After classes were dismissed, I lingered behind, watching as my classmates packed their belongings and filed out of the classroom. Eventually, I too gathered my things and made my way out.
Reflecting on the past six months, I realized that my time at Maplewood Academy had been relatively uneventful. I hadn't caused any trouble for either my parents or the school itself.
Maplewood Academy wasn't your ordinary school—it was sprawling, with six massive buildings serving various purposes.
The building I was currently in was the third from the entrance, primarily for senior year students and filled with numerous classrooms.
Opportunities abounded for students here, no matter how niche their interests might be.
The fourth building, the largest of them all, housed student dormitories. These were anything but basic accommodations; each student had their own dedicated room, complete with a desk, bed, kitchen, and bathroom—a level of luxury not commonly found in student housing.
Adjacent to the dorms was the fifth building, which housed state-of-the-art labs and computer facilities. Security here was tight, as the equipment and data were highly valuable.
The last building, nearly a mile away from the entrance, was for administrative personnel. It was the nerve center of the school, where exams were created and every aspect of student life was meticulously managed.
This building had access to security cameras, student information, and more, controlled by an unseen authority.
What set Maplewood Academy apart was its ability to seamlessly integrate students into the workforce upon graduation.
The curriculum was rigorous, featuring university-level content and practicals that provided valuable real-world experience.
But what's interesting was the school's façade of normalcy. Despite its outward appearance, there was undoubtedly more happening behind the scenes.
As long as I was here, I had discovered the remarkable freedom given to students, maybe Miss Brooklyn being the only exception. They could essentially do as they pleased, with no consequences unless their actions were reported.
It's interesting to say the least. You can do whatever you want to... even using illegal substances which I found one of the students using during exams, which I was sure the invigilator was somewhat aware of it let it slip by.
Lost in my thoughts as I walked down the hall, I noticed a gathering of students, forming a crowd with a new face at its center. His striking blue eyes, chiseled jawline, shiny blonde hair, and pale skin made him stand out immediately.
Towering over the other students, he exuded a quiet confidence, but there was someone else, still slightly taller, wearing a basketball jersey. If the blond guy was 6'3, then this guy had to be 6'5 or 6'6 at most.
I recognized him instantly as Evan, the tallest student in the hall, with dyed red hair, an ear piercing, and a muscular build. His face seemed etched with anger as he held the new student by the collar, his words drowned out by the murmurs of the surrounding students.
"There goes Evan again," someone whispered nearby.
"Yeah, no one is safe around him. He even targeted the new transfer student."
"I feel sorry for the blond guy..."
Listening to the murmurs of the students, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Evan. While he was known for his quick temper and readiness to use his fists, he wasn't the type to pick on others just for existing.
'He must have been provoked,' I mused as I approached the commotion.
Evan, overhearing the whispers, angrily retorted, "I did nothing wrong! This guy started it."
But his protests fell on deaf ears as the crowd remained silent, wary of his volatile temper. With his intimidating presence, towering height, and muscular build, he seemed like someone you wouldn't want to cross...Unless you want missing posters all around your neighborhood.
"I'm telling the truth! H-He..." His voice trailed off into a low growl, sending shivers through the crowd. "He insulted me first, said I was nothing and would lose pathetically to him."
"I-I tried to ignore him at first, b-but..." Evan's voice wavered, betraying the turmoil beneath his tough exterior.
"He said I couldn't beat him in basketball! He said I should quit and do something better to not waste time..." Evan's voice grew increasingly heated as he recounted the insults hurled at him. His fists clenched at his sides, his glare fixed on the confidently smiling transfer student.
"He said I can never become a pro with my level of skills and..." Evan's words trailed off, his frustration palpable.
I understood immediately why he was so angry. Basketball wasn't just a hobby for Evan—it was his passion, his dream. To have someone dismiss his aspirations so casually must have hit his confidence level. After all he is the best basketball player that I know of in this school.
As Evan engaged in a shouting match with the smirking blond student, the murmurs of the surrounding students filled the air.
I scanned the crowd, noting the general consensus siding with the new transfer student. But amidst the sea of faces, one stood out—a girl with fiery red hair and striking blue eyes, her expression one of annoyance and disdain as she glared at the blond student.
She was stunning, with flawless pale skin that contrasted with her crimson hair. Standing at an unassuming height of 5'6, she exuded an air of confidence and poise. Dressed in a simple white gown, she commanded attention effortlessly.
Her gaze locked with mine for a brief moment, and I couldn't help but wonder about the striking similarity between her piercing blue eyes and pale skin with those of the blond student. Were they related?
Before I could dwell on the thought, she turned away with an annoyed, dismissive glance in my direction, striding purposefully out of the building. I watched her exit, her graceful figure disappearing into the distance, leaving me with a lingering sense of curiosity.