The Monday winds carried a hint of coldness.
The south of Rubando High School, probably a couple of kilometers, can be seen as cloudy and dark. One can think that it will rain soon even if it is morning.
The students are lining up to have their morning ceremony. Bren and Jay, who always are together, are chatting after the morning ceremony was finished. All the students are waiting for the so-called announcement.
But they were surprised when the principal said that he will announce all the top students for each year levels.
It just means that, for example, the three sections of the first year will be like, they will pick the top students from the three sections.
The students have mixed reactions: anticipation, excitement, nervous, calm, and doesn't care.
"Hmph. Top ranks? Surely, I will be the number one!" Tyson, upon hearing the announcement, suddenly made a claim in a not so loud voice.
But Bren as well as the other students heard him. Bren snorted in disdain.
"Jay, that Tyson sure is overconfident and arrogant."
Jay just nodded. Indeed, for him, Tyson is arrogant. But he doesn't care.
The principal began with the first years.
"For the first year students, there are 17 who passed the required average to be called an honor student." These words elicited surprised voices from the crowd.
The principal began from the first ranked student.
".... Nea Rosario!"
The name that was announced made the crowd went noisy. They applauded and cheered.
A girl in hood walked to the front stage and calmly stood besides the principal.
"Hmm? How unfortunate..." Tyson shook his head sadly. The people around him doesn't know what he is thinking.
Immediately, the second one was announced.
"... Crystal Montario!"
The crowd once again went noisy.
Tyson had a surprised look on his face.
"Not bad.." He just smiled.
"... Tyson Montgomery!"
The third student to be called was Tyson. He once again earned praises from people, while few looked with disdain to him, including Bren. Tyson stepped up proudly, feeling satisfied to himself.
Nea and Crystal just stood there calmly and silently, ignoring Tyson's show-offs.
One student after another was called out, earning praises and applause from the students.
".... And the 17th, Jay Elra!"
The crowd clapped their hand once again.
"Oh? Bro, you made it!" Bren spoke to him happily. Bren wasn't included in the honor rolls, but he is happy for Jay.
"Thanks Bren", Jay smiled to him and walked to the stage. While walking, Crystal is looking at him.
"Hmmmmmm...."
All the seventeen first year students bowed down and the top students for the next year levels are announced.
"Whew, Jay, you made it. I was only surprised that you didn't make it to top ten. That only means those higher ranked students are freaks. Hahaha", Bren chuckled.
"Well, I am only lucky. Being seventeenth means nothing to me", Jay sighed. For him, his rank is just enough for him.
"Let's go Bren."
"Yeah."
On their way to the classroom, Jay and Bren met Crystal's group.
"Oh, it's Crystal. Congratulations for making it to top two. I wish you to be the top one next time", Bren politely said to her.
"Thanks Briniel, I'll try my best next time", she smiled. "And congratulations to Jay for making it also."
"Oh, I can only say I'm lucky. I can't be compared to you at all", Jay tried to reply in nice words.
They nodded towards each other and went on their ways.
Jay sighed to himself.
'Being a high school student is really different.'
What he does not know is that, it will be more different in the future. His journey continues.