When it was time for lunch, my friend Coco and I strolled towards the school cafeteria, which was conveniently located near the main building. The moment we stepped inside, I was struck by the stark contrast from the outdoor environment.
The air inside felt chilly, which was a sharp contrast to the warm sunlight outside. As someone from a middle-class background, I couldn't help but feel slightly overwhelmed by the lavish and refined atmosphere of the cafeteria. Soft, warm lighting casted a golden glow on the polished marble floors, while crisp white tablecloths and sparkling crystal chandeliers created a sophisticated ambiance.
Tall windows, framed by rich wood accents, offered breathtaking views of the city skyline. Plush, cream-colored armchairs and sleek, minimalist tables were scattered across the area.
The open kitchen, a culinary theater, showcased expert chefs preparing gourmet delights. Aromatic scents of freshly baked pastries, roasted coffee, and savory cuisine wafted through the air.
A stunning stone-faced buffet displayed an exquisite spread: succulent meats, fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and vibrant, organic produce. Delicate china, fine linens, and precision-cut glassware adorn each table setting.
Discreetly positioned throughout the cafeteria are intimate nooks and quiet corners, mostly containing some set of people whose imposing aura stood out unlike the rest. Probably they were the elites of the elite?
I just couldn't relate.
The students inside were dressed in extravagant clothing, seemingly from affluent backgrounds, and they were engrossed in lively conversations while enjoying their meals.
As I walked past the tables, I couldn't help but notice one guy with an excessive amount of food, that spread across his table. Just him alone was dining, and he seemed satisfied in the company of himself.
As if noticing that I was watching, he raised his head to meet my gaze, watching me curiously. I nervously smiled at him and waved my hand. "Please continue" I mouthed.
Was that his regular meal? I asked myself inwardly as I went ahead. He was bound to be oversized in a matter of days.
After observing the scene, Coco and I proceeded to the counter to collect new plates and make our food selections. I dare not be enticed by the delicacies in here, I chanted to myself. Unlike these people, I had to watch my spending. After I ordered a simple food of toast and coffee, Coco ordered some rice, sausages and beef soup. We then paid using the school's card system and found a cozy table to settle down for our meal.
While we were eating, Coco brought up her concern about Mr. Roman's behavior towards me. I never thought that she would disregard dining rules- To never talk while eating.
I was only surprised, but then followed suit.
"Mr. Roman seems to have some personal grudge against you" She started. "I cannot belive someone can hate a person they just met"
"Maybe I look like his ex- girlfriend or something" I reckoned, which might be the reason for his animosity towards me.
Coco continued. "Even so. It doesn't justify his behavior, this is bullying and you should report him if it persists"
I didn't think was the way to go about it. Reporting the superiors. I had learned a lesson back in highschool. It wasn't me it happened to but a junior. He had written a letter to the management, complaining that a teacher was bullying him. After thorough investigation, the teacher was pronounced as free of those claims while the boy was flogged for decieving the management, reporting his superior and laying false claim.
It had affected him badly. The other teachers turned against him. Each gave him a bad credit on his report card and he repeated the same class for a considerable amount of time before his parents withdrew him from school.
Now that I was in the university, the consequences would be beyond my imagination if I tried anything stupid. It would even be worse if Mr. Roman was an influential person, and he seemed like it. He could have the authorities expel me from the school, and I wasn't looking forward to that.
I didn't want other teachers on my tail as well. I could handle just one, I believed.
I wouldn't be taking that step at all. Perhaps, after some days of making me suffer, he would eventually give up. I could only hope.
Coco eventually dropped the subject, assuring me of her support if I needed it.
"I'll be there if you need any help" She had said.
I appreciated her gesture but decided to handle the situation on my own, dismissing the idea of seeking help.
****
Meanwhile, in another part of the school, Harper sat in a classroom, quietly gazing out of the window. Her cheeks were resting against her hand as she looked outside. Her gaze was fixated on a particular spot. Unnoticed by her classmates, she extended her hand in the direction of the flower bed and rainwater began to fall on the flowers outside, despite the lack of rain. This peculiar occurrence went unquestioned, as if it were just one of the many bizarre events that had taken place at the school.
As she lovingly tended to the flowers, a peaceful expression settled on her face, and she moistened her lips with her tongue. Just like every other times, today was boring beyond imagination for the girl. She had expected some ruckus on the first day of school. She needed some action, like student exchanging fists or the girls pulling out each other's hair. But none of it had happened, making her feel bored. The commotion in the classroom eventually quieted down, drawing her attention to the entrance where their young teacher stood, wearing a warm smile.
"Hello, everyone. We have a special guest joining us today, and I hope you'll make him feel welcome," the teacher announced. Her gaze shifted across the students to see everyone of them eagerly anticipating the new arrival.
She gestured for the guest to enter.
A young boy, the same age as Harper, walked in with blonde hair and captivating green eyes. The students eyed him before their shoulders slumped down in disappointment as if they didn't get what they expected.
Some of them began to smile at him mockingly, causing the boy to avert his gaze quickly from them.
The boy's eyes scanned the room until they landed on a girl with blue eyes and black hair, sitting by the window. Unlike the rest of the class, she seemed indifferent to his arrival. She didn't smirk or laugh at him, which made him feel that he could be friends with her.
"Come on, everyone, let's be polite," the teacher urged, her tone growing firm. "Introduce yourself," she prompted the boy.
"Hi, I'm Rudeus Blackwood. I hope we can get along," he said, keeping his introduction brief as the people here didn't care.
The teacher applauded him, but the rest of the class seemed uninterested. They soon turned to each other and began mumbling things.
Another student, Lysa, stepped in, "Welcome, Rudeus. Feel at home with us," she said, earning the teacher's gratitude. From one glance, he could tell that she was undoubtedly the teacher's pet.
The teacher then directed Rudeus to an empty seat next to Harper.
"Harper, please help Rudeus settle in and get comfortable," the teacher requested.
Harper simply stared blankly at the teacher and Rudeus.
After the teacher left, Rudeus approached Harper's seat, feeling her gaze fixed on him. His heart raced as he neared her. He must have thought this was going to be easy while standing from afar earlier. As he neared, he could feel the girl's aura imposing in the classroom.
He then took his seat and tension eased as the class resumed its chatter. Harper quietly glanced out of the window once again.
"Hi, I'm Rudeus Black-"
"I heard your name earlier," she interjected icily, not meeting his gaze.
Undeterred, Rudeus pressed on, "You're Harper, right?"
"You heard the teacher," she replied dismissively.
"Okay then. Nice to meet you, Harper. I hope we can become friends," he said, offering his hand for a handshake.
Finally looking at him, Harper hesitated, her gaze drifting between his outstretched hand and his face which was much cuter than when he stood from afar. "I don't like having friends. And we're not going to get along," She told him, causing Rudeus to withdraw his hand slowly, swallowing the sharp rejection and they felt bitter in his throat.
Disheartened, Rudeus decided to remain silent. He had hoped to share his lunch with his new seatmate as a friendly gesture, but now he felt uncertain. Why had his father made so many sacrifices to send him here?