Subchapter 1
Eiden's world felt like a mosaic, fragmented pieces of his reality now scattered around him. The weight of the documents in his hands seemed to echo the gravity of the secret they held.
Anya, the burst of energy that she always was, waltzed into the room, her presence akin to a splash of vibrant colors against the backdrop of Eiden's turmoil.
"Hey, Eiden! What are you up to?" Her voice, usually infused with unwavering enthusiasm, bore a tinge of concern as she observed the scattered papers and Eiden's furrowed brows.
Eiden lifted his gaze, grappling with the weight of the newfound knowledge. "Anya, I've stumbled onto something... bigger than us," he started, his words measured, as if carrying the weight of the world.
Anya's curiosity transformed into undivided attention. "Bigger? What do you mean?" She approached cautiously, her eyes scanning the documents.
"It's about the school, about us..." Eiden paused, the words escaping him like fleeting apparitions. "It's all part of a bigger plan, orchestrated by the government."
Anya's expressive eyes widened in realization. "The government? But why?" The weight of the revelation settled upon her, intertwining with her natural curiosity, morphing it into a hunger for truth.
Eiden's mind churned with countless questions. How deep did this conspiracy run? Were they being watched even now? The integrity of their friendships wavered under the shroud of suspicion.
Anya's voice pierced through the heavy silence. "We need to tell the others. This is serious."
Eiden nodded, his mind racing with apprehensions and hesitations. "I'm not sure if we can trust them... not anymore."
Anya's face softened with empathy, recognizing the turmoil in Eiden's eyes. "We have to, Eiden. Trust is the only thing that binds us together."
Their steps were tentative as they made their way to the familiar corner of the park, a place they'd transformed into their sanctuary. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying the weight of their unease.
Kai and Talia lounged on the grass, their laughter intermingling with the rustling leaves. The sight of their friends brought a fleeting sense of calm to Eiden's turbulent thoughts.
"Hey, guys! What's up?" Kai's booming voice greeted them, a mix of excitement and contentment evident in his tone.
Talia's soothing presence wrapped around the group like a comforting blanket. "You two look serious. What's going on?" Her gaze flickered between Eiden and Anya, picking up on the air of unease.
Anya glanced at Eiden, a silent plea for support flashing in her eyes. Eiden swallowed the lump in his throat, the weight of the revelation suddenly feeling unbearable.
"Guys, something's come up," Eiden began, his voice faltering momentarily. "The school... our admission, it's all part of a government plan."
Kai's brows furrowed, his incredulity obvious. "The government? What kind of plan?"
Anya interjected, the gravity of the situation reflected in her eyes. "We're being watched, monitored... our whole admission, it's not what we thought."
Talia's gentle voice cut through the tension, her words laced with concern. "But why? Why us?"
Eiden, his voice barely above a whisper, revealed the startling truth he'd unearthed. The suspicion in the air lingered, uncertainty weaving its tendrils around their camaraderie.
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