Heavy rain poured down vigorously inside as I shut the window to keep the tiny bit of warmth that was left in the classroom safe.
I saw a familiar figure staring out the window, her long black bangs covering her eyes and cascading down the side of her head. Her slightly cute pointy ears protruding from underneath the veil.
''Still staring out the window? You know- if I didn't know you better, I'd of thought you were a poet.'' I came up and sat next to the girl, her sharp black eyeliner creating a shadow across her face.
''It's like the world pauses for a moment. The rain falls and it gives everything time to catch up.'' She turned to face me, her light-grey eyes illuminated by the blue-husk of the outside.
''Yuki, I think you were a poet in your last life.'' I chuckled, wrapping my hands around her slender shoulders, resting my head onto her. She was always so warm.
''Hm, I suppose you're right. You were definitely a journalist, Alyssa.'' She turned her chair around to face me, her bangs whisking around in the movement.
''A journalist, why?'' I questioned Yuki, wondering why it was such a specific answer.
''Cause, you're so nosy.'' She poked my nose and turned around to face the window again. I heard her chuckle under her breathe before I grabbed her sides from behind her.
A high-pitched squeal came out from the seemingly timid figure, before she turned to face me with big alarmed eyes so different from the almond shaped eyes that were carved into her face before. This was the real Yuki.
Me and Yuki have been friends for around a year. We met at the start of the year, and since then we've been stuck to each other sides like magnets. Yuki's what you'd call a black cat. Everything from her head to her paws reminds me of one. Her soft-silky long black hair that goes down to her back that she braids so beautifully every morning with such intricate designs you'd wonder how she does it. Her dark-black eyeliner makes her eyes have this hunter like look that scares away most people that even try and look at her. She wonders to me why no one tries to approach her, even when she knows she's undeniably pretty, like super pretty. Such a girl crush honestly. She always seems to wear her uniform so properly. Her shirt ironed to perfection, her dark blue jumper always perfectly fitting and her skirt so properly placed a few inches below her knees with her light grey tights highlighting her figure.
Yuki immediately covered her mouth with her dainty fingers, her nails cut to perfection. Her bangs now a bit of a mess in-front of her face.
''Why-you!'' She cursed out from behind her teeth before coming at me with her talons.
I turned away to protect myself from my punishment before making eye contact with Jake from across the room, I suddenly felt my face heat up before suddenly I was attacked by my lovely black-cat friend.
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I heard the small commotion from the corner as I made eye contact with Alyssa as she was getting attacked by Yuki. A pretty common occurrence I'd say, she probably deserved it, or not. They're always making a little scene, which I'm surprised at since Yuki's always been a really reserved person, but I guess in front of Alyssa, everyone rises to match her level. They both went through a lot together this year anyway. That's one thing I really admire about her, but enough praise.
I felt my face heat up a bit, but tried to ignore it as I turned away before being tackled at full force by what felt like a bull coming at me at 100mph.
''YO, JAKE!!'' The next thing I saw was a big guy lying on top of me, his sweaty face only a few inches away from mine, with a big cheeky grin on his face, his blonde curly hair now a frayed mess from the assault.
Eyes blurry, I managed to push him off a bit, before he rolled on top of me again.
''HAHA! Hey Jake! I just finished rugby, do you wanna get something to eat?'' His smiling grin appeared to grow even wider as I tried to wrestle him off me.
''Ahh, get off me, you dog.'' I exclaimed as I mustered up enough strength to roll from underneath him. Before, watching everyone else's eyes glare at this whole situation.
''Jay, what the hell?'' I looked down at him still on the floor giggling like a maniac as he did some sort of kickup to launch himself up to launch himself onto the desk next to me.
''Hahah, hey what's up bro.'' He initiated some complicated handshake with the owner of the desk before staring to face me.
''So, food or nah?'' He looked at me, before I turned away. He followed my eyes.
''HAHAH, you can't ignore me.'' Before long, I felt myself getting picked up into the air and over Jay's shoulders as everyone else cheers and laughs.
