my hands. ¡°Something like that but not really. My ability allows me to be very flexible. I¡¯m practically a human noodle. Sensei said there is more to my power but I haven¡¯t activated that yet.¡± She told me gazing up at me while looking so comfortable in the position she was in. I guess that makes sense. Thankfully, the rest of the exercise went by and I didn¡¯t have to be in any impossible positions that I couldn¡¯t physically do. However, I kept getting this weird feeling that someone was watching me, but I never caught anyone staring back. *Bell rings* The exercise drained me, and my stomach growled hungrily. Freshening up in the changing room with the girls, Hannah introduced me to the others, and we quickly bonded. Slowly, I matched their present faces to memories. ******************* DINING HALL LUNCHTIME A medley of mouthwatering aromas enveloped me as I stood at the entrance of the bustling cafeteria. My empty stomach rumbled in response. ¡°No need to make too much noise. I¡¯ll soon fill you up¡±, I patted my empty stomach. I was in the mood for carbs and greasy food, so I opted for French fries and some chicken nuggets. You can never go wrong with some salty fries. With a tray of food and drink in hand, I took quick steps to a table surrounded by familiar faces. ¡°Elise, come sit with us. It has been so long since we all ate together at the same table¡±, the cheerful blonde said. I took the vacant seat beside Max, who I now knew was always engrossed in a book. From the corner of my eye, I caught sight of a mop of white hair, but I didn¡¯t pay much attention, focusing on my meal. ¡°Bri, you can¡¯t tell I¡¯m seriously starting to think you don¡¯t want to be friends anymore¡± Hannah complained. Bri defended herself. ¡°All I said was that I don¡¯t like pink¡± Hannah gasped dramatically. ¡°Take that back right now. I thought we were besties, sisters. I¡¯m literally the definition of pink. If you don¡¯t like pink, you don¡¯t like me!¡± Bri sighed in frustration. ¡°Senza, Hannah is being unreasonable¡±. Taking a sip out of my drink, I feel a breeze of air graze past startling me, ¡°Jesus Christ! You startled me!¡± Senza whispered an apology while holding Hannah tightly, his face buried in her hair. My panic drew Hannah¡¯s attention, and she reprimanded him before playfully smacking his head. She called him a Ghoul as he snuggled closer to her. Turning my attention back to the table, I noticed, to my relief, that the drink hadn¡¯t spilt. However, I was surprised to find my entire drink had frozen solid. ¡°Hmm...Guys, I need to get another drink. I... might have...accidentally frozen this one¡± I announced, holding the frozen drink as I headed to the vending machine. I heard a suppressed giggle from Max as I walked away. As I approached the vending machine, I felt eyes on me, but I couldn¡¯t pinpoint the source of the stare. Suppressing the strange feeling, I reached for a new drink. Slowly, I could hear footsteps making their way in my direction. Regardless, I suppressed the need to turn around even as the steps drew closer. At the last moment, I turned around, meeting a stranger¡¯s gaze, though I couldn¡¯t look directly into their eyes. The tension between us was palpable. ¡°Bab- Elise... Hi...¡± For the love of God! Like and Comment or else, you will get an ElisexSamuel *************** What comes around DINING HALL LUNCHTIME I gazed at him in utter disbelief. My key memories were slowly returning, and I knew it was only a matter of time before we crossed paths. His presence before me confirmed the former option. Even though the brown eyes I had fallen in love with were now replaced with the brightest baby blue, his voice, though deeper from the throes of puberty, carried the familiar cadence that tugged at my heartstrings. He swallowed nervously and spoke, ¡°I¡¯ve missed you so much.¡± Did you? I refrained from asking directly. In my heart, the question ricocheted back at me. Did I miss him too? He looked almost worried. My expression gave away more than I intended, revealing that, yes, I remembered him. When he extended his hands towards me, I flinched and stopped him. Hurt flickered across his face, but he covered it with a weak laugh. ¡°You remember me... us?¡± You mean me chasing hopelessly after you for three years? Yeah All I could do was return his stare. In that moment, I felt every heartache I¡¯d experienced, each pang of longing. Despite the years apart, a part of me still missed him. A part of me still loved him. His voice was a siren¡¯s call, irresistible. A whirlwind of emotions swirled inside me, but I struggled to find the right words to express them. Finally, I took a shaky breath and said, ¡°I... eh... I have to go. I¡¯m sorry¡± I can¡¯t do this My voice trembled towards the end. Overwhelmed and emotionally drained, I turned and walked away. Tears streamed down my cheeks, blurring my vision. Breathing became increasingly difficult as my strength waned. My trembling hands reached for the walls for support as I staggered down the hallway. Distant footsteps echoed, approaching me. ... help...me... Before everything went black *************************** THE CLINIC I awoke to the familiar sight of a white ceiling. I really needed to stop waking up here. The smell of clean tiles was stained with an unfamiliar scent of earthy wood. Movement across the room indicated that I wasn¡¯t alone. A stranger stood by the window, arms crossed, gazing out at the scenery. I rubbed my temples to shake off the residual dizziness and slowly sat up. The wall clock showed that I¡¯d been unconscious for nearly an hour. There went my plans for a nap. As I tried to get out of bed, a curt voice halted me. ¡°Sit still.¡± The stranger sighed and walked over to me, leaning against the wall beside my bed. He scrutinized my face, his gaze searching. The smell of clean clothes and wood pungent from him as he came close. ¡°You¡¯ve had worse...¡°, he said, leaning away from me. ¡°You¡¯ll live.¡± His brief moment of proximity sent shivers down my spine. His velvety voice, the same one that had once held my heart, now resonated through my ears. My face flushed with warmth, and I swallowed hard, unable to tear my gaze away from his penetrating grey eyes and the sparsely scattered freckles across his face. My body and mind were caught in a whirlwind of emotion, and it was clear he remained oblivious to the effect he still had on me. Am I in heat? Wait, that¡¯s for werewolves. Wrong genre. He must have brought me here after I passed out ¡°Thank You for helping me...¡± If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. But he simply continued to stare back at me, his stoic eyes locked on my face, hands buried in his pockets. The silence grew uncomfortable, and I desperately searched the room for something else to focus on. ¡°...¡± He eventually sighed, pushed himself off the wall, and walked away without a glance in my direction. Well, that was rude of him. I mean, I said thank you; it wouldn¡¯t have killed him to acknowledge it. Tsk. Although he was out of sight, I shook my fists at the door, frustrated. ¡°Because you look so pretty, doesn¡¯t give you the audacity to be rude!¡± Now I was talking to myself, sounding a bit crazy. Maybe I hit my head when I fell? But my body felt fine. I got up, put on my shoes, and vowed not to end up in that clinic again, at least not from fainting. I closed the door behind me and headed back to the dorms. ************************* FEMALE DORMS, ROOM G5AB ¡°Max, did I miss any class?¡± I entered our room and collapsed onto my bed. As I lay on my side, I glanced over at Max¡¯s side of the room. She was perched cross-legged on her bed, engrossed in her book, as usual. She had changed into comfortable clothes, her dishevelled brown hair was tied up in a bun, and a pair of glasses sat on the bridge of her nose. Her brown eyes shifted to me before returning to her book. ¡°All classes end by lunch. You look like you had an eventful day.¡± A sly smile crept across her face as she turned her attention to me. I furrowed my brow in confusion, but her brown eyes twinkled with amusement. ¡°So, I noticed Samuel eventually conversed with you.¡± Normal people would use the word ¡°talked¡± but Max wasn¡¯t them. I sighed, turning towards the ceiling, ¡°If you can call that a conversation, sure¡± I felt her eyes on me, waiting for me to share the encounter. Max was a keen observer, even though she pretended not to notice much beyond her book. I blinked back tears and broke down what had transpired during the meeting and the ensuing panic attack. ¡°What do you intend to do about him? Judging from what I have observed, he wants you back¡± Her eyes focused on me, expecting my answer. Max¡¯s eyes stayed fixed on me, awaiting my response. She had always been a perceptive observer, keen on details. Tears welled up in my eyes as I began, ¡°He never loved me.¡± Saying them felt like a universe of pain resting on my heart, a heartache that had spanned years. The sound of a book snapping shut reverberated in the room, signalling Max¡¯s surprise. ¡°Expantiate¡± Taking a deep breath, I whispered, ¡°He cheated¡± Max¡¯s voice remained steady as she inquired, ¡°When?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know how long¡± ¡°I mean, when did you find out?¡± ¡°The day of the incident. I overheard him and Kun at the library¡± The room fell silent for a brief moment, only to be broken by a heavy sigh. ¡°I see... So he doesn¡¯t know that you know,¡± Max concluded, and I nodded silently, tears brimming in my eyes. ¡°So what are you going to do now?¡± she asked, her calm voice soothing my turbulent emotions. My fingers drummed nervously on my chest, and my thoughts swirled in confusion. Even though four years had passed since the heartbreaking incident, I couldn¡¯t deny that I still held lingering feelings for him. The pain I felt now was a testament to that. The most challenging part was acknowledging that, no matter how hard I tried to convince myself otherwise, a part of me still loved him. Tears streamed down my face, ¡°Max, he was my first love. I genuinely thought what we had was perfect. We shared our dreams, hopes... everything,¡± I began, my voice cracking under the weight of the memories. ¡°But when I heard the words he said to her, it broke me. Does that mean everything we had was a lie?¡± The pain in my chest felt nearly unbearable, and my voice cracked as I spoke the words. Even though four years had passed, it felt as fresh as if it had just happened yesterday. Max offered an awkward but supportive embrace, her arms encircling me as I succumbed to a fit of tears. She was worried about me, worried that I would lose myself from this setback. Being in her embrace made me lose myself in a fit of tears. ¡°Oh, Eli. There, there,¡± she whispered, soothing me. As the weight in my heart gradually lessened, I tried to regain my composure. Max remained by my side, her eyes filled with empathy and understanding, her presence assuring me that she would support whatever decision I made. I wasn¡¯t alone; we shared a smile and allowed silence to envelop us. Opening up to her had been a crucial step in my healing process, allowing me to move forward. Suddenly, a thought stirred in my mind, reminding me of the clinic. I needed to tell Max about the person who had rescued me. ¡°I understand that he rescued me, but that doesn¡¯t give him the right to be a jerk,¡± I blurted out, my emotions still running high. Max¡¯s confused expression only added to my frustration. I launched into a story about the enigmatic figure who had come to my aid, holding nothing back. ¡°Who?¡± ¡°That white-haired boy with a disgustingly pretty face. If only his attitude was half as attractive as his face¡± Finally, Max smiled and shook her head in amusement. ¡°Elise, don¡¯t take it personally. Trent can be like that occasionally¡± Trent. Trent. That name sounds familiar With those last words, she turned her focus back to her book. Max continued with her reading but not before letting out a small giggle with a shake of the head. Talking to her made me feel warm. I had always felt a unique bond with her, when we first met and even now, four years later. She was always there to listen to me and snap me back to reality when I needed it. Excusing myself to the bathroom to change into more comfortable clothes, his name kept ringing in my head. I pinched the bridge of my nose in irritation, trying to recall who he was. ¡°Sit still¡± For the love of all things holy! My hands balled in anger as I recalled the only person with such an aggravating voice. ¡°Trent!¡± Like and Comment, or else, I¡¯ll kill off Trent in the next chapter *************** Up and down CLASSROOM BUILDING CLASS B ¡°We will be having today¡¯s class on the field, let¡¯s head out people¡± Sophie¡¯s mellow voice announced to the room, her lips holding a forced smile as she peeked into the room from behind the door. She was dressed in black knee-length tights with a black tank top, covered by a blue zip-up hoodie bearing the school¡¯s name on the left arm sleeve. This time, her headphones were out of sight, and a sense of anticipation hung in the air. Today was going to be an eventful day, for sure. ¡¯It¡¯s going to be stressful, right?¡± I wondered, my thoughts echoing my unease. She nods back at me, acknowledging that my thoughts got to her. We all headed out, uncertain of the activities we would have to do. *********** THE FIELD ¡°In our last class, I mentioned that we would demonstrate our abilities. Which is why we are out on the field. I will allow you to spread out and practice carefully.¡± The teacher addressed us, while we listened attentively. I could feel the excitement and nervousness of everyone in the air; the teacher wasn¡¯t oblivious to it. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will be keeping a close watch on everyone. Just call me if you are having any trouble.¡± He reassured us with a small smile. ¡°Again, please, be careful.¡± I got to my feet, along with everyone else, and we dispersed to different parts of the field to practice. From the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Trent, his white strands flowing with the wind. My lips tugged up in delight as I made a mental reminder to tease him later, even if he wouldn¡¯t enjoy it, I would. I kept walking until I was far enough not to be in anyone¡¯s proximity but close enough to notice everyone around. Suddenly, it dawned on me that I had no water to practice my abilities on. Magically, a large bowl of water appeared in front of me. I was awestruck by this, glancing towards the teacher who was the source of the ability. I waved back at him from my crossed-legged sitting position. ¡°Here goes nothing¡± Closing my eyes, I tried to reconnect to the way I felt when I used my abilities for the first time. It took a few seconds until I felt the energy coursing through my hands. Snapping my eyes open, I concentrated the energy on the water, gathered it together, and lifted a significant amount out of the bowl. Licking my lips, I felt the courage to stand up while maintaining control of the floating liquid. ¡°I did it!¡± Excitement coursed through me as I marvelled at my accomplishment, but it was short-lived. ¡°No, no, no, no...¡± I lost control, and the water fell right on my head, soaking me completely. My hands reached to move my soaking wet hair out of my face. I was ¡®this¡¯ close to screaming my lungs out in frustration. Water soaked through my hoodie, sticking my tank top to my skin. With a heavy sigh, I made my way towards the teacher to excuse myself. As I walked, many eyes turned to me, and their gazes expanded in shock. ¡°Elise! What happened?¡± Hannah gasped dramatically, looking at me multiple times. My teeth biting down on my lips held me in silence. Giving me a sympathetic smile, the teacher excused me to go change. ************* GYM BUILDING The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. FEMALE CHANGING ROOM Luckily for me, the mysterious laundry system of the school puts extra clothes in lockers. After a brief change to dry clothes, I spent a few minutes sulking about my little accident. I sighed and raked my fingers through my hair. With one last look at my reflection, I gathered myself together and headed out. Whimpering sounds caught my attention just as I passed by the fire escape exit. At first, I wasn¡¯t sure if I heard it, but as I got closer, I was convinced it wasn¡¯t just my imagination. ¡°Be quiet, or they¡¯ll hear you,¡± a voice growled to the owner of the whines. The response was an unmistakable moan. I couldn¡¯t resist the temptation to find out what was going on, so I decided to peek. Elise Redfox, you are something else. My heart was pounding as I cautiously looked through the exit door. Two figures were in a passionate embrace, sharing heated kisses. One¡¯s hand grabbed at the other¡¯s waist, while the more dominant one held onto the other¡¯s neck. Oh, my innocent eyes! I shouldn¡¯t be spying on them. Distracted by the scene, I momentarily forgot that I was hiding behind a slightly open door. As I put my weight on the door, it opened, and I found myself falling right into the middle of the intimate moment. Two pairs of eyes widened in shock, and their mouths gaped as I landed at their feet, utterly embarrassed. The shorter one let out a hiccup, seemingly able to disappear and reappear in a split second. I managed to pick myself up from the floor, my cheeks flaming with embarrassment, as I tried to apologize for the intrusion. ¡°Oh... I¡¯m so sorry. Please continue. I¡¯ll... Just forget I was ever here¡± As I left, I heard the voice behind me plead, ¡°Elise, wait.¡± I found myself rooted to the spot and turned back to them. The taller one approached me while the other stayed behind, eyes darted to the ground. ¡°Please, don¡¯t tell anyone. Please, Elise,¡± the taller one implored, their request tugging at my heartstrings. I nodded in agreement, promising not to reveal their secret. It wasn¡¯t my business in the first place. With a reassuring smile, I made my way out. *************** DINING HALL My shoulders slumped as the bustling sounds of the cafeteria reached my ears, slowly pushing the earlier scene to the back of my mind. I spotted the table where Hannah and the rest were seated and attempted to make my way through the crowd. Unexpectedly, someone bumped into me, causing me to lose balance and stumble. Fortunately, someone or something broke my fall. ¡°Oh! I¡¯m so sorry,¡± I said to my saviour as I tried to regain my composure. For a moment, the person I had fallen onto went stiff. Slowly, I turned to identify my saviour and was surprised to find myself seated on the lap of none other than Trent. His grey eyes widened slightly in shock as his hands hovered in the air, unsure of where to place them. I was so taken with the depth of his icy eyes that I couldn¡¯t respond for a moment. His lips parted, but no words came out. I was forcibly removed from his embrace, the moment cut short by Samuel. Hostility emanated from his eyes as he tightly grabbed my wrist. My focus returned briefly to Trent. Still sighed, his gaze calculating as he internally wrapped his head around what happened. Samuel¡¯s possessiveness began to show as his grip tightened. I pried my hand out of his grasp. The air grew tense, and I couldn¡¯t ignore the shock on everyone¡¯s faces. As anger brewed within me, I suddenly felt the temperature drop a few degrees. My hands shook both from anger and the drop in temperature. What right does he have to try to exert dominance over me? Not caring less about anyone, I walked out of the cafeteria with long strides. Samuel didn¡¯t deserve my respect, and I had no intention of giving it to him if he continued to act that way. ***************** GYM BUILDING, SWIMMING POOL AREA Sitting at the edge of the water, the slow ripples of the water entranced me. It could be because of my ability, but the water calmed me. I might just make this my hiding spot. ¡°There you are. Why did you run off like that?¡± All I wanted was a moment of peace and tranquillity. My shoulders slumped in frustration as I let out an annoyed sigh. ¡°Can we not do this now?¡± It came out as an exhausted whisper, my eyes slowly closing. Reluctantly, I stood up and faced him, while he took slow steps toward me. I stopped myself from getting lost in his baby blues and looked into them like they didn¡¯t phase me. I was playing a dangerous game. Now, we were both surrounded by this uncomfortable silence. A hush that was getting to me. Slowly, he closed the distance between us. His eyes darted to my lips briefly before going back to my eyes. This is a very very dangerous game, Elise.I swallowed, shutting my eyes as the tips of our noses brushed in contact. His lips parted slightly before almost capturing mine in them. I expected to feel relief but I was just left with doubt. ¡°I can¡¯t¡±. I stop him as his lips hover over mine, his hands held onto my arms. Tears welled in my eyes as I looked back at him. His smile was slowly replaced by a confused frown. His arms dropped down from my side. I knew it just wasn¡¯t the same as it used to be. Now he had to know that too. ¡°I loved you first but I can¡¯t love you anymore.¡± I resisted the urge to meet his piercing gaze for too long. I had to let him go. It was for the best. Sighing heavily, he ran his hands through his dark blue waves in frustration. With one last look at me, he looked at me in silent goodbye and left. All alone, I let the tears fall. My heart felt so heavy it hurt. I cried over my stupid feelings. Like and Comment or else, I¡¯ll make Elise a loner for the rest of the book. ************* Play of Luck THREE WEEKS LATER 4TH PERIOD CLASSROOM B Elise POV ¡°And for your midterm assessment, you will be working on a project... in pairs¡±, the teacher announced. The class buzzed with excitement, and some students were already forming pairs. ¡°Before you get too excited, luck will be used to put you all into pairs. So, you might not end up with who you desire to be partners with.¡± He added, a mischievous glint in his eyes. The room was filled with complaints and groans. This class brought together students from different arms of year 5, making it an intriguing mix. ¡°The list and deadline will be displayed on the notice screen before the end of lunchtime today. And, no, you can¡¯t come to me to change your partner. Any other questions?¡± The teacher scanned the class for raised hands, but no one had any inquiries. With that, he collected his things and left the room. As the bell rang, I gathered my notes from the recent class, slipping them into my desk space. Normally, assignments in this class were individual, but now, it was a group project. Massaging my temples with my fingers, I closed my eyes to drown out the conversations around me. A sudden presence jolted me, and I opened my eyes to find Max sitting across from me. She held a closed book with a black bookmark and adjusted her uniform skirt with precision. Her glasses perched on the bridge of her nose, she looked at me thoughtfully and said, ¡°Luck is just an occurrence bound to ensue but unidentified, however. There is constantly a plausible justification for everything. Why? Because it was bound to take place nonetheless. We, humans, are just restricted in our capacities. Precisely?¡± I raised an eyebrow in response, struggling to understand her philosophical outbursts. She noticed my confusion, pursed her lips, and retreated into her book. Max had a penchant for profound thoughts, even if they bewildered me at times. I couldn¡¯t help but giggle, and she playfully rolled her eyes. Laughter erupted at the back of the class, pulling my attention. However, my smile faltered, turning into sadness. Max noticed my change in demeanour and followed my gaze. She spotted Samuel and a few others sharing a jovial moment, their laughter filling the air. Samuel caught me looking at him, but he quickly averted his eyes, returning to his group. ¡°Elise...¡± Max¡¯s concerned voice snapped me out of my trance. I forced a smile and said, ¡°I¡¯m fine. It just needs a little getting used to. I promise I¡¯m fine.¡± Max still seemed sceptical, so I gave her my most reassuring grin and playfully shook her. To lighten the mood, I pretended to tickle her, and she responded by lightly hitting my arm with her bookmark. ¡°Elise, did you start a dispute with Trent?¡± she asked, changing the topic. I scoffed at the notion. It wasn¡¯t me who had been avoiding Trent after the cafeteria incident. I had tried to start conversations with him several times, but he kept evading me. It was as if he was running away from me, and I couldn¡¯t recall anyone ever avoiding me that persistently. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. I rolled my eyes, giving Max an annoyed look. ¡°Max? He is the one avoiding me like a virus. I didn¡¯t even do anything... okay, maybe I fell on him. But that wasn¡¯t my fault now, was it?¡± Max raised her hands in mock surrender, barely containing a smile. ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t. I just hope you two can reconcile. Who knows, maybe some sparks may fly,¡± Max suggested playfully, walking away with a laugh. ¡°Maxine!¡± I called after her, following her to the group of girls sitting in a circle, engaged in lively conversation. Hannah, in particular, was animatedly chatting away, her blonde waves bouncing as vines danced around her arms, all the way to her fingertips. She noticed us and eagerly invited us to join them for lunch. I nodded with a warm smile. Sometimes, I wondered where Hannah found her seemingly boundless energy. She and Senza, despite their differences, complemented each other perfectly, which might explain their enduring relationship. Max took a seat in silence, engrossed in her book, her social meter likely fully charged for the day. As Hannah was about to speak, Bri promptly interrupted her, suggesting they head for lunch before Hannah talked their ears off. The group laughed as they stood up, ready to leave. ********************* DINING HALL LUNCHTIME As we settled down for lunch, I wondered aloud, ¡°Do you think the list will be up by now?¡± Bri turned towards Fancy expectantly. Her eyebrows shot up in question. Fancy, however, answered curtly, ¡°Nope. Don¡¯t even think about it.¡± Noticing the persistent growing stares at her, she gave up on eating. She sighed, muttering something about stress and peace of mind, and checked her watch. She closed her eyes for a moment and then lazily opened them, her left hand reaching to massage her neck. Looking at her watch again, she said, ¡°Seven minutes from now.¡± Hannah, excited, hugged her. Fancy didn¡¯t seem to appreciate the physical contact and freed herself from the embrace. She ran her fingers through her dark brown hair before returning to her food. The conversation around the table shifted to speculation about the pairs that would be formed, but my mind was too distracted to pay attention. I couldn¡¯t shake a weird feeling that kept growing within me. As the seven minutes ticked by, Fancy abruptly stood up, her plate in hand, and called out to a boy from the table behind us. He resembled her, with a more defined masculine face. It dawned on us that she must have seen the list of pairs. ¡°Awesome, let¡¯s go. We need to start researching for the task¡± The boy whose attention she called, got up to his feet. His face was very similar to hers but he had more defined masculine facial features. Slowly, it dawned on everyone that she must have seen the names on the list. She looked back at our stunned expressions, wearing a sly smile on her lips. ¡°You asked for the time, not the names,¡± she explained, before turning and leading the boy out of the hall. Fancy had outsmarted us, and without Sophie nearby, we couldn¡¯t have her read Fancy¡¯s mind. For a moment, we had all forgotten about the time we had anticipated. Looking at the clock, the seven minutes were up. ¡°It¡¯s time, guys¡± ******************** CLASSROOM BUILDING HALLWAY I hesitantly approached the list. As I found my name and followed it to see my partner, my eyes widened in realization. I had to read the names again to make sure I wasn¡¯t mistaken. Elise Redfox | Trent Lee My eyes blink multiple times before widening in realization. I tried to comprehend the words that I was reading. It was true. Trent was my partner. This wasn¡¯t going to be easy at all. Out of nowhere, a throat cleared behind me. I moved away from the screen and turned to apologize, but my voice failed me. The culprit behind my concern standing right in front of me concentrating on the list. Trent had seen the list too. His eyebrows shot up in recognition before furrowing into a frown. With an exasperated sigh, he rolled his eyes at me and walked away. This was going to be a challenging midterm project, no doubt about it Yep, I am going to fail midterms. Like and Comment or else, Elise will fail midterms and it will be all your fault! **************** Just a little THE ACADEMY HALLWAYS ¡°Wait! Trent! I need to talk to you¡± I gasped, my lungs struggling to keep pace with his long strides. His towering figure effortlessly outpaced my smaller, hurried steps. I pushed myself harder, my breath coming in ragged gasps. Suddenly, he came to an abrupt stop, catching me off guard. I collided with his solid back, the impact jolting me. He froze, and I stumbled, trying to regain my balance. As I pulled away from him, I massaged my lightly bruised forehead, pouting. ¡°You could have warned me before you stopped¡± I chided, sending him a frown and tucking loose hair strands behind my ear. Trent remained silent, his indifferent gaze fixed on me. He reached for my right wrist, and his warm, loose grip sent a tingling sensation through my body. I didn¡¯t try to resist him as his grip, warm and loose, sent tiny sparks on contact. Why am I allowing him to take me away? Finally recognizing our destination, I realized we were heading to my newly discovered safe space. ********************** SWIMMING POOL AREA As usual, the swimming pool area was empty and serene, the calm waters reflecting a tranquil blue. The smell of chlorine pungent in the air. Distracted by the beauty of the scene, I didn¡¯t realize Trent¡¯s hand had left my wrist. ¡°It¡¯s calming¡± Trent stated, his deep voice breaking the silence. I nodded in agreement, exhaling with a sigh of relaxation as I absorbed the soothing atmosphere. Trent stood beside me, his hands tucked into his pockets. ¡°Can I trust you to not mess this project up?¡± he asked abruptly, his curt words jolting me from my reverie. Irritation creased my eyebrows, and I examined him with a critical look. He stared back at me, his expression unwavering, waiting for my response. I took a deep breath to calm my rising irritation, pinching the bridge of my nose. Taking a deep breath to calm down, I pinched the bridge of my nose in irritation. ¡°Can I trust you to be civil during this project?¡± I retorted, my words dripping with hostility. An uncomfortable silence settled between us as we locked eyes. Trent¡¯s gaze hardened a show of dominance. I wasn¡¯t backing down either. ¡°Best friends summit without me? Now, that¡¯s cruel.¡± a voice interrupted our standoff. Max appeared at the entrance, a book in her hand, directing her playful comment at us. Trent, attempting to walk away, moved in her direction, but her empty hand reached out to stop him. Reluctantly, he allowed her to guide him back to where I stood. She turned to me, amusement dancing in her eyes, and quipped, ¡°Have you both finally divulged your undying devotion for each other?¡± Her words caught me by surprise, and I nearly choked on my breath. Max struggled to contain her laughter, observing our reactions. Glancing at Trent, whose eyes widened in shock, I noticed his vulnerable reaction. He quickly masked his emotions. ¡°Maxine! That¡¯s not funny¡±. I let out in the fit of coughs. I managed to say between fits of coughs. Coughing, I reached out to playfully swat her, but she deftly dodged my attempt. Despite my embarrassment, I couldn¡¯t deny that I was intrigued to see Trent display emotions. I felt an urge to see more of them. Perhaps, I needed to push his buttons, just a little. A mischievous smile formed on my lips as I gathered my hair into a high ponytail, exposing my neck. I sauntered toward Trent with a seductive sway in my step, his cloudy eyes tracking my movements. A knowing smirk adorned Max¡¯s face; she could see through my little performance. My fingers lightly brushed across Trent¡¯s chest, and I felt him momentarily stiffen beneath my touch. My facade almost broke as I moved closer to his face, our eyes locked, his confusion evident. ¡°What do you think? Should we prove Max right?¡± I purred, feeling his breath on my face. I watched him swallow nervously, my body acting on instinct, drawing me nearer to him. My mind screamed for control, warning signs blazing in my head. His confusion gradually gave way to mischief, and he took one of my hands, pulling me closer to him by the waist. I widened my eyes in surprise as I attempted to look away. His fingers gently brushed my chin, tilting my face upward. Slowly, he closed the distance between us, and my breath hitched with the closeness. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. He exhaled, mere inches from my lips, and whispered, ¡°In your dreams, Princess¡± He pulled away, a triumphant glint in his eyes, leaving me with a mixture of surprise and confusion, and eventually, anger. Well played, Trent. This is not over. The awkward silence was broken by a cough, and Max wore an irritatingly smug expression. I could feel her excitement, her overwhelming satisfaction with our little performance. Uncomfortable with the situation, Trent made a hasty exit in the direction of the exit. ¡°Well, that was quite a performance¡± Max commented, her voice hinting at her enjoyment. She approached me, placing her hands on my shoulders. ¡°There are undoubtedly sparks between you two. I can distinctly see it. You both are just too adamant to acknowledge it.¡± ¡°You clearly need to get your lenses changed. We almost despise each other. He won¡¯t even say more than two sentences to me.¡± I replied, removing her hands from my shoulders. I walked over to a nearby bench and took a seat, exhausted from the strange encounter. ¡°Why does he hate me?¡± I wondered aloud. ¡°He doesn¡¯t loathe you, Elise. He is just infuriated...¡± She looks at Max, waiting for her to complete her sentence. ¡°Not at you. He is...complicated. It¡¯s not my tale to tell. But he¡¯ll come around when he is willing¡± Max assured me, offering a reassuring smile. I exhaled, giving her a nod. I knew there had to be a reason for his harsh treatment. The memory of his embarrassed look brought a small smile to my face. ¡°Okay, fine. But if he does something I don¡¯t like, I¡¯ll freeze him... by accident¡± Max laughed, pushing her glasses in place before getting up to her feet. She got to her feet and pulled me up with her, leading me out of the pool area. ¡°Let¡¯s get started on the task before you turn the pool into an ice rink¡± ************************ THE LIBRARY BUILDING 1ST FLOOR The library smelled of old books, and the scent wafted into my nostrils as we ventured deeper. I walked past Max, who was engrossed in her new discovery hidden among the shelves. Seeing a rest area ahead, I made my way toward it and took a seat. I laid my head on the table and closed my eyes for a brief nap. I need some rest before I can process any more information with my weary brain. Suddenly, I felt calloused, slender fingers push my hair away from my face, and their touch lingered around my neck. The desire to touch those freckles grew stronger as heat sparked when his hands brushed down the sides of my face. His scent enveloped me in a daze. ¡°Why do I feel this way around you?¡± he whispered so softly that I almost missed it. I wet my bottom lip with the tip of my tongue, causing his fingers to graze over them. Then, his touch retreated. My eyes snapped open, and I blinked, allowing them to adjust back to consciousness. I was still in the library, alone. Stiff from my uncomfortable nap, I stretched my joints and gathered my papers scattered all over the table. Judging from the brightness outside the window, I wasn¡¯t asleep for long. Gathering my thoughts, I slowly rose from my seat, trying to shake off the remnants of a vivid dream that lingered like a forbidden secret. My cheeks flushed as the sensation of the dream still coursed through me. I couldn¡¯t tell if it was my hormones or the adrenaline from my earlier stunt that had me feeling this way. I could almost still feel his hands on me. Shaking my head, I scoffed at the absurdity of such fantasies. ¡°Maybe I¡¯m slowly losing my mind,¡± I mumbled to myself. ¡°There¡¯s no way such things can happen in real life.