Slowly, I begin to knock on the slightly ajar classroom door and hear footsteps approaching before the door opens.
"Morning, Miss Spencer. I'm Aurelya, the new transfer student starting today." I say a bit nervously, facing the woman with a bit of excess weight in front of me. Her lipstick is incredibly distracting, clashing terribly with her reddish-brown hair, at least in my opinion.
"Yes, Miss Brenda informed me, and you're twenty minutes late, Aurel," she says firmly, checking the time on her wristwatch.
"And I forgive you this time since it's your first day. So, enter and find an empty seat." She continues.
I follow her steps into the classroom and am immediately greeted by a variety of curious gazes from the students.
"Please introduce yourself, Aurel." Miss Spencer, now seated at her desk, instructs.
I stand in the middle of the room, take a deep breath, and then truly introduce myself.
"I'm Aurelya, a transfer student from Indonesia, and—" I pause for a moment, observing all the students in the class looking in my direction. I can't decipher the meaning behind each of their gazes, but I sense a general disinterest.
Some of the boys in the back whisper to each other, and while I don't understand their words, I'm sure they're talking about me since they glance in my direction afterward, examining me from head to toe.
Is there something wrong with my appearance? I don't think so.
In NYHS, students are free to wear any attire to school; there's no specific uniform, except if they choose to create one or belong to a school club.
Miss Spencer's throat clearing brings me back to reality, and I refocus on her.
"And I need your help." I add, then begin to look for an empty seat.
Great, the second seat in the middle row. I make my way over, placing my backpack down and following Miss Spencer's provided lesson schedule.
I tidy my books and am about to stand up when someone taps my shoulder from behind. I turn around to face them.
"Hi," they greet. I blink a few times, noting their unique style. They have blonde hair with pink and blue ends, and it seems like they haven't slept for two days, given the dark circles under their eyes. They remind me of a character from some movie collection I have, but I can't quite place them.
"You're from Indonesia, right?" they ask, making me snap out of my thoughts and nod awkwardly in response.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Jeni," they say, extending their hand towards me. I shake it.
"Aurel." I reply.
"I know," they say with a wide smile. Ugh, those dark circles are so distracting. I can't just start complaining about it in our first encounter.
"Do you have any more classes after this?"
"No, I mean, I have an hour, but I want to visit the swimming pool."
"Why?" they ask, curious. And I'm just as curious about why they're asking.
"What do you mean?"
"Why do you want to go there?"
Come on, why should I explain myself?
"I plan to join the swim club at school," I answer, then start to get up from my seat. I don't want to waste any more time and want to wrap up this conversation.
"Do you know how to swim?"
"Of course. I want to take swimming as an elective class. How about you?"
Now, we're walking side by side down the NYHS corridors.
"I'm taking music classes. I love playing the violin." they say, making me immediately turn to them in disbelief. They can play the violin? I thought they would have joined a club related to careers or robotics or something.
"Aurel, may I escort you to the swimming pool?" Jeni offers, and I nod my head and smile at them.
We continue walking until we reach the innermost part of the NYHS building. According to Jeni, the swimming pool is located in the farthest building, a bit distant from the other classroom buildings.
It takes us about five minutes to arrive at the building located deep within NYHS. As I step inside, I'm amazed by the vastness of the NYHS swimming pool. It's huge, clean, and well-organized, with two large swimming pools equipped with diving boards at both ends.
Perhaps this is why NYHS placed the pool in the farthest area; they needed enough space. The swimming area is indoors, which is perfect for my interests. I can't wait to join the swim club.
"When are you planning to register?" Jeni asks as we get closer to the pool.
"As soon as possible. I hope the selection process won't be too difficult." I reply with hope.
"You'll probably get in right away as long as you can swim." Jeni says, making me furrow my brows. Is it really that easy? But why?
"Why?"
"Because there aren't many members. I've heard they're actively seeking new members to join the NYHS swim team. You see, not many students here are enthusiastic about swimming." Jeni explains.
"Why? Isn't it enjoyable?"
"It's enjoyable to you because you enjoy swimming."
"Then which clubs are they interested in?"