Jay. I honestly have no idea how I'm friends with this hulking brute, but here I was. I've been friends with Jay for as long as Alyssa. He was the only neighbourhood boy who'd ever come up to me and talk to me. Well, talking is an exaggeration- he'd pick me up and drag me along wherever he went. He's a person full of righteous morals and beliefs. He's the type of person that helps a old person carry their groceries or helps out a friend if they're getting bullied. He's a really nice person, and I don't get why he hangs out with me, but here I am- getting manhandled by the most popular guy in our year. Alyssa stared at me in disbelief before falling back in laughter at the ridiculous situation. Her bright red cheeks as she laughed made her face look even prettier as even Yuki showed a little grin as I was dragged out by Jay.
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I was dragged back in by Jay, and placed back in my seat, thoroughly nourished if anything. Luckily, everyone in the class seemed to forget my embarrassing moment from earlier and the classroom was lively with the sounds of conversations before the teacher walked in.
''Alright-alright, settle down. I do have some good news.'' The teacher walked in, his dark-blue long coat flourished behind him in a dramatic manner.
''We've decided on the location for the class trip, and honestly I'm surprised as well. We're going to-'' He seemingly paused at the most decisive moment of the declaration. Even I was stood at the end of my seat as he took a deep breathe in.
''Beijing, China!'' He threw his arms up in the air and in that instant the classroom exploded. Cheers and conversations grew louder and louder, even I was up in the air as I instantly made eye contact with Alyssa and couldn't hide the humongous grin on my face.
''China, huh?'' I whispered underneath my breathe before Jay lifted me up again from seemingly nowhere and starting chanting.
''China! China! China!'' His deep voice echoed across the classroom as everyone got up to start cheering with him. My brain still in shock stared across the room to that same corner where Alyssa was pumping her fist in the air.
As the atmosphere died down and I was gracefully plopped down back onto my seat by Jay, the teacher started the long lecture about the trip.
''There will be lots to do, so please make sure to get your parents to sign this consent form and pay the needed fees.'' The teacher rambled on, tapping the projector screen with his ruler stick.
''For this, we've decided to let you go in groups of 5. So, we can organise you on the airplane and for activities during our trip.'' Groups of 5. I wondered who I'd pair up with as the teacher carried on.
''On your consent forms, please write down who you're going to group with.'' The teacher sat down and grabbed his laptop out as he laid out envelopes with the consent form on his desk.
I sat there in silence for a long time, deliberating what I was going to do? I mean, who do I join a group with? I'm sure Jay will drag me along, but to be with his bros for a whole week? I don't think my weak-willed heart could survive it. Maybe, I could get along and join another group, just by chance, I scanned the room but then seemingly lost faith in my social skills as I scolded myself for not being more friendly during the year. Maybe, I mean I could ask her? But she's so popular.
Before long, 3 other seats screeched towards my desk.
Jay's now puffy hair from drying it with a towel was sticking up in front of my eyes. His light-brown eyes staring at me with that same familiar grin on his face.
''Hey, Jake. We're obviously going together right?''
I stared at his face for a while, before noticing the other two people in front of my desk.
Her light grey eyes studied me extensively before giving me an understanding smile.
''I mean, if she's coming with you. Then I don't really have a choice, Jake.'' Yuki smiled at me with her slightly cheeky tone before she looked to face the real star of the show.
Alyssa's slim figure stood from behind the backwards chair, her freckles still popping with fervour as her eyes stared at me with some sort of discontent before forcing my head into a headlock.
''Oi, Jake. Why didn't you come over to me in the first place?'' She nuzzled my head with her knuckles before sitting down with a pouty face.
''I-uh, was definitely thinking about it.'' I managed to escape her grasp before I muttered those words.
With those words, her pout seemingly changed into a grin.
''Alyssa, we've gotta drag Jake all around China, and don't let him escape.'' Jay exclaimed with his loud as ever voice as Alyssa triumphantly nodded in great agreement. These two always seemed to get along when it came to annoying me.
''Jake, we can try and escape together. With my intellect and whatever you have.'' She whispered in my ear as those two laughed along, as Alyssa immediately turned to pay attention, an almost unrecognizable look flashed across her fac as she looked at me with unfamiliar eyes.