¡± The room¡¯s silence was broken when her voice cut through the air. My body tensed, and I felt her penetrating gaze on me. She stood with her arms folded, slanted eyes fixed firmly upon me. ¡°How is research proceeding¡ª Were you sleeping?¡± My pulse quickened as I met her gaze. A sheepish smile tugged at my lips. She sighed in resignation and made her way to a nearby shelf, retrieving a stack of books. ¡°I took the liberty of fetching your research materials,¡± she said, dropping them on the table in front of me. ¡°You¡¯re welcome. Now, I expect you to analyze them, or else I won¡¯t be able to protect you from Trent¡¯s flames. Understood?¡± I quickly shot her a salute, a mix of amusement and respect in my eyes. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡± I dived into my study materials, hours slipping by in a whirlwind of information. Finally, when my brain felt saturated, I pushed myself out of my chair, stretching to alleviate the stiffness in my joints. Slowly, I gathered the scattered papers, arranging them neatly. ¡°Max, I¡¯m heading out,¡± I announced as I stacked the books. She approached me, holding a book, and I knew not to expect a verbal reply from her. Falling into step beside her, we made our way out of the library together. *********************** CLASSROOM BUILDING YEAR 5 HALLWAY s we neared the classroom hallway, the ominous gray clouds above us grew heavy with rain. Thunder rumbled ominously, almost drowning out the sound of a heated argument emanating from one of the classrooms. Confusion etched across my face, I turned to Max, who wore a matching expression of bewilderment. Without a word, we rushed toward the source of the commotion, the weather growing more volatile by the minute. Sarah was at the centre of the tempest. She stood facing two individuals, her gaze a fiery intensity, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. Her fists clenched at her sides, as she grappled with the struggle for control. It was an intense standoff. The two victims of her wrath looked familiar. ¡°Max, who are those two guys?¡± ¡°That¡¯s Sanya and Tome. I remember that Sarah has a connection going on with Sanya.¡± The taller, copper-haired male was involved with Sarah. Suddenly, a memory flashed in my mind. These were the two I had caught in the exit room earlier. My gaze settled on them once more. Sanya positioned himself protectively in front of Tome, the smaller of the two, his face betraying the immense pressure he was under. The other man tried to reason with Sarah, desperately attempting to calm her down. ¡°Sarah, calm down. Please, let me explain, okay?¡± But her anger flared into an all-consuming rage, lightning crackling across the darkening sky outside. The look on her face sent shivers down my spine. Her eyes locked with Sanya¡¯s, and she lashed out, revealing the shocking truth. ¡°Explain? You were sleeping with him! Sanya, how do you explain that!¡± The room fell into a shocked silence, broken only by the ominous rumble of thunder. And just like that, the secret was out. Like and Comment because a ship just left the harbour but it might sink before sailing. ********************** Love is Love TW: Curse words, Forced coming out ***************************** CLASSROOM B I want to say something, anything to ease the tension, but I know it¡¯s not my business. For some reason, I felt guilty. I knew about them, a secret I promised to keep. The room is tense, the air heavy with unspoken words. I take in the sight of Max¡¯s furrowed brows as she absorbs the unfolding drama, her face etched with concern. ¡°So you ended things with me, because of him? Him?! Over me?¡± Sarah¡¯s words are laced with bitterness, and her finger stabs the air, pointing accusingly at Tome behind her. Tome flinches, his eyes closing, tears on the brink of escaping. Tome¡¯s vulnerability is palpable, and my heart aches for him as I observe the emotions etched on his face. Sanya stands protective in front of him, shielding him. ¡°Sarah, please stop behaving this way¡± Sanya pleads, his arm outstretched toward her. She pushes his hands away before they make contact. Sarah¡¯s rejection stings in the air, the touch that never happened a stark reminder of their fractured relationship. ¡°Don¡¯t fucking touch me, or so help me, I will rain thunderbolts into this class,¡± Her eyes dared him to attempt it. Sarah¡¯s anger crackles in the room, and the atmosphere feels electric with tension. Her threat hangs heavy in the air. ¡°Sarah, I¡¯m sorry¡± Tome utters in a desperate attempt to mend the rift. Tome¡¯s apology falls flat, and Sarah¡¯s cold response silences him. ¡°Not a word from you, Tome. Not a word¡± A voice echoes through the air, ¡°Sarah Mills, Sanya Knot, and Tome Ming, Your attention is needed at The Dome.¡± The intercom goes silent after the announcement. The intercom announcement resonates through the room, a reprieve from the intense moment. Groaning in defeat, Sarah storms out of the classroom, leaving a trail of lingering tension in her wake. As she goes further away, the storm softens, and her emotions become more complex. Sanya lets out a frustrated sigh, his shoulders slumping as he processes the drama. Tome wraps a comforting hand around his arm, offering solace through touch. ¡°Well, that was something. Who would have thought? Sanya and Tome¡± Bri leans back into her seat, amusement dancing across her face. We all take our seats, forming an irregular circle as the drama subsides. I find myself lost in thought, worrying about the boys. My distracted expression doesn¡¯t escape Max¡¯s notice, and she lightly nudges me, her eyes filled with curiosity. ¡°I knew about them. I mean Sanya and Tome.¡± I whispered to her. She tilts her head, silently urging me to continue. ¡°I can¡¯t really give details about that. I promised them.¡± My pleading eyes put an end to her inquiry. The secret of their relationship being out is one thing, but I have no right to divulge what I¡¯ve seen. I shouldn¡¯t even have peeped at them. ¡°I¡¯m worried about them, Max. What if everyone hates them because they are two boys in love? I don¡¯t know how accepting the world is now.¡± I confess nervously, my concern evident. Their fears of rejection weigh heavily on my mind. ¡°Love is Love. The world has evolved past that. I mean Bri is bi-sexual. Correct?¡± Max reassures me, emphasizing the importance of love transcending societal norms. ¡°Yeah Ariel, I¡¯m pretty sure they were more worried about Sarah finding out. You see how she can be. Scary. I wouldn¡¯t want to mess with the Storm Queen.¡± Bri chimes in, recalling Sarah¡¯s temperament. She fakes shivers in fear, running her hands through her pixie cut as she lets out a light giggle. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. ¡°Sarah can be quite reactive.¡± ¡°I think the word you are looking for is unstable, Hannah¡±, Bri interrupted. ¡°Even before she gained her ability. I think it would have been better if they told her though, right bunny?¡± Hannah adds, turning to the male seated behind her. He has his back leaning into the crevice of her thighs, playing with the locks of her hair. Nodding, he acknowledges her question, and she reciprocates with a small, affectionate gesture. At his response, she gave his thigh a little neck hug. ¡°Can you two not be disgustingly romantic for once? I¡¯m trying to not throw up in my mouth¡± Bri teases, eliciting laughter from the group, including a quiet chuckle from Senza. As our conversation shifts to lighter topics, my worries begin to dissipate, and the camaraderie of our group brings warmth to my heart. Bri constantly teases Hannah, Hannah reacts animatedly, Senza is his usual quiet self and Max is lost in her book. Suddenly, I sense a presence beside me, and our group falls silent as we all become aware of an intruder. I turn to find Samuel, and his nervous demeanour is evident. My eyes widened as my eyes fell on the person in my close space. His hands reach behind to scratch his head, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. The atmosphere is tense with his arrival. His V-neck sweater vest partially covered a white polo shirt untucked out of his pants. However, I shouldn¡¯t spend too much time surveying him. He breaks the tension with his nervous words. ¡°Ariel, how are you do-¡± Before Samuel can complete his greeting, Trent curtly interrupts him, her voice brimming with authority, ¡°I want to believe you have started the project¡± The room is electrified by his interruption, and his words hang heavy in the air. My heart races as I anticipate the confrontation that is unfolding. Trent strides forward and stands in front of me, his commanding presence overwhelming. His rolled-up sleeves reveal his toned, veiny arms with black visible tattoos, and I can¡¯t help but be drawn to his icy grey eyes, though I try to focus on the impending confrontation. After a brief pause, I turn to Samuel, my voice steady, ¡°Can we talk later? I really need to attend to this¡± Samuel nods, looking somewhat dejected, and his disappointment is clear. ¡°Pathetic¡± Trent scoffs under his breath before storming off. Just when I think he can¡¯t get any meaner, he proves me wrong. My heart aches at his cruelty. Apologetic glances are exchanged among the group as I leave in pursuit of Trent. *************** SOMEWHERE IN THE CLASSROOM BUILDING As we make our way away from the classroom area, my frustration simmers, and I can¡¯t help but voice my annoyance, ¡°Will it kill you to communicate like a normal human being?¡± Trent, however, remains unresponsive, walking ahead with an air of indifference. In a fit of frustration, I grab his arm to stop him, and he pulls away as if my touch burned him. My eyes catch a glimpse of black ink beneath his rolled-up sleeve around his elbow. ¡°Hands off¡±, He growled, pointing his finger at my hand. I let out my frustration, ¡°Fine! I don¡¯t even want to have anything to do with you. If not for this stupid assignment! You are such a terrible human being!¡± Suddenly, I remember the whispered insult from Trent, and my simmering anger transforms into a raging inferno. His narrowed eyes are filled with emotions I can¡¯t fully decipher, and his chest heaves as my words penetrate. ¡°Pathetic?! PATHETIC? Is that what you see me as? Shit! Fu- shit! I can¡¯t even curse at you.¡± I release my pent-up emotions, my voice sharp with anger. The tears flow down my cheeks, and I wipe them away, taking a deep breath. Why did I let his words affect me so deeply? I felt so weak and drained emotionally from my outburst. ¡°Why do I even bother?¡°, I scoffed. My voice rises and falls, and my emotions are a whirlwind of frustration, anger, and hurt. Trent¡¯s hurt is evident, and he turns away, avoiding my gaze. He can¡¯t bear to look at me anymore, and my heart aches at the pain I¡¯ve caused. I wipe my hands across my skirt, trying to regain my composure. Before reaching out towards him, gesturing for the papers in his hands. His eyes followed my gesture, looking from my open palm to my glossy eyes. I felt my body engulfed in a pair of arms. A hand pulling my head into an embrace broke my trance. His arm snaked around my waist, bringing me to his chest as he steadied us. I found myself softening into his embrace. For a brief moment, my heart fluttered but I refrained from returning the hug. As quickly as the hug happened, he pulled me away from him. Trent remains silent, his face impassive, and he turns away, his gaze directed at the ceiling. He avoids looking at me, and my heart aches at the rift between us. His realization is clear, and he avoids my gaze as much as possible. He hands me the papers, his reluctance evident. ¡°Hmm... That¡¯s...that¡¯s my part. Don¡¯t mess it up¡± he mumbles, his embarrassment palpable. In a rush of emotions, he walks away, leaving me confused and emotionally drained. My eyes gazed at him until he disappeared from my sight, leaving me standing confused. The feel of his hands still lingering on my skin. How does he annoy me to bits but still manage to comfort me so deeply? What on earth just happened? ***************************** A few feet away, two hidden observers analyze the scene, their curiosity piqued. As Elise grabs Trent¡¯s arm, Hannah excitedly taps Bri, her eyes glued to the unfolding drama. ¡°Oh! They¡¯re flirting.¡± ¡°Are you sure they¡¯re flirting and not fighting?¡± Bri replies with uncertainty in her voice. From her point of view, the look on Trent¡¯s face showed discomfort and anger. At that moment, Trent pulls Elise in for a hug. Hannah let out a loud shriek. ¡°Totally flirting.¡± She then continues, stating as a matter of fact. ¡°I mean, ice and fire. I don¡¯t see a better match than that. It would be a sin if they didn¡¯t belong together¡± Bridget found herself slightly convinced by her words, ¡°I mean, you do have a point¡± Like and Comment or else, Elise will keep crying till the next episode *********************************** Heart Held Secrets CLASSROOM B FREE PERIOD Elise POV It¡¯s been one week. A week since Sarah¡¯s anger brought a thunderstorm Seven days since my outburst at Trent The issue that divided us remains shrouded in silence, a heavy cloud over our friendship, untouched since the trio¡¯s return from the Dome. Trent¡¯s interactions with me have dwindled to the bare minimum, limited to ¡°My part¡± when he hands me his share of the research. Outside of project-related matters, he avoids me like the plague, creating a chasm between us. In this unspoken agreement, I find myself responsible for compiling the research into a presentable format for submission, a task due today. The hours since our last class have blurred into one continuous typing marathon. I sat here chained to my desk editing and composing the report. If I continue at this pace, I¡¯ll soon need to contact Max¡¯s ophthalmologist. ¡°Elise, are you busy?¡± Massaging the tense muscles at the back of my neck, I raise my eyes to find a nervous Tome standing before me. His restless fingers nervously chip at each other, accentuating his unease. ¡°Not really. It can wait. Sit. Sit¡± He takes a seat directly across from me, keeping his trembling hands away from the table. I close my laptop, removing the physical barrier between us, and providing me with a clear view of his anxious expression. I look at him with a mixture of concern and curiosity, my gaze bearing down on him, compelling him to speak. His nervousness seems justified, considering all that has happened recently. Throughout the temporary speechlessness, he kept his eyes glued on his hands. ¡°Tome, you look like you have something to say to me, right?¡± He nods but avoids my gaze, keeping his eyes on his fidgeting hands. ¡°I¡¯m listening then. Talk to me¡± Resting my chin on my interlaced fingers, I lean in closer to him. The intensity of my gaze causes him to falter in his speech. I wasn¡¯t expecting him to approach me, given the recent tensions. There must be a compelling reason for him to seek this conversation. As he struggles to find his voice, his attention remains locked in his hands. He sucked a deep breath in, ¡°It¡¯s about me and Sanya. I¡¯m a bit worried¡±, he whispered. ¡°Worried about what? Are you concerned about whether your friends will be accepted? Or about Sarah? You have to be specific¡± ¡°Those are a few of my worries. But my main concern is... Sanya. Our relationship started as a mistake. I didn¡¯t even know if he was attracted to guys. I¡¯m just so confused. It¡¯s all my fault.¡± He ruffles his hair in frustration, hands glitching in and out of appearance. His words are heavy with crisis and sadness. ¡°Concerning Sarah, I really can¡¯t say much but I don¡¯t think she can do anything to you. Although, I think she is just heartbroken, hence why she responded that way. But to be safe, avoid her for the time being.¡± I reach out, gently prying his hands away from his dishevelled hair and holding them in mine. My fingers lightly pat his palms, my gaze locked onto his eyes, searching for the truth beneath the turmoil of his emotions. ¡°Listen to me, Tome, nobody should judge or blame you for loving someone, regardless of gender. Your sexual orientation doesn¡¯t define your character, and your attraction to guys is no different from my attraction to guys. Don¡¯t hate yourself because of this. If anyone says anything nasty to you, I will turn them into a popsicle.¡± His faint chuckle lightens the air, momentarily dispelling the tension. But my next words bear a heavier gravity. ¡°So, have you told him how you feel?¡± Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°How do I feel?.. I... don¡¯t feel anything¡±, he claims, slowly withdrawing his hands from my grasp. It¡¯s clear he¡¯s not even able to lie convincingly to himself. His ears turned red, giving him away. ¡°You can¡¯t keep lying to yourself. I can see that you have some sort of feelings for him. You both need to talk about what you mean to each other.¡± I assert, crossing my arms and sinking back into my chair, my tone conveying the seriousness of the matter. He ponders my words for a moment. ¡°I will try. Thank you, Elise. I¡¯m glad I came to talk to you. I should leave you to your typing.¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯m glad I could be of help. Everything will be fine, eventually.¡± I reassure him with a reassuring squeeze of his hand before he rises and departs from the classroom. I hope things go well. Tome seems like a sweetheart. He deserves happiness. After relieving the tension in my neck, I return to my project, typing furiously to complete the assignment. After an hour of relentless work, I finally finished. I heave a sigh of relief and prepare to take my laptop to the IT room for printing. This class requires assignments to be submitted both electronically and as hard copies. ********************* TEACHER¡¯S LOUNGE ¡°Thank you, sir. I¡¯ll be on my way now¡± I say, bowing as I exit the teacher¡¯s lounge. I stretch my arms and take a deep breath, feeling the weight of exhaustion creep in. Gradually, I felt the toll of sleepless nights weighing on me. At last, this project is complete! I can finally make up for all those sleepless nights. While I daydream about returning to my welcoming bed, I¡¯m intercepted by the sound of approaching footsteps. My half-lidded eyes lazily scan his body. Despite my fatigue, his presence exudes strength, and I can¡¯t help but notice his woody, earthy scent wafting toward me. ¡°I just submitted it. God, I deserve a nap,¡± I remarked aloud, attempting to sidestep him. ¡°Where are you going?¡± He inquires, grabbing my arm to halt my retreat. I scratch my head, letting out a yawn. ¡°Trent, I don¡¯t have the energy to fight with you. I¡¯m going to sleep.¡± ¡°Come with me.¡± With that, he proceeds to guide me. At least, I sense no anger radiating from him. The journey to our destination is a blur, as I¡¯ve already begun to feel the weariness of my sleepless nights. ¡°Sit,¡± he instructs, and I suddenly become aware of our surroundings. Before me lies the tranquil waters of the pool, a serene sight. I obey and take a seat without questioning why he¡¯s brought me here. He joins me, and we both sit in contemplative silence, our gazes fixed on the calm water. Its gentle ripples have a soothing effect on my fatigue, and I gradually feel myself being drawn into a state of drowsiness. Just like that, my head droops and lean against his shoulder, the fatigue overwhelming me. *********************** SWIMMING POOL AREA Slowly, I begin to regain consciousness, finding myself stretched out on a bench. I crane my neck and groan as my muscles protest when I stretch. Supporting my head is a folded school-crested sweater, an unfamiliar one. The usual phoenix was accompanied by a single flame stitched to its side. ¡°Finally, You¡¯re awake¡± A voice startles me, and I gradually remember how I ended up here. Trent brought me to this spot, and a flush creeps onto my face as I recall that I¡¯d fallen asleep on his shoulder. I feel a strong presence, and despite my exhaustion, I¡¯m aware of his proximity. I thought you were avoiding me, Mr Trent I¡¯m too cool because I have pretty hair and nice spider veins arms ¡°Must¡¯ve been a nice dream if it¡¯s making you blush¡±. He chuckles, his lips quirking upwards. My response is swift as I hastily wipe away the grin from my face. His strides carry him closer to me, and I sense his formidable presence even through my weariness. His footsteps echo through the area as he approaches me. ¡°Are you crazy? I didn¡¯t have any dreams. I¡¯m... it¡¯s hot in here¡± It is quite warm here, now that I think about it. I was getting used to the constant cold. I shot out of the seat, staring at him with open eyes. Adrenaline pumps through my veins as he draws closer. The beating of my heart was so loud against my ribcage. Sweat forms across my forehead as I reach to wipe them away. ¡°I¡¯ll take a walk around the pool. To cool down and stuff¡± With shaky legs, I walked past him to the sidelines of the pool. Trent strode behind me until he was standing by my side. He glanced over at me but returned to look at the water. ¡°Much better now?¡± The soft husk in his tone almost made my knees buckle. Pushing my hair over my ear, I nod without taking my eyes off the water. I¡¯m glad his ability has nothing to do with heightened hearing. I feel the intense need to clear my throat, anything to feel the tension. Running my hands up my arm, I took short steps around the sidelines, a line of curbs between us and the pool edge. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what I said to you last time.¡± I explain, letting my gaze fall to the ground I was walking on. After my anger subsided, I felt guilty for my outburst. However, the busy week allowed for no time for me to properly apologize until now. ¡°...¡± At least, that¡¯s better than nothing. Expecting an apology back was a far stretch. So a grunt of acknowledgement would have to do. His steps mirrored mine as he maintained a close distance behind me. A childish thought came to my head. I stepped up to the curb and tried balancing on it. It was wide enough for one foot to occupy. In two strides, Trent was beside me. ¡°Not to be a pessimist or anything but this is stupid.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not stupid. See, I¡¯m being careful.¡± Taking wobbly steps, I tried to carefully walk on that. At that moment, I felt like a carefree child. Laughter flowed from me, my hands put to my sides, steadying myself. Trent¡¯s lips twitched upwards as he watched me. Out of nowhere, I miss a step and stumble into Trent. His reflexes kick in as his arms catch me around the waist. The sudden impact causes our lips to meet, and we both freeze in shock. His lips are on mine. We kissed. Like and Comment or Elise will get pushed into the pool in the next chapter. ************************** Closer and More GYM BUILDING SWIMMING POOL Elise POV My wide-open eyes lock onto his misty grey ones. Our gaze is unbroken. My lips are still pressed against his. The softness of his lips welcomed mine, a hint of mint in his breath. All my senses went into overdrive, feeling every part of him that was in contact with my skin. From our lips to the skin touching my nose, to my hands holding unto him for support. His warm skin heavily contrasted the cold emitted from my body, my emotions in shambles. Neither of us makes an effort to pull away, and it feels like an eternity in the moment. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to move your lips?¡± Trent¡¯s breathy words reach me, his hot breath brushing against my lips. I pull away quickly, my face burning with embarrassment. My eyes dart away, avoiding his intense gaze. My fingers unconsciously reach up to my lips, where the ghost of his touch still lingers. I can still feel his narrowed grey eyes, locked onto me without any intention of breaking away. He runs a hand through his white hair, a hint of uncertainty crossing his features. Trent lets out a sigh, ¡°Stupid, might as well do it properly¡± His voice drops to a whisper, and it¡¯s almost as if he¡¯s trying to convince himself of his choice. Without warning, he pulls me closer by the waist, pressing his hard chest against mine. My neck tilts upwards to meet his gaze, his thumb grazing my cheek. His eyes roam my face before settling on my parted lips, filled with desire. Hesitation was clear on his face, his eyes held internal conflict concerning his actions. I struggle to hold my breath; he¡¯s so close that I can see the grey streaks in his irises. My heart races, its pounding echoing in my ears. Composure seems impossible this close to him. Instinctively, my tongue wets my lips, and his eyes search mine for any sign of resistance. Finding none, he leans in, capturing my lips once more. Soft, warm, careful. I hold my breath for a moment, a whirlwind of thoughts racing through my mind. What am I doing? Why is Trent kissing me? Why do I want to kiss him back so badly? I push those thoughts aside, focusing on the person who holds me in his arms. My skin tingles with excitement, and his lips move slowly against mine. I melt into the kiss, and the once-comfortable hands pressed flat against his chest now run up to the curve of his neck, wrapping my arms around him. His palm moves to the side of my neck, deepening the kiss. Everything feels gentle and perfect. None of my times with Samuel could compare to this. The pressure of his hands on my waist burns through me, and my knees threaten to give way. I press myself closer, yearning for more. Closer, More. He senses my growing desire and pulls away. We both breathe heavily in the silent room, our bodies radiating heat. My arms fall from around his neck to rest back on his chest. ¡°I... uh... that was... hmm...¡± I breathe out incoherently. He looks back at me, and silence hangs between us. His arms leave my waist to slip into his pockets, and he takes a step back. His mask came back on, his guard raised. ¡°Use your words, Elise. We kissed. You liked it, didn¡¯t you?¡± he utters, more as a statement than a question. A cocky grin tells me he¡¯s toying with me. We¡¯ve just shared an intimate moment, and now he¡¯s testing my patience. Folding my arms across my chest, I scoff, ¡°You call that a kiss? I mean, I shouldn¡¯t have expected much from you, anyway.¡± Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Trent spots a knowing grin. He remains nonchalant, observing me with untroubled eyes, a smirk forming on his lips. ¡°Oh! Is that true now? I guess that moan must have come from somewhere else, then. I think I also remember a certain someone, pulling herself closer to¡ª¡± I cut him off abruptly, ¡°Fine! I liked it. Now shut up before I shut you up.¡± Leaning in closer, he whispers into my ear, ¡°I¡¯ll talk all day if those lips get to shut me up.¡± My jaw drops in surprise. The audacity of this man! I can¡¯t deny it stirs something in me, but I push that thought aside. ¡°It¡¯s lunchtime. I¡¯m leaving... Ice Princess¡± He strides out of the room. ¡°Trent! Ugh! This is not over! You will feel the icy wrath of Elise Redfox!¡± I scream after him, determined not to let him get the upper hand. Whatever game this is, I¡¯m going to play it and win. ****************************** DINING HALL AREA TOME¡¯S POV I scan the cafeteria, trying to locate his copper waves amidst the crowd. After a few glances, I finally spot him seated with the rest of the class, engaged in casual conversation with Awesome. I hesitate, not wanting to disrupt their interaction, but this is important. As Elise advised, I need to talk to him about how I feel. Summoning courage, I make my way to their table. ¡°Tome, you¡¯re here. We were looking for you earlier. You left the class in a rush.¡± Awesome observes, his curiosity piqued. He understands something is amiss from my silence and my focus on Sanya. ¡°I need to go meet Fancy for stuff. You guys settle whatever this is¡± Awesome tells Sanya as he pats her shoulder and walks away. After a moment of sitting in silence, Sanya gets up and gestures for me to follow him to a quieter spot. ****************** FIRE EXIT STAIRWAY, CLASSROOM 5 BUILDING Sanya rubs his hands together and sighs as we reach a secluded area. ¡°So, what¡¯s up? You look tense. Is everything okay? Okay, that¡¯s a stupid question. Everything doesn¡¯t look okay to me.¡± I purse my lips, contemplating where to start and what to say. Seeing my distressed state, Sanya takes my hands in his. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± I murmur, tears welling up in my eyes. The events of the past days replay in my mind, from Sarah discovering us making out to our public altercation in front of the entire school. I wish none of this had happened. ¡°Why are you sorry? You didn¡¯t do anything¡± ¡°I did! I did everything! This is all my fault. If I hadn¡¯t kissed you that night, you wouldn¡¯t be associated with someone like me. I¡¯m a disappointment, an anomaly. I¡¯ve tarnished your reputation and caused you pain. Because of me, everyone looks at you differently, and Sarah hates you. It¡¯s all my fault,¡± I confess, my voice breaking. I take a shaky breath, tears streaming down my cheeks. Every word weighs me down emotionally, and I feel a physical ache in my chest. Sanya¡¯s eyes closed for a brief second before he pried them open. They glossed over with sadness. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, Tome. Look at me! It is not your fault. I made this decision. If anyone should be blamed, it is me, not you. Sarah would just have to deal with it, whether she likes it or not.¡± My eyes moisten with tears, and Sanya¡¯s grip on my hands tightens. His pained expression reveals how he can¡¯t stand to see me cry. I look like a mess from crying. ¡°Hey hey, it¡¯s okay. You are perfect. You are not a disappointment. No one hates you, or us. They are happy for us, you know? Now, stop crying for me¡± His hands wipe away my tears, a small smile on his face. His eyes showed that he meant every word he said. While I was basking in the show of care, Elise¡¯s words came back to mind. I needed to talk to him about our status. ¡°Hmm... Can I ask you the same thing else?¡± ¡°Sure, anything.¡± I might as well just say it out. Shutting my eyes, I blurted out, ¡°I like you!... more than just friends¡± The last words came out as a whisper. After a second of silence, I opened my eyes to look at him. An emotion I couldn¡¯t make out flashed across his face briefly. Fresh tears fall down my cheeks. Feeling crushed, I try to walk away from him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I should go.¡± His hands stop me in my tracks, ¡°Wait! I- I like you too, more than just friends.¡± I searched his face frantically, hoping not to catch a lie. Instead, his honey-brown eyes glossed with happiness. My heart was giddy when Sanya looked at me with a shy smile. I struggled with the fact that my feelings were reciprocated. It seemed like a dream. I grab the back of his neck and pull him into a rough kiss. Although taken aback suddenly, he quickly fell into a rhythm. His two palms cupped my neck, pulling me closer. Our lips fought for dominance until I let him win. The feel of his warmth engulfing me in a possessive lock. The need to pull him closer and closer clouds my senses. He pulls away from me, his fingers raking the hair at the base of my head. The movement of our chests synchronized, our heavy breathing echoing in the room. His lips attack my neck, pulling ungodly noises out of me. He knows how sensitive my neck is as he sucks and bites it. He breaks the tension again with his cutting words. ¡°Now, tell me, Baby boy, what do you want me to do with you?¡± He smiles while my face is saddened. ¡°And use your word, clearly.¡± I wanted him now. Like and Comment or else, no smut for youuuu Flowers in Bloom ELISE¡¯S POV EN ROUTE TO THE DINING HALL ¡°Trent! I am not done talking. Stop walking away!¡± My voice pierced through the noisy cafeteria as I shouted after him. His retreating figure paid me no mind, and he continued walking without turning back. The cacophony of chattering students in the cafeteria drowned out my words, and I reluctantly gave up, sulking as I followed Trent. Upon reaching our designated tables, I spotted my classmates already seated. My sulking persisted as I took a seat beside Max. She briefly glanced at me from behind her book, shaking her head at my expression, before returning to her reading. Hannah, hand in hand with Senza, chatted animatedly as they strolled towards our table. She gesticulated wildly while Senza, quiet and composed, listened attentively, holding onto her cardigan. ¡°... I think it will go well. But I have to remember to put them in the right places. You know, picturesque. Such a big word! Talking about big words, I have so many specialized assignments to learn the scientific names of plants. Me and scientific names are a no-no. Why can¡¯t I just stick with the common names? Triangulare? And the plant isn¡¯t even a triangle! Why name it that?! These scientists need to do better¨C¡± ¡°Lily¡± Senza interjected softly amid her rant. ¡°Oh! Guys, you won¡¯t believe what I did today,¡± she chirped excitedly. Hannah sat down beside Bri, pulling Senza with her. He leaned back into his seat, arms draped over Hannah¡¯s seat and her cardigan on his thighs. ¡°Cherry Blossoms!¡± She announced, her hands spread out wide. A moment of confusion passed before we grasped her meaning. Noticing the puzzled expressions, she continued excitedly, ¡°As you all know, Valentine¡¯s Day is next week and I love Love. So... I decided to plant cherry blossom nurseries around the school. I¡¯ll speed up their growth and they¡¯ll bloom on the 14th! Isn¡¯t that so romantic? You are welcome.¡± Hannah concluded her statement with a dramatic bow. It was evident that she had taken it upon herself to play cupid and spread love throughout the school, evident by the blooming flowers interwoven with her braided fishtails. Hannah sought Senza¡¯s approval for her brilliant idea, and he rewarded her with a kiss on her crown, earning a wide smile from. Their affectionate display made me envious, though I couldn¡¯t deny their sweetness. They gazed at each other with adoration, a sight that elicited both swooning and nausea within me. Valentine¡¯s Day discussions began among our group as we contemplated our plans for the special day. With no lover in sight, I pondered how I would spend it, perhaps in bed or at the pool, practising my abilities. Before I could inquire about Max¡¯s plans, a tray of food appeared in front of me, interrupting my thoughts. ¡°I got it for you.¡± Recognizing the voice, my initial gratitude turned to annoyance. ¡°You!¡± I blurted out with a furrowed brow, initially attempting to decline his ¡°kind¡± gesture. Trent¡¯s commanding voice silenced my protests. ¡°Don¡¯t fight it. Just eat your food,¡± he ordered, taking the seat beside me. All I could do was grumble and call him offensive words under my breath. Noticing the slight banter between us, Max suppressed a laugh, her eyes peeking at the both of us from behind her book. All I could do was grumble and mutter under my breath, but I still picked up a fry and began eating. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder how he knew I enjoyed fries. Trent was usually indifferent during lunchtime, and his presence at our table was unusual. I pushed these thoughts aside and focused on a more pressing matter. ¡°Has anyone seen Tome?¡± I asked the group. My earlier conversation with Tome had left me concerned about his well-being. The group exchanged whispers as they attempted to recall when they had last seen him. No one seemed to know his whereabouts. ¡°I saw him with Sanya. I think they were heading towards the dorms. Why do you ask?¡± Awesome replied from the nearby table. Relief washed over me as I received his response. Perhaps Tome had chosen to confide in Sanya about his troubles. Although a part of me worried about their conversation, a different image intrusively flashed through my mind ¨C Tome and Sanya kissing. I quickly dismissed the thought and chastised myself for going there. ¡°Your emotions are leaking. Reel it in, princess,¡± Trent remarked nonchalantly, calling me out on my internal turmoil. I turned to him with narrowed eyes, my hand still covering my cheeks as I stared at him. Bri couldn¡¯t help but giggle at our exchange. ¡°Hannah, I think your cherry blossoms are starting to work their magic,¡± Bri teased playfully with a singing tone, prompting laughter from everyone. ¡°Bri!¡± I exclaimed, embarrassed by the sudden attention. Trent acted as if he were oblivious, concentrating on his meal. Max cleared her throat, hidden behind her book, before commenting, ¡°I undoubtedly saw that coming¡± ¡°Max! You are supposed to be my best friend. Don¡¯t join Bri to tease me.