The city buzzed with life as the morning sun dimmed behind a haze of smog and activity. It was 9:45 AM, and amidst the honking cars and crowded streets, a boy stood at the college gate, his figure bathed in the golden light.
Ariyan's face carried a smirk that could only be described as otherworldly. He tilted his head back dramatically, gazing at the gate as though it were the entrance to a rival kingdom. "I am the harbinger of this universe's demise, the eternal Supreme! All who dwell within this fortress shall be annihilated!"
His declaration earned him a few confused glances from passing students, but he remained undeterred. With an exaggerated step forward, he announced, "Beware my arrival!"
Reaching the gatekeeper's desk, he signed the register with a flourish, as if sealing a decree of conquest. The guard sighed but waved him through—this wasn't the first time he'd witnessed Ariyan's antics.
Inside, the air shifted, carrying the sounds of students laughing, teachers calling out instructions, and the rhythmic tapping of chalk on boards. The atmosphere was vibrant, and Ariyan allowed himself a moment to soak it in. Then, realizing the time, he broke into a jog toward his classroom.
Standing before the classroom door, he took a deep breath. His hand hovered over the handle as he prepared himself for a grand entrance. With a swift push, the door flew open, and Ariyan stepped in, his gaze dark and serious, scanning the room like a warrior entering enemy territory.
The students turned to look, some wide-eyed, others stifling laughter. At the front of the class, the teacher, a woman with sharp eyes and a pen in her hand, paused mid-sentence. Her gaze locked onto Ariyan.
"You're late," she said, her voice calm but with an edge of disapproval.
Ariyan's theatrics didn't falter. He pointed at her dramatically. "You dare to challenge me, mortal? Do you not know who I am?"
The teacher let out a long-suffering sigh, rolling her eyes. "Not this again…" She flicked the pen in her hand toward him, aiming at his head.
With a smooth motion, Ariyan caught it mid-air, twirling it between his fingers like a seasoned performer. He smirked.
"Stop it!" she said, exasperated. "This is beyond cringe, Ariyan."
Laughter erupted across the classroom, students doubling over at the absurdity of it all. Ariyan shrugged, his expression neutral but playful. "Apologies, Miss. Force of habit."
He walked into the room, his dramatic air giving way to a more casual stride. "You wouldn't believe how far I had to travel to get here For you."
The teacher crossed her arms. "And you wouldn't believe how little they pay me to care about excuses. Take your seat."
"Hah…" Ariyan sighed but moved swiftly, dropping into the last bench with exaggerated ease.
The class resumed, the teacher continuing her lesson as Ariyan leaned back, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Sure, his theatrics were over the top, but if they could brighten an otherwise dull day, wasn't it worth it?