"Cheerleading, football, robotics, and music. Those are the four most popular clubs among students." Jeni explains, and I nod in understanding. That's good; it means I don't have to worry too much about competition if there are fewer members.
A moment later, I'm surprised when Jeni suddenly grabs my arm, pulls me down to crouch, and hides us among the chairs near the pool. Jeni presses a finger to their lips, gesturing for me to keep quiet. I get it, and I nod in agreement. Jeni lets go of my mouth.
"Why?" I whisper in confusion.
"Sshh, we should probably leave now," Jeni replies in hushed tones.
"Why?"
"Look!" Jeni points toward the pool.
What the heck?
My eyes nearly pop out of their sockets. What are they doing in the school swimming pool?
"What are they doing?" Okay, I know that's a dumb question. Anyone could tell what that couple is doing, half-naked in the pool.
"Lower your voice, Aurel, unless you want us to get caught," Jeni scolds in a whisper.
"What are they doing?" I ask again, trying to keep my voice in check.
"Obviously, making out. What else?" Jeni's answer confirms my suspicions. But why are they doing something so inappropriate within the school premises? Couldn't they just rent a hotel room?
"Why are they doing it here? Isn't anyone stopping them?"
"Because this is their favorite spot. I've heard rumors that they often use this pool area for their private moments, and no one dares to stop them." Jeni explains, leaving me more confused. After that, Jeni pulls me away from the pool area, and I just follow their lead.
Before leaving the area, I manage to turn my head slightly toward the couple who's still engaged in their amorous activities in the pool. I've only seen the guy's back this whole time. I squint my eyes, feeling like I've seen him somewhere before. Ah, whatever, I just need to get out of here quickly.
Because of the two lovebirds earlier, I had to cancel my intention to spend a long time in the pool area.I shuddered in disgust as I imagined what they were doing there.Oh God, could the pool water be contaminated by them? I couldn't imagine swimming in the pool water they had used. Instantly, a feeling of nausea swept over me."Are you hungry?" Jeni asked, still faithfully following my steps."Not really, maybe I need an isotonic drink." I replied, because that's what I needed right now. My body's fluid levels had decreased drastically after witnessing that steamy scene. Oh darn, I was thinking about that disgusting thing again."In that case, let's go to the cafeteria." Jeni suggested, pulling my hand once more."Wait, Jen, could you please take me to the swimming club room first? I'm not very familiar with all the locations here, and unfortunately, I left my map in the classroom earlier." I asked for her help, hoping she would agree, since Jeni was the only person I could talk to
"Where should we run, Aurelya? Come on, think fast," I kept taking long strides, leaving the cafeteria behind, hoping the gray wolf leader wouldn't chase after me. Is that the meaning of his name? In a panic like this, how can I think about the meaning of his name? Oh well, what were his parents thinking when they named him? Did his parents also have unique names like theirs? Red Wolf or White Wolf, oh, whatever, Aurelya, you're overthinking. Now, think about where you'll go because the new class will start in twenty minutes. I can't just wait in the classroom for that long.My steps came to a halt right in the middle of the corridor. Which way should I go? Ah, damn, I'm not good at remembering the layout. Oh yeah, signs and directions. What a dumbass. Why didn't I notice the signs earlier? Twenty minutes, that's the time I have. Alright, I guess it's enough time to take a look around NYHS's library. I was about to step forward following the directional sign to the library when my arm
Damn, what's wrong with me? It's hot and incredibly painful. I remember this sensation. I experienced it last weekend, and it feels the same. I struggle to walk slowly towards my room. Even taking steps is difficult. Sweat is starting to drench my entire body. My blood feels like it's boiling, ready to burn me to ashes.And finally, I can't endure this pain anymore. I collapse on my bedroom floor, my breathing heavy. Someone's grip tightens around my neck, making it hard for me to breathe. All I can do is clench my fists and try to control myself as the sound of the door being forcefully opened interrupts my concentration."Gray, what's happening to you?" I can't even answer Brenda's question. I can only see her concerned face."Damn it, I need to do something," she says, and then a blue light radiates from Brenda's hand. She's my sister, capable of doing anything with her powers. Unlike me, who's now writhing in pain in front of my sister.Brenda directs her power towards my chest, a
"How was your first day of school?" Rex asks while occasionally glancing at me before returning his attention to the road ahead."Not too bad," I reply, still in my comfortable position, leaning back in the car seat with my head against the headrest."Did something bad happen?" Rex questions. Ah, he's my best cousin, always able to tell when my mood is either good or bad."If I said yes, could you take care of transferring me to another school?" I ask hopefully, even though I know Rex's answer will likely be no."Is something bothering you?" he asks again, this time with a serious expression. Yeah, something is bothering me, and unfortunately, I've felt his gaze on me, especially in the school parking lot earlier. He looked at me like a piece of meat ready to be devoured at any moment."No, it's just that the school is too big. Even on my first day, I got lost three times," I respond nonchalantly, making Rex chuckle before ruffling my hair."If something's bothering you, just say it."