¡°, I protested, nudging her shoulder playfully. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Suddenly, a commotion erupted at the far end of the cafeteria, drawing our attention. A younger student stood on a table, his friends cheering him on. He cleared his throat and, with a loud voice, proclaimed, ¡°I¡¯d like to ask a special girl who brings life to my work and always makes me happy.¡± He turned to the girls at the adjacent table and continued, ¡°Tina, would you be my Valentine?¡± Cheers erupted from his friends, urging Tina to join him at the table. He guided her up with a gentle hand, and her response was met with enthusiastic applause. ¡°So, what do you say?¡°, he asked anxiously ¡°I would love that!¡± The atmosphere was filled with romantic vibes as Tina hugged her suitor. Swoons resound throughout the entire venue. I couldn¡¯t help but think how romantic it was, a stark contrast to my situation. The sight of their youthful love stirred conflicting emotions within me, and I found myself both yearning for their affection and wanting to escape their public display. ¡°Oh, young love! It must be nice. I¡¯m tryna get like you, my boy¡± Bri cries dramatically, brushing a fake tear away. Earning applause from a few people for her dramatics, she pops a strawberry-flavoured lollipop into her mouth. ¡°That was so romantic, wasn¡¯t it babe?¡± Hannah coos at the scenario, pouting towards Senza as she bats her eyelashes at him. With the kind of person Senza is, Hannah is never going to get that sort of public display of affection. Senza pulls her head to his chest and puts chicken nuggets in her mouth. She eats it in defeat. While watching the proposal, I unconsciously leaned into Trent, who feigned ignorance at their contact. His eyes watched my happy expressions, unknown to me. After a while of observing, he closed his eyes, drowning out the noises and concentrated on the feel of my cold skin against his sleeved arms. ¡°I do wonder how this year¡¯s valentines will be. Only a few of us are coupled up.¡± Fancy voices out from her table, involving us in the topic of discussion. Her lips pursed and her hands folded across her chest as she thought for a bit before continuing, ¡°The only official couples we have are, Hannah and Senza¡±, she points at them, ¡°Everyone else is just complicated. I could have said Sarah and Sanya but we all know how that ended.¡°, turning to Sarah, ¡°No offence Sarah¡± ¡°None taken. It¡¯s fine,¡± noticing worried eyes at her, Sarah assured us that it was fine. Fancy can be quite straight to the point, she isn¡¯t one to cut corners but she means well at the end of the day. ¡°And we can¡¯t say what is going on between Sanya and Tome. That¡¯s on probation. Who else am I missing?¡± Fancy looks around both tables trying to find anyone she missed out. Something caught her attention as confusion made its way to her face, ¡°Well, that¡¯s very strange. Trent, why are you on that table?¡± He slowly opened his eyes at the sound of his name. His hands still crossed across his chest, he coldly answered, ¡°Nothing¡± Not taking offence at his tone, Fancy shrugged and continued her previous train of thought. ¡°Samuel and Elise aren¡¯t together anymore, so that¡¯s out too.¡± At the mention of his name, his lips dipped into a sad smile. His eyes met mine and remorse flashed through them. I looked away from him quickly, now wasn¡¯t the time for emotional reminiscing. He opened his mouth to speak but I immediately cut him off, ¡°We were never together. So we didn¡¯t need to break up¡± My words came out a little sharper than I expected, startling Fancy a bit. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Elise. I didn¡¯t know.¡± She apologizes quickly, tucking her hair behind her ears. ¡°Hmm... yeah.¡°, I breathed out. My face held a strong facade, anything to show that I was okay and the words or look from Samuel did not get to me. My hands chipped at the nails placed on my thigh as they started to get colder, cold air leaking out. I tried rubbing them together to warm them up out of sight from others. I have been doing better in keeping my emotions under control, I can¡¯t afford to freeze something here in front of others mistakenly. A warm hand enveloped my icy hands startling me a bit. I tried pulling my hands out but they held me tighter. Trent still kept his eyes closed as his hands warmed mine. The heat of his hands warmed me physically and strangely, calmed my nerves. I could gradually feel control coming back to me. I slightly squeezed his hands in appreciation as I tried to release myself from his hold. Instead, he interlaced our hands to my surprise. ¡°Who wants to be my Valentine among you ladies?¡± Bri leans out of her chair, taking the lollipop out of her mouth. Her eyes scan through us for anyone willing to accept her request. ¡°Hannah? What do you say, flower girl? Wanna be the mi casa to my su casa?¡± Her eyebrows dance with mischief towards Hannah. Senza glares at her, pulling a giggling Hannah closer into his embrace for a kiss. One look at Senza and she withdraws in defeat. ¡°Ewww... I forfeit.¡± Her face frowns in disgust, muttering something like ¡®You didn¡¯t have to exchange saliva in front of me¡¯. Shaking that away, she turned to the twins at the second table, Priscy started, ¡°Not¡±. Debby completed, ¡°Happening¡±. The twins always completed each other¡¯s sentences. I heard it has something to do with their synchronization abilities. Despite being identical twins, little facial differences set them apart from one another. Even personality-wise, few characteristics set them apart from each other. Scrunching her lips, she slumped back into her seat with a defeated sigh. A new voice that I hadn¡¯t heard before spoke, ¡°I don¡¯t mind being your Valentine buddy, Fancy.¡± Everyone turned to the voice in shock. The tall, slim boy who spoke was sitting beside Samuel, quietly observing everyone until now. The speaker pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and nervously swallowed as he proceeded with his request. ¡°Do you mind that? I mean it¡¯s fine if you do mind. I¡¯m not forcing you or anything. Sorry, I put you in a weird position. Forget I said anything.¡± He ran his hands through his brown wolf cuts, pushing them away from his eyes as Fancy stared back with sceptical eyes at him. ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s do that. It could be fun.¡± She accepted with a shrug, before turning to her twin. Excel¡¯s face lit up in surprise and excitement at her response. He summoned the courage to ask her and it played off. ¡°Awesome, I guess I would be ditching you this year. Sorry.¡± Not even an ounce of apology was on her face, putting a smirk on Awesome¡¯s face. As I pondered my own, Trent and I remained connected beneath the table, his warm hand enveloping my cold one. This seemingly strange connection with him felt different from my past with Samuel, and it left me bewildered and scared. My confusion only deepened with Trent¡¯s interactions ¨C his contradictory behaviour towards me further clouded my emotions. The thought of spending that day with him crossed my mind but was quickly shut down. There was no logical reason he would ask me to be his Valentine. Why would that even come to my mind? He hates me. I needed to distance myself and prevent false feelings from forming. I released my hand from his grip, feeling the warmth disappear from my grasp. His eyebrow twitched slightly at our loss of contact, but he remained stoic. ¡°Not fair! Even Fancy gets someone to spend the day with and she isn¡¯t even the loving type,¡± Bri complains loudly, pointing at Fancy. Sophie¡¯s sudden arrival caught our attention, and her posture conveyed tension. She held a clipboard in one hand and smoothed her skirt with the other, her demure demeanour standing out among our rowdier group. Sophie scans the entire table before announcing, ¡°Guys, we need to head to the field now. We have been summoned by Sensai¡± ******************* Unexpected expected news CAFETERIA Elise POV ¡°Attention! This announcement is for all Year 5 students. Please report to the dome now. Thank you.¡± The intercom¡¯s voice echoed through the cafeteria, catching everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°And that is our cue to go now,¡± Sophie stated, her voice emphasizing the urgency. She turned on her heel, ready to leave, her clipboard clutched tightly to her chest. ¡°And no, I don¡¯t know why. Let¡¯s just go and find out¡± she sighed, her hands gesturing in resignation as she quickened her pace. Apprehension radiated from the hushed conversations at both tables. She sighed, her hands holding the clipboard to her chest as she took a quick step away. I could feel the apprehension radiate from both tables. Even the other years were conversing among themselves about the reason behind the announcement made. Quickly, we cleared our trays and followed Sophie out of the hall, heading straight for the dome. I had only been to the dome once since waking up from my coma and being summoned there didn¡¯t seem like a regular occurrence, judging by the tense expressions on everyone¡¯s faces. Even Bri, who was usually talkative, had grown unusually quiet since we left the cafeteria. ***************************** THE DOME Sophie waited at the entrance of the building, her posture tense as she counted the students to ensure we were all present. A fleeting frown crossed her face as she silently tallied the numbers. Sanya and Tome approached together, moving briskly from the direction of the dorms. All eyes turned toward them, and Sophie exhaled a sigh of relief. With everyone accounted for, we were now ready to proceed. I shot a quick wave to Tome, who responded with a shy but warm smile. ¡°Okay?¡± I mouthed, making an ¡®okay¡¯ sign with my fingers. He replied with a thumbs-up, and I felt relieved. At least, they were okay. That was one less thing to worry about. Sophie placed her hand on the scanner at the entrance. ¡°Welcome, Sophie Briggs,¡± the door announced before opening. We walked in, making our way down a long hallway until we reached the central room of the dome. Sensei stood in the corner of the room, his hands clasped behind his back as he gazed out of the glass-like walls. The older man exuded an air of dignity and authority. He turned toward us, dressed in his customary white kimono. ¡°Take a seat.¡± We shuffled toward the chairs that materialized from the floor and focused our attention on Sensei. He approached a tablet on a glass table next to the holographic board in front of us. We were seated in a semi-circle according to our classes: Class A on the left, Class C in the middle, and Class B on the right. ¡°It appears we are not missing anyone.¡± Sensei noted, giving Sophie an approving nod. Her face lit up at the recognition. Bri, seated next to her, nudged Sophie¡¯s side playfully, raising her eyebrows. Sophie rolled her eyes in response. ¡°Without further ado, let¡¯s get down to the business of today, shall we?¡± Sensei started, tapping on the tablet. The board projected a slide with a love theme, ¡°Valentine¡¯s Agenda¡± written on it. We exchanged confused looks, all wondering why such an important meeting was called to discuss Valentine¡¯s Day. Was this a super important meeting about Valentine¡¯s Day? For evident reasons, Hannah looked more eager than baffled. Her slim hands clasped under her chin, mouth agape in excitement, eyes fixated on the screen as ideas ran through her head. ¡°Valentine¡¯s Day is in a week and this year, we will be holding a ball. Midterms just ended and I think you all deserve a little fun.¡± Sensei announced with amusement in his voice. I forced a smile, tucking my hair behind my ears as I leaned back in my seat. Excitement was evident in our eyes. A ball? Like something out of a fairy tale? ¡°A committee will be created to oversee the execution of this event. I need someone to be in charge of this project.¡± Sensei continued, his gaze sweeping over the seated students, stopping briefly on a particular individual. Hannah¡¯s hand shot up enthusiastically. ¡°I volunteer!¡± she exclaimed. Sensei smiled, his deep eyes narrowing as he chuckled softly. ¡°Ever the energetic one. I was already planning on letting you handle it in the first place. However...¡± he turned to Fancy. ¡°Could you please be of assistance to Hannah? Thank you,¡± he added, and Fancy accepted the task with a bow. The screen on the holographic board changed to a slide titled ¡°End of Term Examinations.¡± The room grew more serious as we read what was displayed. ¡°As you can recall, the mid-term tests were group-based research, completely theoretical. However, this term¡¯s examination will be in two forms. The first is a written test on all of your general classes. The second, though, will be a practical exercise. This will be an individual exercise to evaluate how well your abilities have advanced.¡± Sensei explained. He noted the worried looks on our faces when he mentioned the practical exercise and quickly reassured us. ¡°I understand that every one of you has different skills and you all won¡¯t progress at the same speed. Therefore, the practical exercise will only be to assess your ability¡¯s progress. It will not count towards your grades.¡± His words brought a collective sigh of relief from the students. The screen now displayed ¡°Year 4,¡± which caught our attention. Our class didn¡¯t usually interact much with other years, as we were preoccupied with classes and honing our abilities. The sudden mention of Year 4 left us intrigued. Between classes and levelling our abilities, we barely have time for sleep. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Finally, most of you here woke up with your unlocked abilities.¡± Sensei continued. ¡°I am not sure if you have noticed but all the years below you don¡¯t display abilities.¡± This revelation left many of us in awe. How had we not noticed such a crucial detail? Sophie¡¯s face, in particular, bore an unamused look. ¡°Well, it seems like most of you didn¡¯t know. Nevertheless, their abilities are still locked because they are not stable enough to control them. Presently. they have talents that stand out. These talents will be what will manifest as abilities. They are aware that they have abilities but can¡¯t tap into them yet. That is where you all come in.¡± He takes short strides away from the tablet and stands in front of the board. He explained that their abilities would be unlocked during their final exam of the term. Each of us would serve as a mentor to junior students with similar abilities as ours. Sensai held our gaze, his brow raising in question. ¡°I want to trust that you all can handle this little task.¡± I internally scoffed at the words he used to undermine the situation. Little. Building the foundation of these kids¡¯ abilities is going to be anything but little. Sensei held our gaze, his raised eyebrow prompting a chorus of reassurances from us. ¡°Yes Sensai¡± Looking around at the students nearby, I noticed the reactions. Bri wore a rare serious expression, and Hannah remained her usual cheerful self, seemingly unaffected by the pressure. As I looked around, I couldn¡¯t help but observe the affectionate interactions between some of the students. It was heartwarming to see. Looking around at the students nearby, I noticed the reactions. Bri wore a rare serious expression, and Hannah remained her usual cheerful self, seemingly unaffected by the pressure. Or so I thought. I almost didn¡¯t catch it, hidden away by the side of her chair, her hand reached out behind to clutch tightly to Senza¡¯s index finger. I didn¡¯t want to overthink it but, I could feel anxiety wash through me. Sensei clasped his hands in front of him as he concluded, ¡°That will be all for now. Hannah, Fancy, I expect a proposal for all the ball¡¯s activities by Thursday. You have four days to brainstorm, which should be ample time.¡± ¡°Yes, sir,¡± they replied in unison. ¡°Good. Don¡¯t forget everything we¡¯ve discussed today. Any additional information will be conveyed through Sophie. Have a good day, and you are dismissed.¡± With that, Sensei walked away from us through an automated door to our left. We heaved sighs of relief at his departure. He had a way of keeping us on edge, with his powerful presence and commanding demeanor. ¡°I know you all are edgy because of the whole year 4 situation. I don¡¯t even need my ability to know that¡±, Sophie remarked, shaking her head. ¡°However, let¡¯s not think too deeply about it yet. I mean it, it isn¡¯t till the end of the semester. So, let¡¯s focus on more pressing matters now. Hannah?¡± Her words rang true. We could worry about Year 4 and their unlocked abilities when the time came. Times like these reminded me of why Sophie had been chosen as class president. She may seem aloof and overly inquisitive, but she got things done and had a way with words. It must be from all the peeking around in our thoughts. ¡°Yes! Aye aye, Madam President!¡± Hannah playfully responded with a salute, shooting out of her seat. Sophie scoffed, rolling her eyes as she facepalmed, and Bri seemed to be thoroughly amused. ¡°Stop this nonsense, both of you,¡± Sophie scolded playfully. ¡°For the love of God, Bridget, it¡¯s your fault. Hannah, don¡¯t listen to Bri.¡± Excusing myself from the impending squabble, I rushed to Tome¡¯s side. A thumbs-up wasn¡¯t enough to convey the importance of his well-being. He stood in front of Sanya, his back to me, engaged in hushed whispers with her. I observed their interaction, watching closely as the copper-haired boy said something that earned a blush and a playful arm punch from Tome. I felt a swell of pride as I witnessed their close connection. Sanya¡¯s eyes met mine, and Tome noticed him looking in my direction. Turning toward me, he wore a gentle smile that lit up his eyes. Turning towards me, my eyes almost missed the light bruise hidden behind his collar. A sly grin graced my lips as I kept staring at his almost exposed neck. A string of coughs broke my concentration. ¡°I can see you two have been busy. Talking and other extracurricular activities, right Tome?¡± My eyes constricted in suspicion. Tome opened and shut his mouth as no sounds came out to stand up for himself. I was definitely having fun teasing him. ¡°Elise, stop picking on my boyfriend.¡± My lips parted in surprise. Sanya pulled the smaller boy into his arms, who responded with a shy smack, trying to pry himself out of Sanya¡¯s arms. ¡°Stop, people are looking.¡± He continues his mission of escape, looking around for anyone staring at them. But Sanya just pulled him in tighter. ¡°You both are disgustingly cute. If you would excuse me, I¡¯m going to throw up now.¡± I held my hair back and fake puked, laughing at their interaction. Max appears beside me, her book tucked away under her arm. ¡°I¡¯m happy for both of you. Elise, stop bullying them.¡± ¡°Max, I think the cancer of loneliness is taking me away. Catch me, as I perish in my singularity. Dramatically, I collapse into Max¡¯s arms, my palm resting on my forehead. ¡°Woe is me.¡± I cry out earning laughter from the three. The sound of their chuckle caught the attention of others. ¡°You are even more theatrical than Bri and that¡¯s saying a lot.¡± Max says, shoving me out of her arms, and putting herself in order. Maybe I should stop reading the historical books in Max¡¯s library. ¡°Why am I hearing my name in this conversation? I didn¡¯t do anything, I promise.¡± Bri looked around in puzzlement, hands up in innocence. ¡°Can I have everyone¡¯s attention?¡°, Fancy¡¯s mellow voice called out. ¡°Hannah, Sophie and I have been discussing and we would love you all to help in this project assigned to us. The first step is...¡± She stopped, motioning for Hannah to continue. ¡°Everyone needs a date for the ball. There is no specification for gender pairing. Isn¡¯t that grand?¡± She chirped merrily, looking at us for a reaction. ¡°That being said, we will put together everything needed for the ball. If you have any ideas, see either of us. Also, we might need your abilities during planning.¡± A date? Max! That¡¯s my best option. I looked around to check on Max, expecting to see her by my side. I was so sure she was right beside me, where did she vanish to? However, I was met with an unexpected scene: An evil grin on Bri¡¯s face as she locked arms with Max, who had been my target. My mouth fell agape at the betrayal, as she stuck her tongue out at me, still holding on to the emotionless Max. I couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of hurt. It seemed I was now without a date for the ball. I grumbled, dipping into the nearest chair in defeat, away from the crowd. The thought of being alone at the event left a feeling of emptiness in my heart. I found a secluded seat and looked around as people chitchatted and paired themselves up. ¡°Brooding alone, I see?¡± a familiar voice chimed in. I groaned, rubbing my temples with my thumb and forefinger. I wasn¡¯t in the mood for Trent and his often hostile energy. Conflicted between the butterflies his presence brought and my annoyance at his words, I attempted to shoo him away. ¡°I would rather be alone. Can you not make me feel worse?¡± I responded, hoping he¡¯d get the hint. Instead, he leaned against the wall next to me. The abstract black ink on his lightly tanned arms peeked out from his rolled-up sleeves, revealing a myriad of tattoos. I raised an eyebrow at him, aware that my intense gaze was likely making him uncomfortable. After a few moments, Trent pushed off the wall and turned to face me. He leaned against it again, and a hint of mischief danced in his eyes as he locked onto mine. Placing his palm on the wall, he glanced down to meet my crystal blue eyes. ¡°Trent, we are in public.¡± I whispered in panic. Our proximity could be easily misinterpreted if someone saw us. Our closeness threw my thoughts into a frenzy. However, he didn¡¯t move away. His gaze remained locked with mine, his expression pensive. He tilted his head slightly to the side and pursed his lips. Letting out a sigh, he leaned away and stuffed his hands into his pockets. ¡°The Ball... come with me,¡± he said, his words coming as a shock. My eyes widened in surprise. Trent, the boy who usually couldn¡¯t stand me, had just asked me to be his date for the ball. No way! ****************************** Two by Two MEETING ROOM, THE DOME Third Person¡¯s POV Elise¡¯s wide-eyed stare bore into Trent, his words echoing through her mind like a never-ending reverberation. Each message weighed heavily on her, every cell in her brain working overtime to process the magnitude of his words. The Ball... come with me... with me... me... the ball... Elise couldn¡¯t help but be entranced by the enigmatic allure of his words, and her thoughts swirled in a whirlwind of confusion. ¡°Guys, wait. One last thing before we leave.¡°, Fancy¡¯s melodic voice broke the deafening silence that had settled in the room, her words like a refreshing breeze amidst the chaos of Elise¡¯s thoughts. The students gathered around Fancy, forming an irregular circle. Some stood, others chose to sit, and their anticipation was palpable. Hannah and Sophie flanked Fancy, their presence adding to the aura of the moment. Bri and Max exchanged a suspicious look, their eyes narrowing as they observed the winter-haired figures engrossed in a mysterious conversation. The unspoken question hung in the air, and Bri attempted to step forward, eager to clarify her suspicions. But a restraining hand from the bespectacled girl stopped her in her tracks. Max simply shook her head, conveying that this was not the right moment to bombard them with questions. Fancy¡¯s voice cut through the tension as she said, ¡°I just want to get down the names of those that already have a set pair. Okay?¡± Her fingers danced across a black mini tablet with the school¡¯s emblem, nestled securely on her arm. Elise glanced nervously at the stoic young man seated a row behind her. His closed eyes and nonchalant demeanour suggested indifference to the proceedings. ¡°I¡¯ll start with the fixed pairs. If you have also found a partner, just indicate.¡± The room remained silent, and Fancy took this as her cue to proceed. ¡°I¡¯ll start with Excel and myself...¡± The mere mention of his name elicited a faint blush across his freckled porcelain skin. Fancy continued, typing away on the tablet, clueless to the reaction she incited from him. ¡°Then, Hannah and Senza¡± Hannah cheekily winked at her stone-faced boyfriend, while he responded with a steady, unflinching gaze. Bri feigned mock disgust at their antics. ¡°Finally, Sophie and Pelz¡± Fancy paused and scanned the room. ¡°Hmm... is there anyone else?¡± Bri, leaning on the seat in front of her, ran her fingers through her layered strands before indicating herself and Max to the audience. Fancy warned, ¡°Bri if you want to crack a joke, don¡¯t.¡± Playing along, slipping a hand into her trousers¡¯ pocket, Bri clutched her chest in mock dismay, ¡°Ouch! I am utterly offended, Miss Vice President. Regardless, Max and I will be going as a pair.¡± Hannah rushed to take a seat beside Max, her face etched with suspicion. Max, on the other hand, seemed utterly unfazed, her arms crossed as she held her book on her lap. ¡°Eh... I don¡¯t believe it. There is no way. Bri, did you force her? Max, blink twice if you are being threatened¡± Hannah playfully inquired, reaching out and holding Max¡¯s hands, hoping for reassurance. But the disbelief was etched on her face. Max¡¯s unimpressed expression validated Bri¡¯s claim, leaving Elise and her best friend perplexed. They found it hard to believe that Max would succumb to Bri¡¯s persuasion. In the end, the girl with glasses stepped in, breaking the silence. ¡°Sophie, write down mine and Bridget¡¯s names.¡± With that, she freed her arm from Hannah¡¯s tight grip and returned to her book. ¡°Max! Don¡¯t go with her. Not fair¡±, Hannah sulked, returning to her original seat in front. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. The whole class was taken aback by Max¡¯s affirmation of Bri¡¯s truth. A crafty smirk pushed its way to Bri¡¯s lips as she slipped into the seat beside the reading girl. ¡°Oh... Max and Bri-Bri sitting on the tree¡±, Elise sang teasingly at the two. Bri boldly relaxed her arm on the back of Max¡¯s seat, trying to lay her head on the said girl¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Don¡¯t even consider it,¡± Max precautioned, not taking her eyes off her book. Max and Bri¡¯s playful interaction drew a laugh from Elise, who couldn¡¯t help but find their banter endearing. ¡°That was new... who else would like to surprise us?¡± Fancy raised a question to the class in front of her. ¡°Pricy and Debby,¡± the twins chimed in simultaneously, concluding with a synchronized, ¡°Will be going together.¡± ¡°It makes sense for the twins to go as a pair,¡± Fancy whispered to herself as she documented their choice. In a corner of the room, a visibly uneasy and fidgety Tome was consoled by Sanya. Sanya shared his intent to declare their partnership, explaining that he wasn¡¯t embarrassed about their relationship, just anxious about how others would react. After some internal debate, Tome gave a nod of consent. Sanya placed a comforting hand on Tome¡¯s shoulder, a source of courage for one and solace for the other. He confidently declared, ¡°Sanya and Tome.¡± Tome¡¯s head remained bowed, fearful of the crowd¡¯s reaction. His balled-up fists dug into his skin, leaving indents. The weight of all eyes on him was palpable, and his breath grew uneven. Tears threatened to spill from his tightly shut eyes. Fancy smiled warmly at the two boys and said, ¡°Took you two long enough. I didn¡¯t want to assume and mention your names earlier. I¡¯m glad you are telling us.¡± The distressed boy felt a familiar hand gently lift his chin. His tearful eyes met the reassuring gaze of Sanya, who whispered encouraging words. He was momentarily lost in Sanya¡¯s presence, and the warmth of the taller boy¡¯s thumb brushing away a stray tear melted his anxiety away. ¡°Why is my strong boy crying? Now, give me a smile or I¡¯ll have Bri force it out of you¡± ¡°I would be delighted to do that. I haven¡¯t teased anyone all day¡±. Letting out a gasp, she exclaims, ¡°President-Nurse Sophie, I think I have a disease. Do you think it is deadly?¡± Sophie sighs in frustration at her words, unable to give a reasonable response. ¡°Must be all the love in the atmosphere¡±, Bri mentions while pinching her nose shut, her loose tie hanging off her neck. As everyone, even Tome laughs at Bri¡¯s silly antics, one red-haired student looks not too pleased. Sarah found it hard to suddenly be happy for the new couple. She rolled her eyes, her long, slim legs crossed at knee level, wishing she could be anywhere else. The power of the dome stops her emotions from manifesting through the weather. Just then, someone extended their hand. ¡°Samuel, you have something to say?¡± Fancy asked objectively. At the mention of his name, Elise felt cold sweat wash over her. Let¡¯s not assume. He might want to say something else. There is no way he would call my name. We haven¡¯t spoken for weeks. Chewing on her lower lips in concern, the girl in grey fish braids tried to calm her nerves. There is no way. The teleporter rose to his feet, turning to look at Elise. Elise scowled her face in frustration as she anticipated the words he was about to say. ¡°I just wanted to ask...¡°, he began before being interrupted. ¡°Trent and Elise¡± His deep, tired voice boomed, leaving everyone in a state of utter astonishment at the revelation. Elise couldn¡¯t help but want to facepalm herself, feeling the embarrassment of the moment wash over her. Breaking the awkward silence with a cough, she tried to steer the conversation back on track, saying, ¡°Okay... this has been... Hmmm... Oh, Samuel! You were about to say something.¡± She recalled, gesturing for him to speak. He quickly took his seat, mumbling a quick ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± However, beneath his apparent calmness, his face concealed streaks of anger tinged with sadness. Regret gnawed at him as he recalled the times Elise had been by his side. The thought of someone else claiming her as their own infuriated him, but he kept his emotions in check. This time I will do my best for you, My Elise. Soon, you will be mine again. ¡°Would that be all?¡± Fancy asked after a long pause of silence. After a moment of hesitation, she turned to Sophie to conclude the meeting. ¡°The rest that is unpaired can decide on partners from other years or couple yourselves later. With all said and done, let¡¯s all make our way out of the dome.¡± She led the way out, Fancy by her side. Tucking loose strands behind her ear, she muttered to herself, ¡°The silence in my head is giving me a headache. I couldn¡¯t hear a single thought¡±. She led the way out, with Fancy at her side. Elise squeezed her way in between Max and Bri, locking arms with each girl. Hannah hooked her arm around Senza¡¯s waist, animatedly discussing her plans and strategies. Trent strolled lazily behind the group, his cold, narrowed eyes looking ahead. ***************************** SENSEI¡¯S OFFICE, THE DOME The head of the school, lifting his head from the paperwork spread across his table, listened as the students strolled out of the room. Oblivious to the year 5 students, every nook and cranny of the institution is under 24/7 CCTV surveillance, which can be viewed and heard in Sensei¡¯s office. This comprises the meeting room just utilized. An amused smile appeared on the man¡¯s face as he observed the ongoing drama going on in the opposite room, through the screen. ¡°I want to assume things are about to get intriguing this year¡± With a brisk shake of the head, he returned to the documents at hand. Like, Vote and Leave a comment or else, I will send Sarah¡¯s thunder to you. I know where you live... *********************** Barbies dancing princesses HUMAN ANATOMY CLASS, 3RD PERIOD YEAR 5 CONFERENCE HALL ¡°Every muscle in the upper limb has its distinctive location and function. No matter how small and unimportant, it is there for a reason,¡± the petite lady expressed, pacing gracefully in front of the class, hands clasped behind her back. Her soft voice hung in the air, luring every pair of eyes to her presence. Like clockwork, the presentation display changed to reveal a detailed diagram of leg muscles. Stopping in her tracks, Miss Namtan, the human anatomy teacher, angled herself towards the class, a glimmer of enthusiasm in her hazelnut eyes, and posed a question. ¡°Looking carefully at the image in front of you, who can tell me the muscles that the Achilles tendon binds to the heel bone¡± Without taking her eyes off the ¡°Othello¡± book she was reading, Max held up her hand instantly, her fingers gracefully rising through the air as she announced, ¡°Gastrocnemius, Soleus and Plantaris muscles.¡± ¡°That is correct, Maxine¡±, Miss Namtan acknowledged, her eyes twinkling in approval. ¡°However, I would prefer you pay attention even if you know everything about this topic¡± The mild scolding got Max to drop the book in her possession, her eyes locking onto the teacher with unwavering focus. The 5¡ä4 petite lady was not overly strict with her students, but she required utmost concentration during her classes. ¡°A quick swipe severing this tendon can render one immobile¡±, she gestured with the pointer in her hand, which was adorned with silver rings that jingled softly. Her style has always been Bohemian, yet she preferred to keep her chestnut-coloured hair in a high bun, revealing her slender neck. ¡°Every one of you requires muscles to go about daily activities, even when using your abilities. However, some would rely more on physical strength than others. Still, the knowledge of this class is very important.¡± Folding her hands in front of her, the hazelnut eyes scanned the room, and the teacher gave a side grin before continuing. ¡°That reminds me, I know this might be coming too soon but I will let you in on areas you should focus on for your exams, about this subject¡± Everyone¡¯s ears perked up at the disclosure, eyes widened in expectancy. Just as the freckle-faced lady was about to speak further, the bells went off, implying the end of that period. A collective groan erupted from the students, a chorus of disappointment. ¡°Oh my! Where has the time gone?¡± Checking her nonexistent watch quickly, she added, ¡°That¡¯s the conclusion of class for today. We will continue from here in the next class.¡± The teacher braced her tablet in her arms and made her way out of the room, her stilettos clicking behind her. ****************************************** ¡°We almost had it. We were this close, guys. This close! Now we¡¯ll never know what to read for anatomy¡±, the ginger-haired girl wailed out dramatically. ¡°Bri, stop being melodramatic. I can just ask Miss. Namtan next class¡±, Sophie shook her head, her graceful movements reflecting her calm demeanour as she cleared her desk. Taking her hands off her face, Bridget turned to the class president in realization, ¡°Oh! That¡¯s true. You are a lifesaver, Madam President.¡± ¡°Bridget, I told you to stop calling me that,¡± Sophie said with a strained smile. ¡°Sorry, your Excellency¡± Giving up on arguing with Bri, the brunette pulled out her tablet and turned her focus to it. Her headphones were placed over her ears, blocking her out from the outside world. ¡°Sophie, I suggest you block your thoughts in 3, 2, 1¡± A loud voice cut through the air, and the culprit posed curtly on her desk. As usual, her school sweater was nowhere to be found, her blond locks pulled back into a messy ponytail, and her plaid skirt fell gracefully over her slim crossed legs. "Girl¡¯s Meeting!!! Code Red!!!¡± The alarm left both male and female students confounded. Sophie massages her forehead in frustration, taking off her headphones. While Fancy rushes to her feet to diffuse the situation. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that. What Hannah is trying to say is Could the boys please excuse us, we would like to speak to the girls about something¡±, Fancy politely implores the boys Questioning but complacent, the boys strolled out of the classroom as the girls settled into one group. ¡°I want to apologize once again for this impromptu meeting and also Hannah¡¯s behaviour earlier¡±, the gentle girl said, giving Hannah eye signals to apologize. ¡°What! I didn¡¯t do anything wrong, did I?¡°, the blond girl defended herself with a pout. ¡°Anyways, why we are gathered here is to talk about a few things. Hannah?