Click! Click! Click!
The loud, rhythmic clatter of someone typing on a typewriter filled the cold, silence of a dimly lit room. The room was dusty, piles of books of the same copy scattered all around, an old gas lamp that provided the only source of light in the room, one old, yet clean bed present at the corner of the room, beside the bed was a chipped desk—where a young, tall figure was seated on its stool, and alas a superbly kept picture frame of a beautiful woman.
The ethereal looking woman in the picture wore a lofty, silver tiara, embroidered with intricate motifs and gemstones that sat high on her head, as well as a supple, mauve gown that curved her body almost perfectly!
She had white long hair that cascaded down her shoulders with the tips light blue, and hooded, crimson red eyes that held a deeper meaning.
There sat a figure, typing instantaneously onto the old, rusted typewriter, their physical features concealed with black cloaks. Every time THEY slid their fingers through each key, they poured in every ounce of emotion that had been weighing down their heavy heart.
You shall be remembered for oblation, and your legacy shall not be forgotten. Even if you don't exist anymore, you shall be remembered through the story I shall tell. Our buried past in reverie.
…
Ring! Ring! Ring!
Shit…That's the bell—I'm late! Audrey Solace snapped from her daze, realizing she was still in the bathroom stall, reading a novel she had recently picked up on: There Is No Way I'll Fall In Love!
There Is No Way I'll Fall In Love!, is centered on a draconic scholar suffering from dementia, schizophrenia, and compulsive gambling disorder.
Their name is Asher Rhodes who had long, dirty blonde hair, and a wide-set of emerald eyes that held the symbol of money and ambition.
He was a boy who had once lived in poverty and was an orphan, he resided in the slums and gained popularity due to his average looks, alongside his pride and ego. Soon, he was adopted rather unexpectedly when he won a match of Russian Roulette against an all-time champion, at that time he was only 8 years old.
A gang leader from a high-class area adopted him, Antonio Storm, who taught Asher everything he knows about the cabalistic world they've lived in. Asher's guardian—Antonio isn't a key character in the plot and eventually died by the hands of Asher who stole all his riches in the end. Cruel indeed.
Ah yes, this barely correlates with the story's title, but soon after, Asher meets the male-lead and female-lead through his arduous, self-harming, punt, and unhinged journey. Which didn't mean anything at all! That's how the first volume ended and the author had discontinued the series already!
…
Audrey Solace, a junior in Vertex High—a private school renowned for its famous STEM programs, high academic achievements, and produced generations of scholars, and award-winning artists.
Only prodigies were admitted there, after a grueling entrance exam and an interview that could intimidate even college-bound geniuses.
Audrey was a certified genius, a prodigy—favored by all her teachers, a student council vice-president, a president in three competitive clubs; Genetics & DNA Modeling Club, Cognitive Science Club, and The Classic Literature Club.
She had won many national competitions ranging from the top 3 or top 5. You could say she's a model and the main picture of Vertex High.
Many students envy her. Lately, since the beginning of Audrey's junior year, many started spreading absurd and inappropriate rumors about her—causing an intolerable break up with her boyfriend, Jasper Williams, someone who was almost on par with Audrey's intelligence and considered the most handsome in Vertex High.
Audrey experienced numerous friendship breakups and lost a few significant connections, obviously those rumors that have been spread throughout the school weren't true. Her picture and model-like reputation towards students shattered.
Audrey became more distant, indifferent, and cold towards those who approached her, but when it comes to her teachers and those above her she'd act more amiable and gave a more lenient approach.
…
Audrey brushed past the many students in the bustling hallway—determined to make it to class without getting tardy.
I should've just stayed at the library because it was the closest to Mr. Montague's class!
Beads of sweat started to form on Audrey's forehead, she tripped a few students causing them to stumble and fall face against the ground, one of them was Jasper. But in the end, Audrey didn't spare a single glance at the commotion she had caused.
Audrey paused in front of her AP ELC class, tugging her sleeve, disclosing a slender rose-gold watch that rested lightly on her wrist, elegant in its simplicity and immutable in style.
30 seconds…That should be enough to make myself presentable!
Audrey took deep breaths glancing around the hallway. She straightened her posture, tugging her sleeve back into place, smoothening her skirt, and brushed imaginary lint off her sleeves before pushing the door open.
Ring! Ring! Ring!
"Audrey Solace! Just in time, for a moment I thought our school's prodigy—for the first time -- was late to class!" Mr. Montague remarked, profoundly. He was a tall man in his 30s, with ashy blonde hair, very well styled with volumes and layers. His eyes were of baby blues, as well as dark circles beneath his eyes. Out of all teachers in Vertex High, Mr. Montague was the most handsome and third youngest.
Audrey took a slight, unnoticeable glance towards the students who were already seated—staring at her like predators, every movement weighed and measured.
Audrey's lips curved in a sly smile, "Breaking my perfect record keeps things interesting, don't you think Mr. Montague?"
Mr. Montague shook his head, a smile curving his lips, "Oh you rascal! Go take a seat." he replied, humorously.
You are not my favorite teacher by the way, I hate ELC… Audrey grumbled silently, while she kept that smile of hers as she made her way to her seat, eyes of many students following her every step. Weirdos…
Audrey sat down at an empty seat next to a window, providing an amusing view of those in PE stumbling through the cold air—arms wrapped tight, teeth chattering, and cheeks flushed bright red—while Audrey savored the warmth of the classroom while they suffered. Hmm…I'm glad I didn't take PE this year… Audrey mused.
…
"Audrey Solace, would you grace us with your reading, from where we left off from yesterday?" Mr. Montague requested, in a gentle hum.
