1. SOPA

Evelyn walked into the famous elite area in the city. Public transport could not take her journey furthermore as this was a private area so she had to get off. However, to reach the destination place, there is still enough road left that she is not sure where exactly the location of the school she is looking for is. This was her first time, and it was quite sudden for her who had just moved to this city.

"I was hoping to meet someone I could ask for directions but..." 

As far as she walked still didn't find anyone. Though she can see private vehicles pass by, she can't risk her life by jumping onto the road, stopping the car, just to ask for an address. One thing that she is grateful for is that the decision to go to school early was the right choice.

With patience, Elyn kept walking down the complex that didn't know where the end was. Her eyes keep searching to find the address of the destination that is stored in the cell phone memo. Written―502 Redcliff St, SOPA.

With the address, it should be easy to find the destination she thought. But without transportation, this journey requires quite a struggle that made her exercise in the morning. Elyn's steps stopped and stood looking at the signpost of the closest house, looking luxurious and retaining a large front yard. 

She read the address. 

"Rockhill street..." Obviously it was a different address from the destination she was looking for.

At that time, the gate of the house was opened. A boy with glasses wearing the same school uniform as her came out of the house. There's no doubt that they're in the same school. The school uniform was specially designed for private elite schools. It was a chance for her to ask him for directions.

"Hi! Excuse me, can I ask―" Before Elyn finished her sentence, the young man walked away ignoring her. 

She was too shocked to get no response at all and so reluctant to ask for help. so sure they eyes met but The young man's face was cold.

"Should I just follow him? We're in the same direction after all," she muttered.

Not that far she trailed. The roar of the motorbike was heard from a distance, getting closer and then stopping by the boy side who was being followed by Elyn.

"Yo! Need a ride, huh?" Mark gave a spare helmet to William. 

Without replying to his greeting, William thought for a moment before accepting the helmet and getting on the motorbike. Then the motorbike with high speed back on track sped into a sharp turn at the crossroads. Take the road to the left in the direction the motorbike came from. The same direction as where Elyn came on foot.

"Oh?" Elyn stupefied. 

Her walking navigation had disappeared in the blink of an eye. Her only hope is to reaches school. If she could keep up with the speed of the sport bike, maybe she was already there at school by now.

It was getting late, and Elyn was still walking along the road. After passing several houses, the view has now changed from what was previously only big houses with high fences and concrete walls that look gloomy. Now only a row of shady trees can be seen along both sides of the road. 

Indeed, behind the trees are also installed high fences. But on this side, it is better because it cools the eyes. don't know what's behind the fence.  Elyn's eyes couldn't catch it because it was blocked by plants. Various types of ornamental gardens, don't ask what they are called. Elyn didn't know the plant species. There was one she knew among the gardens—chinese bamboo.

While Elyn enjoys the beauty of the plants by still walking. A European-made sedan pulled up to make Elyn turn away. The rear window slowly lowered, and a girl in the car greeted  her first. 

"Hey, you,"

"Yes?" Elyn replied looking a bit stupid.

"Get on!" say the girl in the car. 

Elyn has been walking for quite a while since then. Countless private vehicles have passed without heeding it.

"Huh? but..." Getting help suddenly made Elyn hesitate.

"Come in, are you planning to go to school on foot? If your plan is to be late on the first day of school, then I'll let you be―"

"No, that's not it!" 

In the situation that happened so quickly,  Elyn's half-consciousness got into the car. By the time she fully regained consciousness was already in a car going to one place, SOPA. Elyn hoped that she wasn't being kidnapped voluntarily, because she climbed on her own accord despite being half-conscious. There was an awkward atmosphere in the car. to overcome this kind of crisis, should Elyn introduce herself or ask the identity of her helper. Elin decided to think of it that way for now, that the girl who gave her lodge is a good person on the basis of positive thinking. 

"Thanks for the help. I'm  Evelyn―"

"I know." says the girl. 

Unexpectedly she took out a business card to give to  Elyn. On the piece of paper was written  Vivian, photographer & reporter for the school newspaper.

***

Originally,  Vivian was only a member of the school photographer's club, but the school newspaper club often used her photos or asked help for covering the news, until she eventually became a ghost writer reporter. For  Vivian, it doesn't matter because she likes being the quickest to know the issues happening in the school environment. Likewise with  Elyn's transfer to SOPA, that's actually why she knows and helps  Elyn.

After feeling like thousands of years of traveling to school, Elyn finally arrived at the destination. Okay,she doesn't think it's necessary to explain what SOPA's elite private school looks like. From the elite housing that Elyn passed, this school building was clearly in their class—the elite class.

"Thanks again for the help… I was greatly helped." Elyn said sincerely.

"It's okay... I think you should go to the teacher's room to report your transfer, right?"  Vivian checked the time on the watch on her wrist.

"Oh! Right." The first thing Elyn had to do when got to school was to report to the teacher's office, because she didn't know which class she was assigned to yet.

"Should I accompany you?"  

Vivian smiled faintly as she offered to help. It's different from when giving a ride earlier, because Elyn feels more like being given an order. It's enough to feel like it's been a hassle with a ride, how can Elyn ask to be accompanied to the teacher's room too. Considering this is their first meeting, when they haven't been acquainted for an hour. 

"Uh, no, it's okay, I can look it up myself. Thank you for your concern."

For a moment  Vivian was silent in the face of rejection, no reaction or reply made the atmosphere awkward again. 

"Hm, Elyn. If I may give you advice, don't use the words thank or sorry too easily. Those two words are not in the SOPA dictionary." 

What the girl in front of her was trying to say, Elyn didn't understand. 

"Yeah, maybe you're a little confused at the moment, but you'll understand once the time comes."  Vivian walked away leaving Elyn who was still digesting the words or warnings―Ah no,  Vivian’s advice.