''I believe in us.'' I mouthed back to her as we both giggled. Me and Yuki have really similar views so we've always gotten along. Our conversation was brought to a hold as Alyssa spoke up.
''Well, we have us four, so who else? We need a fifth member. Jay, surely you can find someone?'' She poked his shoulder as he scanned the room.
''Wow, everyone's gone. Wait, there's someone still in their seat. I think it's Ala, or I'm not sure of her name, her presence is well very hard to notice.'' Jay answered to us as he turned to face us again.
Ala sat at her desk, a quiet presence in the classroom, but her beauty was undeniable. Her long, chestnut brown hair cascaded effortlessly over her shoulders, the soft waves framing her face in a way that made her seem almost ethereal. Her green eyes seemed to glow with an inner light, capturing attention even when she wasn't trying. They were framed by thick lashes, giving her an almost doe-like gaze that was both innocent and captivating. Her skin was fair and flawless, with a natural radiance that made it seem as though she didn't need makeup to stand out. Her features were delicate but perfectly defined—high cheekbones, a soft, straight nose, and lips that curved gently, as if she'd just smiled but never quite reached it. She wore her uniform with an effortless elegance, the simple look accentuating her quiet beauty in a way that made her hard to ignore, even if she preferred to remain unnoticed.
''Should we go ask her?'' Alyssa asked us before, grabbing me by the shoulder and pushing me away. I dragged Jay along as we approached Ala in the corner. As we slowly approached the girl in the corner, I started brainstorming how to get through this conversation.
''Hey, do you have anyone to group with? Do you wanna join us?'' I practiced in my head with the most Alyssa-like, outgoing vibe I could muster.
But before I could even let my practice come to fruition, Jay had already steamed ahead right in front of the girl, he pulled out the seat in front of her before he said.
''Hey, Ala. Do you want to join our group? We only have 4.'' Jay grinned, eagerly enjoying the chance to make a new friend. I saw his eyes glow, as he looked at the girl but no response came out.
''Uh, Ala. Don't worry, we're honestly not scary people. We're all really nice, right Jake?'' He turned to look at me with the most-scared eyes I've ever seen on his mug ever. I mean, for Jay, everyone's always accepted his social forthcomings, so this must be world shattering for him.
''Yeah, I guess.'' I shyed away, scratching the back of my head with my arm before she turned to face me, her eyes
''Um.'' Her light-green eyes shone dimly in the light, almost giving off no presence.
I noticed a small scar on top of her eyebrow that seems to have healed to hide a much bigger one.
''So, is that a yes?'' Jay excitedly bounced up and down on the chair before she looked at me for some sort of help.
''Jay, move away a bit, you're scaring her.'' I dragged his chair back before I looked at her.
''My name's Jake, it's nice to meet you.'' I tried my best to imitate Alyssa's smile when we first met.
Her small delicate fingers came into contact with mine as we shook hands, a small smile dawned on her face before it disappeared just as fast.
''Did you want to join us?'' I tried to give off confidence, hoping it came across well. Seemingly seeing past me, a small cute chuckle emerged from her mouth before she turned away to hide her now red cheeks as she turned back.
''Okay.'' She nodded her head, still a bit of anxiety dotted her face, as she slowly made her way towards our desk.
We all really sat in silence- is what I wish I could say, but it was so loud. So loud. Alyssa and Jay constantly gasping in excitement as they discussed the trip and Yuki talking about how much she's looking forward to it, even with her personality she was. Only me and Ala sat there in silence, kind of out of touch with the rest. We looked towards each other and smiled.
''Ala, are you excited?'' I tried to strike up any sort of conversation since the eye contact lasted for too long.
''Uh, yeah.'' She hid a small smile but her face was looking down towards her hands placed gingerly on her thighs.
''I'll introduce you to the rest of them, they're really nice people, I promise.'' I turned towards the other louder corner of our group and made eye contact with Alyssa and gestured with my eyes towards Ala.