¡± As quickly as the pout came, the mention of her name ignited joy in her. ¡°Yes! First things, first before we get into certain gossip¡±, glancing at Bri and Max, ¡°Dresses!¡°, she shouted excitedly, giving a few twirls. ¡°Dresses?¡°, Sarah raised an eyebrow. ¡°Yes, my weather forecaster. Dresses! There is no ball without pretty dresses. I can already imagine mine, embroidered with flowers. Oh! I wonder what blossom I should go with or what colour I should choose. The baby breathes would go great with blue but daisies and yellow¨C¡± A cough interrupted her rambling. Seeing their blank faces gazing at her, she quickly gave a shy apology. ¡°Hehe. Sorry. About the dresses, because the ball is so close, we all need to get our colour and designs to the dressmakers today¡± ¡°But that is too soon, Hannah. Right guys?¡°, Elise¡¯s remark sparked agreement from the girls. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about the short notice guys. This is due to the number of dresses needed to be made and also to allow room for any form of adjustments¡±, Sophie tried to make us see the reasons why. With no other option, we all agreed on the issue. ¡°We decided to go with an antique theme. All forms of aesthetic decorations will be guided by Hannah. Hannah, please, don¡¯t overdo it with the flowers. The technical and other aspects will be directed by Fancy and I. Elise?¡± ¡°Yes?¡°. Elise answered, sorting her books behind her desk. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°You will help coordinate the Ice sculptures and beverages.¡± ¡°Human freezer? Got it, Mrs President ma¡¯am¡±, Elise teased, earning a high five from Bri. "Bri, you are getting more minions under your belt¡±, Sophie murmured under her breath. ¡°Moving on, Sarah will be in charge of the weather. These were Hannah¡¯s words, not mine by the way.¡± ¡°Blondie, you are lucky I have been taking yoga lately¡±, the tall girl threatened, and a rumble of thunder sounded. ¡°Proceeding before anyone gets struck down by lightning, for any technical or electrical requests, see Pelz and Tome. If you can help in any way, don¡¯t forget to see us. That¡¯s all for now?¡°, the brunette questioned turning to Fancy for any extra input. ¡°Yes, that would be all¡±, Fancy confirmed. ¡°We have to go prepare now but don¡¯t forget to send in your dress ideas and colour. Hannah, I need the list of flowers you want to grow. It needs to match the theme¡± Sophie said as she continued to work on her tablet. Just as she requested, a green vine made its way out of Hannah¡¯s hair, wrapping around her arm. Different flowers bloomed along the vine as Hannah explained each one to Sophie, while Fancy observed diligently. A knock was heard at the door, and Elise¡¯s voice invited the boys back into the classroom. ****************************************** ¡°Is it safe to come in now?¡± A few shadows appeared behind the door of the classroom. The boys were hoping to go back to the room. ¡°Yeah, you guys can come in.¡± With that comment, the boys trooped in to mingle with the ladies and a symphony of voices followed. Tome, followed closely by Sanya, strolled over to Elise and her group of friends, taking a seat in front of the grey-haired girl. Tome seemed to melt into the chair, listening intently to the girls¡¯ conversation. ¡°Tome, you know it¡¯s wrong to eavesdrop¡±, Sanya chided, his voice clear and loud. From his seating position on the desk behind the smaller boy, Sanya reached forward and ruffled his hair. The gesture earned a scrawl and blush of pink from Tome. ¡°Stop, you¡¯ll mess up my hair. Don¡¯t tell me you are not even a bit interested in what they secretly talked about¡±. Tome looked at his partner, who seemed unfazed and couldn¡¯t help but wonder what the girls were discussing. ¡°We spoke about Boob. Big, gigantic, jiggly breasts. Soft like a cloud¨C¡± ¡°Bri!¡± Sanya¡¯s palms blanketed the ears of the awe-struck boy from listening further. ¡°Jesus, Bridget! Do you want to kill the boy? He is almost as red as Sarah¡¯s hair¡± Elise turned to the traumatized boy and softly said, ¡°We definitely didn¡¯t say that, we talked about the party coming up. You know how this big-headed girl can be.¡± ¡°Maybe we didn¡¯t talk about it, but I thought about it¡±, Bri held a wicked grin on her face, her tone, naughty. ¡°Inside thoughts, Bri. Inside thoughts¡±, Even quiet Max had to leave a low-toned remark from behind her book. Max, you know it is not too late to get a new partner. ¡°Not to pry or anything, but... what are your plans for the special day coming?¡± Elise wriggled her brows at the lovebirds sitting close to her. Elise took it upon herself to change the subject of discussion. Maybe it will calm Tome down a little, or not. Judging by the speechless look and bright ears of the younger boy, it was surely the latter. Sanya and Tome exchanged glances. Sanya leaned in close and responded, smoothing out the strand on Tome¡¯s head, ¡°Let¡¯s just say, it will be an eventful day for me and my baby boy.¡± He sealed his words with a sniff kiss on the cheek. ¡°Hey hey! No PDA in class. Respect our eyes¡±, Bridget, the self-proclaimed ¡°PDA police,¡± intervened, causing a collective chuckle among the students. To which Sanya buried a peck on his partner¡¯s lips instead. The whole time, Elise observed them giggling at their antics. Even Max cracked a small smile from behind her book. Despite the playful atmosphere, Elise felt eyes on her, and her gaze met Samuel¡¯s across the room. Their eyes locked, creating a silent connection that held her captive. For what felt like minutes, they sustained eye contact until a body obstructed the grey-haired girl¡¯s vision. Hesitating briefly, a pair of warm hands turned her head away, and Elise was pulled from her trance. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you¡±, she mumbled, the irritation evident in her voice. The source of her irritation, Trent, settled into the seat beside her, making himself comfortable as if it were a couch at home. His closed eyes were half-hidden behind a curtain of white, messy hair. A unique sight, his attire featured a sleeveless cardigan over his uniform shirt with the tie peeking out. She was not used to seeing him so put together. As her eyes traced the patterns of the tattoo under his rolled-up sleeves, Elise couldn¡¯t help but find Trent attractive, despite his often perplexing attitude. Meanwhile, Max pausing her book, caught how Elise stared intensely at the zoned-out Trent. Amid Max¡¯s interrupted reading, she suddenly felt a hand brushing against her thigh. For a moment, she considered it a figment of her imagination. However, the hand rested firmly on her thigh, making it clear that this was no accident. Even while observing, the lone hand that mistakenly fell on her thighs didn¡¯t catch her by surprise. Only one pixie head would be daring enough to do that. As the hand moved along the side of her thigh, a wave of confusion washed over her. She tried to follow along with the conversation, but the gentle caresses from the hand left her mentally adrift. Slowly, the wandering hand crept along the sides of her skirt. The owner of the hand in question kept a nonaligned face on as she poked fun at the male couple in front of her. Just before the hand reached her skin, Max dropped her book, effectively halting its advance. Bri quickly withdrew her hand, placing it on the desk in front of her and offering a playful smile, pretending it was all in jest. Engrossed in tracing the veins on his arm, Elise found herself lost in thoughts about the feelings he stirred in her. Why did he make her heart flutter so? Elise didn¡¯t notice the now cognizant Trent had leaned into her space, ¡°Princess, if you want these arms around you, all you need to do is ask¡±, Trent¡¯s woody voice whispers. His breath fanned the startled girl¡¯s ear, a stray curl brushing his pointed nose. Vanilla with a hint of the ocean breeze. Coconut oil? ¡°Shut up. You... In your dreams. I wasn¡¯t staring at you or anything,¡± Elise rambled frantically, firing glares at the stoic male. Oak...Rapeseed...Honey. A small smirk flickered on Trent¡¯s face as he watched the petite girl panic. He couldn¡¯t pinpoint when precisely it started but he felt the need to push her buttons. Anything to work a reaction out of her.Childish, but adorable. Close friends before the accident but the space of four years caused a rift in their relationship. Why do I feel this way around you? Why is he making my heart flutter? Elise¡¯s eyes were drawn to Trent, who was still gazing at her. Their eyes locked, and she couldn¡¯t help but let her gaze drop to his lips. The memory of their kiss flashed in her mind, causing her to choke on her breath and start coughing. ¡°Elise, are you okay? Do you need water?¡± Hannah asked, rushing to Elise¡¯s side, with Senza following. ¡°I¡¯m...cough... fine cough. I just choked on my... hmm...cough... breath¡± Between coughs, Elise assured a concerned Hannah that it wasn¡¯t serious, just a momentary hiccup, just before the girl attempted to sprint off in search of water. Shooting the fire user beside her a mean stink eye, This is your fault, making me feel things. Trent just shrugged lazily, concealing a small, secretive smile. She teased, ¡°Do you think they...¡± ¡°They could have...¡°, the girl on pixie-cut complimented. A shy voice asked, feeling left out. ¡°Could have what?¡± ¡°This is not for your innocent ears, Tome¡± Mischief was evident in both their words and expressions as they goggled at Elise and Trent. Bri and her blond minion were certainly up to no good. ¡°Whatever you are assuming, stop. It did not happen and it never is going to. Kill that thought right now, you two¡± Communicating an agreed look, they chorused at the exact time, ¡°They absolutely did¡± ¡°Bridget! Hannah!¡± ¡°San, what are they talking about?¡°, Tome cooed to his partner behind him. Despite seeing the pout on the younger boy¡¯s lips, Sanya just ruffled his hair and dismissed him. The copper-haired boy found himself staring at the pouty lips. Those pretty lips would look even better around my ¡ª-.Shutting out the racy thoughts, the tie around his neck seemed a bit tighter as he eased the grip. You are lucky we are in public, baby boy or else I would have wiped that pout off your face. The boy in question, oblivious to his partner¡¯s thoughts, still sulking about being kept in the dark. The playful teasing continued, with Bri and Hannah making suggestive comments. But Elise was more interested in the man who had been occupying her thoughts. Bri was busy listening in on Hannah when she felt a hand brush her pants. For a brief second, she assumed it was a play of her imagination. Until she felt the hand rest firmly on her thigh. ¡°I was thinking of planting more cherry blossoms. There can never be too much pollen. Pink is the theme colour for the day. We agreed that red might be too ¡°in your face¡±, you know...¡± From the corner of her eyes, the owner of the hand was still focused on the book held in her other hand. Maybe her hand fell on me by mistake. Then, a quick squeeze.Most definitely not a mistake! The slim palm caressed around a spot as Bri tried, and failed, to follow along with Hannah¡¯s ramblings. Gradually, painstakingly slowly, the slender fingers crept along the sides of her thighs, drawing grazing strokes. Max, what is this? Why are you torturing me? Bri could feel her brain fog up, unable to keep up with the surrounding discussion. All her senses focused on the lingering touches left on her legs. Like Vote and Leave a comment or else, Bri will give a 1-hour presentation on the beauty of boobies. *********************** Experiments and Trials YEAR 5 CONFERENCE HALL As sudden as the touches arrived, they left, leaving just lingering tingles in remembrance. Bri was still trying to recuperate from the almost spaced-out she just felt, eyes glued to her thigh, formerly occupied by slender fingers. Max snapped the book shut, giving notice to everyone in the group. Collecting herself, she rose to her feet and spoke, ¡°If you would excuse me, I have to get this book back to the library.¡± Glancing at Bri, her eyes conveying; follow me. In an attempt to follow the brunette, Elise signified, ¡°Max, let me go with you. I don¡¯t want to stay around a certain someone¡±, throwing a stink eye at the unbothered male beside her. ¡°Trent, watch Elise for me. I¡¯ll be right back¡±, Max ordered while motioning for the pouty girl to sit back down. Elise sagged back into her chair, mumbling incoherently to herself in dissatisfaction. With a last look at the disrupted tomboy, a tiny smirk made its way to her lips at how much Bri was impacted. With that, the girl with glasses excused herself. After minutes of pondering whether to go after her taunter or not, Bri¡¯s face betrayed her conflicted mind. The sound of her name pulled her out of her thoughts, ¡°Bri! Bri! Are you okay? You seem very lost. What are you thinking about? Is the about the dresses?¡°, the blonde inquired. ¡°Hmm, I have to go guys¡±, The pixie-haired girl got up unexpectedly. ¡°Wait, where are you going to?¡°, Elise called out after her. ¡°Toilet!¡°, Bri answered rounding the corner, and out the door. The confusion evident on her face, Hannah shifted to the others, ¡°But that¡¯s not the way to the toilet¡±. All the while, sitting quietly behind Hannah while fondling her hair, Senza¡¯s eyes hidden behind his overgrown hair caught a glimpse of Max¡¯s hands caressing Bri¡¯s thigh. With that image in mind, all he could utter was a small grunt of amusement at his partner¡¯s confusion. Interesting. ******************************************* THE LIBRARY 1ST FLOOR Will she come? What if she didn¡¯t detect my gesticulation earlier? The thoughts of disappointment pulled a sigh of despair from Max. Jerking away the thoughts, it¡¯s insignificant, she surveyed the queues of books for her next conquest. Greek Mythology? No. Ayuttaya History? Done. Egyptian Poems? I could utilize that to brush up on my Arabic. The silence in the library was disrupted as hesitant footsteps echoed along the hall. Who could that¨C Ginger strands stood out among the rustic background of the library walls. Max found herself gazing at the confused girl, from behind the shelves. Hair messy from repeatedly running through, necktie laying lax along her torso, one hand gently tucked in her pant pocket as her eyes wandered about looking for the one who occupied her thoughts.Hmm...Not bad. ¡°Max? Hello? Anyone?¡± ¡°Are you aware this is a library?¡°, the girl in glasses reveals herself, taking light steps towards Bri. Placing the book with a foreign language written on the hardcover on her thigh, she took a seat on the vacant table, looking directly into Bri¡¯s hazel iris, ¡°I see you are quite observant.¡± ¡°Maxine, what was that in the classroom?¡°, Bri blurted out, desperate for answers. Her eyes scoured Max¡¯s, trying to read where her mind was. Erasing any form of hesitancy, she inclined forward and articulated, ¡°Kiss me¡± Bri¡¯s dilated eyes paced around, trying to make meaning of what just exited from Max¡¯s mouth. ¡°Kiss... you? This doesn¡¯t make sense to me. What is this?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t want to? Okay. I¡¯ll just ask someone¨C¡°, Max made an effort to descend from the table, feeling somewhat dejected. Caging her between her arms, Bri arrested her, ¡°Where do you think you are going? I didn¡¯t say I didn¡¯t want to, I... just needed a minute to wrap my head around it¡±. The now-settled girl clarified, a small smile resting on her lips. You kinda sprung this up on me. ¡°I will assume that you have consented. Alright. Kiss me then.¡± Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. The impatient girl puckered her thin lips together and shut her eyes in expectation. A giggle broke her out of her daydreaming. This was a new side of Max that Bri was not aware of. The thought of the face constantly buried in a book showing such a cute and childish expression was one for the imagination. Opening her eyes to the smiley Bri, Max cocked her head to the side in puzzlement, ¡°Why are you laughing? The books plainly said I ought to do that¡±. Stifling a chuckle at the smart girl¡¯s naivety, Bri gently unfolded the hands clenching onto the strange book, ¡°That is all theory. But would you like me to teach the practical?¡°, examining the clueless girl in glasses for permission. ¡°We¡¯ll take it slow. If you are not comfortable with anything, stop me.¡± Max abruptly burst into a rant out of uneasiness, ¡°My lips are moistened. Eyes open or closed? I opted for closed and then readied my lips¡±, running through the checklist in her head, ¡°I would desire you don¡¯t muddle up my uniform and we have restricted time, approximately 15 minutes but a kiss based on my study is relatively quick¨C¡± Bri shut her rambling with a premature peck on the lips. Pulling away, she slowly removes the glasses off the brunette, tidying up her bangs to have a better look at the constantly hidden upturned honey-brown. Her eyes searched Max¡¯s expression for hesitation. At the sight of none, she cups the slim girl¡¯s chin and plants a soft kiss on her slightly ajar lips. Pulling back, their eyes linger for a moment. There, a kiss... Just then, Max pulls on the loose tie of the girl hovering over her to seal their lips once again, a firm closed mouth kiss. Quickly recovering from the abruptness, Bri slows her down by running her thumb across her cheekbone, ¡°Open your mouth for me¡±, as she kisses down on the innocent girl¡¯s lower lips, opening her up to deepen the kiss. Sweet... Strawberry... You prepared earnestly, Max. Holding herself back from intensifying the kiss, their location serving as an anchor, Bri pulled away from the kiss. Max still heaving, eyes closed and she savoured the new feeling from this experience. It is very different from when she practised on fruits in the dorms. The tomboy gently wiped residues of lip balm that veered from the lips of the recovering girl. ¡°And I didn¡¯t have to mess up your uniform¡± The rings of her silvery voice woke Max from her trance. Putting on her usual plain expression, she adjusted her glasses back on the bridge of her nose. ¡°That was... adequate. Thank you for... yes. We should leave now¡±, the constantly monotonous girl found herself stumbling on her words, resulting in a broad grin from Bri. Uncomfortable with the strange ambience, Max cautiously leaps off the table, book in hand as she totters to walk away. Bri¡¯s appealing words stop her after a few steps, ¡°If you ever need someone to do that with, I¡¯ll... love to.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll consider it. Class now¡±, she responded walking away with the pixie-haired girl strolling after her. ************************************** YEAR 5 CONFERENCE HALL Amidst the hum of conversations around her, Elise¡¯s attention was undivided, locked on the enigmatic man seated by her side. Her mind churned, trying to decipher the enigma of his behaviour ¨C so inconsistent, leading up to that bewildering proposal. Elise needed an answer to a mind-boggling question. ¡°Why did you pick me?¡± Her voice trembled with curiosity, carrying the weight of her unease. Trent, with his eyes veiled, responded with an indifferent tone, ¡°You were right beside me. Too tired to think¡± His words pierced through her, a stark display of his disinterest. The fragile hope she held, that perhaps he had chosen her out of genuine affection, crumbled to dust. A lump of disappointment welled up within her, making her question why his casual response had the power to hurt her so deeply. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she battled the urge for a more aggressive response. ¡°You can still change it. Pick someone else. It doesn¡¯t have to be me,¡± she impulsively offered, her voice edged with desperation. ¡°Too lazy to change¡±, Trent replied, his words final, dismissing the notion. Stop disputing, Elise. Her face scrunched up in sadness, a quiet lament of their incompatibility. Her hand gestures accompanied her words as she poured out her frustrations, ¡°But you don¡¯t even like me. We can¡¯t even make simple agreements without fighting, talk less of making plans together as dates¡± Abruptly, Trent shifted gears, as if the previous conversation held no significance. He raised an unrelated question, his interruption inconsiderate, ¡°What colour is your dress?¡± ¡°Excuse me¡± Elise blinked, taken aback by the sudden change in topic. Trent gazed at her with open eyes, an uncharacteristic act, and repeated, ¡°Dress. Color. Are you even listening?¡°, topping with a shake of his head. I would have heard you if you didn¡¯t interrupt me. Changing the subject out of nowhere. ¡°Sigh, I don¡¯t know yet¡±, she responded, her shoulders slumping as she realized she had entirely forgotten about the dress predicament. Pointing at the white snowflake emblem on her cardigan, ¡°Wear this¡± Her narrowed eyes followed the path of his finger down to her uniform, then darted back to him, disbelief etched in her expression. ¡°You must really hate me, Trent Lee. It¡¯s a ball, not a school trip. I can¡¯t wear my uniform,¡± she pointed out the obvious, her frustration evident. He rolled his eyes at her assumptions and corrected her with his typical bluntness, ¡°Stupid. I meant the colour.¡± Elise¡¯s gaze returned to the emblem on her uniform, the realization dawning on her. ¡°Oh!¡± She inspected her shirt more closely, her face lighting up as she declared, ¡°It¡¯s white, Trent.¡± Her sulking transformed into a pout as she gazed at the emblem on her chest. Trent was well aware of her lukewarm feelings toward the colour white, but ever since her abilities had transformed her appearance, something was intriguing about it. ¡°I¡¯m aware. Stop whining like a child. It brings out your eyes¡±, he muttered the last statement to himself. ¡°My eyes?¡± Elise looked at him with curiosity, waiting for more. ¡°Just wear it. Now stop talking to me. I have reached my social quote for the day¡±. he declared, closing his eyes as a sign that the conversation had come to an end. His dismissal left Elise mildly irritated, and she let out a huff of frustration. ¡°This is going to be a hassle. Fine, fine. Shut me out. I have better things to spend mental energy on.¡± She retorted, her voice laced with irritation, and turned her attention to her tablet, determined to focus on the pressing matter of choosing an outfit for the upcoming ball. Despite her annoyance, she still found herself scrolling through a catalogue of white dresses. Moments later, Trent quietly opened his eyes and discreetly observed the focused girl beside him. His gaze lingered on her features, and he couldn¡¯t help but feel a faint hint of amusement at her furrowed eyebrows and pursed lips. ¡°Stupidly cute,¡± he mumbled to himself. Sensing an intense gaze upon him, Trent shifted slightly in his seat to address the source of the scrutiny. He caught sight of someone in the distance, Samuel, glaring at him with pure envy. A ghost of a smirk played across his lips as he silently revelled in the realization that Samuel should have treated Elise better. Regaining his composure, Trent returned to his previous position, inching slightly closer to the absent-minded Elise. Like and Comment for more Trent dialogue or I might just make him mute. ************************* Fairytale Wonderland The following days were filled with mundane classes. Preparations for the big day were underway. The rising excitement in the air was a clear indicator of what was about to come. The fifth-year students fell into a pattern of lessons and planning. Before long, the big day arrived... 14TH FEBRUARY 2023, MONDAY FEMALE DORM YEAR 5 COMMON ROOM The room, which was usually empty, was now crammed with jittering girls, the furniture cluttered with clothing and cosmetic boxes. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation. Makeup artists applied finishing touches to some girls¡¯ faces, while the already prepared ones assisted each other in adjusting their customized dresses. ¡°Are you sure you got measured accurately?¡± one girl fretted, tugging at her dress. ¡°I couldn¡¯t have added so much weight in two days, right? Right?¡± ¡°Could you please touch up my lipstick?¡± another asked, her voice tinged with anxiety. ¡°I don¡¯t believe I can walk in these heels,¡± another complained. ¡°They are barely even 2 inches high! Max, stop acting like Bri¡± ¡°Elise, can you help me tie this?¡± a girl requested. Elise, feeling a little lost, replied with a simple. ¡°Sure¡± ¡°Girls! We are running behind schedule! The boys are already waiting at the hall¡±, Sophie chimed in as she frantically paced, her skirt swooshing behind her. Her tablet tucked in the crest of her elbow, she scrolled through the itinerary for the evening. The walkie-talkie in her hand signalled her attention ¡°The Year 4 girls are heading out now! We have 5 minutes to walk out! Hurry up!¡± ******************************************* THE FIELD BALL PARTY ??Song: World- Seventeen?? *To get a feel of the atmosphere, I recommend listening to the song while reading (that¡¯s what I did) The once-empty field had transformed into a spectacular venue. A large tent sat in its centre, designed to match the theme of the ball, ¡°Fairy Wonderland.¡± The tent was adorned with dozens of floral arrangements created by Hannah, giving it a magical atmosphere. Colourful fairy lights, casting a gentle, shadowy glow, replaced the usual bright overhead lamps. The boys entered the venue, admiring the beauty of the room as they made their way to their tables. Sanya and Tome, however, paused to take in the enchanting scene. ¡°Hannah did an amazing job with the decor. She might be a talker but she does know her flowers¡±, Sanya remarked as he looked around. Drawing his hand out of the pocket of his purple knee-length jacket, he reached out to trace a baby¡¯s breath flower set on the path, momentarily lost in admiration. Tome cooed in response staring at the dangling chandelier, ¡°...It is truly beautiful¡± ¡°Yes, it is¡± Sanya agreed, his voice filled with awe. The swoon in the voice of the copper-haired boy caught the younger boy¡¯s attention. With a quick turn of the head, he found the starry eyes of Sanya looking straight at him. Suddenly, he noticed that his gaze had lingered on Tome¡¯s eyes for a bit too long, and the two young men shared a bashful giggle. The sudden sound of loud music broke their prolonged eye contact. ¡°Guys!!! Why are you just standing there? Let¡¯s get seated at our table. Oh by the way, do you fancy the flowers? Sophie was telling me that it was too much white and pink. Excuse you! It¡¯s Valentine¡¯s Day! There can never be too much pink. That¡¯s crazy-¡± An arm wrapped around Hannah¡¯s waist, pulling her away from her rambling. The taller figure was dressed in a black and white striped double-breasted suit, which contrasted with her yellow, floor-length floral dress. ¡°You ghoul! What have I said about creeping up on people?¡± Hannah scolded the taller man with a light smack to his shoulder. ¡°Sanya and I will be going to the table now.¡± ¡°Can you take this koala along with you? I have something to attend to and I can¡¯t drag this overgrown man with me¡±, Hannah said, attempting to untangle Senza¡¯s arms from around her. Senza reluctantly relented after she gave him a quick peck on the lips. The two bystanders broke into a fit of coughs at the display of affection. Leaving the boys to sit with their peers, the girls finally made their entrance. Their heels clicked almost inaudibly over the music that filled the room. ¡°Finally! I was worried I would have to call 911 to come to fetch you, Girls! And Sarah... I heard about your little Bridezilla rant. We¡¯ll talk about that after this is over¡±, Sophie¡¯s tight voice scolded the redhead behind clenched teeth. The redhead brooded in annoyance at the scolding she got. ¡°She¡¯s in her presidential mood. Scary¡±, Elise gossiped to Max, who walked arm-in-arm with her. ¡°She can hear you, Elise. Shhh...¡± ¡°Excuse me, Elise, I believe you must have mistaken my date for yours¡± ¡°Oh shush Bri! I am aware she is your date¡± ¡°Max, Bridget is being mean to me¡±, the grey-haired girl whined to the one holding a small book in velvety black gloves. Bri slipped her hands into the pockets of her green pants and pushed the tailor-made jacket of the same colour to the side. Cocking her head to the side, she found herself gazing at her date. ¡°May I have her back?¡± Elise playfully resisted, ¡°No!¡± The pouty girl made an effort to pull Max away from the girl on the ginger pixie cut. ¡°Eli...¡°, her velvety voice cautioned. The brunette withdrew her arm from Elise¡¯s grip and clasped it in front of herself. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°Fine, fine. But remember, I got my eyes on you, Bridget¡±, wiggling her short, chubby finger at the girl in the suit. ¡°Max, don¡¯t let their nasty child teach you bad things, okay?¡± Bri laughed at the exchange between the best friends. If only you knew, Elise. If only... ¡°Enough! Now shoo, short stuff¡±, Bri said, pulling Max into her arms and chasing Elise away. The girl in the white silky dress stuck her tongue out at Bri before walking to the table. ¡°You... can allow me to go now¡±, her warm voice faltered as she realized the proximity to the person whose arms she was in. Bri nervously released her hold. ¡°Oh... hm... sorry about that¡± The two girls fell into an awkward silence, glancing at everywhere but themselves ¡°You settled on a two-piece suit¡± ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m not a dress girl¡± Her ringed fingers reached up to smoothen the short layers at the back of her head. The two nervous girls evaded eye contact as they complimented each other. ¡°I am convinced it suits you. You look exceptionally good-looking¡± ¡°Thank you... you look extremely pretty too. I like the layers¡± ¡°We should move along...¡± ¡°Yeah, we should¡± Together they walked side by side to their designated table, hands brushing each other occasionally. *********************** ??Song: Darling- Seventeen?? Elise spotted Sanya and Tome in hushed chatter, making a beeline straight to them, ¡°Tome! You look so sexy. We need to take pictures together.¡± Sitting beside the couple, crossed-legged, she tipped close to the dark-haired boy and whispered in a sing-song, ¡°I¡¯m certain a particular someone won¡¯t be able to keep his hands to himself tonight¡± ¡°Elise!¡± His reaction drew hearty laughter from the girl. ¡°What? Did I lie?... Sanya?¡± ¡°I nearly banned him from leaving my bed when I saw how much skin he was revealing¡± ¡°Sanya! We¡¯re in public¡± The boy in a jacket in a lighter shade of blue swatted his partner¡¯s arm, his ears glowing red. Sophie briskly walked into the conversation, cutting their laughter short, ¡°Sorry boys, I need to borrow Elise for one moment¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be right back¡± Standing from her seat, the grey-haired girl followed the class president to the beverage table, where the ice sculpture was positioned beside bowls of juices. ¡°Please we need more ice. Can you freeze this bowl of water?¡± ¡°Sure. No problem.¡°, Elise refrained from teasing ¡®Madam President¡¯, noticing the stressed-out look behind her eyes. Hovering her hands over the bowl on the floor, she channelled her energy to cool the water down until it started forming ice clumps. ¡°Done¡±, the ice user chimed out, before she noticed that Sophie was nowhere beside her. With a grunt, she tried to get up from her squatting position, when a hand reached out to her, ¡°Let me help...¡± With a grunt, she tried to get up from her squatting position, and a hand reached out to help her. She looked up at the person in the green suit with an outstretched hand, but her quivering knees nearly gave way. Just in time, the hand caught her, preventing her from falling on her behind. ¡°Eli, are you okay? Let me help you up¡±, the ocean-blue-eyed male said, worry in his voice as he assisted her to her feet. ¡°Thank you...for that. I should go now¡± ¡°Eli, wait. I... I... just want to say I¡¯m sorry...for everything. I don¡¯t deserve your forgiveness but... I hope we could, you know, at least, go back to being friends... like we used to, or maybe more...¡± Elise found herself picking at every word that he cautiously stuttered. She couldn¡¯t find it in her heart to be angry at him, she once loved him and that would not change. However, going back to being friends- ¡°It won¡¯t be easy... but, I won¡¯t mind that. We can try to be friends¡± Her kind words were music to Samuel¡¯s ears, a chance. He found himself smiling at the importance of her acceptance. ¡°So, you won¡¯t mind dancing with me... as friends¡±, he added as a form of persuasion. She was about to take him on his offer when Elise suddenly remembered the two lovebirds she left behind at the table. Declining politely, she excused herself to find her friends. His smile slipped at her rejection, watching her white dress flowing behind her as she swayed away from him. Looking back at the hand that had caught her, his eyes shone in mischief. Elise, soon, my love. ************************************ ¡°So what did I miss while I was on ice duties? -Hey, that¡¯s my seat,¡± she protested with a whine to the blonde seated. ¡°Elise, we have to sit with our date.¡± Sky-blue eyes scanned the room, looking for a certain white-haired male. ¡°Does anyone know where Trent is? He couldn¡¯t have decided not to come... right?¡± ¡°He stood up a minute before you came¡± ¡°He needed a drink, Eli¡± Max said, his black coat resting on top of the chair, a sign that he had arrived at the party. Elise settled into the chair beside Trent¡¯s unoccupied seat, engaging in small talk with the group, relieved that his icy presence was absent. Noticing a lone cup on the table, she asked, ¡°Can I drink this?¡± ¡°Sure sure,¡± Hannah quickly replied before turning back to her partner. Elise took a few sips of the drink, noting the burning sensation it caused in her throat. But she shrugged it off. Maybe my powers are acting up because I overused them today. ¡°This next song is for all the couples in the building. Grab your partner and head to the dance floor¡±, a loud voice reverberated across the room. The first tones of the song had people standing up and grabbing their dates to slow dance. ??Come Closer - Ford Arun?? (*the Thai lyrics are translated into English) A shadow interrupted the light reflecting on the now-alone Elise. The man who should have accompanied her had finally appeared. Stepping away to give her a clear view of his face, she said, ¡°Trent¡± ¡°...You wore it...¡± His voice came out as an inaudible whisper to Elise. In an attempt to divert her attention from his mumbles, he cleared his throat. ¡°Instead of mopping here ice princess, let¡¯s go¡±, Trent said, his deep voice cutting through the music. He extended his hand to Elise. Taking his hand, Elise allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. They kept a bit of distance from the crowd and began to sway to the music. An empty cup remained alone on the once-occupied table. ??When you lead, my whole world follows?? Slipping his arm around her waist, he drew her closer to him, and her hand rested on his shoulders awkwardly. Together, they swayed to the sound of the music. ¡°Elise,¡± Trent whispered, his voice soft and tender as he reached out to brush her jawline. They leaned in, their noses almost touching. ¡°You know, I didn¡¯t come here to watch you flirt with other people¡±, Trent whispered in a cold voice, his breath brushing against Elise¡¯s ear. He unknowingly caught a peek at their little interaction. ??Everything beautifully glows, I think it¡¯s because of you?? Elise was taken aback by his words. What are you on about this time, Trent? Defining her innocence, ¡°I didn¡¯t flirt with anyone. You are not making any sense¡± ??I long for your words, whispering those sweet words?? Irritation flared in him, his grip tensed across her palm as she rebutted his claim. Trent¡¯s grip on her tightened, and he leaned closer. ¡°I saw the way he looked at you. You are going back to him again, even after everything. Stupid," He claimed, a hint of jealousy in his tone. ??If you only knew when I first saw you?? The words triggered a fuzzy memory of her discussion with Samuel. Her hands slipped off his shoulders for a brief moment. ¡°We...agreed on just being friends¡± ??You¡¯re all I dreamed of, my heart skips a beat when you are near?? Her mood shift didn¡¯t go unseen by her dance partner. His icy-cold gazes surveyed her dampened expression interpreting it as a disappointment. ¡°Friend? Hmm... I saw the way you looked at him¡± Elise felt a form of newfound courage as she questioned the tall male. ¡°What way?