"I enjoy drama, but that was just boring."
After delivering that line with characteristic nonchalance, Ember left the cafeteria without waiting for anything. Her friends, a trio of impeccably dressed girls including Chloe, were confused and bewildered at her remark. They exchanged hurried glances and then chased after her, their footsteps echoing the sudden silence.
The crowd watched them leave, then erupted into a chaotic murmur. Soon, they began to scatter, their whispers growing louder. Most were talking about how Ember was so fierce, while some were fascinated by her beauty. Others pointed fingers at Kenji, openly laughing at his face for being publicly humiliated.
Kenji looked at them, trembling with anger, his fingers clenched into fists. He wanted to lash out, to silence their mockery, but he controlled himself with visible effort. He turned to look at Maya, who had already stopped crying and was watching everything with surprise and relief in her eyes.
"You better watch your back," Kenji snarled, his voice low and dangerous. "If I find something on you again, you will regret it." With that final threat, he turned and left the cafeteria with his own followers trailing behind him.
In a quiet corner of the cafeteria, a boy sat hunched over, a spoon forgotten in his hand. His dark hair fell over the frames of his glasses, covering half his face and revealing only his sharp, smooth jawline. Despite his seated position, his strong, athletic figure was apparent. He held a book in his other hand, but his gaze was fixed in the direction where Ember had disappeared. A hint of interest glimmered in his eyes as he murmured to himself, "So that’s Ember, huh? She's different from the rumors. She's quite interesting."
Just as the breakfast period was coming to an end, a cold, robotic voice echoed through the speakers, cutting through the renewed chatter. "Attention, Zenith Academy students. Please check your school email immediately for an important announcement regarding academic restructuring. This applies to all grades."
As soon as the voice finished speaking, everyone quickly opened their phones. Upon seeing the email, their faces filled with surprise and shock. The noise around them grew louder as students exclaimed, "What is this? That's so ridiculous! Do they want to close down the school or start a bloody storm?" They continued chatting in disbelief.
Kael also pushed up his glasses and glanced at the email, which was saying—
Subject: IMPORTANT: NEW CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT - ZENITH ACADEMY
Listen up, Zenith Academy Students,
A new, special class is starting. It's called the "Advanced Studies Track."
This class is only for our top students. It's about pushing you further and getting you ready for the future.
If you are chosen for this class, you must join.
The students chosen are:
- Aisha Sharma (Grade 11)
- Chloe Davis (Grade 11)
- Ember Blackwood (Grade 11)
- Hiroshi Tanaka (Grade 11)
- Kaelen "Kael" Li (Grade 11)
- Kenji Sato (Grade 11)
- Liam Chen (Grade 11)
- Maya Gupta (Grade 11)
- Noah Lee (Grade 11)
- Eva Reed (Grade 11)
- Lily (Grade 11)
- Xxxxx
- Xxxxxx
- Xxxxxxxx
- xxxxxxx
If your name is on this list, your first meeting is today, right after your last class. Go to the Boardroom (Annex Building, 3rd Floor). Don't be late.
This is a big change for Zenith. Be ready.
Principal Eleanor Vance Zenith Academy
ns216.73.216.17da2
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