Nyx's Turn
After Iris's heartfelt speech, it was finally Nyx's turn to speak.
The classroom buzzed with anticipation. Everyone was unusually eager—because Nyx was not the kind of person to participate in these kinds of activities, especially when it came to punishment speeches. In fact, throughout his school life, he had always found a way to avoid such things. His classmates and close friends knew this very well.
Nyx walked slowly to the front of the class. His hands were cold, his heartbeat loud in his ears. He looked at the crowd of expectant faces and hesitated. His throat felt dry.
"Come on, Nyx," Jensy ma'am said gently, giving him an encouraging smile. "You can do it."
He took a deep breath, swallowed hard, and began to speak.
"Good morning, everyone..." His voice was shaky. "I'm not usually the type to do something like this. But recently, I've been feeling really strange—like I've done something wrong. And even though I understand what really happened, it's been hard for me to face it."
He paused, struggling to keep eye contact with the class.
"I honestly want to apologize to someone. But I couldn't bring myself to do it... face to face." He glanced at the back of the class briefly, where Yuna sat, then quickly looked away. "So… I'm sorry, Yuna, for what happened that day."
"That's all I want to say to everyone. Thank you."
He stepped away from the front, his heart pounding in his chest. As he walked back to his seat, a weight seemed to lift off his shoulders. Somehow, he felt a strange sense of relief.
There was a moment of silence in the classroom. Everyone had understood—his words were meant for Yuna. She sat frozen, stunned by the unexpected public apology. Her eyes remained fixed on Nyx.
Then, Jensy ma'am stepped forward with a gentle expression and addressed the class.
"Good, Nyx. I appreciate your courage and honesty. That open apology wasn't easy, and I'm proud of you. For all the students here, you've set an example. It's a good thing you used this platform to express your regret."
The class nodded in agreement, a few students even clapped quietly.
"Okay, students," Jensy ma'am continued. "Now go back to your places."
Everyone returned to their seats.
"From now on," she added, "I expect everyone to finish your homework regularly. No more excuses."
She picked up her textbook and looked at the class. "It's time to start today's lesson. Pay close attention—this grammar topic is very important. Open your books, everyone."
The students obediently opened their textbooks, and Jensy ma'am began the day's grammar lesson.
Soon, the bell rang, signaling the end of the period. Jensy ma'am walked out of the classroom.
"Wow, man! You had the guts to say that in front of the whole class?" came a loud, amused voice.
It was Kris, Nyx's friend from middle school, laughing as he walked over. His tone was teasing, but not unkind.
Nyx gave a half-smile but didn't say anything. He continued writing in his notebook.
Ren joined in.
"Yeah, Kris! I didn't expect that speech at all. Oh, and Kris—I have another shock for the day. You and Fin actually did your English homework?"
Kris smirked proudly. "We never do it, but since ma'am didn't check today... we're lucky!"
Just then, Juno, the class monitor, entered and announced, "It's time for the outdoor games period. I already asked sir. We have to head to the ground."
The students buzzed with excitement and started changing into their sports uniforms.
A short while later, everyone assembled on the school ground. The sun was out, and there was a pleasant breeze.
Their sports teacher clapped his hands. "Alright everyone! Five rounds around the ground. Let's go!"
A collective groan spread through the class.
"Sir, please make it two rounds!" someone pleaded.
"Or three!" another chimed in.
But sir was firm. "No compromises! Look at your seniors over there," he said, pointing. "They just finished five rounds. Now move! Go! Start running!"
Nyx looked in the direction sir was pointing. It was Ken's class playing on the other side of the ground. Ken and his group of friends were also there, actively involved in a team sport. For a moment, Nyx watched them, then turned back as their own class began to move.
Ren looked toward the seniors—it was Ken's class on the ground.
Everyone began running.
While running, Kris and Ren continued to tease Nyx about his speech.
"Didn't know you were so dramatic, Nyx!" Kris chuckled.
Nyx just shook his head and smiled.
Then Fin, jogging beside them, whispered with a grin, "Hey, look at our girls—they're running like tortoises!"
The boys burst into laughter.
The girls, though clearly tired and dragging behind, didn't say anything. They had no energy to respond.
After completing the exhausting five rounds, the class collapsed onto the steps of the amphitheatre to rest.
Nyx was standing near the edge, wiping sweat from his forehead, when he suddenly felt a small tug on the back of his T-shirt.
He turned around—Yuna was standing there, slightly out of breath.
Her face was serious, yet there was a softness in her eyes.
"I know you've been worried about it a lot," she said quietly. "But everyone... and I also know... it was just a mistake. So... so…"
She stumbled over her words, trying to express herself.
Nyx looked at her, eyes calm and steady. "So... what?" he asked gently.
"So... it's not your fault. Don't think too much about it!" she blurted out quickly, then turned and walked away without waiting for a response.
Nyx blinked in surprise, then chuckled softly to himself.
As he turned back, he saw Ren, Kris, and Fin staring at him with huge grins.
Ren raised an eyebrow. "What's going on here, huh?"
Nyx didn't reply. He simply smiled and walked past them.
Soon, the class gathered again with a ball to play a team game.
They decided to divide into two teams using a number game.
Team 1 included: Nyx, Kris, Eira, Yuna, and a few others.
Team 2 had: Iris, Ren, Fin, Juno, and the rest.
Ren couldn't hide his excitement—he was thrilled to be on the same team as Iris.
Suddenly, Eira shouted, "Hey! I want to switch teams!"
"Nope! Stay where you are," Kris laughed.
Yuna nudged Eira gently. "It's okay. I'm here—we'll play together."
And with that, the game began—laughter, excitement, and playful banter filled the ground as the whole class came together to play under the open sky.