¡± ??When you are by my side?? ¡°Like you want him to love you¡± the male in the black suit breathed out, his voice heavy with jealousy. ¡°Don¡¯t you want him to?¡± ??When you look into my eyes?? Meeting his deep-set eyes, she found her fingers grazing the pale skin of his face, him tensing up under her touch. Confusion was clear on his face. His ice princess was acting... strange. ¡°Do you want me to?¡°, she whispered in a breath. Elise felt a surge of courage, a newfound boldness, as she challenged Trent¡¯s accusation. That was when he smelt it. Alcohol. This face was not one she was used to based on his typical expression chart. Elise spotted the change in his expression and couldn¡¯t help but feel drawn to him in a way she hadn¡¯t experienced before. It was a look that tugged on the strings of her heart, but why? Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away. The music, the people, everything melted into the background. She felt the whole world blur, her main focus on the grey-eyed male whose arms she was lost in. ??A little closer, please come a little closer?? Drawing their sway to a stop, Trent¡¯s hand reached up to brush her jawline as he leaned in to rub noses with her. Trent whispered his voice tender and filled with longing. ¡°Snowflake¡± ??To hear my love...?? Like and Comment for more disgusting love action *************************************** One Last Dance THE FIELD, BALL PARTY BALLROOM Having the brunette in her arms, the female clad in official wear could hardly keep her nervousness at bay, the memories of their little time at the library flashing in her mind they danced slowly. The music barely reached her ears but she knew they were on beat. At least, Max hasn''t stopped them yet. Although the slight wince in her expression was something to worry about. Her smile faded noticing that the girl in glasses had made several pained expressions throughout their time together. Bri wasn''t one to dance with two left feet, so something else must be causing Max discomfort. The person in question let out a sigh of relief as the music came to an end, taking quick steps to her seat, leaving the taller girl feeling dejected. She must not feel comfortable being around me. "Thank Heavens. I almost lost all sensations in my feet. I informed Elise that heels and I are sworn enemies but she simply doesn''t listen", Max rambles to herself, prying her feel out of the dangerous footwear. Relieved at the discovery of Max''s discomfort being her shoes, Bri makes her way to the barefooted female. "If I knew you were so uncomfortable, I wouldn''t have asked you to dance with me" "I might have underestimated the wickedness that one footwear can do to the feet" Her brown hazels widened as Bri stooped to her knees and gently massaged her feet. The girl sitting was taken aback by the position she found herself in. "You don''t have to do that", she whispered, withdrawing her feet from the other girl''s grasp. With a huff, gathering Max''s discarded shoes in her hand, Bri rose to her feet. "Come on, let''s walk out the soreness", she suggested, stretching out her empty hand to the brunette. Grabbing her book from the table, Max clasped the outstretched hand and got up, adjusting the tail of her dress. She let out a little hiss as the pain radiated through the soles. "Wait, that bad? Maybe you should sit-" "No. Let''s take a stroll. I was building up a bit of suffocation due to the crowd" "Are you sure?", Bri asked in concern. With a look of finality, Max led both of them out of the hall, feigning ignorance of the pain radiating through her soles. Before long, they found themselves at a familiar entrance. Max scanned them in, the smell of furniture pungent in the room. "Why are we here?" *********************** THE LIBRARY GROUND FLOOR Releasing her grip, Max walked towards the large oak shelves, a slight limp in her step, glancing through the books arranged chronologically. "You understand, this is my favourite site in the entirety of the school. Anytime I feel uneasy or inconvenienced, the presence of books calms me. I theorized that it is the rationale behind my ability. Strange, isn''t it?" Bri watched her blue sleeves glide by her side, entranced by her graceful steps despite the little limp. Ridding herself of her coat, she took brisk steps to the unaware female. Why is she telling me this? Is she opening up to me? Swiftly, she carried Max, placing her to sit on the table void of books. Her slim fingers still lingering on Max''s waist, she breathed, "I think you have walked around enough" Without showing her surprise, she held a masked expression, shifting her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "I would appreciate it if you could release your clasp on me. Thank you" Bri released her hold, her smile slipped before covering it with a strained laugh, "Hey, I just wanted you to get comfortable. You know, your feet and all" Surveying the book in her hand, she replied, "A table isn''t frankly what I would call comfortable but thank you for your concern" Running her hands through her short waves as the tension of the situation, "I guess... I''ll let you enjoy your book", setting the shoes down at the feet of the table. Feeling unwanted, the ginger-haired girl attempted to leave the brunette in her space. "Where do you believe you are going?", Max called out, settling her book to the side. "You don''t seem to want me around", Bri answered with a sigh, "So, I will leave you be to enjoy your book" Crossing her hands across her chest, the brunette took in the sight of the other female, a calculating look on her face. "Remember I mentioned this place is a special area for me. I likewise called this my favourite spot" Bri agreed to hear that, still confused about what the girl was getting at. "And I would not merely bring anyone to my special spot... however I brought you", she quietly said the last words, her eyes averted from Bri. In three quick steps, The copper-haired girl found herself in front of a flustered Max, whose eyes looked everywhere else but at Bri. "You are avoiding my eyes, Maxine" Quickly, she peered her eyes to look into Bridget''s dark brown orbs. "False accusations", her voice went a tone higher, betraying her emotions. Sliding herself between the thighs covered with blue fabric, Bri peered closer to Max, tucked her hair behind her ears and whispered, This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it "I don''t think you know how hard I tried to keep my hands off you tonight. Blue is your colour" Not one to back down from a challenge, the tingles she felt from the words suppressed her nerves. "Is it? Well, I''m pleased you went with this suit. I like how it...", running her fingers along the line of the waistcoat, "fits so excellently" Bri was taken aback by the abrupt switch from shy to daring. Max just surprises her every time they spend time together, the good kind of surprise, that is. Taking this sign as acceptance, she was tempted to push further. Out of nowhere, an idea popped into her head. A little payback for Max''s previous snobby attitude. Her hand slowly glided over the dress applying firm pressure to the thighs beneath, her other hand snaked around the brunette waist, pulling her closer to her. Taking her glasses in hand, Bri removes them to capture the beauty of her eyes. "Don''t ever take these off in public. I don''t want anyone seeing how beautiful your eyes are, except me" With a shy smile, Max''s fingers glide up the bridge of her neck, before losing themselves in her bright copper hair. "You are impossible, Bridget" "I have been told" They both let out a shared laugh. Gradually, the taller girl''s lingering hands made their way to the curves of her dress, drawing little circles in them. Her eyes fixed on the hazel orbs in front of her. She saw Max''s eyes briefly glance at her lips before returning. Almost there. The brunette was too focused on the circles on her waist to notice the absence of the hand that was once holding her thigh. Just as she leaned close to kiss the girl between her legs, her lips made contact with something hard. Snapping her eyes open to find herself face to face with the cover of a book, Bri''s laughter reaches her ears. "Bridget Pond!!!", her angry voice echoed across the library. Bri tried to explain between fits of giggles, "I''m sorry. I just... I just felt like teasing you" Noticing the serious expression on Max''s face as her brown eyes pooled with tears, Bri realizes that she might have overstepped it. "Max, please, don''t cry. I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to. I just wanted to prank you" "Has this all been a joke to you?" The snap in the voice was more than just a simple shock to Bri. Her eyes pooled with tears. I messed up. I have to make this right or she will never speak to me again Bri reached forward to wrap her arms around Max, who struggled to pull out of her hold. "I''m so sorry, Max. You are not a joke. Never. I was stupid. I''m sorry. Don''t pull away from me." She kept pleading with her until the girl stopped struggling in Bri''s arms. "You are a jokester but not stupid. Your pranks are though. It''s alright. Anticipate payback...soon" Shit! I am in trouble. With worry on her face, Bri asked, "How soon is soon? Max... Max" But the girl on glasses remained silent, a mischievous smirk resting comfortably on her lips. How does she make scary look sexy? "You look so sexy when you are scary, do you know that?", Bri uttered out thickly, wetting her lips with her tongue. "Is that so?" Her eyes gazed over the girl in her arms, "Hmm hmm... Makes me want to do this" Her lips connected with the groove of Max''s shoulder, leaving kisses up her neck, giggles filling the air. Ever since Bri caught a special glance at the patch of pale smooth skin, constantly covered by brown hair, it had been on her mind. Finally, she got a chance to taste it. A bite pulled a moaning hiss from the once-laughing girl. "Bri...Don''t leave marks. We have school in the morning" "Hmmm". The girl continued with her feasting, causing small whimpers from the brunette. Delivering a last kiss to the neck, Bri looks at Max with doe eyes, "Am I forgiven now?" "You naughty prankster, come here" Max linked their lips together, pulling a stifled moan from both of them. ************************** THE FIELD, BALL PARTY BALLROOM Sanya stretched out his hand to the boy sitting by him after the DJ made the announcement. Copper brown hair parted in the middle didn''t hide his honey eyes that reflected naturally, staring at Tome, expecting a response. "I don''t know how to dance" The younger boy confessed. The way he said those words so quietly sparked something in Sanya, his inert desire to take care of Tome. The list of things his innocent baby boy can''t do just keeps getting longer. "I''ll teach you" Taking hold of the younger boy''s hand, he pulled him to his feet and led him to the dance floor. Pouty lips turned to a frown as Tome tried, and failed, to accurately follow Sanya''s leading. He looked up to find his partner enjoying the music, not noticing his struggle. In a fit of a tantrum, he resigned to standing still. "What''s wrong?" "I can''t seem to do anything right. I can''t even dance with you" Tome cried out, hanging his head low to avoid the expectant look of disappointment on his partner''s face. A sigh resonated from the taller boy, affirming the insecurities in Tome''s head. "Baby boy, look at me" However, the younger boy couldn''t bring himself to face the boy in front of him. Cupping his face, Sanya made Tome look up into his eyes. The ginger was met with a smile resting on his man''s face, no sign of disappointment whatsoever. Tears gathered under his eyes at the warm image. "I''m sorry... I ruined tonight" "Now now, baby baby, come here" He fell into Sanya''s arms, his scent calming him. They both stood, right there on the dance floor, oblivious to everyone else around them. Just two people, in each other''s arms. Sanya couldn''t help the wide smile on his face, Tome sharing an unseen shy one. Slightly pulling away, he placed a kiss on the forehead of his beloved. At that, the song gradually comes to a close. ***************** "That song was perfect! I almost cried while I and Senza were dancing" Hannah cooed, her head swaying as she hummed the tone of the song once again to herself. Sanya and Tome walked hand in hand back to the group table. The blonde''s question hits them before they have a chance to even sit. "Did you guys get to dance together? Of course, you did! Why did I ask such a silly question? Oh! Max, are you okay?" The said brunette ridding her feet of her shoes wordlessly answered the pending question. Tome instinctively leaned into his partner''s space, who laid his arms over the ginger''s shoulders. "Hannah, I must say you did a really good job today. I''m impressed" Sanya commended the bubbly girl, Tome nodding in agreement. The blonde flipped her hair across her shoulder in pride, "Thank you. Thank you very much" The quiet male behind her pulled her by the waist into his embrace, whispering into her ears, "I''m proud of you, my lily" His words coated with a thick accent caused a faint redness to appear on her cheeks as she smiled shyly upon hearing those words. Senza wasn''t one to speak much but his rare times of speech were a weakness of the blue-eyed girl. The dark-haired boy leaned into her neck and nozzled into it, earning head pats from Hannah. Watching the two contrasting lovers with dreamy eyes, Tome''s hand unknowingly caressed Sanya''s thighs. The innocent boy was so absentminded to the torture he was subjecting the taller boy to. Determined to give him a taste of his own medicine, Sanya grazed the skin under the smaller boy''s waistcoat. He froze, snapping out of his face, at the recognition of the contact. Tome''s shocked eyes turned to his partner. With a shrug, Sanya stated, "Don''t give me that look. You started it" "How did I-" Tome''s eyes followed Sanya''s to where his palm rested dangerously close to the crotch of his purple pants. His eyes widened as he snatched his hand away from that area. "Tome, are you good? You look like you saw a ghost", her concerned voice rang out. "Oh Hannah, he almost touched-" "A bug! I almost touched a bug" The source of stifled laughs welcomed a very nasty stick eye from Tome. "Are you crazy?", the younger boy wordlessly mouthed to Sanya. He just shrugged and took a sip of his drink, feigning ignorance. Desperate for payback, Tome thought of a way to get back at Sanya. Without giving much reasoning, lest he backed away out of fear, he returned his palm to Sanya''s thigh. Pretending to be trance by people dancing a little distance away, he crept closer to the grove of Sanya''s wide-spread legs, before moving away. The taller boy''s cautious eyes narrowed down at Tome in slyness and mischievousness of his actions, a bit taken aback by the spur of courage. "Baby boy, don''t think I don''t know what you are doing? If you don''t behave, I will gladly take you to this table, in the presence of everyone" His deep, smoky voice revealed his arousal. Tome swallowed at the effect of those words, stiffening in his actions, his gaze holding those honey brown. "Hannah, Senza, if you would excuse us. Tome and I have to use the men''s room" The younger boy added, "Yeah... the men''s room... we''ll be back" Hannah watched the two boys walk away in a hurry, confused as to why they both needed to go at the same time. Then it dawned on her. With an exaggerated gasp, she jumps, "Baby! Do you think, they are going to do what I think they are going to do? Those two are so naughty." She giggled like a little girl, lightly punching the male''s shoulder in glee. Wiggling her eyebrows, she winked at Senza, "Baby, what do you say? How about we also get wild and frisky?" He replied by sniffing a kiss into her hair and holding her closer. The response from him made her pout in defeat, crossing her arms across her chest. A smirk plastered itself on his lips. My Lily. Senza pulled her face sideways to meet his, locking their lips into a kiss. Her lips pull into a smile as they break apart. "My Lily" Like and Comment for *wink wink* action Blue Sober Tales THE FIELD, BALL PARTY BALLROOM Having the brunette in her arms, the female clad in official wear could hardly keep her nervousness at bay, the memories of their little time at the library flashing in her mind they danced slowly. The music barely reached her ears but she knew they were on beat. At least, Max hasn''t stopped them yet. Although the slight wince in her expression was something to worry about. Her smile faded noticing that the girl in glasses had made several pained expressions throughout their time together. Bri wasn''t one to dance with two left feet, so something else must be causing Max discomfort. The person in question let out a sigh of relief as the music came to an end, taking quick steps to her seat, leaving the taller girl feeling dejected. She must not feel comfortable being around me. "Thank Heavens. I almost lost all sensations in my feet. I informed Elise that heels and I are sworn enemies but she simply doesn''t listen", Max rambles to herself, prying her feel out of the dangerous footwear. Relieved at the discovery of Max''s discomfort being her shoes, Bri makes her way to the barefooted female. "If I knew you were so uncomfortable, I wouldn''t have asked you to dance with me" "I might have underestimated the wickedness that one footwear can do to the feet" Her brown hazels widened as Bri stooped to her knees and gently massaged her feet. The girl sitting was taken aback by the position she found herself in. "You don''t have to do that", she whispered, withdrawing her feet from the other girl''s grasp. With a huff, gathering Max''s discarded shoes in her hand, Bri rose to her feet. "Come on, let''s walk out the soreness", she suggested, stretching out her empty hand to the brunette. Grabbing her book from the table, Max clasped the outstretched hand and got up, adjusting the tail of her dress. She let out a little hiss as the pain radiated through the soles. "Wait, that bad? Maybe you should sit-" "No. Let''s take a stroll. I was building up a bit of suffocation due to the crowd" "Are you sure?", Bri asked in concern. With a look of finality, Max led both of them out of the hall, feigning ignorance of the pain radiating through her soles. Before long, they found themselves at a familiar entrance. Max scanned them in, the smell of furniture pungent in the room. "Why are we here?" *********************** THE LIBRARY GROUND FLOOR Releasing her grip, Max walked towards the large oak shelves, a slight limp in her step, glancing through the books arranged chronologically. "You understand, this is my favourite site in the entirety of the school. Anytime I feel uneasy or inconvenienced, the presence of books calms me. I theorized that it is the rationale behind my ability. Strange, isn''t it?" Bri watched her blue sleeves glide by her side, entranced by her graceful steps despite the little limp. Ridding herself of her coat, she took brisk steps to the unaware female. Why is she telling me this? Is she opening up to me? Swiftly, she carried Max, placing her to sit on the table void of books. Her slim fingers still lingering on Max''s waist, she breathed, "I think you have walked around enough" Without showing her surprise, she held a masked expression, shifting her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "I would appreciate it if you could release your clasp on me. Thank you" Bri released her hold, her smile slipped before covering it with a strained laugh, "Hey, I just wanted you to get comfortable. You know, your feet and all" Surveying the book in her hand, she replied, "A table isn''t frankly what I would call comfortable but thank you for your concern" Running her hands through her short waves as the tension of the situation, "I guess... I''ll let you enjoy your book", setting the shoes down at the feet of the table. Feeling unwanted, the ginger-haired girl attempted to leave the brunette in her space. "Where do you believe you are going?", Max called out, settling her book to the side. "You don''t seem to want me around", Bri answered with a sigh, "So, I will leave you be to enjoy your book" Crossing her hands across her chest, the brunette took in the sight of the other female, a calculating look on her face. "Remember I mentioned this place is a special area for me. I likewise called this my favourite spot" Bri agreed to hear that, still confused about what the girl was getting at. "And I would not merely bring anyone to my special spot... however I brought you", she quietly said the last words, her eyes averted from Bri. In three quick steps, The copper-haired girl found herself in front of a flustered Max, whose eyes looked everywhere else but at Bri. "You are avoiding my eyes, Maxine" Quickly, she peered her eyes to look into Bridget''s dark brown orbs. "False accusations", her voice went a tone higher, betraying her emotions. Sliding herself between the thighs covered with blue fabric, Bri peered closer to Max, tucked her hair behind her ears and whispered, You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. "I don''t think you know how hard I tried to keep my hands off you tonight. Blue is your colour" Not one to back down from a challenge, the tingles she felt from the words suppressed her nerves. "Is it? Well, I''m pleased you went with this suit. I like how it...", running her fingers along the line of the waistcoat, "fits so excellently" Bri was taken aback by the abrupt switch from shy to daring. Max just surprises her every time they spend time together, the good kind of surprise, that is. Taking this sign as acceptance, she was tempted to push further. Out of nowhere, an idea popped into her head. A little payback for Max''s previous snobby attitude. Her hand slowly glided over the dress applying firm pressure to the thighs beneath, her other hand snaked around the brunette waist, pulling her closer to her. Taking her glasses in hand, Bri removes them to capture the beauty of her eyes. "Don''t ever take these off in public. I don''t want anyone seeing how beautiful your eyes are, except me" With a shy smile, Max''s fingers glide up the bridge of her neck, before losing themselves in her bright copper hair. "You are impossible, Bridget" "I have been told" They both let out a shared laugh. Gradually, the taller girl''s lingering hands made their way to the curves of her dress, drawing little circles in them. Her eyes fixed on the hazel orbs in front of her. She saw Max''s eyes briefly glance at her lips before returning. Almost there. The brunette was too focused on the circles on her waist to notice the absence of the hand that was once holding her thigh. Just as she leaned close to kiss the girl between her legs, her lips made contact with something hard. Snapping her eyes open to find herself face to face with the cover of a book, Bri''s laughter reaches her ears. "Bridget Pond!!!", her angry voice echoed across the library. Bri tried to explain between fits of giggles, "I''m sorry. I just... I just felt like teasing you" Noticing the serious expression on Max''s face as her brown eyes pooled with tears, Bri realizes that she might have overstepped it. "Max, please, don''t cry. I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to. I just wanted to prank you" "Has this all been a joke to you?" The snap in the voice was more than just a simple shock to Bri. Her eyes pooled with tears. I messed up. I have to make this right or she will never speak to me again Bri reached forward to wrap her arms around Max, who struggled to pull out of her hold. "I''m so sorry, Max. You are not a joke. Never. I was stupid. I''m sorry. Don''t pull away from me." She kept pleading with her until the girl stopped struggling in Bri''s arms. "You are a jokester but not stupid. Your pranks are though. It''s alright. Anticipate payback...soon" Shit! I am in trouble. With worry on her face, Bri asked, "How soon is soon? Max... Max" But the girl on glasses remained silent, a mischievous smirk resting comfortably on her lips. How does she make scary look sexy? "You look so sexy when you are scary, do you know that?", Bri uttered out thickly, wetting her lips with her tongue. "Is that so?" Her eyes gazed over the girl in her arms, "Hmm hmm... Makes me want to do this" Her lips connected with the groove of Max''s shoulder, leaving kisses up her neck, giggles filling the air. Ever since Bri caught a special glance at the patch of pale smooth skin, constantly covered by brown hair, it had been on her mind. Finally, she got a chance to taste it. A bite pulled a moaning hiss from the once-laughing girl. "Bri...Don''t leave marks. We have school in the morning" "Hmmm". The girl continued with her feasting, causing small whimpers from the brunette. Delivering a last kiss to the neck, Bri looks at Max with doe eyes, "Am I forgiven now?" "You naughty prankster, come here" Max linked their lips together, pulling a stifled moan from both of them. ************************** THE FIELD, BALL PARTY BALLROOM Sanya stretched out his hand to the boy sitting by him after the DJ made the announcement. Copper brown hair parted in the middle didn''t hide his honey eyes that reflected naturally, staring at Tome, expecting a response. "I don''t know how to dance" The younger boy confessed. The way he said those words so quietly sparked something in Sanya, his inert desire to take care of Tome. The list of things his innocent baby boy can''t do just keeps getting longer. "I''ll teach you" Taking hold of the younger boy''s hand, he pulled him to his feet and led him to the dance floor. Pouty lips turned to a frown as Tome tried, and failed, to accurately follow Sanya''s leading. He looked up to find his partner enjoying the music, not noticing his struggle. In a fit of a tantrum, he resigned to standing still. "What''s wrong?" "I can''t seem to do anything right. I can''t even dance with you" Tome cried out, hanging his head low to avoid the expectant look of disappointment on his partner''s face. A sigh resonated from the taller boy, affirming the insecurities in Tome''s head. "Baby boy, look at me" However, the younger boy couldn''t bring himself to face the boy in front of him. Cupping his face, Sanya made Tome look up into his eyes. The ginger was met with a smile resting on his man''s face, no sign of disappointment whatsoever. Tears gathered under his eyes at the warm image. "I''m sorry... I ruined tonight" "Now now, baby baby, come here" He fell into Sanya''s arms, his scent calming him. They both stood, right there on the dance floor, oblivious to everyone else around them. Just two people, in each other''s arms. Sanya couldn''t help the wide smile on his face, Tome sharing an unseen shy one. Slightly pulling away, he placed a kiss on the forehead of his beloved. At that, the song gradually comes to a close. ***************** "That song was perfect! I almost cried while I and Senza were dancing" Hannah cooed, her head swaying as she hummed the tone of the song once again to herself. Sanya and Tome walked hand in hand back to the group table. The blonde''s question hits them before they have a chance to even sit. "Did you guys get to dance together? Of course, you did! Why did I ask such a silly question? Oh! Max, are you okay?" The said brunette ridding her feet of her shoes wordlessly answered the pending question. Tome instinctively leaned into his partner''s space, who laid his arms over the ginger''s shoulders. "Hannah, I must say you did a really good job today. I''m impressed" Sanya commended the bubbly girl, Tome nodding in agreement. The blonde flipped her hair across her shoulder in pride, "Thank you. Thank you very much" The quiet male behind her pulled her by the waist into his embrace, whispering into her ears, "I''m proud of you, my lily" His words coated with a thick accent caused a faint redness to appear on her cheeks as she smiled shyly upon hearing those words. Senza wasn''t one to speak much but his rare times of speech were a weakness of the blue-eyed girl. The dark-haired boy leaned into her neck and nozzled into it, earning head pats from Hannah. Watching the two contrasting lovers with dreamy eyes, Tome''s hand unknowingly caressed Sanya''s thighs. The innocent boy was so absentminded to the torture he was subjecting the taller boy to. Determined to give him a taste of his own medicine, Sanya grazed the skin under the smaller boy''s waistcoat. He froze, snapping out of his face, at the recognition of the contact. Tome''s shocked eyes turned to his partner. With a shrug, Sanya stated, "Don''t give me that look. You started it" "How did I-" Tome''s eyes followed Sanya''s to where his palm rested dangerously close to the crotch of his purple pants. His eyes widened as he snatched his hand away from that area. "Tome, are you good? You look like you saw a ghost", her concerned voice rang out. "Oh Hannah, he almost touched-" "A bug! I almost touched a bug" The source of stifled laughs welcomed a very nasty stick eye from Tome. "Are you crazy?", the younger boy wordlessly mouthed to Sanya. He just shrugged and took a sip of his drink, feigning ignorance. Desperate for payback, Tome thought of a way to get back at Sanya. Without giving much reasoning, lest he backed away out of fear, he returned his palm to Sanya''s thigh. Pretending to be trance by people dancing a little distance away, he crept closer to the grove of Sanya''s wide-spread legs, before moving away. The taller boy''s cautious eyes narrowed down at Tome in slyness and mischievousness of his actions, a bit taken aback by the spur of courage. "Baby boy, don''t think I don''t know what you are doing? If you don''t behave, I will gladly take you to this table, in the presence of everyone" His deep, smoky voice revealed his arousal. Tome swallowed at the effect of those words, stiffening in his actions, his gaze holding those honey brown. "Hannah, Senza, if you would excuse us. Tome and I have to use the men''s room" The younger boy added, "Yeah... the men''s room... we''ll be back" Hannah watched the two boys walk away in a hurry, confused as to why they both needed to go at the same time. Then it dawned on her. With an exaggerated gasp, she jumps, "Baby! Do you think, they are going to do what I think they are going to do? Those two are so naughty." She giggled like a little girl, lightly punching the male''s shoulder in glee. Wiggling her eyebrows, she winked at Senza, "Baby, what do you say? How about we also get wild and frisky?" He replied by sniffing a kiss into her hair and holding her closer. The response from him made her pout in defeat, crossing her arms across her chest. A smirk plastered itself on his lips. My Lily. Senza pulled her face sideways to meet his, locking their lips into a kiss. Her lips pull into a smile as they break apart. "My Lily" Like and Comment for *wink wink* action ******************************* One Hangover later FEMALE DORM 5TH FLOOR HALLWAY ROOM G5AB Of all people to be exiting her dorm room at 3 in the morning, Trent wasn''t even on that list. But alas, here he was. Max was more than surprised to catch the gloomy male at the entrance just as he closed the door of the room behind himself. The slight dip in expression at being caught didn''t go unnoticed by the brunette. "Should I even ask?" He gave a dismissive look, his words stern. "Max. Don''t" She shrugged in surrender. Max was sure that Trent wasn''t going to give her answers, but her dear roommate cannot escape her interrogation. "When are you going to tell her, Trent?" Her words paused him. He knew exactly what she was referring to but he just couldn''t bring himself to. With a cold voice, he warned, "Max" "You can''t keep lying to yourself, you know. She will find out one day" With a silent goodbye, the male quickly excused himself, hoping not to run away from the discussion and not into any other female on his way out. The sight of the fast-asleep girl greeted Max as she entered her shared room. The interrogation would have to be shifted to the morning. Quietly, she strolls to her side of the room surrounded by books on the built-in wall shelf. Flopping unto her bed, she makes room for herself, pushing away littering books. As her head hits her pillow, the memory of the last hour floats into her head, a smile etching unto her face with a green jacket in her arms. "Bridget Ponds...I think I''ll have you around for longer" She thinks to herself, her finger grazing over her lips. ************************** Elise POV "Eli... wake up" A distant voice reached my subconscious but I pushed it out. I''m too sleepy to come back to reality. "Five minutes more" Even with my one-sided negotiation, the voice persisted, gradually getting louder until it pulled me out of my dream state, a headache accompanying me. A grumble escapes my lip, my hands set to rubbing sleep from my eyes to take a glance as to who spoilt my wonderful dream. I groaned into my pillow. "Max... why?" "Why what?" I let out a yawn, pushing myself up into a seating position, a black fabric falling into my lap. "Why did you have to wake me up? There is no lesson today and my head hurts". Despite my grogginess, I could remember that we were given the day after the ball as a free day to recuperate. It was quite predictable that no one would be in good shape for classes after a full night of partying. "Elise Redfox, it''s¨C", she steals a quick glance at the wall clock, "2:13 pm in the afternoon. The day is almost over!" And here I thought it was around like 6pm or something. The day is too bright. I wanna sleep more. "I have at least 10 more hours before the day is over" Max pulled the blanket off me, leaving my legs exposed to the coldness of the room. She was clearly getting fed up by my witty words to defend my laziness. "To be precise, 9 hours and 47 minutes. Besides the point, don''t you even think about going back to sleep" Feeling more awake, my eyes took in Max''s appearance. Opting for the school''s play wear, a black zipper cardigan with matching long pants, she completed this laid back style with navy blue crocs. Successful in waking me, Max walked back to her corner of the room, shuffling through her collection of books. "By the way, why did you fall asleep in your dress?", a hint of usual monotone in her voice. Her mention of that called my attention to my own appearance. I was still wearing my white dress from last night, which was unlike me. Inspecting the black clothing resting on my lap, I discovered that it was a coat. It was however too large for either Max or I. "Max, this coat doesn''t belong to me" Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Max, still engrossed in her search, took a moment of silence before responding, "A coat? It could be for Trent" "Trent? Why would it be with me then?" I felt confused at her response. The correlation between me and the coat wasn''t adding up in my brain. "Well, he might have left it behind. He was here¨C" Max''s attention broke, gasping at the realization that she wasn''t sure if she should have spoken about Trent''s presence in their room the previous night. "He was here?! Why? What was he looking for? I don''t remember him coming" That took me by surprise. What could have made Trent come into our room? "You don''t remember? Elise, what do you remember from last night?" Max asked curiously, giving her attention to me, while adjusting her glasses further up the bridge of her nose. I found myself searching through my file of memories for the events of last night but most of them were a blur. The hours between waiting for Trent at the table and waking up a few minutes ago was clouded. I couldn''t bring myself to clearly remember. "I remember waiting for Trent at our table and having a cup of some weird juice. I think I remember dancing at some point" "Weird juice?", she steps down the ladder of her shelves. "Yeah, it was on our table. It tasted nice but it had a burning feeling in my throat" My hands played with the buttons on the coat, instinctively. The cup which I assumed belonged to Trent. Hence why I saw no harm in taking the contents. "Burning feeling... Eli, you drank alcohol. That would explain the memory loss and the headache" Max solved the riddle of my predicament, stepping away from her mountain of books. "Alcohol? I have never had that before. I practically downed the whole cup" My first encounter with booze and it wasn''t even intentional. The memory of me downing it made me chuckle. Her voiced bellowed, the shocked expression of her face scared me, "At once?" "Yeah..." I sheepishly replied. Max let out a sigh before walking up to me with a glass of water. "Drink this, it should help a bit. We also need to get food