A few months had passed since the encounter between me, Kane and Shimotsuki.
Midterms examination were no joke. This place really is built for future governor or rulers.
I don't know if it was due to my immunity, but I managed to place 24th out of 40 in the class. Ranked 72th out of 160 for the year. Pretty good, compared to my results back at that hellhole.
Surprisingly, Lyna placed 2nd in the class. Makes sense, since i've been taught by her on multiple occasion. Ranked 4th in the Year. I wonder who is the three person that outscored her...
Then, on one peaceful morning, came announcement from the High Council by the PA system. The announcement went as such.
"Attention to all the students. The High Council, in collaboration with external partners, has officially launched the Archive Of Student's application, also known as AoS for short. The app will serve as a centralized platform where verified student information can be accessed by the academy community. Please download and log in using your full name and ID number at your earliest convenience."
As you could've guessed it, the whole classroom had a confused look. Well, except for me.
"What was that about?" someone muttered.
"An app?" another tilted their head, already pulling out their phone. "Let me check it real quick."
Curiosity spread quick. Within minutes, half the class had their heads bent over glowing screens, whispering, pointing, laughing. A few still sat confused, but even they leaned closer to peek at what others were doing.
Eventually, I was also a victim of curiosity. I reached my phone, searched for the app, and there it is.
With a light tap, the app opened. Then, it asked me for username and password. No options for signing up. It seems everything was done by the person behind the system instead of the user itself.
I put in the username, which is my full name that was given by Mr. McCallister. Faulker Laburantes. And referring to the announcement, the password is supposed to be the student's ID number.
Does that mean just anyone can log in, if they know your full name and memorized your student ID number?
As I tapped the 'Log In' button, it redirected me towards my profile.
Name: Faulker Laburantes
Year: 1
Class: 1-D
Then, there is also other tabs. Academic Records, Medical Records, Guardian's Records....
I glanced around. Two classmates compared screens nearby. One pointing proudly at the Achievement section under Academic Records entry, listing his high test score.
The other one filling in about himself under Personal Notes with exaggerated flair: "Aspiring chef, pro-gamer, future CEO of Microsoft." Both laughed out loud.
The class got louder the longer time passes. Some were showing off. Others were sulking, as everyone is comparing themselves against each other as entertainment.
I glanced down at my own screen again. There was nothing for me to be proud or ashamed of. It was as empty as a black silence. No achievement made, no contribution to any club, nothing.
Yet, I didn't mind. I preferred it that way.
I lingered on my own page for a moment longer before curiosity nudged at me. If this app had everyone's information…
I tapped the search bar at the top. My thumb hesitated for a second, then I typed: Lyna.
Her profile popped up instantly.
Name: Lyna Romanoff
Year: 1
Class: 1-D
Her attendance was flawless. Every box is filled green. Examination results? Near the top of the class and year for everything. Even the teacher remarks were flattering. "Attentive, brilliant, consistent, diligent."
There was more, too. Clubs she was registered in, events she'd volunteered for, even a little achievement badge she'd earned, titled Theatrical Genius 20XX
I leaned back, eyes drifting to the search bar again.
Alejandro. Nayuta. Shayne.
All three names flickered through my head. Each one of them stood out in their own way, and the thought of having their files at my fingertips made me hesitate.
Who should I check next?
The names circled in my head, my thumb hovering over the search bar.
Just one tap and I could know more about any of them than I'd ever asked myself.
But before I could decide, the classroom door creaked open. A teacher stepped inside, the buzz of chatter snapping shut as quickly as it had started.
I slid my phone back into my pocket without a sound, straightening in my seat. Whatever curiosity was tugging at me could wait.
For now, lesson takes priority.
When the bell rang and the lesson ended, I packed my things a little slower than usual. The thought lingered in my head longer than it should have, so I finally asked,
"Hey... lunch?"
Lyna looked up, a little surprised at first, then smiled. "Sure."
Before we could leave, a group of her friends from a few tables away walked over, calling her name.
"Lyna! Come eat lunch with us?"
She paused, glancing between me and them. For a second, I thought she'd have to choose. But then, a small spark lit in her expression, like she'd just thought of something.
"Actually, would you all mind if Faulker joined us?" she asked.
The group exchanged looks with one another, a silent conversation passing between them. Two nodded in agreement, the other one gave a little shrug. And finally one of them said, "Of course not. The more the merrier."
Lyna looked back at me, her eyes lighting up with a kind of pleased satisfaction. "There we go. Problem solved."
I only gave a small nod, though inside I wondered if this was really such a good idea.
