Friday, May 3 – Morning / St. Ivy High
The Calm Before the Noise
Jay arrived earlier than usual.
The front gate of St. Ivy was open, students trickling in at a slower, more casual pace than any other day. No bags. No assignments. No teachers rushing to class. Just uniforms, low chatter, and the faint scent of summer on the breeze.
The final assembly.
The last time this year everyone would gather in the same space.
Jay paused just inside the main building. He could hear laughter echoing from the halls, sneakers scuffing polished floors. Somewhere in the distance, someone played a celebratory drumroll on a cafeteria tray.
"Too loud for a funeral," he thought.
"Too quiet for a festival."
Class 1-A's Last Gathering
By the time Jay reached Class 1-A, the classroom was already half full.
Sofia was giving Miles a lecture about post-high school scholarships "just in case you somehow develop ambition in the next two years."
Emma sat near the window, reading something that didn't look academic.
Amaya was carefully packing away some leftover bakery boxes — one for each teacher.
Tyler was balancing a pen on his upper lip. Noah was timing it. Luna was sketching the entire scene.
Yuki, silent as ever, stood by the window with her earbuds in, watching clouds.
Jay stepped into the room and took his seat without a word.
It didn't need one.
This wasn't a goodbye yet. But the air knew it was close.
Everyone to the Hall
The announcement buzzed at 10:30 AM.
"All students, please proceed to the main hall for the end-of-year assembly."
The shuffle began.
Shoes squeaked. Chairs scraped. Folders zipped.
No one moved fast. But no one wanted to be late.
Jay walked in the middle of the pack, Sofia and Tyler arguing behind him, Emma and Amaya somewhere ahead.
The main auditorium had already begun to fill by the time Class 1-A entered.
Rows and rows of seats, separated by year. Teachers lined the front. The head table sat just beneath the giant screen that would display the results.
It was all too formal for Jay's taste.
But even he felt a flicker of anticipation.
Third Years – The Last Curtain Call
The ceremony began with the school principal giving a short, polished speech. Not too sentimental, not too cold. Then came the mic handoff to the faculty dean:
"Let's begin with the honor rolls for the graduating class of Year Three."
Applause rippled across the hall as names flashed on the screen.
One by one, students from the final year rose from their seats, walked the stage, and received their honor.
Top scorers. Full attendance. Special achievements. Club leadership awards.
Jay watched silently.
Most of them he didn't know.
But the energy hit him anyway — this idea of something ending. Not for him, not yet, but… eventually.
The Result
Then came a spotlight announcement: the final speech by Haruka Minami, the Student Council President.
She stepped forward—calm, composed, and impossible to ignore.
"To all first- and second-years—thank you for giving our final year colour. We're leaving behind empty seats, but also open doors. If you think no one noticed the effort you put in this year—you're wrong. We saw it. We remember it. Now it's your turn to shape this place."
She paused, her eyes sweeping the hall with measured intensity.
"To the candidates for the next student council: good luck. I hope you'll love this school as much as I did. Maybe more."
The room echoed with applause. Emma, seated three rows away from Jay, clapped with sharp precision. Sofia leaned toward her and whispered something too soft to hear.
Then came the second-year honor. The crowd mellowed a little, but polite clapping followed. One student from Class 2-C stood out with top science scores. Another got the leadership award for club contributions.
And finally—
The screen changed.
The faculty voice returned.
"First-Year Division: Academic Rankings. Top 10."
The room quieted.
Jay didn't lean forward. He didn't stiffen or glance around.
He simply watched.
One by one, names appeared:
1st – Jay Markov (Class 1-A)
Top in all subjects.
Remark: "A quiet student with dangerous potential."
Jay blinked.
Emma's eyebrows rose in interest—more confirmation than surprise.
Tyler let out a full-throated "WHAT?!"
Sofia gasped so hard she choked on her own gum.
"He beat Emma?" she hissed.
"He beat everyone," Noah said, nudging Miles.
2nd – Emma Sinclair (Class 1-A)
Top three in math, English, and science.
Flawless term record.
Remark: "Driven, sharp, and quietly competitive."
Emma pressed her lips together.
Didn't clap.
Didn't react.
But her gaze flicked toward Jay.
He met it briefly.
3rd – Yuki Dawson (Class 1-A)
Top in science, logic, and computation.
Remark: "Silent, steady, exceptional."
Yuki said nothing.
She just exhaled.
4th – Haruto (Class 1-C)
Noted for excellence in literature, essays, and social studies.
Debate Club Ace.
Remark: "Sharp words. Sharper mind."
5th – Luna (Class 1-A)
Strong in history, visual theory, and applied arts.
Remark: "Quiet outside. Loud on paper."
Luna didn't even blink.
Just smiled and tucked her pencil away.
6th – Miyako (Class 1-B)
Excels in robotics and science modules.
Remark: "Precise. Tireless. Borderline unstoppable."
7th – Miles Evans (Class 1-A)
Top in economics and business.
Remark: "Disinterested genius. Dangerous when motivated."
Miles adjusted his sleeves.
Didn't react.
Sofia poked him in the arm anyway.
8th – Aira (Class 1-D)
Known for top scores in literature and ethics.
Remark: "Often ignored. Never forgotten."
9th – Noah (Class 1-A)
High in language arts, theatre, and creative writing.
Remark: "Dramatic brain. Unrivalled flair."
Noah put a hand over his chest.
"I would like to thank the academy."
10th – Hina (Class 1-B)
Solid across the board with standout music scores.
Remark: "Hums when nervous. Scores anyway."
The screen faded.
Special mentions followed:
Tyler Monroe was called up for excellence in Athletics and Leadership in Club Events.
He fist-pumped the air and nearly fell down the stairs.
"LET'S GOOOOO."
Sofia Hart received a unique recognition for her exceptional management of club finances and organization throughout the year.
She clutched the certificate like it was a golden Oscar and whispered,
"Validation. Finally."
Amaya Nicole was praised for her consistent support within the HE Club, perfect attendance, and behind-the-scenes contributions to every school event from Valentine's to final exams.
She didn't stand. Just nodded once.
Jay watched her.
Watched all of them.