into your body" Knowing better than to argue, I took the glass out of her hand, whispered a quick thank you and drank the whole cup of water. The question of Trent''s mission in our room nagged at the back of my mind. "Do you know why Trent came into our room?", I asked, wiping my mouth clean with the lace of my sleeve. "I don''t have an answer to that. He was leaving when I got to the door. You would have to ask him yourself" "Okay, I will" For some reason, I believe that Trent had the key to unlocking my blurred memories of the previous night. I just have to swallow my pride and ask him, also return back his property. My tummy rumbled at that moment, "But first, I need to eat something. I''m starving. I''ll quickly take a bath and we can go, okay?" "Hmm" Max replied in affirmation, balanced on the ladder attached to the shelves, fixated on her book search. ********************* "I want to assume last night was quite eventful from the look on your face" Hannah''s pale cheeks turned red in response, her eyes shyly roamed around. I shared a mischievous look with Max who was walking to my right, before both our eyes fell on the blonde to my left. Since our unplanned meeting on our hallway with Hannah on our way to the cafeteria, she has had an exhausted look. The faint bruises on her neck that she tried to hide with her goodies already caught my eye, and Max''s also. "That obvious?" With a finger I tapped the side of my neck, pointing out her bruise. Her eyes widening at realization. "That Ghoul! I told him¨C" I cut her off quickly before she goes into a ramble of details. "Hannah stop! I really don''t want a mental picture of you and Senza''s extracurricular activities. Seeing your public display of affection is torture enough" I shake away any probing thoughts about those two. I don''t even want to imagine what happened last night. "Eli, it is not torture. By the wayyy, I wasn''t going to spill details of our hot and spicy night", she whispered the last part of her words sexily, her hands gliding down mine. I shrieked away from her, clutching unto Max. "Max, please knock me out with your book" Without hesitation, she agreed, "Gladly" My eyes bulged out and I stopped the brunette''s hand midair before it came down on me. "Wait! I''m just joking. No need to get physical" Max smirked, casting a glance at Hannah who had a big smile on her face. The blonde added, "I know one person who would love to see such violence" My eyebrows furrowed together as I thought about the short list of people that have a vendetta against me. "Who? Trent?" "Bri. What does Trent have to do with this conversation? You both barely even speak to each other. Speaking of boys, I saw you and Samuel talking last night. Are you guys getting back together or what?" Hannah wasn''t aware of I and the white-haired boy''s frequent interactions. I also wasn''t aware that my interaction with Samuel was seen. A glance at Max and I realized my mistake. She held a surprised but questioning look at me, unaware of what Hannah revealed. The whole Trent issue caused that piece of information to skip my mind. I forgot to tell Max about my encounter with him. Quickly, I cleared every hint of rumor "No, we aren''t. He asked if we could at least be friends" Max looked unconvinced for some reason, her eyes motioning me to continue while Hannah said the words, "And?" And? "What did you say to that? Did you agree?", her voice laced with interest. "I mean...yeah. What else was I supposed to say to him after all that had happened. I decided to let the past be the past. We can try to be friends" I tried to sound convincing enough, not to them but to myself. Our legs took us into a rather empty hall room, the smell of pastries welcomed us. Before long, our trays were filled and we were seated enjoying the delicacies. "Any idea what room Trent is in?" "Why? Did he do something to you?" Hannah''s bright blue eyes looked at me in question. I dusted crumbs off my fingertips before lifting the black cloth up, solidifying my answer. "I want to return his jacket to him" and talk to him about last night. The last part, more to myself. Hannah can be quite inquisitive, I can''t have her digging for more information than necessary. "That''s right beside Senza''s. Although, I don''t know the exact room number. If I remember correctly, he should be Tome''s roommate. I could take you there if you don''t mind " I knew I could count on her for such types of things. Her extroverted personality allows for bits and pieces of various information to be available to her. A brief glimpse of an unreadable expression passes through Max''s face. "Hannah, you are a lifesaver" Max cuts in, a smug look on her face, "Or she just wants an excuse to go to Senza''s room" "Max! That''s not true. I want to help our dear Eli here". She hugs my head close to hers, cooing and patting the side of my head. Our inquisitive eyes simultaneous turn towards her, "Are you coming with us?" "No. You two go without me", she said dismissively, her hands pushing around the food on her plate. "Okay" .......... A Small Chance MALE DORM 5TH FLOOR HALLWAY B5BA "This door is his room and I would be in the other room" "Hmm" Her eyes focused on the big B5BA written boldly on the door, feet rooted to the ground. Confusion swirled in her mind, and she was determined to piece together the fragments of last night''s memories. Knocking hesitantly on Trent''s door, she waited, her heart beating faster with each passing second. "Who is it?" The door opened, revealing Trent''s bewildered expression. "Elise," he greeted, surprise in his voice. Composing his expression, he leaned against the doorframe, his arms folded across his chest. "Elise, Why are you here?", his voice guarded She met his gaze, her determination wavering slightly. "Your jacket. You left it at my place last night" She stretched forth the black coat in a arms towards him. Shifting his gaze to the jacket, he snatched it out of her grasp, "Thanks. Bye then" The end of his words were followed by a slamming sound. "Trent Lee! Did you just shut the door in my face!?", Elise''s voice rose in disbelief, "I came all the way and you won''t even invite me in!" Opening the door a second time, he sighed, clearly exasperated, "I got the jacket and said thanks" Elise''s frustration was palpable as she crossed her arms. "You realise that I am standing on the hall way, in a boy''s dorm hall" Taking a moment to weigh his odds, he let out a defeated sigh, "Fine... come in" Trent stepped back, allowing her to enter his room. It was dimly lit, the sunlight filtering in through dark closed curtains. The room was tidier than she expected, books neatly arranged on shelves, two large computer screens showing codes running and a hint of his presence in every corner. Elise stepped into the room, looking around briefly. "Nice decor. I''m not surprised by the aesthetics though. Very dark and moody like your soul" Maintaining a generous distance between them, Trent raised an eyebrow, an hint of sarcasm in his voice. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "Are you here to make fun of me, Ice princess?" Elise smirked, her tone playful. "Fortunately for you, Fire-user, not today. I wanted to ask you about something. About last night" Trent''s expression remained guarded. "Last night?" "I remember waiting for you at the table and I think we danced... or you ditched me. I''m not so sure. Then I woke up this morning and surprise surprise, I found your jacket. Max also told me you were there last night and maybe, just maybe I might have had something to drink. So can you help me fill in the blanks? Did I do anything stupid?" He cut her off before she could finish, his gaze flickering away from hers. "You don''t have to worry about it, Elise." Elise frowned, frustration building within her. "But I want to remember. All I know is that we danced, and then everything''s a blur." Trent''s jaw tightened, his patience wearing thin. He knew she was referring to the confession he made, the kiss they shared. But he didn''t want to burden her with those memories, especially if she didn''t recall them. He believed it was better this way, that it would save her from unnecessary emotional turmoil. "Trent?" Trent hesitated for a moment before responding, his voice cold and distant. "Nothing important. Don''t worry about it" "No, Trent," Elise insisted, her eyes narrowing. "I want to know. I deserve to know." Trent''s frustration began to show, his patience finally snapping. "It doesn''t matter. You danced, had fun. You were tipsy and I took you to your room. That''s all you need to remember. That''s all" Elise''s voice quivered slightly. "That''s all? It matters to me, Trent. Don''t dismiss it like it''s nothing." She could tell from his tone and body language that there was more to the story. He clenched his fists, his voice growing more sarcastic. "You''re right, Elise. It''s the most important thing in the world." Trent''s voice escalated, his patience wearing thin. "Oh, congratulations. You''ve got it all figured out." Her voice breaking, Elise''s frustration turned into hurt. "Why won''t you tell me? Why won''t you trust me with the truth?" Finally snapping out of frustration, "Elise, Nothing happened last night. If that is all you want to ask, you can go now" Trent''s chest heaved as he struggled to control his anger. He realized he had raised his voice at her, something he rarely did. Guilt mixed with his frustration, and he looked away from her tear-filled gaze. Taking a moment to calm himself down, the tension in the room increased his guilt. Seeing his turmoil, Elise wiped her tears away, her voice wavering but resolute. "Fine then, I''ll leave." Without waiting for his response, she turned and stormed out of the room, the door closing loudly behind her. ******************** Her sobs echoed down the hallway, reaching Samuel''s ears in his nearby room. Concern etched across his face, Samuel hesitated for a moment before stepping out into the hallway. He followed the sound of her cries until he found her sitting alone, her shoulders shaking with each sob. "Elise?" Samuel''s voice was gentle as he approached her. Startled, Elise looked up, her teary eyes meeting his concerned gaze. Samuel offered her a kind smile. "Do you want to talk about it?" She shook her head, unable to speak as fresh tears spilled over. Samuel didn''t press her, instead offering a comforting presence. "If you ever need someone to listen, my door is always open." His words broke down the walls around her heart, and she nodded gratefully. Samuel extended his hand, and after a moment of hesitation, Elise took it. He helped her to her feet, her touch warm in his palms. "Come on," Samuel said softly, "let''s get you out of the hallway. Let me take you to your hall." Elise nodded, allowing him to lead her down the corridor. ****************** Trent, alone in his room, replayed the argument in his mind. He had wanted to protect her, to spare her any potential pain. But now, all he felt was regret for the way he had handled it. Disappointment weighed heavily on his chest, and he buried his face in his hands, his heart aching with the realization that he might have pushed her away. ********************* Taking the Chance FEMALE DORM ROOM G5AB As I returned to our dorm room, the echoes of the argument with Trent still reverberated in my mind, like a never-ending chorus of tension. It was as if the room itself held onto the remnants of our heated exchange, and I couldn''t shake off the whirlwind of emotions that had left me feeling completely drained. I slumped onto my bed without realizing that Max, my ever-studious and analytical roommate, was sitting at her desk, engrossed in her books. Her hazel eyes, framed by her glasses, lent her an intellectual air, but she was also known for her humorous nature that always managed to shine through, even in the darkest of moments. Her eyes bore into mine, and I couldn''t help but feel a sense of relief knowing that my confidante was there to listen. I couldn''t hold back my frustration, crying into her shoulder, "Maxxxxx....He slammed the DOOR on my face!" Max''s eyes lifted from her reading, and she glanced at me, her brows furrowing with concern. "Rough day?" I sighed, rubbing my temples into the groove of her neck to relieve the pounding headache that had been with me since my argument with Trent. "Yeah, you could say that." There was an understanding in Max''s eyes that always managed to comfort me. "Trent?" My gaze flickered toward her, and I couldn''t help but let out a bitter chuckle. "No, Senza. Of course, it was Trent. Who else would have the guts to?" Max''s reaction was a simple shrug, as if these occurrences were just another page in the book of our tumultuous lives. "Alright. You know where to find me if you want to talk." I attempted a sarcastic smile, appreciating the fact that Max was always there, ready to lend a listening ear. "Jeez... Thanks, Max." She laughed. "Okay, okay. I''ll stop. Now tell me what he did." I recounted the whole story to Max, not leaving out any detail, including Samuel''s unexpected presence and the comfort he had provided me. Max, in her typical Max-like fashion, didn''t waste a second to voice her suspicions. "You know, it''s a bit suspicious that Samuel showed up at that exact moment to console you." I considered her words carefully, mulling over the possibility that maybe it wasn''t just a coincidence. "Yeah, but maybe it was just a fluke." Her fingers tapped impatiently against her book, the frustration evident. "Honestly, I don''t understand him. He''s acting like a complete enigma. One minute he''s shutting the door in your face, the next he''s leaving you hanging." I bit my lip, the frustration that had been simmering all day now boiling over. "I know, Max. It''s like he''s deliberately keeping me in the dark." Frustration in her own eyes, Max shook her head. "I don''t get why he''s being so cryptic. And Samuel, suddenly showing up like he''s your knight in shining armor. It''s all too convenient." I shook my head emphatically. "I don''t care. I don''t care. I''m not thinking about him anymore." Max shook her head as well, her glasses catching the light as she stared at me. "I don''t trust him. Be careful around Samuel." I remained determined, my expression unwavering. "He just wants to be friends, Max. That''s all." Max''s gaze held a mixture of concern and skepticism. "I hope you''re right, but I have a feeling there''s more to him than meets the eye." If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. I nodded, my brows furrowing with uncertainty. "You think there''s more to it?" Max''s determination shone through her eyes. "I''m going to find out. This whole situation doesn''t sit right with me." I offered her a grateful smile. "Detective Maxine to the rescue." I shot a mock salute towards her direction, making my way to my bed area. Her lips curled into a small smile, but she issued a playful threat. "Call me that one more time, Elise Redfox, and I will write all your embarrassing stories into a book and sell them. Don''t forget... I have an amazing memory." I couldn''t help but zip my mouth and giggle into my blanket, grateful for the unwavering support of my closest friend and confidante, even in the most bewildering and complex moments of our lives. ****************************** DINING HALL DINNER As dinner time arrived, the dining hall was abuzz with chatter, and the clinking of utensils filled the air. Everyone was still sharing stories about the prom ball, and I tried to force a smile as I joined the lively conversation, recounting the parts I could remember from that night. Trent, his platinum white hair glinting under the warm lights, approached our table with Awesome and Senza trailing behind. Trent had his tray of food in hand, but there was a noticeable hesitation as he glanced from me to the empty seat beside me and back again. Max, always perceptive, sensed the tension that surrounded him, narrowing her hazel eyes as she observed the unspoken interaction. Our eyes briefly locked, and there was a silent exchange, words unspoken but feelings lingering in the air. I quickly looked away, pushing my food around my plate as I tried to hide the unease gnawing at me. Max shared a knowing look with Bri, her friend''s curiosity mirroring her own. Suddenly, a presence approached from behind Trent, and I couldn''t help but stiffen as Samuel, with his calm demeanor reflected in his sky blue eyes, walked toward the seat beside me. Our smiles met, but mine felt strained, an attempt to conceal the inner turmoil. Max, as ever, seemed to capture every detail of this scene, her eidetic memory recording each nuance. A flicker of realization passed across Max''s face, and I could sense her silent decision to have a private conversation with me later. Bri, perceptive as always, shot a quizzical look at Max, who responded with a raised eyebrow, silently conveying that there was more to the situation than met the eye. At the head of the table, Fancy called out to Trent, beckoning him to join their group. Trent''s gaze remained fixated on the empty seat beside me. With a subtle shake of his head, he turned away from Fancy, clearly frustrated, and headed to another table. His presence was replaced by a noticeable silence, a quiet void where unspoken emotions lingered. Arms crossed and eyes shut, Trent fumed quietly. Max continued to watch the interactions unfold, her thoughts racing as she attempted to piece together the puzzle of emotions and sentiments left unsaid. As the dinner continued, the atmosphere remained charged with unspoken tension, a resonance of emotions that hung in the air. The aftermath of the prom ball still had its grip on all of us, leaving an indelible mark. Samuel, taking his seat, reached into his bag and pulled out a container of banana-flavored yogurt. "Eli, I got this for you. I remember that it was your favorite." Bri, sharp and observant, chimed in with a curious remark, "Isn''t Elise allergic to bananas?" I quickly interjected, forcing a polite smile despite the conflicting emotions. "It''s not a problem, really." Samuel''s apologetic expression revealed his unawareness of my allergy. "I''m sorry, I didn''t know." Bri, barely above a whisper, muttered, "That''s strange. Even I always knew that." During our group''s conversation, Samuel''s attempts to be close continued. He brushed a strand of my hair away from my face, but I couldn''t help but feel awkward, brushing it away myself with a forced smile. Max observed the interaction closely, her suspicions growing with each passing moment. Unbeknownst to me, Max was determined to uncover the truth behind the arguments, the strained smiles, and the fleeting glances. She knew there was something beneath the surface, and she was ready to dive deeper to unravel the mysteries of our complex relationships. As the conversation continued, Max decided to leave early with Bri, using the excuse of returning a book to the library. Samuel offered to walk me back to the dorm, and I agreed, not fully aware of the undercurrent of tension that surrounded us. He walked me to the door of our room, and there was an unspoken tension that lingered in the air. Samuel hesitated for a moment before prodding gently, inquiring about my encounter with Trent and the state of our relationship. But hidden behind his calm exterior, I detected a flicker of possessiveness in his eyes, a hint of jealousy that was anything but subtle. I sighed softly. "Samuel, it''s been a confusing day, and I''m still trying to sort things out with Trent. Let''s just take things one step at a time, okay?" Understanding washed over Samuel''s features, but a trace of frustration remained. He nodded gently. "You''re right, Eli. I''m here for you, as a friend." However, my guarded expression didn''t provide the answers Samuel was seeking, leaving him dissatisfied. We exchanged goodbyes, and I entered our room, feeling the weight of uncertainty hanging over me. ******************** Testing, Testing, Testing Weeks raced by in a whirlwind of textbooks and exams, transforming the academy into a hive of focused determination. I found myself immersed in my studies, my gray hair neatly tied back, but the space between Trent and me remained a palpable chasm. Trent kept our interactions strictly academic, leaving no room for personal connection. Our conversations were short of any emotion, and I couldn''t help but wonder what was hidden beneath his inscrutable exterior. Samuel, however, made persistent attempts to be my "friend", often joining me in my studies, sharing insights, and engaging me in conversation. As Samuel and I spent more time together, huddled over textbooks in the library or engrossed in deep discussions about our dreams and ambitions, I couldn''t shake the feeling of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. It was as if I had walked this path before. Amid all this, the silence between Trent and me remained unbroken. Our paths rarely crossed, but the emotions left unsaid hung heavily in the air. ******************************** DINING HALL The academy''s dining area provided a temporary refuge from the pressure of exams. Laughter and chatter filled the room as students gathered, seeking a brief respite from their studies. The usual bonfire was replaced by students enjoying each other''s company, sharing stories and lightening their burdens. I sat with my friends at our regular table, my attention occasionally drifting toward Trent. Hannah''s infectious laughter filled the air, and her lively spirit drew a rare smile from Senza, who was usually quite moody. Samuel approached me, offering a plate of snacks with a friendly smile. "Hungry?" I accepted the plate with a soft smile. "Thanks, Samuel." As the evening ended, I went to my room, lost in thought about the events of the night. The exam period had not only tested my academic prowess but also compelled me to confront my emotions. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Just as I gazed out of my window at the moonlit landscape, the door to my room swung open, revealing Hannah and Bri. Their entrance hinted at an exciting revelation. "Elise, we''re having a study session in the common room. Are you in?" Hannah''s eyes sparkled with excitement. Bri added with a wry grin, "You know the tradition, even during exams." I chuckled and nodded. "Sure, count me in." The common room was bathed in warm lamplight, and I found myself among a sea of focused students, scattered study materials, and an atmosphere of unity amid the stress of exams. Hannah''s curiosity got the better of her, and she leaned forward. "Elise, spill the tea! What''s going on between you and Samuel?" Bri''s eyes widened, silently urging caution. But the question was out. I chuckled, amused. "Hannah, you''re something else." Hannah''s grin widened. "Oh, come on, don''t leave us hanging!" I raised my hand, a warm smile on my lips. "Alright, alright. I''ll share." "In all honesty, nothing significant has happened between Samuel and me," I began. "I suppose he''s been feeling guilty about how things ended... you know, before the whole explosion and powers thing." Bri asked, "You know, I never asked... Why did you two break up?" "He cheated on me with a junior," I let out a sigh. "Come to think of it, I never told him I found out. I just ended things when I woke up." "So, he doesn''t know that you know?!" Hannah''s voice rose in surprise. I pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "I guess you could say that." Hannah chirped excitedly, pushing her textbook aside. "Wow, this is way more interesting than human anatomy." Bri instinctively asked, "Are you ever going to tell him?" I tried to wrap up the topic. "I mean... does it really matter now? Let bygones be bygones, right?" But the thought of not revealing the reason for our breakup tugged at my heart with a pang of guilt. Hannah trailed off, "I guess so," and then, out of the blue, she added, "What''s the deal with Trent, though? The way he looks at you sometimes, I can''t tell if he wants to kill you or kiss you." The conversation took an unexpected turn to Trent, causing me to cough fitfully, but Max intervened, steering the topic away. Clearing her throat, Max''s tone was both firm and gentle. "Alright, girls, let''s get back to studying. We''re here to support each other through exams." The room''s energy shifted, and we returned to our studies, leaving unanswered questions hanging in the air. As the night wore on, I found myself lost in thoughts, appreciating the bonds that connected us. With each passing moment, the burden of exams felt a bit lighter, a testament to the strength of our friendship Like and leave a comment ......................... Testing and Trials The Field The scent of freshly cut grass hung in the air, and the field was drenched in the warm, golden glow of the sun, creating a picturesque setting for the Abilities Testing practical. I stood among my friends, my heart racing with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. My gray hair was neatly tied back, and my blue eyes were filled with determination. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the field. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as students showcased their abilities one by one, turning the field into a spectacle of powers. Each demonstration was met with applause and cheers from the watching students and faculty. And then, it was Trent''s turn. As he stepped onto the field, an aura of controlled power surrounded him. His platinum-white hair caught the sunlight, his gray eyes were focused and intense. With a wave of his hand, flames burst forth from his fingertips, dancing and twirling in intricate patterns before soaring into the sky. The flames took on a life of their own, forming intricate shapes that left the spectators in awe. As I watched Trent, I couldn''t help but feel a mix of admiration and nostalgia. There was a time when our connection had been so much more than strained, and yet, in moments like this, the memories of our bond seemed to resurface. My gaze softened as I observed his mastery over his abilities. The controlled intensity of his power mirrored the complexity of his emotions, reminding me that beneath his stoic exterior, there was a depth of feeling that I had once been privy to. Despite the distance that had grown between us, the memory of our shared moments lingered, leaving a bittersweet ache in my heart. When it was my turn, I stepped forward with a surge of anticipation coursing through me. My power, a combination of water manipulation and ice control, held the potential for both beauty and danger. As I raised my hands, water droplets formed around me, twirling and dancing in the air before freezing into intricate ice sculptures. But then, something unexpected happened. A surge of power caused the ice sculptures to shatter, sending shards in all directions. My control wavered, and a large shard of ice was hurtling toward me. Panic flashed in my eyes as the inevitable impact loomed. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. In that critical moment, a blur of movement appeared beside me. Samuel materialized out of thin air, his sky-blue eyes wide with urgency. His agility allowed him to reach me just in time, his hands grabbing me and teleporting us away from danger. The students watched in awe as Samuel''s powers saved me from what could have been a disastrous injury. Hannah and Bri rushed to our side, concern etched on their faces. Hannah''s plant manipulation was quickly put to use as she conjured a soothing balm to treat my minor injuries. While the girls tended to me, Samuel and Trent locked eyes from a distance, their rivalry simmering beneath the surface. Samuel''s expression was a mix of triumph and satisfaction, while Trent''s gaze held a touch of frustration. Later, as the exam concluded and the students dispersed, Samuel approached Trent. His tone was casual, almost taunting. "Hey, Trent. Thanks for pushing Elise away back there. I guess you really are a gentleman." Trent''s jaw clenched, and his gray eyes narrowed as he met Samuel''s gaze. "It was nothing." Samuel''s smile turned smug. "Right. By the way, Elise and I are getting pretty close. You know how it is." Trent''s fists tightened, and his emotions conflicted within him. Samuel''s words cut deeper than he cared to admit. "Is that so?" "Oh, absolutely. She''s a great friend," Samuel continued, his tone laced with something more than friendship. Trent''s patience wavered, and his voice carried a hint of bitterness. "Good for you." Samuel leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You know, Trent, it''s interesting how you''ve been pining for her all this time. Your feelings for Elise are pretty obvious." Trent''s eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and vulnerability, his facade cracking. "Stay out of my business, Samuel." Samuel''s smile turned devious as he backed away. "Oh, don''t worry. I''ll make sure to take good care of her." Trent''s fingers curled into fists, and his emotions were tumultuous. He turned on his heel, storming away to find solace in only one place. ************************** Swimming Pool Area There, with his feet submerged in the water, Trent let the coolness wash over him, attempting to soothe the turmoil within. Samuel''s words echoed in his mind, exposing the truth he had long tried to deny. As the ripples on the water''s surface mirrored his inner conflict, Trent couldn''t escape the emotions that had been stirred. The feelings he had suppressed were now impossible to ignore, and the weight of them settled heavily upon his shoulders. Like and comment ******************* A Heart Unveiled 2nd Floor The Library The library provided a cocoon of hushed conversations and shuffling papers. Elise, Max, and Bri nestled in their respective corners, each engrossed in their tasks. Elise, in need of a break, chose a cozy spot and soon drifted into a gentle slumber. As the afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the library windows, Elise''s peaceful slumber continued, a serene contrast to the hushed activity around her. Max and Bri exchanged knowing glances, silently communicating their intentions. With a conspiratorial smile, they both rose from their seats, careful not to disturb their sleeping friend. Max''s voice was a playful whisper as she called to Elise. "Hey, sleepyhead, we''re just going to turn in some book. Don''t worry, we won''t be long." Bri chimed in, her tone equally mischievous. "Yeah, we''ll be right back. You keep dreaming." Elise, half-asleep and still wrapped in the embrace of her dreams, murmured a faint response, her lips curving into a contented smile. As Max and Bri made their way to through the row of shelves, they shared a knowing look. The promise of books was merely a ruse. With the library''s rustling ambience left behind, they found themselves in a quieter corner, away from prying ears. Bri leaned against the wall, her expression taking on a flirtatious edge. "Finally, some alone time." Max''s laughter was a soft melody, her gaze meeting Bri with playful intent. "You had to drag Elise into napland for that?" Bri''s grin was unapologetic as she closed the distance between them. "Well, she''s a heavy sleeper." Their playful banter gave way to a shared closeness, the weight of their unspoken feelings simmering just beneath the surface. Bri''s fingers gently brushed a stray strand of hair from Max''s face, her touch lingering longer than necessary. Bri''s turquoise eyes danced with a mixture of amusement and desire. "You know, Max, you''ve always had a way of distracting me." Max''s tone held a seductive undertone, her voice a mere whisper. "Oh, is that so? And what are you going to do about it?" In that quiet corridor, their playful flirtation transformed into a deeper connection, their gazes locked in an intimate dance of emotions. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the intensity of their shared moment. Unbeknownst to them, Trent entered the library. His gaze was like a magnet, drawn to Elise''s peaceful form. With careful steps, he approached, observing her as she slept, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Just as Bri is about to close their distance with a kiss, Max''s eyes catches a glimpse of his bright hair from between the rows of books and excuses herself from a grumpy Bri for a moment. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. She quickly intercepted Trent before he could completely lose himself in his thoughts. She pulled him aside, her expression a mix of concern and firmness, creating a private space for their conversation. Max''s voice was a blend of exasperation and worry. "You can''t just keep dodging people, Trent. Especially Elise. I thought we were best friends." Trent''s eyes darted, his defenses raising instinctively. "It''s not that simple." Max''s patience radiated as she met his gaze. "Then make it simple. You can''t keep shutting everyone out, especially when it comes to Elise." A sigh escaped Trent, his gaze momentarily averted. "You don''t understand, Max." Her tone softened, compassion evident in her eyes. "Then help me understand, Trent. You''re hurting her by keeping her at arm''s length." With a reluctant exhale, Trent''s resistance began to crumble. "I know you have liked Elise for a long time, even before everything happened. She has seen the tattoo, you know." Trent wasn''t hiding the tattoo he had but the meaning and reason behind it, he had vowed to keep it hidden from her. Max''s eyes saddened, memories dawning. "Don''t worry. She doesn''t know the meaning. Trent, you''re hurting her even more by keeping her in the dark." Trent''s shoulders slumped, his fa?ade of strength cracking under Max''s persistent gaze. "I''m not the right person for her. I can''t risk hurting her." Max''s voice held conviction, determined to cut through his defenses. "You don''t get to decide that, Trent. Let her make that choice." A moment of vulnerability washed over Trent, his armor momentarily slipping. "I''m scared, Max. I''ve been hurt before, and I can''t go through that pain again." Max''s touch was gentle, her hand resting on his arm. "Trent, you won''t know unless you try. You can''t let your past dictate your future. Elise deserves the truth." Trent''s heart wrestled with his fears and desires. He realized he had been using his past as an excuse to keep his emotions locked away. Perhaps it was time to release his grip on his pain, to let go of his past and embrace the possibility of a brighter future. Max''s words echoed through his mind, leading Trent down a corridor of memories. ********************** Trent''s POV **Flashback** The past emerged vividly¡ªlosing his mother at a tender age, being raised by a stern and emotionally distant father. Emotions had been seen as vulnerabilities, a path to pain. He had mastered the art of guarding his heart, cocooning his feelings behind a protective wall. He revisited the memory of his mother, the one person he had loved so unconditionally. His little legs carried him to the man he got to see only a few times a month. The same man his mother waited for every night. Every night, she would sing him a song and pat his head as he is lured to sleep. She would take several glances at the clock, sighing periodically but this night was different. "A-fua, Where is Amma?" "Trent, she''s gone" His childish brain pondered on where his mother could have gone. She promised that she would always hold his hand and never let go. Why did she have to break her promise? Her untimely departure had left a void that he believed could never be filled. He had accepted that void as a part of him, shielding himself from the potential hurt of loving someone deeply. Trent''s hands clenched as he relived the grief, the loneliness. Growing in the hands of his father, the fortress he had built around his heart, the fear of showing vulnerability, all traced back to that moment. As the only son of his father, there was no room for weakness. The revelation hit him hard¡ªhis fear of getting hurt was holding him back, making him unwilling to expose himself to the possibility of pain. Taking a deep breath, Trent confronted the shackles of his past. He realized that by letting his past control him, he was depriving himself of a chance at happiness and connection. It was time to break free, to allow himself to feel and open up to the possibility of love. But how? Like and Comment! .................................. Fragments of understanding Getting comfortable in my usual secluded corner, head resting on folded arms as my eyes drooped, the warmth of the afternoon sun lulling me into a light nap. My messy gray hair cascaded gently over the numerous textbooks, as if seeking a reprieve from the academic world. A faint buzz interrupted my drowsy state, and I blinked, glancing at her smartwatch. Samuel''s name lit up the screen with a message that read, "Elise, can we meet? It''s important." Startled awake by the vibration, I glanced at my watch. A rush of curiosity and concern stirred within me as I typed out a quick reply, "Sure, where?" The reply came swiftly, guiding me to an empty classroom tucked away in the hallway of the class 5 corridor. Brows furrowing slightly, I gathered my belongings, begrudgingly leaving my forgotten nap behind as I set off to find out what was so urgent. As I left the library, my departure didn''t go unnoticed. Max''s keen observation skills caught Trent''s eyes locked onto my retreating figure. She nudged Trent, urging him to catch up to me and finally address the tension that had been festering between us. Max''s watchful eyes were on Trent, her empathy for him evident. She turned to Bri, her voice tinged with a mix of worry and determination. "This is the moment, Bri. Trent needs to step up and stop hiding behind his past." Bri''s gaze shifted between Max and Trent, a swirl of emotions in her eyes. She leaned into Max''s embrace, finding solace in her touch. "I hope he realizes that." Trent''s hurried footsteps echoed through the hallway as he followed my trail. His heart raced, a mix of anticipation and nervousness making his pulse quicken. He rounded a corner just in time to see me turn into the hallway where Samuel awaited me. His breath caught in his throat, his eyes locking onto the scene before him. Walking side by side, I and Samuel engaged in our conversation, our hushed voices holding a sense of urgency. Trent leaned against a nearby wall, hidden from our view, struggling to process the rush of emotions that surged within him. He clenched his fists, his heart aching as he witnessed our interaction. The sight of us together triggered a mixture of emotions he had been suppressing for far too long. A pang of jealousy twisted in his chest, mingling with the fear of rejection and the weight of his unspoken feelings. With a heavy heart, Trent turned away from the scene, his footsteps carrying him down the hallway. His steps were heavy with a sense of resignation, his heartache growing with each footfall. He needed a moment to gather his thoughts, to come to terms with the overwhelming emotions that had been unleashed. *** Curiosity mingled with trepidation as I ventured into the room, my blue eyes searching Samuel''s. Standing before me, his usual confidence replaced by a mix of anxiety and desperation. "Elise, I needed to see you," he implored, his voice tinged with raw emotion. