Chapter song: TORE UP - Don Toliver
"Where are you?" Julius yelled over the cacophony of cheers echoing through the bleachers.
It was game day, and the massive gymnasium was packed with the entire school, all buzzing with anticipation for the volleyball game to start.
"I don't fucking know! Why the hell is this school so damn big? I could've sworn I passed by a theater room. What kind of school has a movie theater room?!" Amélie exclaimed, her voice lively and full of exaggerated wonder as she breezed past a group of impeccably dressed boys in fancy uniforms.
"Also, what's with all these ridiculously good-looking people here? You didn't tell me everyone who goes here looks like they could be on the cover of Vogue," she continued, her eyes sparkling with playful curiosity.
Julius sighed, rolling his eyes as he made his way out of the gym. He had told her to stay put and that he'd come find her. Amélie wasn't good with directions, and he had already anticipated something like this would happen. Navigating through the hallways, he spotted her from a distance.
Amélie stood out at 5'10", her usually curly hair had been straightened and now emphasized the vibrant colors in her hair. Her outfit was striking, turning heads as she stood there, looking effortlessly stylish. Julius couldn't help but marvel at her beauty, feeling a mix of admiration and disbelief that they were friends.
As if sensing his presence, Amélie's eyes lit up, and she ran toward him, jumping into his arms, almost knocking him over.
"Julius!" she shouted, her melodious voice echoing through the hallway.
"Hey, Amélie," he said, his smile warming at the sight of her.
"Hey stranger, I haven't seen you in like forever!" she wailed, causing him to chuckle. She quickly pulled away, stepping back to appraise him. "I must say, you look absolutely ravishing. I'm glad you kept dying your hair. The uniform suits you too," she exclaimed.
Julius scratched his head, smiling shyly. Amélie had a way of making people feel like a million bucks with her compliments.
"My mom said the same thing."
"Well, mama Loriana is only telling the truth," she said, ruffling his hair affectionately.
"Julius!" a voice called from behind them. The two turned to see Reese and Knox approaching.
"Hey guys," Julius greeted as they walked over.
Amélie's gaze immediately fell on Knox, who greeted Julius with a warm smile. Julius could tell that Knox was exactly Amélie's type. Her eccentric tastes were well-known: she favored tall guys with either warm chocolate skin or those so pale they seemed almost transparent. Knox fit the bill perfectly, with his chocolate skin, light brown eyes, and long brown locs tied back.
The boys noticed Amélie and then glanced back at Julius. Seeing their close proximity, Reese raised an eyebrow, a playful smile forming on his lips.
"Who's this? Your girlfriend?" he asked.
Both Julius and Amélie grimaced in unison. "Of course I'm not!" Amélie exclaimed, startling the boys.
"I mean, don't get me wrong, Julius is a looker, and had he been my type, I would've jumped his bones already. But unfortunately, he doesn't fit the bill," she said, making Julius roll his eyes.
"Plus, you guys shouldn't immediately assume that a guy and a girl are in a relationship just because they are close to each other," she lectured.
Reese and Knox were slightly taken aback, unsure how to respond to Amelie's boldness. Julius couldn't blame them; she had a way of being overwhelming at first, but she meant well.
"Oh, sorry, you're right. I shouldn't have assumed," Reese said with an apologetic smile.
Julius shook his head. "It's fine; she's always like this, so don't pay it any mind. This is Amélie," he said, gesturing toward her.
"And this is Reese and Knox, they're my roommates in the dorms," he added.
"Nice to meet you," the boys said.
"You as well. Thanks for looking out for little Jules here," Amélie said with a bright smile.
Her warm and radiant smile made the boys momentarily speechless. After a brief, awkward pause, Reese and Knox excused themselves but not before letting Julius know that Silas was looking for him.
"Those guys seem nice," Amélie remarked as they left.
Julius nodded. "Yeah, they are. We should head towards the gym too; the game is about to start."
"Right. Let's go!" she said, grabbing his arm with an eager tug.
They made their way back to the gymnasium. Once inside, Julius scanned the bleachers for Silas and spotted him easily thanks to his bright red hair.
"Yo!" Silas called out as they sat down.
"Silas, you remember Amélie, right?" Julius said, pointing to Amélie, who had taken a seat on his left.
"Of course I do. Hi there, beautiful," Silas said, shooting her a dazzling smile.
"Hello to you too," Amélie replied, her eyes twinkling.
"You got here just in time; the boys are about to come out," Silas said. As he spoke, the gymnasium doors opened, and the East Laurence volleyball team strutted in, decked out in their black, white, and red uniforms, making a grand entrance that drew cheers from the crowd.
The Chimera, the team's mascot, led the procession, followed by the captain, Agares, and the vice-captain, Epaphras. Agares, strikingly handsome in his uniform, moved with effortless grace, drawing awe from everyone present. He and Epaphras created a dynamic duo, their presence sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Julius's eyes were glued to Agares, captivated by his commanding presence and athletic build. As their eyes briefly met, Julius's heart raced. Amélie, sensing his fascination, leaned in and asked, "Is that guy the captain? How is he that good-looking!"
Julius turned his gaze away for a moment, but when he looked back, Agares had already turned away, his previously neutral expression now a frown.
Why does he look so annoyed all of a sudden? Julius wondered.
The whistle blew, signaling the start of the game. The once-noisy gym fell silent as East Laurence prepared for their first serve.