''Oh, hey my name is Alyssa. I'm Jake's childhood friend, more like his caregiver than anything. That hulking idiot over there is Jay.'' She exclaimed, a bright smile covered her face as her strawberry blonde frizzes fell onto her forehead.
''Hey, what do you mean idiot? Hulking is right though! Hey, I'm Jay. I'm sure you already knew that though.'' He flexed his bicep and grinned as Ala slowly backed away on her chair, understandably.
''I'm Yuki, it's nice to meet you, Ala.'' Yuki tilted her head a bit as she looked at Ala with an empathetic smile on her face.
''Uh, hey.'' She looked up but immediately looked down.
The air was a bit silent before Alyssa picked it back up again.
''Well, let's make a group chat, what should we call it?'' Alyssa looked around excitedly as she added everyone.
''Ala, what's your number, I'll add you.'' She came around and rested her hand on Ala's shoulder. Her face only a few inches away from mine as she made eye contact with me before retreating her eyes again.
''Ah, uh. Are you sure you guys are okay with me? I mean I don't think I'll be able to really keep up with your energy.'' Ala slowly admitted as I saw small tears begin to fill up her eyes as she stood there frozen. Her small arms shaking.
''Of course we are. I mean, I'm sure Jay is okay with such a beautiful girl being in our group. And anyway! We have Jake, he's as quiet as a mouse. Although, he can be a bit unsocial. But we'd love to have you Ala! I pinky promise.'' Alyssa turned to hug Ala as Ala calmed down and I saw that really pretty smile again dawn on her face.
''Thank you, no one's ever been this talkative to me, it's nice.'' She admitted, a bit more confident than before. I patted Alyssa on the back before mouthing to her.
''Good job.'' I gave her a smile as I mouthed it to her, and she grinned back so cheesily. It was adorable.
''Oh yeah! What should we name the group chat?'' Jay exclaimed as the subject popped back.
''I was thinking, Yuki and the rest.'' Yuki seriously said as the group emerged into laughter.
''Denied!'' Alyssa proclaimed. ''Anyone else?'' She asked towards the group?
''Beijing Bananza.'' I whispered underneath my breath before Alyssa, Jay, Yuki and even Ala stared at me. The atmosphere went quiet as everyone turned to me with a bit of cringe in their eyes.
''Uh, what about the great wall gang?'' Jay exclaimed! His self-proclaimed genius seemingly confusing him sometimes.
''That's not bad, any other suggestions?'' Alyssa asked around.
Ala slowly put her hand up before talking, her voice rung out a bit louder than before.
''Uh, what about The Panda Pals?''
She questioned, her eyebrows turning up to feel the atmosphere.
''I mean, like you know Panda's are in China and there are so many and-'' She started rambling before Alyssa cut her off.
''That's perfect!'' Alyssa exclaimed.
''The Panda Pals, hm? I like it. Cats are better though.'' Yuki humphed a bit but seemed content.
''That's so good! I love it Ala.'' Jay jumped up while naming the groupchat.
The Pandal Pals.
I like it too.
''Should we all write our names down on our own consent forms then?'' I asked towards the group as everyone nodded back.
As I was writing everyone's name, I peeked over at Ala's page before something shocking hit me.
Ava Sinclair? What about Ala?
Seemingly in timing, Ava whispered out just enough for everyone to hear.
''Uh, guys sorry. My name's not Ala. It's Ava. Sorry, I was kinda scared to correct you guys.'' She whispered as she put her head back down as everyone else stood in shock, especially Jay. His cheeks turning flush red at the embarrassment before Alyssa turned to him.
''You numpty!'' She whacked Jay's head. ''You could've checked her name before just saying it, right?'' She whacked him again, this time in the side. ''You idiot, apologise!'' She sent a knockout punch as Jay was sent to the floor kneeling down apologising.
''Oh no! Don't worry! I should've corrected you.'' Ava quietly exclaimed as she shockingly stood up as the hulking beast was knelt below her.
I let out a small chuckle at the funny atmosphere.
The Panda Pals, huh.
I'm excited.
''Owch. My bones'' Jay quietly moaned, now sprawled out across the floor.