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. My brow furrowed, my gaze wary. "Samuel, what''s so urgent that you had to drag me out?" He took a hesitant step forward, his hands clenching and unclenching by his sides. "Just give me a chance, Elise. We can go back to how we used to be. I''m willing to do better. Remember that I promised to change and I have" My eyes bore into his, a mixture of frustration and disbelief in my expression. "You can''t be serious, Samuel. I thought you said we could be just friends." Desperation laced his words, his voice cracking. "I know, but you''re important to me. I want you." An intense silence hung between us, the weight of our shared history casting shadows over the present. And then, with a sudden burst of boldness, Samuel leaned in, trying to prove our connection by capturing my lips in a kiss. Startled, I pulled away, my eyes wide with disbelief. "Samuel, what in the world are you doing?" My voice quivered, my guard shattered by his unexpected gesture. Samuel''s words stumbled over each other in his haste to apologize. "I thought if I could just... show you... that we work. Did you feel the tingles I felt?" My tone turned sharper, my hurt spilling into my words. "You can''t kiss me without my consent!" His hand reached out, his touch uncertain. "Elise, I''m so sorry, I didn''t mean to¡ª I just want you to see..." "Stop!" My voice cracked, tears streaming down my cheeks. "You can''t keep doing this, Samuel." I shook my head, a bittersweet smile touching my lips. "Its so sad because I wanted to let byegones be freaking bygones." I ran my fingers through my hair. His eyes shone with slight angst and confusion. "I know about Kun, Samuel". His eyes widened at my words. The pieces of the puzzles started coming together in his head. "It was a one time thing" He lied through his teeth, which only infuriated me more. He definitely thinks I am stupid to believe that. I turned to leave, the heaviness of my emotions threatening to consume me. Before I could escape, Samuel''s fingers closed around my arm, halting me. "Wait, Elise, you can''t just leave me." I looked his square in the eyes, my voice icy, my anger palpable. "Watch me." I pulled my wrist out of his grasp, remorse mingling with desperation on his face. As I walked away, the weight of unspoken feelings and shattered hopes hung heavy in the air, both of us trapped in a cycle of pain. Heavy feet took me to my only place of solace. ********************************** Meanwhile, Trent found himself at the poolside, staring at the placid water. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, replaying the heart-wrenching scene between me and Samuel. His chest tightened with a mix of sorrow and helplessness, realizing the depth of the emotions we were grappling with. His eyes stared at the black ink drawn meticulously on his arm, partly hidden under his white sleeves. Footsteps broke through his reverie, and he looked up to see my tear-streaked face as I entered the pool area. The sight of my distress pierced him, but I was so lost in my own turmoil that I didn''t even register his presence. As I moved towards him, Trent''s gaze lingered on me, torn between his desire to comfort me and the weight of his own unresolved feelings. The sound of his footsteps draws me back to reality. I wipe away my tears, holding a bold front. "I-I... I''m sorry. I thought this place was empty. I''ll leave--" Trent stops me. "Wait." Silence ensues, only the sound of water is heard. The pungent smell of chlorine irritates my nostrils. My crystal eyes fill with tears as I gaze at him. Then, out of the blues, I ask, "Can you just hold me?" He pulls me into his embrace. "Come here." I cried out my heart in his arms. I cried for hope. I cried for my years of love. I cried for the lies I believed. I just cried. "It hurts," I finally manage to say in between sniffles. "I know," Trent replies, his voice filled with empathy. The scene before him was a painful reminder that love wasn''t always a straightforward journey, and that sometimes, even the strongest emotions could lead to heartbreak. Like and comment ************************* Newfound closeness The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. Trent and I lay side by side, our breaths slow and synchronized, but there was an undeniable awkwardness in the air. Trent walked me back to my room that night, the air around us heavy with unspoken emotions. The memory of our moment at the swimming pool area lingered in his mind, and every step felt like a heartbeat, a reminder of that shared moment. We reached my door, and the silence hung between us, thick and palpable. I could sense the invitation in his eyes as I softly said, "Would you like to come in, Trent?" His heart raced, and he nodded, following me into the room. It was a small, intimate space, filled with the soft glow of dimmed lights. I gestured to my bed, my voice barely above a whisper. "You can sit here if you want. Make yourself comfortable." Trent took a seat on my bed, the fabric cool beneath his fingers. He watched me as I moved around, trying to tidy up the room, though there wasn''t much to tidy. The awkwardness in the air was almost tangible. In my graceful yet slightly nervous movements, I slipped on a stray book, and my body began to sway. In that split second, Trent reacted instinctively, his arms reaching out to catch me just before I fell. Our eyes locked, and time seemed to slow as our faces hovered mere inches apart. I couldn''t help but notice the subtle details¡ªthe way my breath trembled, the softness of my freckled cheeks, the vulnerability in my gaze. Trent allowed himself a playful tease, a hint of a smirk on his lips. "So clumsy." I blushed, my gaze falling as I pulled away from his grasp, my fingers fidgeting with the hem of my dress. The silence that followed was charged with unspoken words, our hearts speaking a language of their own. Trent''s thoughts raced, his internal monologue a whirlwind of emotions. He wanted to tell me how he felt, to express the longing that had been building inside him for so long. But he was also aware of the fragile balance we had reached in our friendship. As he hesitated, he felt a gentle weight on his shoulder. My head had gently fallen against him, my breathing steady and rhythmic. My trust in him, my comfort in his presence¡ªit was all too much for his heart to bear. Trent whispered to himself, more to convince himself than anyone else, "How are you able to fall asleep in such a moment?" Carefully, he placed me down on my bed, taking in the sight of my sleeping form. My freckles seemed to dance in the soft light, and he couldn''t resist the urge to reach out and trace them with his fingers, the texture of my skin beneath his touch sending shivers down his spine. In the quiet of the room, he found himself fully aware of the depth of his feelings for me. His heart whispered the truth he had been avoiding for so long. This was more than friendship; this was something profound and irreplaceable. As he continued to watch over me, his mind and heart in perfect alignment, he couldn''t help but murmur softly, "My snowflake." My voice broke the silence, pulling Trent from his thoughts, my tone uncertain. "This is my first time in a bed with a guy." Trent turned his head to look at me, his gray eyes locking onto my crystal blues. "Second." I blinked in surprise. "What?" "The night of the ball," Trent said, his voice laced with a touch of sarcasm. "You pulled me into bed with you. Strong grip, by the way." My cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I did?" I couldn''t recall the details of that particular night. Trent chuckled softly. "Yeah, you did. Guess you don''t remember." Our exchange was interrupted by the sound of a door opening. Max entered the room, her gaze immediately fixing on Trent and me. She raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Morning, you two. Sleep well?" Trent and I quickly moved apart, our faces turning several shades of red. Max''s teasing was relentless. Later that day, I found myself alone with Max in our dorm room. Max had always been perceptive, and I couldn''t hide my feelings any longer. Max turned to me, a gentle smile on her face. "I have an inkling that you are hiding a secret relationship from me." I sighed, running a hand through my gray hair. "I have no idea what you are talking about." Max moved closer, her voice soft and reassuring. Her fingers pushed her lenses up the bridge of her nose. "Oh really?" I looked into Max''s hazel eyes, feeling a surge of comfort. "You were right about Samuel. He just wanted to get back together with me." Max''s smile fell. "I''m listening." "Well, he tried to pull the whole ''It was a one-time thing'' card with me. I shut him down." Max rolled her eyes intensely at his lousy attempt as I explained it all in detail to her. Max patted my back awkwardly, not used to initiating expressions of emotions, her voice filled with warmth. "Just remember, I''m here for you, whether you like it or not." This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. A smile lit up in my eyes, and I couldn''t help but hug Max tightly. "Thank you, Max." The cafeteria buzzed with its usual energy as we sat at our usual table, Max and I engaged in a deep conversation. Yet, the truth was that my mind kept wandering back to Trent, who seemed to have a magnetic pull on me. Our newfound connection was undeniable, and my heart couldn''t ignore the emotions that had been building between us. Just as I was lost in thought, Trent''s voice broke through the haze, a confident yet playful tone that stirred the attention of our friends. Hannah, always the bubbly one, couldn''t resist teasing us. "Well, well, what do we have here? Trent, you''ve moved up from the cool kids'' table." She playfully ruffled the hair of the boy sitting beside her, adding to the amusement. Bri chimed in, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Yeah, Trent, does this mean you''re officially part of the gang now?" Trent responded to their teasing with a playful glare but underneath the surface, I could feel the warmth of his hand finding mine beneath the table. His touch, gentle and comforting, added to the electric tension that hung in the air. I turned to him, my cheeks still tinged with a hint of pink, and offered a sweet smile, my fingers lacing with his. "We''re all friends here, right?" Bri leaned in closer, throwing an arm over my shoulder, and her eyes winked mischievously. "Yep, definitely looks like more than friends to me." Hannah, never one to miss an opportunity for drama, wiggled her eyebrows dramatically. "Looks like love is in the air. Is it strange that I''m more invested in your relationship than you are?" I couldn''t help but feel my face grow warmer under the teasing scrutiny of our friends. My eyes gazed fondly at the unbothered male to my side. He had long zoned out of the neighboring gossip. His deep soft voice in a whisper teased, "Stare at me too hard, and I might accidentally turn you into an ice sculpture." But instead of shying away, I found myself engaging in the banter, throwing my own playful remark at Trent, "Sounds tempting. I might just turn you into one." Bri joined in with a grin, summing up what we had all been feeling, "Finally, these two figured it out." Our friends exchanged knowing glances, recognizing the unspoken chemistry between Trent and me. In the midst of it all, Max, who had been quietly observing, couldn''t help but smile, a silent acknowledgment of the connection that had been growing between us. With each playful remark and teasing exchange, it was clear that something had changed between Trent and me, and the magnetic pull we felt drew us closer, making our connection impossible to ignore. --- The days at the academy passed in a whirlwind of studying, laughter, and moments that seemed to defy logic. Trent and I''s relationship continued to evolve. Trent found himself drawn to me like a moth to a flame, unable to stay away despite his inner turmoil. The bells for the last period of the week had just gone off as he approached my table, where I was packing my bags to head out of my seat. I looked up and smiled when I saw him. "Hey." Trent leaned on the table next to me, his gray eyes meeting my blue ones. "Let''s take a walk." Glancing around, he continued, "Not here." I had a worried but inquisitive look, although giving him my full attention. "Sure, where?" Taking my hand in his, he walked me out of the classroom until the only sounds between us were the swaying of water. Letting go of my hand, he took a step away from me, his eyes focused on the blue scenery ahead. He took a deep breath, the words precise but warm with thoughts. "Elise." "Hmm.." I replied. My attention turned to gaze at his side profile. "Elise, I can''t deny it any longer. I''ve liked you for a long time, but I''ve been scared to admit it. I was afraid of messing things up, of losing our friendship. But I can''t keep pretending like I don''t feel this way." His words held courage and doubt. They were spoken in a fragile way as if, if spoken too carelessly, it would become dust. My voice was soft, my blue eyes fixed on his. "Trent, you don''t have to be scared. We''ve been through so much together, and our friendship means the world to me. But if our feelings have changed, we should address them, don''t you think?" Trent nodded, relief washing over him. "I''m just afraid of disappointing you, like he did." I smiled, my thumb gently caressing his hand. "Trent, you''re not like anyone else, and that''s what makes you special. I don''t need you to be someone you''re not. I just need you to be yourself." The words sank into Trent. Noticing the brooding expression on his face, I decided to take the first step forward. "I want you to know that you mean a lot to me. Our friendship has grown into something beautiful, and I don''t want to hide my feelings anymore." Trent turned to me, his heart in his eyes. "Elise, I feel the same way. You''ve changed my life in ways I can''t even begin to describe." I reached out and took his hand, our fingers entwining. "Screw it, I like you, you like me. We might as well just give this dating thing a shot." Trent''s eye rolled with a genuine smile, and his gray eyes shone with affection. "And I thought you would be the romantic one." "Oh, shut up," I playfully retorted. I pulled him closer, our lips meeting in a soft, sweet kiss that spoke volumes about the unspoken love we had finally acknowledged. --- The morning sun painted our room with a warm glow, casting a serene light on the intimate scene before us. Trent and I lay entwined in each other''s arms, our bodies closely knit in a way that felt both natural and comforting. It was an intimacy we had never experienced before, and it wrapped around us like a cozy blanket. I couldn''t help but notice my favorite pillow lying on Trent''s bed, a subtle sign of my frequent visits to his room. Having to view him in a lucid state was a first for me. Lost in etching his image into memory. The curve of his nose, length of his lashes, the contour of his lips. I resisted the urge to leave a kiss on his lips. My fingers traced along the black ink lines that adorned his elbow and snaked up to his shoulder, the intricate designs of his tattoos. Unable to contain my curiosity, I dared to ask, my fingers lightly tracing the scars that hid beneath the tattoos. "Did you get injured around here?" My voice held a hint of concern. "Is that why you got these tattoos? To cover the scars?" Trent''s response stunned me, and my gaze locked onto his eyes in disbelief. "A certain someone needed rescuing from the chemistry lab during the earthquake. The scars that her face could have gotten, my arm took it." My eyes widened with realization and gratitude, and my voice wavered with emotion. "Trent..." He dismissed the topic with a casual wave of his hand and a smile, trying to keep the atmosphere light. "It''s in the past. Forget it." His arms snaking me tighter into his embrace. He attempted to divert my attention, a skill he was quite skilled at, by nuzzling my hair and pressing a gentle kiss to the top of my head. A soft, affectionate chuckle escaped his lips as he spoke, "If you keep sniffing my hair, I''ll put my cold feet on you." I couldn''t help but grin as he playfully challenged me. "I''ll just warm them up." He twitches his nose as I bump it with the tip of my finger. My gaze met his, my blue eyes filled with warmth and affection. "Curse you, fire user." His hand caressed my hair down, drawing me even closer into his embrace. As we lay there, a sense of peace and contentment enveloped us, and I couldn''t help but feel that we had stumbled upon something beautiful and profound¡ªa love that had been years in the making, a connection that had grown stronger, and a promise that it would endure for as long as it takes. Like and leave a comment for this romance ****************** Epilogue Welcome to the enchanting spin-off of Extraordinary: the Academy a tale that ventures beyond the supernatural classrooms and magical trials. In this new journey, we delve into the slice-of-life love story that blossoms amidst the extraordinary. The epilogue places the spotlight on the captivating romance between Elise, with her water and ice manipulation powers, and Trent, wielding the mesmerizing blue flames. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. While Extraordinary: the Academy laid the foundation, this spin-off offers an intimate exploration of their relationship, allowing readers to witness the growth, challenges, and enchanting moments that define their love story. While the primary focus remains on Elise and Trent¡¯s journey, a few chapters will graciously introduce the love stories of other beloved characters, adding depth and variety to the narrative. Get ready for a tale where the supernatural meets the simplicity of everyday life, and where love shines brightly in the most unexpected places. Vanilla on Ice Elise watched intently as the young water manipulator she was mentoring held out his hands, his brow furrowed in concentration. A small orb of water began to form between his palms, shimmering and rippling slightly in the morning light. "That''s it, just focus on shaping the water into a sphere," Elise said encouragingly. Her long braided grey hair was swept over one shoulder, and her bright blue eyes were warm and patient. The boy took a deep breath, his palms glowing faintly blue as he channeled his energy. Slowly, the water orb grew a bit larger, maintaining its shape. "I''m doing it!" he exclaimed, an excited grin on his face. His dark eyes were fixed on the hovering orb. Elise smiled. "Great job! Now let''s see if you can get it to float over to me." The boy bit his lip, brow furrowing. Carefully he moved his hands apart, straining to levitate the water orb up higher into the air. It wobbled, the smooth surface rippling as it rose. A few droplets broke free from the sphere, splashing back down onto his palms. But slowly, steadily, the orb glided over to Elise and popped as it made contact with her cupped hands, spilling cool water down her wrists. "Excellent! You''re a natural at this," Elise praised, shaking the excess water from her hands. The boy beamed with pride, practically bouncing on his toes. "Why don''t you go practice on your own for a bit?" Elise suggested. "I know you''re eager to show your friends your skills." The young manipulator nodded eagerly and hurried off, already forming another wobbling orb between his hands. It trailed dripping behind him as he searched for a spot to train. Elise turned to see her boyfriend Trent lingering nearby, his striking grey eyes following the boy''s departure. Trent''s white hair fell casually across his forehead, and his sharp cheekbones were dotted with light freckles. He had his hands shoved in his pockets, watching the young student thoughtfully. "So? What did you think of today''s lesson?" Elise asked. Trent shrugged, his gaze still fixed across the training yard. "Not bad, I guess." His voice was a bit gruff, even distracted. Elise tilted her head, noting the tight set of Trent''s shoulders, the way the corner of his mouth tugged down ever so slightly. "You know, you seem a little jealous. Is everything okay?" Trent''s eyes snapped back to her, flashing with surprise. "What? No, I''m not jealous." But his words were too quick. He looked away, a faint hint of color touching his cheeks. Elise reached out and took his hand, lacing their fingers together. His palm was comforting, warm, and familiar. "You know you''ll always be my number one firecracker," she said softly. The corner of Trent''s mouth quirked up, though his eyes stayed fixed on the ground. He rubbed the back of her hand idly with his thumb. "It''s not that. Just feels like you''ve been so busy teaching lately..." His voice trailed off uncertainly. Elise stepped closer and placed her free hand against his cheek, guiding his gaze back to hers. His stubble was rough against her palm. "I know, and I''m sorry. But no junior is ever going to replace you in my heart." She rose on her tiptoes and kissed Trent''s cheek softly, breathing in the faint scent of oak that seemed to linger on his skin and clothes perpetually. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. A shy smile spread across Trent''s face, though he tried to hide it by ducking his head. "Yeah well, you''re stuck with me, so..." he mumbled, giving her hand a light squeeze. Then a sudden mischievous glint sparked in his gray eyes. In a flash, his hands darted out and found her sides, tickling mercilessly. Elise yelped with laughter, trying to squirm away, but Trent wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. She swatted playfully at his shoulders as his fingers danced along her ribs. "Trent, stop!" she gasped through bubbling giggles. He silenced her laughter with a tender kiss, his lips gentle yet insistent against hers. Elise melted into the embrace, tangling her fingers in the soft hair at the nape of his neck. The sweet warmth of his mouth made her nerves tingle and her heart race. After a long moment Trent pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his face still close enough that she could feel his breath, could count each of the pale freckles across the bridge of his nose. "I love you," he murmured, the words rumbling from his chest. His thumb traced delicate circles on her lower back. Elise gazed up at him, this complex man who could be so withdrawn yet have brief, brilliant moments of openness and romance. "And I love you," she replied, meaning it with her entire being. But, something else lurked under Trent''s gaze that didn''t go unseen by Elise. They held each other close as the sun crept higher overhead, bathing the training grounds in golden light. Elise listened to the steady rhythm of Trent''s heartbeat under her palm. Elise took his hand reassuringly. "Well, it''s almost dinner time. Want to head to the cafeteria with me?" Trent managed a small smile. "Sure." They gathered their things and made their way through the arched stone hallways of the academy, footsteps echoing on the polished floors. Other students greeted them as they passed, dressed in the same crisp uniforms. When they entered the expansive cafeteria, the air was abuzz with lively conversations and the clatter of dishes. They grabbed food from the serving counters and joined their friends at one of the long tables. Elise laughed and talked with the other female students, while Trent ate quietly beside her, occasionally chiming in. Beneath the table, Elise gave his hand a supportive squeeze. He met her eyes with a grateful smile, some of the tension fading from his shoulders. Elise and Trent made their way through the arched stone hallways of the academy after dinner. Their footsteps echoed on the polished floors as they headed for their favorite spot to spend time together. The aquamarine water shimmered under the ceiling lights. They sat at the pool''s edge, feet dangling in the cool water. Trent was quiet, staring at the ripples their feet made. Finally, he spoke up, his deep voice hesitant. "I''m a little worried. None of the junior manipulators this year seem to have fire powers like me." He flicked his wrist, summoning a small flame that danced across his fingertips before closing his hand into a fist, and snuffing it out. "What if I''m the only one?" he continued, brow furrowing. "Maybe only messed up people end up with such a destructive power." His words held a tinge of sarcasm. Elise''s heart ached at his cynical tone. She took his hand, interlacing their fingers. "Your gift is not destructive, it''s beautiful. And so are you." She conjured a crystal of ice in her palm and held it up to the light. "My power could be called destructive too. But together, we balance each other perfectly." The ice melted away under the radiant heat from Trent''s skin. Elise squeezed his hand, meeting his stoic gaze. "Don''t give up hope, you''ll find someone like you." Trent was quiet for a moment before responding in his deep, measured voice. "You always know just what to say." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Thank you." Finally, they headed inside hand-in-hand, walking the quiet lamp-lit halls until they reached Elise''s room. Trent brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Sleep well," he murmured. "See you tomorrow." Elise touched his cheek fondly. "Sweet dreams." After a goodnight kiss, she watched him walk away down the corridor before closing her door. As she got ready for bed, Elise hoped Trent knew how much she cherished him, his powers and all. She would remind him as often as needed that he was perfect exactly as he was. And she would be ready whenever he needed reassurance or simply a listening ear. They balanced each other beautifully, like sunlight and snow. Together, they could weather any storm. Like and Comment on for more... Hello my chingus, I hope we enjoyed the first chapter. I will do my very best to update as often as possible. I said I was going to drop the first chapter in the new year, but I was impatient. I just had so many ideas and found myself writing this chapter. Also, I found out that I would have a very busy new year. So, the sooner, the better, I guess. Whose POV should I write next? Stay well and healthy... Annyeong "Cream Soda - EXO" Code Red Elise''s POV I awoke with a choked gasp as my stomach ached painfully. No no no, not again! I curled into a ball with a whimper as a familiar blast of ice exploded from my palms, dusting my sheets and pillow with frost. Hot tears tracked down my cheeks. Why did my monthly cycle have to wreak such havoc on my powers? Another sharp cramp twisted viciously and I couldn''t hold back an agonized groan. The flow of freezing air gushing from my clenched fists intensified in response, dropping the room''s temperature until I could see my breath fogging. My teeth started to chatter violently as fatigued tremors rocked my muscles. All I could do was ride it out. Gradually the intensity peaked and began to slowly diminish. Maybe, today''s own won''t be that bad after all. Max crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing as she walked into the room. "Elise, as much as I would love it, I won''t. I would prefer not to live in a freezer-like room." "I''m sorry. Rough morning", I grunted out as a wave of pain hit me. The mattress dipped as Max walked to my side, freckled face etched with worry. "Yeah" "Your lips are playing a solo in the frosty symphony, and you''re telling me it''s just a rough morning?" Without hesitation, she tilted my face to look at her. I whimpered at the contact and Max also flinched, her body heat countering the coldness of my skin. I winced, the icy aura around me not escaping Max''s sharp observation. "Max, please, don''t make a big deal out of it. I need to go to class." Max watched Elise with a furrowed brow, her concern tinged with a hint of exasperation. "Elise, seriously? You''re attempting an academic feat with icicles hanging from your nose. I''m no expert, but I''m pretty sure hypothermia isn''t the best study aid." "There''s a history test," I objected faintly. "Have to...take it..." Max drew back, eyes flashing. "Absolutely not, you can make it up later. Right now you need to take care of yourself." One look at me and she could see the resilience in my eyes. Max sighed, "Fine, but don''t blame me if you start a new ice age in the lecture hall. I''ll get you something warm, at least attempt to thaw yourself out." I dragged myself upright, swaying dangerously as I groped for my uniform. A heady wave of vertigo hit. I shut my eyes, breathing deeply for balance until the worst had passed. I would push through this like always. I have to. As I struggled to stand, Max fetched a thermos of hot tea. "Here," she handed it to me, a glint of sarcasm in her eyes. "Liquid warmth. You might want to consider it as an alternative to your ice queen aesthetic." I chuckled weakly, taking the thermos. "Thanks, Max. I owe you one." "You owe me more than one for making me witness this frozen spectacle," Max retorted with a smirk. Maybe I could even hide the lingering effects from most people if I was careful... I slowly washed and dressed myself in layers, cranking up the room''s heat to combat the deathly chill rolling off my skin. The cramping had diminished to a bearable throb but the accompanying weakness and nausea were not so easily managed. Still, I painted on pink lipgloss until the blue tinge in my cracked lips had mostly vanished. "Please don''t tell anyone, Max," I implored, surprising myself with how normal my voice sounded. Despite the banter, Max''s intelligence allowed her to see through my attempt to downplay her condition. As I left for class, Max muttered to herself, "Yeah, sure, go ace that test with your frozen charisma. Just don''t turn the professor into a popsicle." Throughout my morning classes, I struggled to focus through the mental fog clouding my thoughts. I forced myself to sit perfectly motionless despite the frigid draft threatening to spill from my core. The effort left me limp and drenched with cold sweat by the end of the lecture. But I couldn''t stop now. Just one more thing and I would be done for the day. I took my seat in the testing room with weak limbs, nervously triple-checking that my gloves were secure before picking up the pen. Thankfully the first few questions swam into some semblance of comprehension after a minute of panicked staring. I began slowly formulating each response, pushing past all distractions including the encroaching numbness in my extremities. Just forty-five minutes to go... Barely fifteen minutes later, my vision was starting to fail me. But I can''t afford to black out not. I forced air into my stubborn lungs, struggling to recall what the current test question had even been asking. Something about the water manipulation... Abruptly the words blurred into nonsensical symbols, letters swirling meaninglessly. I bit back a whimper of defeat. My body had enough. I had no choice but to drop my pen. I might have just failed the test but honestly, I''m too out of it to even be bothered. Finally, the professor called time. Somehow I stumbled from the room without fully collapsing, no longer caring what anyone thought about my disheveled appearance. Get back to the dorm, that was all I could concentrate on now. "El? Hey, what''s going on?" A familiar voice broke through the delirium but I couldn''t place who it belonged to. Then my legs folded underneath, sending me down to the floor. Strong hands caught my shoulders just before impact. It was Trent. His face swum into my dimming sightline as he eased my limp weight across his lap. "Talk to me, please! Are you hurt?" Fear and confusion waged war in his tight expression. I could only offer a pitiful whimper in response. Trent quickly bundled me in his warm coat and lifted me effortlessly in his arms. I managed to lift one quivering hand to his cheek in mute apology before everything blanked out. ******************************************************* Trent''s POV The lecture hall buzzed as I tried to focus on the test in front of me. Big emphasis on the word, tried. The questions seemed to blur together, my mind preoccupied with something far more important than the exam. Elise. