The students have been observing us and Jun is flashing his smiles in every direction. Belle and Eugene are not bothered about it and they continued their casual chats. I surveyed my surroundings and felt relieve that Eugene and the rest picked me up. There's so many open spaces, tall pine trees, fork roads, and again, same colored buildings. I will really get lost in this school...
We came to the fountain in the center that has been noticeable from the entrance. The students are more crowded here than any other places. We learned that the guides who were assigned to lead the students to the auditorium had already left.
"Since I've been with you, I always found myself late."
"Well, sorry about that Mr. Always Punctual." Belle apologized at Eugene in a not sorry voice.
The three looked at the school map and we reached the auditorium with ease. Thankfully, the orientation hasn't started. But the eyes has been boring into us since the moment we entered. It was these guys fault.
And because most of the students are also from our old school, some of them gathered around us and chatted with Jun happily. The unfamiliar ones in the room watched us with wonder like we're some celebrities. Wait... Isn't Dave a true celebrity?
When he and Kenneth arrived, he was wearing a face mask and the professors exactly started their presentation. At first, I listened attentively when they explained the system like freshmen taking the foundation classes together such as English, Ethics, Physical Education, and so on. But when they started to talk about the school's history, it's founders, mission and vision, it got so boring that tears welled up in my eyes.
We endured the long hours and when the teachers ended the lecture, relief washed over the students faces. But it was only for a moment because before the students could get out of the door, the professors announced that we need to be back after taking our lunch. I repeatedly tapped Dave's arm as per Jun's request. He said that Dave will kill him if he disturb him in his little sleep. I think he will kill me too considering our last meeting. But when he looked at me, there were folds naturally forming in the corners of his eyes. This is good.
"I had a good nap." he stated.
You're always having a good nap. "Lucky."
We find the cafeteria but we only bought food and didn't bother ourselves to battle with other students for the tables. Because of that, we're the early ones who arrived back in the auditorium. The students arrived one by one. After introducing each other, some started to form their own groups while some continued to watch everything from the sides. It was then that I stopped paying attention to everything when a girl with auburn hair gracefully strolled towards us.
Jessie Young, with her almond eyes, dimpled cheeks, petite body and flawless skin, she leads this group of girls who liked to see magazines together and had a lot of interests in celebrities and dressing up. My own impression of her is she's someone who likes to collect her own harems.
"Kenneth, hi!"
Kenneth was quiet for a moment before greeting her back. "Hello, long time no see."
"Long time no see? We've only seen each other a couple of days ago."
Her shaped eyebrows lifted before she playfully asked, "Does one day felt like a year to you? Can I take that as you miss me?"
"Wow, who knew that the two of you are close?" Jun butted in and elbowed Kenneth at his side. I glanced at Belle.
"He didn't tell you? I stayed at his house for this whole summer." We snapped our heads towards Kenneth at the surprising news.
"Don't exaggerate. Do you need something?"
"Oh, you forgot! I definitely said to you to get me an autograph from your friend here." Jessie said leaning in Dave's desk.
Kenneth looked troubled at her little action but Dave simply took a pen and neatly put a signature on a piece of paper. "Here." he said, extending out his hand.
"Wow, thank you! I'm going to brag this to my friends."
"It's not that much."
"Hahaha"
I don't know if it's my it's my illusion but I'm sure she took a glance at me before turning her heels. Does she have a business with me? After she left, Jun began to interrogate Kenneth.
"She stayed at your house during summer? Don't tell me you're being force into an arrange marriage or something?"
Kenneth knocked Jun's head because of his exaggeration. "She didn't sleep at my house. She only took visits. Her father and mine had a business at each other and he requested if I could teach her in math. He said she almost failed being admitted to this school because of that subject."
"Why it's you though?"
"I can't refuse, it's not like you didn't know my father."
Eugene nodded hearing Kenneth's answer. It's Dave's turn this time, "You didn't mention it to me."
"Well..."
Kenneth looked at Belle and the latter simply replied, "What does it got to do with me?"
"I thought that you would be bothered about it."
"She's not that important to occupy my mind."
Belle and Jessie used to be friends in high school. Until Belle heard her talking behind her back. After that, Belle didn't speak to her anymore and Jessie also didn't bother to do so. That's the history I knew between the two.
"I see... but you have to be careful especially you two..." Kenneth pointed at Eugene and Dave. "At first, she's talking about David like a fan girl and I thought it's because you're becoming more popular... but occasionally, she would ask about Eugene. I'm used to people approaching me to have a connection with you... but I don't know, it's different. I can't get the gist of what she's planning."
"Maybe you're overthinking?" Belle asked. Her face became serious.
"Belle, we can't say that. After all, she's someone who silently isolated you from the other girls."
Belle shut her mouth hearing Jun's words. I sighed and looked at the girl who's standing in the center. She turned her head as if sensing my stare and I lowered my eyelids so she couldn't see my eyes. I have only one thought in my mind.
It would not be that hard to deal with her.