The dining hall was alive with noise, and the air filled with the scent of freshly cooked meals. Today's spread leaned towards variety. Platters of roasted chicken legs glazed with honey, bowls of miso soup steaming beside trays of sushi rolls, and a station serving pasta tossed in creamy sauce.
I wanted to save room for dinner, so I decided to go with something moderate, which is just pasta. The taste is much more alluring than any pasta I've ever eaten in my life.
As I were indulging in the delicacy, I briefly heard their conversation. First, it's about complaint regarding the mountain of assignments we were given.
Then, it changed to rumors regarding some organizations hanging around the city called The Middle, whatever that is.
Sometime later, they were talking about using the application to stalk boys that they're interested in. Lastly, they were all complaining about their love life, wondering why their crushes doesn't take a hint.
"Talking about dating... How did you two became a couple?" The girl with twin-tails asked.
I almost choked on my drinking water.
Lyna, who were resting her chin on her palm, immediately looked away, covering her face.
"Um, we-" Lyna was cut short by the girl with ribbon.
"Let's have the boyfriend answer. We almost never saw him talking in the first place, I wonder how they reached this far."
All four pair of eyes stared at me. I wonder if I should answer them or avoid the question altogether.
"Well, we were childhood friends. And by the time I knew it, we had became fond of each other." I replied.
The girl in twin-tails doesn't look satisfied with my answer. The girl with mole under her eyes replied "How was Lyna back then?"
I thought about a few second, wondering how to make it believable.
"She's... pretty much the same as she was back then. Except, she had became much more beautiful today."
The three of them "Kyaaa-" in sync.
"Fau!" Lyna elbowed my arm, probably signaling for her embarrassment.
"That was quite smooth. What do you like about her?"
I thought for a while. For just this one time, I wish to answer honestly. I feel bad for the girls being fed with only lies, as if the lunch wasn't enough.
"She's.... fun to be with."
The girls looked at me, blinking for me to continue.
"There were times when we have different views. There were also times when we bickered over stupid things. But all of those moments made me appreciate her company, I guess. Before I realized it, I was knocking on the door towards her heart."
I looked up, only to realize that the two of them were wiping tears dropping from their eyes. I don't think I exaggerated the story at all. It wasn't that deep. The other one was clapping their hands in awe.
Lyna, however covers her face with her hands. But I was sitting beside her, so I could notice the redness on her cheeks.
By the time the last plates were pushed aside and drinks drained, no one seemed eager to leave just yet.
I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms loosely. "You know," I said, putting an end to the gloomy air. "I never actually asked for your names."
They didn't need much prompting.
The girl with the ribbon answered first. "I'm Mari. Fashion is kind of my thing, and I'm pretty confident in it."
The twin-tailed girl raised her hand a little, cheerful but more relaxed. "Clara. I don't really have a thing, save for eating. If Gluttony is a sin, then call me a sinner." She tapped her empty plate like it was proof. Something to be proud of.
The last one stayed quiet for a moment, thinking of what to say. "Seraphine. You can call me Sera if you want. I'm more of a listener than a speaker. Que sera sera."
I nodded slowly, repeating their names in my head so I wouldn't forget. "Mari, Clara, Sera… alright. That's easy enough."
Then, I conceived an idea of most ingenious. "Why don't we do a little stalking between the three of you?"
Lyna shot me a look, half-annoyed, half-amused. "Don't encourage him. He'll actually do it."
Mari scratched her neck. "Honestly, I kind of want to see what mine says…"
Clara giggled. "Same. Mine will probably just says 'hungry beast.'"
Even Seraphine cracked the tiniest smile at that.
I raised a brow, pulling my phone out slowly. "You're all really fine with this?"
"Why not?" Mari said, shrugging. "If the app's official, we should know what people see anyway."
That was a valid response. If it was Chess, that reply would probably be a brilliant move.
I unlocked the screen, the familiar interface glowing back at me. My thumb hovered over the search bar.
I set my phone down on the table so all of them could see the screen. The three of them leaned in, waiting, and I tapped into the search bar.
"Alright, Mari first." I muttered, fingers moving to type her name.
But before I could finish, the screen flashed. The app snapped shut, replaced by the harsh vibration of an incoming call.
Unknown Number.
For a moment, none of us spoke. Unknown numbers are usually either a scam or important call from officials. The question is, which one is this...
Lyna blinked. "Well… that's creepy timing."
Clara leaned closer. "Are you gonna answer it?"
Mari tilted her head, her tone quieter but sharper. "Do you usually get calls from numbers you don't know?"
