Upon reaching the hostels, Mr. Mukore led Michael to a cozy room with two single beds. It was simple but welcoming, with a small desk and a wardrobe for each occupant. Michael took a moment to appreciate his new space, grateful for a place to call his own in this unfamiliar setting.As Michael settled into his new room, two seniors quietly entered, carrying his bags with an air of submission. They moved swiftly, almost as if they were afraid of the boarding master himself. Their every action seemed unrealistically formal, their demeanor akin to a servant catering to their master's every whim.Curiosity gnawed at Michael, and his gaze flickered towards Mr. Mukore. In that moment, he noticed the boarding master's fingers delicately fiddling with a gem in his hand. It sparkled under the light, captivating Michael's attention for a brief second.But before he could dwell on it further, Mr. Mukore cleared his throat and turned his attention back to Michael. "Is everything to your liking, young man?" he asked, a faint smile forming on his lips.Michael quickly nodded, eager to dispel any concerns. "Yes, sir. Everything looks great. Thank you for your help."Mr. Mukore's smile widened, although his eyes seemed distant. "You're welcome, Michael. If you need anything during your time here, do not hesitate to ask. I am here to ensure your comfort and well-being."With that, the seniors finished placing Michael's bags in the wardrobe and silently left the room, their eyes avoiding direct contact with either Michael or Mr. Mukore. A faint feeling of unease lingered in the air, leaving Michael puzzling over their odd behavior.Turning his attention back to Mr. Mukore, Michael found the boarding master's gaze fixed on the gem in his hand once again. It fascinated him, its sparkle capturing the light of the room, almost as if it held a secret significance. But before Michael could gather the courage to inquire further, Mr. Mukore discreetly slipped the gem into his pocket, the mysterious moment passing by.Nonetheless, Michael couldn't shake off the curiosity and a sense of intrigue that surrounded the boarding master. He realized that there was much more to this school than meets the eye, and he was determined to uncover its secrets, one sparkly gem and odd behavior at a time.The boarding master closed the door behind him, Michael took a sigh, feeling exhausted. He fell on his bed, tired and in need of rest. Retrieving his sketchpad, he glanced at his drawing of the mysterious girl he saw on the bus, a pang of longing washing over him. Frustrated, he muttered to himself, "Why can't I capture the color of her eyes accurately?" Suddenly, Michael was interrupted by the blaring of the siren, signaling lunchtime. He knew he had to make his way to the dining hall.Michael stepped out of his room, feeling both hungry and disoriented. The directions given for reaching the dining hall were a maze of confusion. He had to walk through the labyrinth of classes, meandering in between classes and avoiding obstacles that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Past the church and across the courtyard, he finally caught a glimpse of the dining hall.As he entered, the bustling atmosphere engulfed him. The hall was alive with students laughing, chatting, and the clattering of plates and cutlery. The aroma of freshly prepared meals wafted through the air, tempting his senses. Despite this vibrant ambiance, Michael felt a sense of solitude.He scanned the room, his eyes searching for a place to settle. Observing the other students, most were engaged in lively conversations, occupying the tables in groups. Eventually, he found a solitary table towards the back, offering him a secluded spot to gather his thoughts.As he sat down, he happened to glance around and noticed the girl from the bus sitting alone as well. Their eyes met, acknowledging a momentary recognition. A faint smile graced both their lips, revealing a shared connection. However, the fear of rejection or the uncertainty of the situation held them back from approaching one another.The sounds of chatter and laughter filled the hall, yet Michael couldn't help but steal glances in her direction. Their paths had crossed before, and the lingering curiosity made him wistful. But for now, they remained two isolated souls, connected through a stolen glance and a smile, while the hubbub of the dining hall buzzed around them.As Michael and the girl stole glances at each other, a sudden influx of activity unfolded around her. A group of seven girls surrounded her, their animated voices filling the air. They chatted excitedly about dresses, some mentioning senior year, while others were in ninth and tenth grade. Curiosity on their faces, the girls also observed Michael from the corners of their eyes, wondering about the connection between him and their friend.Their continuous glances did not go unnoticed for long. The senior among these girls, sensing something intriguing, stood up gracefully and approached Michael's table. She held a folded note, her eyes bright with mischief.She leaned down, whispering in a faint voice, "Can't wait to see you tonight, little bug. Kiora, my little sis can't wait either," her words trailed off in a mysterious yet affectionate tone. The mention of a little sister and the anticipation in her voice added an air of intrigue. A giggle escaped her lips before she confidently walked away, leaving Michael with the folded note.Michael, surprised, unfolded the note at a leisurely pace. Inside, the message awaited him - an invitation, perhaps, or a secret rendezvous? The air of mystery shrouded his thoughts as he pondered the significance of this unexpected connection. Excitement mixed with uncertainty, but there was also a burgeoning sense of anticipation now intertwined with his longing.With a sense of thrill coursing through him, Michael opened the note to reveal a succinct yet intriguing message: "Chishokosha 23:30, come alone." A knowing grin adorned his face, reflecting a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. "What the hell?, this is freaking insane," he muttered to himself chuckling a bit.Unable to contain his excitement, Michael swiftly stood up from his solitary table and quietly made his way out of the bustling dining hall. The voices and clattering noises of the hall faded into the background as he embarked on a journey fueled by the promise of a mysterious encounter