Raii Shin and Dawn entered the Great Hall of JADE.
In ordinary school days, it was just a plain auditorium. But this night, the last night that will signal the end of the Friendship Festival, it was an emperor's dining hall–the kind where people will immediately be slapped with the evident riches and glory of the place. Thick maroon curtains covered the windows. The stage was painted gold and studded with prisms that sparkled. The floor was a screen with 3D animations of different kinds of elegant designs switching from time to time that produced oohs and aahs from the ones stepping on it. A giant chandelier turned slowly every now and then because of the wind and the colored glass beads that hung on it produced tiny rainbows all over the place. And as if not contented, Chayamiu, a world-renowned band, was the one performing live music.
Since the school hall was not enough to accommodate all students of JADE and JEWELS, they extended until the closed football ground where big screens showed real-time coverage of what was happening in the grand hall. Ladies dressed in gowns and men in suits dotted the whole area. Thanks to the absence of their school IDs, it was like a break from the competitive air between the two schools. Without something to identify them, everyone was just having a good time talking and making friends with each other.
Especially to Dawn.
Raii Shin counted more than ten boys who asked Dawn for a dance. Who would not love her? She was beautiful inside out, a skilled basketball player, and good at talking. Dawn's pink glittery dress reflected the lights and she shone. Raii Shin smiled as she saw her friend laughing. It was good to see her happy face once again, something that she didn't see for the past few days because of Arko.
Speaking of the devil, she was not seeing their president anywhere. The same goes to Minus. Ever since she overheard their conversation yesterday, she has not talked to him about it. Question was, should she?
"Just don't lay a finger on Raii as you did last week."
Raii Shin had great hearing, all moonmages did. So she was not dreaming. Minus actually uttered those words. If he really meant it, then Minus was a great friend. Although at the back of her mind, she was denying access to a random thought that would literally destroy her–the question of what did he really mean by it?
Why was he so concerned for her over a small thing? Raii Shin was a moonmage. She can fend for herself. It was also questionable that Minus was acting like that. For the past week, why was he being over protective?
It was Raii Shin herself who stopped her thoughts. It would do her no good if she starts overthinking things. It will bring down her composure, as well.
She stared at her hands that were on her lap, the slit of her teal silk dress showing as she sat with one leg over the other. She was feeling a little bit cold because it was an off-shoulder dress and never had Raii Shin attempted to wear it but Dawn was able to convince her, telling her that it was a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity to be able to wear such clothing without getting judged.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the most awaited moment for tonight has come," the host's voice ran through the speaker. The music stopped and everyone straightened themselves, ready to hear him.
"It is time for the toast!"
The band exploded in a joyful tune. Even they were excited for the wine that students of JEWELS were handing out. Raii Shin knew they were from JEWELS because all of them wore black-and-white uniforms with the logo of their school embroidered on the left side of their chest. They waited until everyone was served a goblet of dark red wine.
"On my count, let us drink and then party for the rest of the night!"
The students clinked their glasses in delight. The host raised his glass and they followed.
"Three, two, one!"
Everyone took a sip. As soon as the liquid touched her tongue, Raii Shin was the first to smash her goblet to the ground. She spat out what she just drank, feeling the liquid spreading.
After a few seconds, many of them also dropped their drinks and gagged.
"What's wrong?" Those who were late in drinking asked.
"Don't drink!" Raii Shin shouted as she held her throat. "It's not wine!"
"It is poison. There is poison in the drink!" One shouted. She recognized the voice. It was Arko. He was not hard to spot because of his white tuxedo. The crowd dispersed for him as he made his way towards Raii Shin, his face red in anger.
"JEWELS was in charge of the wine. How dare you desecrate this event!" he shouted at the crowd. He grabbed Raii Shin's wrists, as if to lead her out, which didn't really help her as she was feeling groggy.
"Who will take responsibility for this, huh?!" He bellowed. Raii Shin could feel all the lights and cameras towards their direction. Even in her hazy state, the look of the crowd worsened her situation. She suddenly had the urge to run.
A man in a navy blue suit appeared out of the corner of the crowd that was gathering around them and in one swift motion, took Raii Shin away from Arko. Even with her vision clouding, she immediately knew it was Minus and she collapsed in his chest upon realizing it. Minus supported her, holding her body against him to keep her from falling.
"You again," Arko growled. "Make your SC president come out. I have never once met your leader, or was even introduced to him or her, even when I toured in your school. The only one that can take responsibility for this is your president!"
Minus sighed.
"I am who you are looking for, Mr. Redanda," Minus declared.
The world froze for a moment. The crowd stopped with their murmurings and even Arko was not spared from being shocked.
"What?"
"Oh, you said you weren't formally introduced, right?'' Minus used his body and arms to shield Raii Shin's face from the flicking cameras. ''It is quite a pleasure to meet you. I am Minus Moraya, the official student council president of Jazel East-West Law School. I wish I could shake your hands right now but first things first, I must call the ambulance."