Principal Vance looked closely at Ember and then at Kenji, silently warning him. Tension filled the Boardroom, creating an uncomfortable silence. Ember leaned back, trying to seem uninterested, but was surprised briefly. Kenji’s jaw was tight, and his anger was clear. Kael, however, stayed calm, with a slight smile showing he enjoyed the situation.
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"The Advanced Studies Track," Principal Vance said, breaking the silence, "is not just an extra class. It brings big changes to your lives at Zenith Academy."
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A wave of worried whispers spread in the room. What would this change mean? Maya, curled in her chair by the door, looked anxious.
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Vance observed them closely. "Starting now, your living arrangements will change. You will not stay in your current dorms. Instead, you will move to a new annex. Each suite will hold..." She paused to build suspense. "...a mixed group of three students from this room."
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Whispers turned into frustrated groans. Ember’s eyes widened with surprise, but quickly shifted to disbelief. She realized she would no longer be able to choose her roommates.
Each suite is designed for you to work together. Your first big assignment, due next week, is to create a detailed proposal for a new 'student initiative' that uses your combined strengths.
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Kenji slammed his fist on the table, making a noise that got Vance's attention. He glared at Ember and Maya. "Combined strengths? With them?" he asked angrily.
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Principal Vance raised an eyebrow, warning him about the consequences of his attitude. "Mr. Takagi, your personal biases will affect your grades. This program is meant to help you get past those limitations."
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Ember felt a strange amusement. Kenji had been embarrassed twice now. Even she wouldn’t wish that on her worst enemy, well, maybe on a few. But this arrangement was absurd. "Is this a school or a social experiment in forced living?" she muttered for Chloe and a few others to hear.
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Chloe looked anxious and tugged at Ember's sleeve. "Ember, what if we aren’t placed together? What if I end up with someone like Kenji?" she whispered nervously.
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Kael smiled slightly; this situation was unpredictable. The social rules at Zenith were about to change. He looked at Ember, who now seemed genuinely upset. Her usual indifference was fading.
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Principal Vance said firmly, "Your assigned groups and suite numbers will be posted by lunchtime. If you don’t comply, you could face suspension from Zenith Academy and a permanent mark on your record."
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She picked up a folder, her silver hair shining. "You’re dismissed. Be ready to move to the annex by 4 PM today." After taking one last look at the students, she turned and left, her footsteps echoing behind her, leaving the room full of shocked and angry teenagers.
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Ember pushed away from the table, looking at the faces around her. This was not boring at all. This was a forced situation. But maybe this change would bring some real drama.
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