"Attention! This announcement is for all Year 5 students. Please report to the dome now. Thank you."
And the intercom went dead.
"And that is our cue to go now"
Sophie stated, emphasizing the 'now'. Turning on her heel, she is about to walk off,
"And no, I don't know why. Let's just go and found out"
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 put our trays away and walked out of the hall, heading straight to the dome.
I have only had to go to the dome once since I woke up from my coma. But being summoned as a year to the dome didn't seem like a usual thing from the tense look on everyone's face. Even Bri has awfully been quiet since we left the cafeteria.
*****************************
THE DOME
Sophie stood at the entrance of the building, waiting for us. She gave us a quick look-over, internally counting to make sure we were complete before. A frown appeared on her face as she wordlessly recounted.
Sanya and Tome appeared together, briskly striding towards us from the direction of the dorms. All turned in their direction and Sophie let out a breath of relief.
Now, we were complete and ready to go.
I shot Tome a quick wave, to which he replied with a shy smile.
"Okay?"
I mouthed, giving him an okay sign with my fingers. He gave me a thumbs up as I sighed in relief. At least, they were okay. That's one less thing to worry about.
Sophie placed her hand on the scanner,
"Welcome, Sophie Briggs"
The door announces, opening up. We walked in and down the long hallway until we got into the central room of the dome.
Sensai stood at the corner of the room, hands behind his back, looking out the glass window-like walls. The older man held himself up with dignity. He turned towards us, clad in his usual white kimono,
"Take a seat."
Everyone shuffled to sit on the chairs that materialized out of the floor and stared at Sensai. He took small steps to the tablet on a glass table, beside the holographic board in front of us. We all sat in a semi-circle according to our class, having a clear view of the board and Sensai. Class A was on the left, class C in the middle and class B on the right.
"It appears we are not missing anyone."
Sensai noted, giving Sophie an approving nod. Her face brightened up at the credit of her effort. Bri seated by her, nudged Sophie in the side, wiggling her eyebrows at her. Sophie rolled her eyes in reply.
"Without further ado, let's get down to the business of today, shall we?"
He started, clicking on the tablet. The board projected a slide with a love theme, "Valentine's Agenda" written on it. Everyone looked towards each other with the same confused look. They were assuming the same thing I was.
Was this 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."
The robed man continued. The amusement in his voice was clear. I plastered a smile on my face, tucking my hair behind my ears and leaning into my seat. Excitement was evident in our eyes. A ball? Like Barbie and the 12 dancing princesses kind of ball?
"A committee will be created to oversee the execution of this event. I need someone to be in charge of this project. "
His gaze swept through the seated students, stopping briefly on someone before he parts his lips to continue. Hannah's hand shot up enthusiastically.
"I volunteer!"
Sensei smiled, his deep eyes narrowing as he let out a small laugh.
"Ever the energetic one. I was already planning on letting you handle it in the first place. However,"
He calls out to Fancy. She responds with a quick, "Yes, sensei"
"Could you please be of assistance to Hannah? Thank you"
She bowed in acceptance of the task.
The screen changed to a slide with "End of term Examinations" written on it. The room got more serious as we read what was displayed to us.
"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."
Noticing the worried looks on our faces when he mentioned the practical exercise, he clarified,
"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."
At the sound of that, slight ease washed over us.
Year 4 appears abruptly on the screen.
Well, that's odd. Our class doesn't interact much with other years. Between classes and levelling our abilities, we barely have time for sleep. Taking a deep breath, I kept my lips pursed and followed.
"Finally, most of you here woke up with your abilities already unlocked."
Sensei paused and glanced at everyone,
"I am not sure if you have noticed but all the years below you don't display abilities."
That revelation left a number of us awe-struck. How could we not have noticed such an important thing? Sophie had an unamused look on her face.
"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. 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.
"Their abilities will be unlocked during their final exam of the term. Each of you will serve as a form of mentor for any junior student with similar abilities as yours."
Well, that will be very interesting to see.
Sensai held our gaze, his brow raising in question.
"I want to trust that you all can handle this little task."
Little. Building the foundation of these kids' abilities is going to be anything but little.
"Yes Sensai"
We chorus in response.