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. I had noticed it from the moment she skipped breakfast, she never does that. Her absence from our usual morning ritual added to my worries. Did I do something wrong? Throughout the day, she had been distant, avoiding getting close to me. The subtle touches, and the warmth that usually accompanied our interactions, were all gone. She is hiding something from me but what? As I sat in the exam hall, my focus wavered. The questions became secondary to my worries. I planned to talk to her after the test, find out what was going on, and offer whatever support she needed. But when I finally finished and looked around for her, she was nowhere to be seen. Panic gripped me as I scanned the room, my eyes darting from one empty seat to another. The bell rang, signaling the end of the test, and the room began to empty. I rushed out, my heart pounding in my chest, and that''s when I saw her. Elise stumbles out of the class, her steps unsteady. A surge of fear and urgency propelled me forward, and I weaved through the exiting crowd to catch up with her... She looked awful - pale and shaky, hunched into herself against some unseen pain. Was she hurt? "Elise!" I exclaimed, rushing over. "Hey, what''s going on?" She didn''t seem to hear me. Suddenly, her legs folded weakly under her slender frame. I darted close just in time to catch her by the shoulders before she hit the tile flooring. Panic surged through me at how chillingly cold her skin felt. Why isn''t she in control of her powers? "Talk to me, please!" I begged urgently as I scooped Elise protectively across my lap. She let out a faint whimper, but her head lolled limply to the side, blue-tinted eyelids fluttering shut. Desperation clawed at my heart. What was causing this? How could I help her? Open your eyes for me, Elise. Working on instinct, I bundled my uniform jacket tightly around Elise''s shivering body, trying to shield her as much as possible from curious stares. Cradling her fragile form against my chest, I swiftly ran through the halls toward the medical wing. Move, don''t think, Just get her help! My mind involuntarily wandered back to that fateful day when an earthquake had shaken the ground beneath us. The vivid recollection of glass shattering and the deafening roar of the quake echoed in my mind. Amid the upheaval, a glass cabinet had tumbled, and the shards had come hurtling towards her. Without a second thought, I had moved in front of her, my body taking the brunt of the impact. The shards cut into me, blood dripping down onto her as I shielded her from harm. I could still feel the pain, the searing sensation of the glass tearing through my flesh. But at that moment, my only concern was for Elise. As the memory played out in my mind, a wave of worry washed over me. The image of Elise lying unconscious in my arms, blood mixing with hers, sent a chill down my spine. The fear of losing her again, of not being able to protect her again. Not again. With every step, I willed a bit more of my inner warmth into the icy skin of the unconscious girl clinging to me. Seeing the normally vibrant Elise so diminished and vulnerable made my breath catch sharply. "Hold on snowflake," I whispered shakily. "You''re going to be just fine..." my voice carrying the weight of those memories. By the time I lowered her gently onto a bed for the doctor to examine, my hands were mottled red with the cold. I barely registered the discomfort, hovering agitatedly while they moved to attach monitoring devices and IV lines. My mind spun uselessly with unanswerable questions. "What''s happening? Why isn''t her temperature coming down?" I asked, my voice betraying the fear that gripped me. The nurse hesitated, glancing at Elise before meeting my gaze. "It''s a bit complicated, and Elise may not want me to share this with you..." I cut her off, desperation in my eyes. "Please, I need to know. I need to help her." The nurse sighed, her shoulders sagging as if she had made a decision. "Elise got her period, and the hormone imbalance is causing her powers to go haywire. Coupled with stress, it''s created this situation." The revelation left me stunned. Throwing caution aside I slipped off my shoes and eased under the covers alongside Elise''s slumbering form. I let out a shuddering breath at the rightness of holding her willowy frame safe against me like this, her cheek pillowed on my shoulder, legs tangling loosely together. I allowed the full force of my internal warmth to radiate outward unrestrainedly like a hearth flame. Our points of contact grew almost uncomfortably hot but I embraced the sensation, visualizing all that heat intensity flowing directly into the flesh and blood woman tucked trustingly into my embrace. Gradually I felt the transformation begin - Elise''s skin losing its deathly chill, her muscles relaxing. Color returned to the pallid complexion I knew so affectionately until she almost appeared to simply be asleep. A sigh of relief left my lids at last. But I refused to fully sleep, remaining ready to call for help at any sign of regression. Through the long hours, I held Elise''s healing form close. Gazing at her lovely profile chased the lingering shadows from my heart. This powerful girl seemed so deceptively delicate like this, dark lashes fanned above-defined cheekbones, her willowy curves fitting flawlessly against me. An overwhelming surge of protectiveness welled up. I pressed a fierce kiss to her temple, channeling every ounce of my spirit into that connection. "I will not lose you..." My whisper held the weight of an oath. I barely stirred when faint predusk light began to creep across the clinic room floor. All my senses remained attuned to the woman I held tenderly cradled against me. During the time Elise had nestled even closer into my embrace, one slim arm now flung loosely over my waist. The simple intimacy made my heartbeat settle. I lightly traced the sculpted lines of her relaxed features. Even without full consciousness yet, her body instinctively angled into the caress like a flower to the sun. Hope flickered anew inside my chest. Leaning in, I tenderly brushed my lips over Elise''s forehead, her temples, and the tip of her nose. I willed the kiss to penetrate down to her very spirit like a healing balm. As I hovered over the soft petals of her mouth, hinting but not quite making contact, I felt the slightest return of pressure followed by a feather-light sigh. My breath caught sharply. "Elise?" I dared to whisper. I was rewarded by sleepy lids fluttering open to reveal dazed but conscious blue irises I would happily drown in. "...Trent?" she croaked uncertainly. A wild mix of euphoria and lingering fear choked my voice for a long moment. I crushed her fiercely, and yet oh so carefully to my thundering heart, as I just shook helplessly with adrenaline reaction. "Trent, love, I can''t...breathe..." Elise''s strained mumble vibrated against my collarbone. I immediately eased back, shame heating my cheeks even as delirious relief continued to crash through me. She was really awake, and really going to be okay now! Cupping Elise''s wan face tentatively between my palms, I stroked strands of moonlight hair off her forehead. My hands trembled faintly with residual panic. Stormy grey eyes searched summer blue for any lingering shadows. But I found only warmth and drowsy contentment there. At last, I let slip a shaky exhale, leaning to touch my forehead tenderly to hers, noses aligned. My world was whole again "You must be thirsty" I murmured at last, reluctantly shifting back. Before I could fully withdraw, Elise captured my wrist with surprising strength given her ordeal. "Trent...wait." Her voice was a raw rasp. I paused instantly, muscles tensed for anything she needed. But Elise simply continued studying me for a long thoughtful moment. "Stay a little longer?" She patted the warm hollow I had occupied beside her. "Just hold me. Please." My brief hesitation evaporated. I could deny her nothing when she asked like that. I rejoined Elise under the covers, molded to her side once more. Her every soft sigh and shift only bound me closer with silken fetters, reminders of how terribly close I''d come to losing all this. I busied my trembling hands soothing the tangles from her hair. After some minutes had passed in intimate quietude, Elise brought her palm to my cheek. Her thumb gently traced the dark smudges under my eyes. "You look so tired, love," she fretted softly. I huffed a self-deprecating sound. "Small price after what you endured alone." Old fears stirred to temporary life again. "You could have told me" Sadness and contrition filled Elise''s expression. She opened her mouth but I headed off the unnecessary apology with a shake of my head. I only wished to understand. "Please Trent...try seeing it from my view too?" Her whisper held a shade of desperation. "I was embarrassed. And ashamed at how my powers betrayed me so unpredictably." She grimaced slightly. "Not exactly an appeal I wanted my love witnessing firsthand..." I stared down at Elise, drinking at the sight of her awake and talking after the endless night. My thrumming relief came out more gruffly than intended. "I know you''re stubbornly independent. But you should have come to me the instant you felt sick, not tried to pretend everything was fine!" Elise bit her lip, not meeting my eyes. "I didn''t want to worry you back then...or be a burden..." A burst of frustration escaped me. "You could never be a burden! How many times must I say that?" I took her chin, gently but firmly raising her face back to mine. "Your health and safety are my utmost priorities, so I need you to trust in me. Please." My commanding tone finally drew Elise''s shimmering gaze. She placed her hand over mine where it still cradled her jaw. "You''re right. I''m sorry, my love." Her voice held raw sincerity now. "No more facing things alone. I promise." Hearing the solemn vow undid the last of my lingering fear and anger. I crushed Elise fiercely yet oh so carefully to my pounding heart, face buried in her moon-spun hair. "Never do that again," I ordered hoarsely. We both knew I didn''t just mean her physical collapse. The unspoken ''or else'' hung tangibly in the air before I went on more gently. "I would be lost without you, snowflake. So please, let me stand strong at your side always." Elise clutched me back just as tightly. "Always," she whispered fervently. "We balance each other - I''m only whole with you too." She drew back just far enough to meet my eyes, her own luminous with affection behind the lingering exhaustion. "My firecracker against the cold." I touched my forehead to hers, emotion clogging my voice. "And you, my snowflake through the darkness." We held each other close, words unnecessary now. All was spoken and forgiven between us. Two elemental halves made stronger and united as one. Like and Comment for more ********************************************************** Hello Chingus, How have we been? I am sure my females who get really bad cramps can relate to Elise''s predicament. Because I have ended up in the hospital once or twice because I fainted from pain. Leave a comment on any one-shot adventure you want for our two OCs. Stay healthy and hydrated Annyeong "I love my body - Hwasa" April Shower Last day of Spring Semester After their final human anatomy exam, the class 5 gang gathered around their usual table in the bustling dining hall for a lunchtime chat. "I can''t believe we''re finally free! Spring break plans, anyone?" Hannah sang out, vines of delicate pink honeysuckle flowers snaked affectionately around her French braid. She smiled indulgently to her side at Senza, who was absently stroking the petals of a white orchid, causing them to bloom slowly and open wider. Trent shook his head wryly from his perch on the window seat, one arm slung around Elise as she leaned contentedly against him. "It''s just for two weeks," he remarked. "Oh hush, you party pooper." Hannah turned towards them, smelling pleasantly of honeysuckle. "Aren''t you excited to relax at least?" Trent shrugged noncommittally, playing with a strand of Elise''s moonlight hair. Social events had never been his forte. Sensing this, Elise smiled up at him reassuringly, "We''ll find a nice balance of socializing and quiet time," she promised him fondly. Trent''s expression softened as he brushed a kiss to her temple. Trent continued his antics, more intent on listening than speaking as usual. But he kept one arm draped affectionately around Elise''s shoulders. Between bites of her garden salad, Hannah giggled and fed Senza forkfuls of her pasta. Nearby Bri rolled her eyes at their shameless public display of affection. "Get a room you two!" she complained. Though if she was sincere, a small part of her felt envious that her girlfriend Max wasn''t so openly affectionate. Seemingly reading her thoughts, Max peered up from her thick textbook with an arched brow. "At least they''re enjoying themselves," she remarked dryly, though her eyes held secret amusement. Across from the girls, boyfriends Tome and Sanya made an equally arresting study of contrasts. The younger picked at his lunch, periodically fading from sight in shy flickers. Sanya''s steadying hand was anchoring him solidly back to visibility this time. Suddenly, Tome spoke from beside Sanya, "Think we could go for somewhere quiet?" he asked hopefully. "I''m sure we can find a place that would be secure and fun for us to just hang out at. It can be anywhere." The proud look on Sanya''s face was evident. Meanwhile, Max reclined regally in her chair, as glossy and sleek as the black book curled in her hands. "That does sound rather fun," she remarked, absently pushing her glasses up her nose bridge. Bri arched an eyebrow. "You wanna sleep somewhere that isn''t a library, bookworm?" Max pursed her lips in amused offense, shooting at a stern look at the other girl''s direction. "My bad, that''s more like what Elise would be caught doing" "Bri!" Elise is taken aback by how her name found its way into the conversation. Everyone chuckled. Hannah declared happily. "Now, we just need to find a location." Sanya reached over to give his boyfriend''s hand an encouraging squeeze, his strength causing Tome''s slender fingers to momentarily vanish from sight. "It''s settled then!" Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Trent smiled softly at their friends'' antics as Elise nodded along. Just then the intercom buzzed to life. "Attention all students. Please make your way promptly to the outdoor assembly grounds." A curious murmur went through the group. "Announcement for what?" Bri wondered aloud. But they obediently filed out with the streams of other students heading outside, gossip and theories passing among them. When they reached the parade grounds, all the classes stood assembled in orderly rows while Headmaster Sensai mounted the platform in his customary white kimono robe. There, Sensai waited patiently atop the podium in his customary white robe, surveying them all with an inscrutable smile touching his lips.An air of anticipation hung over the gathering. With a graceful wave of his hands to quiet the murmuring students, Sensai''s rich voice carried out melodiously to share the news. "As spring draws her first sweet breath this year, a delightful opportunity has arisen which I wish to share." His dark eyes glinted mysteriously. "As we approach the end of a semester, it is my pleasure to announce the field trips that have been meticulously curated for each year, with the intent of fostering growth, exploration, and the honing of one''s supernatural gifts." A brief pause hung in the air, allowing the students to lean in, eager for the revelation. A holographic presentation appears behind the podium for all to see. "For our distinguished fourth-year students, a journey awaits to the Celestial Observatory on a Floating Island. An ethereal realm where an ancient celestial observatory resides, suspended gracefully in the sky. This mystical sanctuary offers unobstructed views of the cosmos, inviting our young adults to cultivate a heightened connection to celestial forces. Under the guidance of the stars, the exploration of supernatural gifts shall unfold in this celestial haven." Another pause, the anticipation building. "Concurrently, our fifth-year students shall embark on a sojourn to Seraphic Haven, a Hidden Oasis in the Mountains. This secluded mountain retreat boasts cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. A tranquil haven concealed from the ordinary world, purposefully designed for young adults endowed with supernatural powers. The altitude and natural energy of the surroundings shall enhance your abilities, providing an exclusive space for self-discovery and rigorous training." The weight of the announcement lingered, the gravity of the destinations sinking in. "Let this spring break mark not only a pause in academia but a passage to deeper understanding and mastery of your extraordinary gifts. May you find enlightenment and growth on these chosen journeys. Safe travels, my esteemed students." The air crackled with vibrant energy at this chance for adventure and discovery just on the horizon. Elise turned to Trent, eyes shining. "A whole week in the mountains! Can you believe it?" He smiled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Hmm... sounds nice." His gaze was soft, only paying attention to her amidst the surrounding chatter. "Nice is putting it mildly!" Hannah squealed, sending a fresh cascade of vines shooting haphazardly up the nearby column. "Oh gosh, sorry about that..." She attempted to rein the foliage back in. Hannah was practically bouncing on her toes, the grass beneath her feet springing to life with baby buds. "I can speak to the ancient trees and see how they lend their strength! Oh, I can hardly wait!" Senza just patted her hand gently, unfazed by the green chaos. Max gave a small wistful sigh which Bri immediately called out. "What''s that for? You ain''t jealous are ya, bookworm?" She nudged her teasingly, but her sea-green eyes held a glimmer of vulnerability in them. "Perhaps a small twinge of envy," Max admitted loftily. She slanted a sly smile in Bri''s way. "Though I suppose the company offers adequate compensation for a field trip this time." Nearby, Max neatly dodged a wayward vine snaking across the floor. "Well, I for one look forward to some peace to catch up on reading..." She trailed off as Bri snorted loudly. "Yeah right, bookworm! Like you''ll have any time for reading between hiking, waterfall swims, and campfire parties all week. I''ll make sure you''re too busy having actual fun." She winked. "But I know you secretly don''t mind." Max arched an eyebrow dryly though her cheeks coloured slightly. "I suppose the company has its merits." Bri''s grin threatened to split her face in half. Trust her prickly genius to show affection by pretending otherwise. It was nearly as good as an outright declaration. Sanya, always calm and teasing, nudged Tome gently. "Well, well, looks like we''re headed to Seraphic Haven. A hidden oasis, huh?" Tome, with his usual shyness, nodded and gave a faint smile. Sanya, his deep voice carrying a teasing tone, playfully tugged at a strand of Tome''s hair. "You know, it might not be as quiet as you like. But hey, I promise to keep the teasing to a minimum." Tome''s invisible blush was evident, and he mumbled, "I...appreciate that." Sanya, with a wicked grin, leaned in closer, his voice a low murmur against Tome''s ear. "It''s a good opportunity, though. We can work on your invisibility powers without anyone bothering us. And who knows, maybe you''ll be able to sneak up on me for once." Tome''s eyes widened at the playful challenge, and he responded with a soft, "We''ll see about that." The subtle touch of Sanya''s fingers lingered on Tome''s shoulder, a comforting presence. "Well, I''d say this settles our spring break plans!" Elise said, her cheeks still pleasantly flushed. She tipped her face to the sunlight contentedly. Trent enclosed her slender form from behind, resting his chin atop her head as they mutually basked. Their friends had already broken off into animated conversational clusters all around the gathering field, but Elise''s attention remained wholly captivated by Trent''s crooked smile. Like and comment for more Moonlight Haven Elise''s POV Excitement fizzed outside the academy portals as our group stood chatting amongst piled luggage, wearing cozy sweatshirts against the early chill. I fidgeted anxiously, unable to keep still as our group awaited transport to the fabled Seraphic Haven. My gut roiled with nerves at the notion of setting foot off Academy grounds for the first time since...well, since the explosion. Dark memories I worked hard to keep locked away threatened to choke me. But then I felt it, fingertips discreetly grazing the small of my back. "Breathe easy, snowflake," he rumbled quietly. "I''ve got you." I tucked myself gratefully into the shelter of his arm as we awaited transport to our wilderness graduation retreat. And just like that, I practically sagged in relief, leaning gratefully into his solid strength. "Do you think we''ll get to see the magic portals open?" Hannah wondered aloud nearby, absently stroking a honeysuckle bloom wrapped around her wrist. Her boyfriend Senza hovered silently at her elbow, though a spark of curiosity glinted in his hooded gaze at the notion. Strange phenomena invariably fascinated him despite most things leaving him outwardly unmoved. I observed the teachers preparing to open the dimensional doorway, curiosity gradually overriding unease. Suddenly, Sophia bustled up with a clipboard, looking officious. "Alright listen up! I want everyone single file as I take a headcount before the portal opens." Obediently we shuffled into a ragged column, laughter and excitement continuing. At Sophia''s signal, the teachers standing nearest the stone archway raised their palms and projected in unison. The very air seemed to shiver, then split open into a shimmering vortex of otherworldly colors. I gasped, my spine tingling at the raw magic. Around me, more than one student voiced similar awe. The rippling portal gradually settled into a mirror-like consistency, reflecting our milling forms curiously. Sophia nodded in satisfaction and waved us forward. "Remember it will only remain open briefly! Step through quickly and mind your footing." Trent gave my hand a bolstering squeeze and tugged me gently forward. "Together then." His low voice calmed my anxious thoughts. Drawing a deep breath, I closed my eyes, gripped him tight, and took the plunge across the threshold. Reality seemed to invert and stretch. Disorienting traction yanked us sideways, air pressure spiking painfully in my ears. Then with the force of a giant elastic band releasing, we were through. I stumbled on arrival, narrowly avoiding cracking my kneecap on an unseen rock thanks to Trent''s catlike reflexes catching me against him. "Are you okay?", he asked worriedly Blinking woozily I peered up into his tense face inches from my own. Amusement glinted through residual worry seeing I was alive and well, "I''m fine. I''m alright" As soon as we separated, the sight stole my breath. Around us, towering emerald spires of fir trees stabbed upwards into a dazzling blue sky. Snow still topped the distant peaks but warmth was evident at this lower altitude from rich sunlight dispelling the last nighttime mists. Everything shimmered as though glimpsed through a crystal ball...except the underlying thrum of power here was unmistakable. This place overflowed with pure energy in the water, earth, and very air currents. "No kidding, it''s...dazzling," I breathed in awe. Words felt hollow describers for such glory. I shook my head, temporarily speechless. Nearby Hannah gave a joyous shout, "We made it to Seraphic Haven!" Her trilling exclamation echoed everyone''s euphoria. Immediately scampering off to twirl amidst the trees in instinctual celebration. "Do you feel it?" she trilled, laughing breathlessly. "Oh gosh, the energy is incredible!" Vines spiraled up nearby trunks, ivy leaves unfurling with noisy rustles. She paused at last, pressing both palms reverently to gnarled bark, eyes slipping shut in evident rapture while a carefree smile teased her lips. I traded amused glances with Trent. That girl acted like she''d mainlined sunlight. Wilderness agreed with some people''s temperaments more than others. Though in all fairness, Hannah acted perpetually high on life as it was. Maybe Seraphic Haven''s mystical resonance simply amplified that brightness exponentially, like pointing a magnifying lens at the sun. I gazed at Trent, eyes shining. "Feels like the cliffs are resonating all around us," I whispered. Like our hearts were beating to the same rhythm here. Corny yeah, but true. I flung my arms wide as if to embrace the scope of thrumming power upholding our refuge out of time and space. Beside me Trent nodded slowly, face upturned with eyes half-lidded as though basking in rare sunlight. Trent hooked his thumbs casually in his pockets, head tilted appraisingly as he continued scanning our surroundings. I watched his sharp features gradually relax, tension seeping away that I hadn''t even fully registered him carrying previously. Though when he turned that considering look on me, I shivered pleasantly under the unconcealed heat kindling there. "It suits you," he murmured at last, eyes lingering on my mouth. "Beautiful and...vibrant." One calloused thumb traced delicate spirals at the base of my throat. "Radiant as an alpine snowflake at high noon." His assessment made something catch hard in my chest. My cheeks flushed, Trent''s simmering focus setting off sparks dancing wildly out of rhythm in my core. I caught my bottom lip between my teeth, abruptly restless. Impulsively I lifted onto my toes to graze a whisper-soft kiss along his rugged jawline. His arm enfolding to grab my waist conveyed silent understanding in return. No further translation is needed. Heat swept my cheeks that had nada to do with the sunshine. Meanwhile, Max and Bri went up the sloping path nearby, heads bent intently over a piece of paper Max was scrutinizing. "Well," she remarked with a quirked brow, "I agree this beats dusting books in the archives." "See here on the map where it indicates a library archive chamber?" Max tapped the diagram decisively. "It''s located deeper inland near those hot spring pools according to this guide. We should pay a visit soon." Leave it to our bookworm to stick to educational prospects during a vacation. Squinting sideways I made out Max holding the trail map authoritatively, no doubt plotting the swiftest library access route. Beside her Bri just smirked, rocking idly heel to toe with an exaggerated yawn. "Or we could just go check out those hot spring pools instead of getting lost in dusty books all day." She winked roguishly. "I mean, we are technically on vacation, bookworm." If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Max pursed her lips in the prim offense. "Research is hardly wasted vacation time! Think of all the esoteric knowledge preserved here about supernatural gifts." She waved a hand airily. "Plenty of days ahead for...frolicking or whatever it is you lots do for fun." A teasing eyebrow lifted smugly. One shoulder lifted, eyes full of mischief. "Could be great for restoring focus after all this hiking, don''tcha think?" Max pursed her lips primly, gaze skating sideways. "I suppose adequate rest plays some role in effective information retention overall," she allowed loftily. "We may as well gather reliable data points across a range of conditions, including impacts from... immersion in hot springs." I bit my cheek unsuccessfully stifling immature giggles. Max arguing the merits of hot tub make-out sessions by citing field research principles? Now I''d heard everything! Bri just smirked. "I''ll grab us some hot spring pool time, bookworm." She winked naughtily. "Guarantee you''ll appreciate that chapter." I had to smother an inelegant snort at Bri''s faux-haughty delivery. Max''s growing blush signaled she recognized the coy bait for what it was too. Together we all set off to our appointed cabins before beginning to explore the forest. I trailed behind contentedly with Trent''s steadying hand resting low on my back. *************************************************************** Music and laughter echoed through the fragrant twilit air as our group sprawled on logs and woven blankets encircling the large open-pit fire. Empty plates were scattered about bearing remnants of our outdoor feast. Tonight we celebrated making it halfway through our rare idyll of training and leisure uninterrupted by teachers and classes. A makeshift stage had been cobbled together downslope where several students were demonstrating their varying affinities through a talent show of sorts. But I found myself only half-attentive to their exhibitions. My head rested comfortably in Trent''s lap, eyes fixed dreamily to where his hand rose and fell rhythmically through my pale hair. His body radiated soothing heat all down my shoulders and back despite the flames just yards away. Someone nearby was idly plucking guitar strings in wandering chord progressions, scattered conversations about lessons learned and goals still hoping to achieve during our remaining time here. During a lull, Hannah''s girlish voice piped up curiously from where she reclined against Senza''s shoulder. "What have you guys liked most so far about this retreat?" I sensed her attention included Trent and me along with Max and Bri in the question. Max rattled off some answers about invaluable artifacts. I made an agreeable sound without lifting my head. My eyes traveled sideways, drawn helplessly back to absorbing Trent''s beloved profile etched golden by firelight as he gazed into the distance. His thoughts ran adjacent to mine when he responded at last. "Discovering new layers beyond just the supernatural," he acknowledged succinctly, though weighted meaning ghosted the words. His fingers tracing delicate spirals across my collarbone made heat pool low and heavy in my abdomen. Across the way, Bri gave a soft snort. "Trust you two to take a simple question straight to the gutter," she remarked without rancor. Her tone turned wry then. "Think we could all have figured out that answer on our own." I felt my whole face redden, doubtless visible even in the firelight. But Trent just slanted a smug look sideways at the girl''s knowing sarcasm and said nothing to deny the allegation. His continued caresses declared without words that he would ensure greater truth to the claim before this trip ended. Desire thrilled electrically down my spine at the promise. As I noticed myself slipping, getting colder under his heat, I snapped myself back to the present. Meanwhile, Max elbowed Bri in reproach, though thinly masking her amusement. Leave it to our cerebral friend to provide a more objective summation. "I''ve quite enjoyed having unrestricted access to the archives and historical Accounts of rare manifestations," she explained earnestly. I sighed contentedly giving myself over to forest magic alive on the night air, thankful that within these protected mountain valleys, anything at all felt possible. ************************************************************** Trent''s POV I flopped back on my quilt bedding, boredom, and frustration mounting. The rooming arrangements had remained the same as they had been in the dorms with me sharing with Tome while Elise was with her friend Max across the cabin quadrant. Sure we had hung out in group activities all day. But I craved private time together to deepen this new dimension in our relationship awakened last night. Watching Tome sneak out of the room, I grabbed my phone off the nightstand and typed out a quick message. Me: Hey snowflake, Tome is at Sanya''s. Save me from this tragic existence? Her response bubble popped up instantly. Elise: Tragic indeed! ?? I snorted, picturing her jumping up, equally eager for alone time. My pulse kicked up a notch envisioning that perfect body pressed close instead of distant. True to her word, Elise tapped softly at my door minutes later. At my acknowledgment, she slipped inside, her silvery braid over one shoulder, shy excitement flushing her cheeks. My chest constricted at her sheer loveliness illuminated by moonlight through the window. Breaking the ice with sarcasm, "Well, well. Look who decided to grace me with their presence. Must be my lucky day." As Elise''s laughter echoed in the cabin, my heart couldn''t help but skip a beat. Taking brief steps away from the door, she fires back with her brand of sharp retorts. "Consider yourself blessed, Trent." I was definitely blessed to have her as mine. My eyes were focused intently on her, as she glided across the room. Hers gazed at the interior, fashioned from rough-hewn logs, weathered to a warm, honeyed hue that harmonized with the earthy tones of the forest. "The structure of your room is quite similar to ours" "Is that so?" I say absentmindedly. I found myself stealing glances, each one a silent confession of the affection I held for her. Her words, a beautiful melody, filled the air, and my gaze followed every nuance of her expression. There was a tenderness in my eyes, an unspoken acknowledgment of the profound connection we shared. "Yes, Mr. I''m so lonely" Her fingers glaze the table top, eyes scanning the room. With a smirk, I play along, making subtle suggestions. "Loneliness is a terrible affliction, you know?". "You seemed more dramatic in your text. Is this a cry for help?". Her warm voice carried a hint of tease, almost catching me off-guard. She briefly glances at me with a raised brow, before returning to continue her exploration of my shared living space At this point, her lavender scent had already enveloped the room, filling the room with a comforting energy. With a touch of sincerity, I had to admit that I was glad she was here. Her company makes everything better. "Well, banter aside, I''m glad you''re here. It''s better with you around." Finally, for the first time she had stepped into the room, she looked at me properly. "Aw, I knew you''d miss my unparalleled company." My eyes, drawn to her like a magnet, traced the lines of her face, the curve of her smile, and the sparkle in her eyes. Elise, playfully taunting, inquires about grand plans for the night. "So, just company, or did you have grand plans for our night of togetherness?" I must have zoned out while entranced by her face. "Just... company. But your presence makes everything grand." Her eyes open in shock, taken aback by my bluntness. I stood, the room''s dimensions abruptly too small. Elise halted before me, lips parted uncertainly. Still getting used to this shift between us I guessed. The rustic charm of the cabin seemed to fade into the background. Time for me to man up and bridge any lingering awkwardness. My hands found the curve of her waist, closing the distance between us. Cupping her delicate jaw I bent slowly, giving her space to evade. But she sighed into the connection, lashes fluttering shut. I nearly groaned feeling her melt supplely against me. The intoxicating vanilla scent filled my senses, my hands spanning her narrow waist with reverence. Finally, blissfully alone to explore this awakened need. "Let''s make this lonely night less lonely, shall we?" I whispered, earning a giggle from her. I kept the kisses light at first, giving her room to back out. "Just company" Her voice held sparks ready to ignite wildly. Soft palms framed my face, tilting upwards as she trailed nibbling kisses along my jaw. I love when she does that. But soon passion ignited, my tongue delving deeper, claiming more. Elise''s nails raked my shoulders urgently. I maneuvered us slowly towards my rumpled bed. We tumbled onto the mattress in awkward harmony. I braced above Elise, her prim ponytail coming half undone. She was an absolute vision ¨C swollen lips, heaving chest, eyes molten. I burned to feel her shuddering climax under me. But something in her expression gave me an abrupt pause. Nerves? Fear? I pulled back, pulse hammering for less pleasant reasons now. "Babe? You okay? We can stop..." I couldn''t mask the thread of disappointment though. Surely she wanted this too? Elise bit her lip, shame flooding her face as she glanced away. "I just...I''ve never..." She crossed her arms over herself protectively. "You must think I''m such a stupid scared virgin," she whispered miserably. I exhaled hard. "Hey, c''mere..." Gathering her close I stroked her hair until she relaxed into me. "I''d never think that about you," I murmured into her temple. "We can move at your pace, no judgment." She peered up, eyes shimmering with relief and gratitude now. "I do want to," she insisted vehemently. "I just panicked and I''m sor¨C" I stopped her apology with a fierce kiss, hand cupping her fragile skull. "Nothing to be sorry for," I asserted gently. "I''m just glad you feel safe telling me when something doesn''t feel right." Elise hugged me fiercely with a little hiccupping breath that threatened my composure. I was helpless against this girl, smitten down to the cellular level. Wordlessly I peeled back the covers, keeping her tucked protectively close as we settled together atop sheets strewn wildly just minutes before in the throes of passion. My fingertips idly combed through Elise''s damp hair where she sprawled with her head pillowed heavily on my bare midriff as ownership claimed. My own clever hands traced wandering nonsense patterns over her legs, touch growing gradually softer with care. She peered down through the tumbled mess of her braid, amused faint exasperation wrinkling her nose. "Thanks for being here, Fire-user" Still I angled obligingly beneath him once more, never quite sated myself. I nuzzled behind her ear, stoking familiar flames along over-sensitized nerve endings. " Always... snowflake" Now we traded slow lazy kisses bathed in moonlight as her fingers combed idly through my hair. Gradually our full-body contact stoked familiar embers, but I kept my touches soothing, silently vowing not to breach her trust. When she finally dozed against my chest, features gone kitten-soft in relaxation, I smiled into the darkness. Even sans sex, this intimacy nurtured an irreplaceable bond I would cherish my whole life. We had time... Like and Comment for more...