"Rex, I'm just going to stay in the dorm.""No.""I'll find an apartment.""No.""Then I'll buy a bike.""No," Rex replies, standing by the car before opening the door, causing my steps to halt as I follow him."Can you answer anything other than 'no'?" I exclaim, frustrated, holding the straps of my backpack tightly."No," he replies for the umpteenth time, fueling my irritation."Fine, then I'll just walk to school." After uttering those words, I start walking past him. However, my steps are halted when Rex easily grabs my backpack and pulls it back, causing me to stop in front of him again."Get in, I'll take you!" he says, making me fold my arms and glare at him."For how long will you keep driving me, Rex? I don't want to keep disrupting your work schedule. It's better if I buy a bike." I answer, as sometimes Rex has to wake up early or take time off work to drive me to school, which makes me uncomfortable. I'm not a kid anymore; I'm seventeen, and the distance between home and s
I was transfixed by the blue light emanating from my palm, a simple power I've controlled since birth. In our nation, there's nothing special about it except to humans, who'd consider me a trivial deity. But this time, it feels different, as I sense the energy flow from this power. "Are you fighting him again?" The voice causes the light to fade as I turn to face Rex, who's approaching."I'm too bored just to play with women," I reply curtly, and Rex's face hardens. He, a newly resurrected human in our race, now looks at me with disdain. Even he, with his half-wolf blood, was resurrected before me, a pureblood."You'll make Brenda face your father again," he says, and I glance at him from the corner of my eye. I try to summon my power again; the blue flames reappear, silencing Rex."You're still worried about my sister?""I just don't want her to deal with your mess again," his response almost makes me laugh. I turn to him, blue flames in my hands. Without warning, I hurl them at Rex
I can't understand what's with the students here. How can they just be spectators when some of them are about to kill each other? Even now, my knees are still weak, and my hands are trembling from watching the fight earlier. I don't know which gray wolf fought with the ash-gray one, but they were both equally strong. They were evenly matched; when one struck, the other retaliated.I abandon the idea of going to the music room and end up sitting on a bench in the park, sipping mineral water until it's gone, hoping to calm my trembling."What are you doing here?"Byurrrrr."Sorry, sorry, I didn't know you were drinking," Jeni apologizes, feeling guilty, and I wipe my wet mouth, staring sharply at her."You startled me.""Sorry," she replies with a wide grin."What are you doing here?" she asks again."Calming down," I m
For some reason, my hands keep brushing against my slightly swollen lower lip as a result of... I don't want to remember that embarrassing incident, but for some reason, my brain seems to be malfunctioning, replaying that event over and over.Arghhh, darn it. Come on, Aurel, close your eyes and go to sleep. I roll over and try to hug the round hamster-shaped stuffed toy beside me. This stuffed toy was my last birthday gift from my father. Usually, when I'm restless, hugging this round toy helps calm me down. But something's different this time. Even though I've been counting time, minutes have passed, and Gray's memory still keeps spinning in my mind.I try to take a deep breath and close my eyes, but the sound of the door opening makes me abandon my attempt to fall back asleep. I sit up slightly and look towards my half-open bedroom door, where Aunt Anna is gazing at me."Aunty thought yo