It was around 2pm, and the freshmen from the Arts faculty of Sapphire University had just finished their classes. Earlier that day, the third-year students had addressed them on the hazing location change.
On the first day, it was done on the field, and they were asked to learn a song that was coined years ago by the past art students. Alex attended the first day, while Frudi, on the other hand, didn't attend, just to annoy Dylan.
Alex packed up his things and bid farewell to Frudi as the professor left the class. But Frudi called him back, her voice low and mysterious. "Hey, Alex, where are you headed?"
"The hazing location," Alex replied, his eyes scanning the room out of habit. "I figured you wouldn't want to attend after skipping yesterday's session."
Frudi's sly smile caught him off guard. "I'm attending today, Alex. And I want you by my side."
Alex raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You sure that's a good idea? You know how Dylan feels about you."
Frudi's expression turned icy. "I don't care about Dylan's feelings. I have a score to settle."
Alex nodded, his training kicking in. "Alright, let's go. But stay close to me, got it?"
Frudi nodded, her eyes flashing with determination. As they walked towards the hazing location, Alex kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, unsure what to expect. But one thing was certain - with Frudi in his care, he'd face whatever came next head-on.
As they approached the hazing location, Alex could feel the tension building. Frudi's presence was sure to stir up trouble, especially with Dylan involved. He glanced at Frudi, her expression unreadable.
When they arrived, the third-year students were already gathered, Dylan standing at the front. His eyes narrowed as he spotted Frudi, a sneer spreading across his face.
"Welcome, freshmen," Dylan began, his voice dripping with malice. "Today's hazing will be...enlightening. And for some of you, a little more...personal."
Alex's instincts kicked in, his eyes scanning the area for potential threats. Frudi, however, seemed unfazed, her gaze locked on Dylan.
As Dylan addressed the freshmen, Frudi listened intently, surprising Alex and Sergio, who was also on the hazing team. Sergio wasn't always part of their trio, but he knew Alex and Frudi had a reputation for mischief. Frudi's compliance was unusual, and Alex exchanged a wary glance with Sergio.
Just then, Elias whispered to Dylan that the number of attendees had dropped to 130 from 156 the previous day. Dylan knew his strictness was to blame, but he refused to admit it. Instead, he seized the opportunity to target Frudi, calling out her code number, 4424.
"4424, stand up!" Dylan barked.
Frudi stood up, her eyes fixed on Dylan.
"Count the attendees," Dylan ordered.
Frudi scanned the crowd. "There are 130 freshmen present, sir. 26 are missing."
"Why are they missing?" Dylan demanded.
"I don't know, sir," Frudi replied, her voice firm.
"Don't know? Find out!" Dylan shouted.
Frudi remained silent.
"Run 26 laps around the field, 4424!" Dylan commanded.
"Yes, sir," Frudi replied, turning to head out to the field.
Sergio and Alex exchanged a shocked glance. This was not going well.
As Frudi began her laps, Dylan turned to the remaining freshmen. "Let this be a lesson to all of you. I will not tolerate disobedience!"
Frudi's laps continued, her pace steady and determined. Sergio and Alex watched, concerned about what Dylan's next move would be.
Frudi knew that 26 laps around the field wasn't anything to her since she was forced to do worse while she was getting trained for combat. It was the perks of being a mafia boss's daughter, for self defense.
As Frudi ran, Dylan's anger seemed to simmer down, replaced by a calculating gaze. He turned to Elias and whispered, "Keep an eye on her. I want to know everything she does."
Elias nodded and discreetly followed Frudi as she completed her laps.
Meanwhile, Sergio and Alex exchanged worried glances. What was Dylan planning?
Once Frudi finished her laps, Dylan called out, "Gather around, freshmen! We have a new challenge for you."
The freshmen hesitated, unsure what to expect. Frudi, still catching her breath, approached Alex.
"What's going on?" she whispered.
A boy standing close to them shook his head. "No idea, but I don't like it."
Alex nodded in agreement. "Let's stick together, just in case."
"Alright, listen up, freshmen!" Dylan announced. "Your challenge is to get signatures from all 5 members of the hazing team before the end of the day. That is after we dismiss from here."