"Maybe I'm just that popular, you know?" I replied, before finally swiping right to answer the call.
A familiar voice came through the line. Someone I knew, steady and casual.
"Yeah," I said quietly, leaning back in my chair. "...Now? Alright. I'll be there."
When I hung up, I slipped the phone into my pocket and pushed my chair back.
"Something wrong?" Lyna asked, tilting her head, concern edging her tone.
I shook my head lightly. "No, nothing like that. I just need to go."
The three girls looked at me in mild surprise, Sera was arching a brow like she wanted to press further. But I didn't give her a chance.
"Thanks for the time, I enjoyed it." I added simply, before turning and heading toward the exit.
I didn't tell them where I was going. No reason to.
But the words from the call still echoed in my head as I left the dining hall.
Why did she decided to call me just now? I had been wondering why did she ask for my number if she's never gonna text anyway.
And why did she asked me to come here? Am I in trouble?
I don't remember causing trouble, honestly. Not like I have the time to, anyway.
But I should probably open the door and head inside now. It's not good to keep a princess waiting...
So, I opened the door of High Council's Office.
When I stepped into the High Council office, I caught the tail end of a quiet exchange between Shimotsuki and another girl I hadn't seen before.
She was tall, elegant, with long, silky black hair that shimmered under the light like a smooth curtain, and warm brown eyes that softened the sharpness of her role. It's also hard not to notice the huge watermelon she carried.
The way she carried herself wasn't overbearing. Instead, it reminded me of the dependable older sister type. Like a star you'd rely on. Someone who would play goo-goo babies with you.
They both turned toward me almost at the same time, their conversation fading into silence.
Shimotsuki brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Faulker. You came." She gestured to the girl beside her. "This is Aria."
The girl stepped forward with much grace. Her smile bright but gentle.
"Aria Casanova," she said warmly, her voice carrying that approachable tone that felt instantly familiar.
"Sixth Seat of the High Council. The Envoy. It's good to finally meet you." She continued.
I gave a polite nod. "I'm Faulker. The future First Seat of the High Council."
Aria giggled at the joke. "Ah, you're definitely the Faulker she's been blabbing about lately."
Shimotsuki's cheeks colored faintly, and she gave Aria a small nudge with her elbow. "You don't have to say it like that…"
I frowned slightly. "What do you mean by that?"
Aria chuckled softly, turning her eyes back to me.
"Oh, nothing scandalous. She doesn't usually bring up her classmates, let alone students from other class. So it's just a curiosity from me. You must've made quite the impression."
Shimotsuki shifted, looking away as if trying to downplay the statement.
Aria smoothed her hair, still smiling. "In any case, it's nice to put a face to the name. Enjoy your alone time. I've got an assignment due tomorrow."
She adjusted her bag over her shoulder and gave a parting wave. "Take care, Faulker. And Shimotsuki, don't be too shy."
Aria's footsteps faded down the hall, her teasing remark hanging in the air like smoke that refused to clear. Shimotsuki stood there stiffly, her lips pursed, eyes fixed anywhere but on me.
"…She says things without thinking," she muttered at last, her voice quieter than usual. "You don't have to take it seriously."
"Also, she's exaggerating. I mentioned you only once or twice."
Her hands fidgeted with the sleeve of her uniform for a moment, before she let out a soft sigh and straightened her posture.
"Anyway—" she gestured toward the lounge area, the polished couches and low table neatly arranged beneath a row of hanging portraits. "Since you're already here, why don't we sit down for a bit?"
I nodded, following her as she guided me to one of the couches. She poured tea into two cups with steady, practiced movements, but I noticed the faint red blush still lingering on her cheeks.
As I took the cup, I let my eyes wander over the lounge.
There are trophies locked in glass cases, framed photos of past council members, a memorial wall engraved with names. There's also doors lined the far side of the room, each bearing a small plaque.
I glanced toward them. "Where does those doors lead?"
Shimotsuki set down the teapot gently. "Those lead to each member's personal office. Everyone has their own space."
Her voice steadied again, but I caught the quick way she avoided my gaze as she spoke, as if still shaking off Aria's words.
I took a slow sip of the tea, letting the warmth settle in my chest before setting the cup back down. The lounge was quiet, save for the faint ticking of the wall clock.
"So," I said, turning my gaze back to Shimotsuki, "why did you call me over here?"
She blinked at me, then exhaled softly as if she'd been expecting the question all along. Her fingers tapped lightly against the edge of her cup before she lifted it, taking a small sip herself.