Audrey turned her head to fix her gaze towards Mr. Montague, all eyes were on her as always, she smiled, "Of course," Audrey cleared her voice, quickly flicking through the pages of her textbook, eventually finding the page from where they left off yesterday. Ahem.
"Soon the earth will no longer take its original shape, and time will lose continuity. Signs of an untold calamity will arise. All things will turn to memory and soon nothing. Names will lose their meaning; oaths will not hold. Kings will rule over dust. Children will be born older than their parents. The dead won't rise, but listen. Distance will become a lie. The world will no longer remember how to end, but THEY shall come as human again.
"THEY will arrive. THEY shall bless the world with their golden blood. All eyes will center on them for THEY stand highly. Soon, the world shall face a great restart. Whether THEY are the world's hero or its witness, it is not written." Audrey finished the chronicle at its final line. Huh… Since when were we reading about this? Perhaps I wasn't paying attention yesterday….
Audrey, feeling rather inquisitive, scrutinized a part of the text that caught her eye, 'Whether they are the world's hero or its witness, it is not written.'
Is this real? Is this some sort of prophecy from a religion? A theory? Wait no! It can't be a theory, it doesn't provide any scientific knowledge nor evidence! I'll just assume this is just a made-up chronicle!
"Thank you for reading, Miss Solace. Now, would anyone like to volunteer on reading the next page?"
…
Later, Mr. Montague confirmed that the chronicle was a clear fabrication, penned by an anonymous historian whose name had been deliberately erased from historical records.
…
5:45 pm.
Oh how tempting it is to drop out of high school… Why was I elected as president in THREE clubs… Why did I even get elected—no, WHO nominated me as vice president for the student council?! Audrey muttered to herself, gathering all her textbooks one by one, feeling the weight of the entire semester in her arms, and lowering them into her backpack. She was currently alone in the lab room since she was in charge of cleaning up—as expected of being a president in two STEM related clubs.
As Audrey was ready to leave, she froze mid-step, her arm ready to push the panic bar, before the principal's voice crackled over the speakers.
"Audrey Solace, please come to my office." His voice lacked its usual sternness, no hint of reprimand—just a gentle firmness. Audrey's backpack felt heavier than before.
What now? For sure I'm not in trouble, I'm never in trouble! Don't tell me I have to do some ridiculous 'assignments' or being a representative of the whole school, AGAIN! Audrey sighed, shaking her head—maintaining her composure. She turned, making her way towards the principal's office.
The hallways were now quiet unlike earlier, fiery hues filtered in the windows, painting stripes on the floor.
Finally, Audrey reached the principal's office. She turned the doorknob and entered, "You called, Mr. Hyde?"
Shelves of leather-bound ledgers and trophies of victories lined the walls. There stood Mr. Hyde, the principal—a tall figure with jet-black hair with silver streaks, combed neatly to reveal a high forehead that lined his wrinkles. Deep-set of hazel eyes, sharp and knowing, scanning Audrey. He wore a tailored dark suit.
"Audrey Solace. May I ask for your assistance?" he asked, his voice calm and firm, carrying the weight of authority he holds.
"Not a problem." Audrey smiled, naturally.
Mr. Hyde gestured towards the student right beside him. She was tall, but not as tall as Audrey, she had white long hair with the tips that were light blue, and styled in a blue ribbon. She had hooded, crimson red eyes, calm, elegant, and yet at the same time, terrifying. Her skin was like snow white.
They had this haughty, brooding, and detached air around them. They wore ordinary clothing—a white linen shirt, black trousers, and a plain dark jacket that fit just right—nothing too flashy, not out of place, but enough to suggest someone that values their neatness.
In Audrey's eyes, the student felt almost otherworldly—and yet she fits perfectly into the school's hidden corners.
She's eerily pretty… Hm, what am I saying, she's no different from the others.
"This young lady is a transferee. Her name is Selene Febronia. Originally, she was from Wyndham Institute but came here due to her parents wishes for a better education," Mr. Hyde paused momentarily before continuing, "Would you care to tour her around the campus on my behalf?"
Audrey was stunned for a moment— completely lost in thought. For a better education? Wyndham?!
Wyndham Institute is considered one of the best high schools— internationally. Wyndham emphasizes not just academics but character—leadership, etiquette, and social grace are woven into daily life!
The school has been standing for excellence in competitions and cultural showcases. Its orchestras, theatrical productions, and scientific expos attract visitors and judges from different backgrounds! Their reputation stretches internationally through partnerships with other elite schools, exchange programs, and alumni networks, securing its status as a school whose name carries the weight of it all!
Walking into Wyndham Institute is to step into a world where history, intellect, and quiet power converges; every beam and echo of footsteps speaks of centuries spent shaping substantial minds, and of those who study there are destined to leave their mark in history.
Are you kidding me? Wyndham Institute is far beyond better than this school! Is this girl's parents that uneducated?! Have they not done their research?! …
Audrey shook her head in disbelief before retracting her composure, "Not a problem," she walked towards Selene, her steps slightly rigid. She maintained a respectful distance, extending her right hand—expecting Selene to give her a handshake, "My name is Audrey Solace—a pleasure to meet you, Selene."
For a moment she hesitated, before she shook Audrey's cold hand.
Such cold hands… Get some hand warmers or gloves, jee… As Selene's eyes met Audrey's turquoise ones she replied, "A pleasure, please take care of me."
I hate this more than you think, Selene Febronia… Audrey is the type to be anti-social, clearly lacking empathy and prefers solitude than stuff like these.