There were 5 third year students on the hazing team which includes him, Sergio, Elias, Matthew and Jackson. Matthew and Jackson were really easygoing and friendly with junior students like Sergio while Elias was unpredictable because he's best friends with Dylan who was undeniably scary.
The freshmen nodded, eager to start.
Dylan's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for Frudi. When he spotted her leaning on Alex and another boy, his gut twisted with anger.
"4424, stand up!" he barked.
Frudi didn't move.
"4424, did you hear me?" Dylan repeated, his voice rising.
Frudi slowly looked up, her eyes blazing with defiance. "I'm too tired to stand up, let alone do any of your tasks, sir."
Dylan's face turned red with rage. "I don't care. You'll do as you're told."
He forced Frudi to stand up, their eyes locking in a fierce stare. Dylan felt himself getting lost in her grey eyes, but he quickly shifted his gaze.
"Sing the Art faculty's song 10 times, loudly," he ordered.
Frudi started singing, her voice clear and strong. The other freshmen watched in awe as she sang with conviction.
But as she reached the 7th repetition, Frudi's voice faltered. She swayed, her eyes rolling back, and collapsed to the ground.
The freshmen gasped in shock. Alex and the unknown boy rushed to her side, concern etched on their faces.
Sergio and Matthew looked at Dylan, dismayed. "Dylan, that's enough," Sergio said.
But Dylan just shrugged. "She should have tried harder."
Elias rushed to Frudi's side, helping Alex and the unknown boy lift her up. "We need to get her to the infirmary, now," he said, his voice firm.
Dylan scowled, but nodded curtly. "Fine. But this isn't over, 4424."
As they carried Frudi away, Sergio approached Dylan. "Dylan, come on, man. That was harsh."
Dylan shrugged. "She needs to learn to follow orders."
Matthew and Jackson exchanged a worried glance. This was getting out of hand.
Elias, Alex, and the unknown boy rushed Frudi to the infirmary, concern etched on their faces. After ensuring she was in good hands, Alex and the boy had to leave to complete their hazing task, while Elias stayed behind with the nurse.
Thirty minutes later, Elias received a call from Dylan and went to meet him outside the building. "What's up, man?" Elias asked, teasing him about being too shy to check on Frudi. Dylan brushed it off, telling Elias to handle things while he went to check on her.
As Dylan entered the infirmary room, the nurse excused herself, leaving him alone with Frudi.
Dylan walked over to Frudi, his eyes fixed on Frudi's peaceful face. Her round face was pale, but her heart-shaped lips still held a hint of defiance. Her braided blonde hair lay neatly on the pillow, and her button nose was slightly upturned. But it was her cat eyes, even closed, that seemed to gleam with a fierce inner light.
Dylan felt a pang of regret as he gazed at her. He had gone too far, and he knew it.
Just as he was lost in thought, Frudi spoke up, her voice low and husky. "A picture would last longer."
Dylan's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't opened her eyes, but her words cut through him like a knife.
He felt his face heat up with shame and embarrassment. He knew he had underestimated Frudi, and now he was paying the price.
"You're awake?" Dylan asked, surprised, as Frudi opened her eyes and sat up.
Frudi smiled mischievously. "I never actually passed out. I just wanted to get you in trouble."
Dylan sighed, rubbing his temples. "What do you want from me, Frudi?"
Frudi stood up and walked over to lock the door. Dylan raised an eyebrow, confused.
"Why'd you lock the door?" he asked.
Frudi ignored him again, changing the subject. "I want to get to know you, Dylan."
Dylan laughed. "Just look me up online, Frudi. I'm sure you'll find plenty of information on me."
But Frudi's eyes sparkled with a different intention. "I mean, I want to get close to you, feel you and make you confused"
Dylan's heart skipped a beat. He stuttered, "W-what do you mean?"
Frudi knew her plan was working. She took a step closer to Dylan, her eyes locked on his. And then, she pecked him on the lips.
Dylan's eyes widened in shock, his mind racing. What was Frudi playing at?