"Nothing important," she said at last. "I just wanted to chat. The others are all busy, and…" Her voice trailed for a moment, then picked back up, more even this time. "I don't really have anyone outside the council I can sit down with like this."
She gave me a faint, almost apologetic smile. "So… I thought, why not you?"
Her words hung between us, casual on the surface but carrying a weight that was hard to miss.
I leaned back a little on the couch, my cup resting in my hand.
"Honestly, I thought this was going to be something official. If it's just this, you could've told me over the phone."
Shimotsuki tilted her head slightly, her emerald eyes studying me. "Did you have any plans?"
I blinked. "…No."
"Then I don't see the problem," she said simply, taking another sip of her tea as if the matter was settled.
Her calmness caught me off guard. She didn't flinch, didn't second-guess herself. To her, it seemed perfectly natural that I should be sitting here with her, drinking tea in the High Council lounge.
Shimotsuki set her cup down, her emerald gaze steady on me. "If I'd told you I just wanted to chat," she asked softly, "would you have come?"
I raised a brow. "You could've just texted me."
She shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"Texting doesn't feel the same. I prefer this moment. Sitting down across from each other, drinking tea over chatting, no one else around, and no business talk. Just the two of us."
She made a good point, honestly. I can't deny, I would also prefer talking face-to-face instead of using an electrical box of metal that radiates signal and radio waves that fits in your pocket.
I exhaled and leaned back. "Still, you can't just keep me in the dark, you know?"
That earned a quiet chuckle from her. "That so? Then, I'll just call it power-abusing."
The corners of her mouth curved in the smallest grin, like she was enjoying seeing me wrestle with the situation.
Time slipped by without me realizing it. The sun outside the tall windows had dipped low, painting the lounge in orange hues that slowly bled into the calm blue of evening. Shimotsuki and I had talked about everything and nothing. School's history, odd little council traditions, and even the quirks of certain teachers.
Then, her phone buzzed against the table. She glanced at the screen, her eyes lighting up just slightly before she answered. A few brief words—"yes," "I see," "thank you"—and then she hung up.
She set the phone back down and looked at me. "That was the bookstore owner. He finally managed to get the copy I requested."
"What book?" I asked.
"Dream of the Red Chamber," she replied, her tone calm, though I thought I caught a faint note of satisfaction in her voice. "I've been waiting for it to arrive."
I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, just a novel, I assume?"
"Mm." She gave a small nod, lips curving into the faintest smile.
"Nothing special, but it's one of my personal favorites. Along with The Wings by Yi Sang, Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, and Hell Screen by Ryunosuke Akutagawa."
"Well, I can go fetch it for you," I offered, setting my cup aside.
Shimotsuki blinked at me, then shook her head lightly. "That's kind, but I was thinking of going myself. I haven't taken a stroll in a while. Not unless it's for council business. It might be… nice."
She let the thought hang for a moment, then glanced back at me. "Still, it is a rare opportunity. Maybe we should go together."
The idea caught me off guard. "Together?"
She gave a small nod, her expression calm but her eyes quietly expectant.
I know I offered to get it for her first. But fetching it together might be bad.
I wanted to refuse. Because It would be bad look for us. Too easy for people to jump to conclusions.
My classmates might think I wasn't actually dating Lyna. They'd think we had been lying and tricking them all.
Even worse, Mari, Clara, and Sera… I'd only just gotten on their good side. If they saw me walking around town with Shimotsuki, they'd probably tear me asunder.
But at the same time… I couldn't just let Shimotsuki wander out alone. Even if the chance was slim, it wasn't impossible for something to happen. Kidnapping, blackmail, or worse.
Someone like her would make too tempting a target.
I let out a slow breath. "…Fine. We'll go together. But, I'll go first, and wait for you at the front gate."
Her lips curved into a faint smile, satisfied but not smug. "Good, it's settled then. Though, I was already planning to have you wait there in the first place. The table is not cleaning itself, after all." She said, pointing at the empty teapot.
Alright, then I'll move now. See you soon. I stood up from the couch and walked out the High Council Office.
Back in the dorm, I changed into something more casual. Nothing flashy, just clothes that wouldn't make me stand out too much outside school grounds. Also comfortable to breathe and move in.
When I reached the front gate, the late evening air was cool, the last streaks of sunset stretching thin across the sky. I leaned back under the shade of a tree, choosing the spot deliberately.
From here, I wouldn't draw much attention. Better this way. The last thing I needed was the wrong set of eyes making the wrong assumptions.
So I waited, the quiet hum of the campus surrounded mine folly, until Shimotsuki arrived.