Looking around me, I observed the reactions of those seating in my proximity. Bri held a very serious thinking expression, one that she ever so rarely wears. Hannah had a stable smile laid on her face. At least, she is still her usual self, not letting the pressure get to her, or so I thought. I almost didn't catch it, hidden away by the side of her chair, her hand reach out behind to clutch tightly to Senza's index finger.
Now, I'm nervous. I really didn't want to think too much about it but, I can feel anxiety wash through me.
Clasping his hands in front of him,
"That will be all for now. Hannah, Fancy, I want a proposal for all the activities for the event by Thursday. That means you have four days to brainstorm. I believe that should be enough time."
"Yes sir."
They answered in unison.
"Good. Don't forget all we have spoken about today. I communicate any other information to you through Sophie. Have a good day. You are dismissed."
He ended, taking small strides away from us and through an automated narrow door to our left.
We let out a sigh of relief at his exit.
The older man has a way of keeping people on their toes. His aura can be quite spirited, keeping his audience in a chokehold.
"I know you all are edgy because of the whole year 4 situation. I don't even need my ability to know that", Sophie stated, scoffing at the last comment to herself.
"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?"
She is right. We can worry about how to cross the river when we get to that bridge.
Times like this remind me of why Sophie was assigned the class president. She might seem distant from everyone and not know the meaning of privacy, but she gets things done and knows the right words to say. It must be from all the peeking around in our thoughts.
"Yes! Aye aye, Madam President!"
She responds with a salute, shooting out of her seat. Sophie scoffed, rolling her eyes as she facepalmed. Bri seemed to have the opposite reaction, looking very entertained.
"For the Love of God. Bridget, this is your fault. Hannah, stop listening to Bri."
Excusing myself from the impending quarrel about to start, I rushed to Tome's side. A thumbs up wasn't enough explanation for me. He was standing in front of Sanya, his back to me, engrossed in hushed whispers. I observed their communication as the copper-haired boy said something earning a blush and a light arm punch from Tome.
I felt pride resonate within me at their exchange.
Sanya's eyes met mine and the other boy detected. 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."
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. I'm going to throw up."
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 called 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 to my right, expecting to see her, but instead, I was met with emptiness. I was so sure she was right beside me, where did she vanish to? Frantically, I looked around for her before spotting a shocking scene. An evil grin on Bri's face as she locked arms with the very person I was looking for. My mouth fell agape as she stuck her tongue out at me, still holding on to the emotionless Max.
Betrayed by my friends. Now, I don't have a date. What a cruel life!
I grumbled, dipping into the nearest chair in defeat, away from the crowd. As much as I tried to convince myself that it wasn't a big deal, it actually hurts to feel alone. I sat and looked around as people chitchatted and paired themselves up.
"Why do you look that way? You don't look pretty"
I groaned, rubbing my temples With my thumb and forefinger. I really wasn't in the mood for Trent and his hostile energy.
"I would rather be alone. Can you not make me feel worse?"
Instead, he leaned against the wall beside me. His lightly tanned arms in rolled-up sleeves crossed his chest making his veins more prominent. I gave him a questioning look, he could feel the intenseness but he kept gazing away towards the crowd.
After a few moments, he pushed off the wall with a sigh and turned to face me. Placing his palm on the wall, he glanced down to meet my crystal blue eyes.
"Trent, we are in public."
I whispered in a panic. The position of our proximity could get misinterpreted if someone saw it.
Dismissing my caution, his eyes frowned in thought still fixed on mine. Letting out a sigh, he leaned away and stuffed his hands into his pockets. With a sideways tilt of his head and a purse of his lips,
"The Ball... come with me"
His words were more than just a simple shock. I felt my eyes widen. The boy who clearly hates my guts just asked me on a date.
No way!
******************************
Heyo my Chingus,
It's been a week!
I had my sister read a few chapters and let's just say, she really doesn't like Trent. That means I am doing something right. Soon, you will fall in love with Trent. Remember that this is an enemy-to-lovers trope.
So, who is your favourite character?
Which other POV would you like to see?
Don't forget to check out the NSFW parts in Rendezvous in High School.
Btw: my lips infection got worse and I think it's making me sick but I'll be fine.
Don't forget to drink water and sleep well. Love you'll.
"Over the moon - Khaotung (The Eclipse ost.)