RED

The winter air had a crisp bite as I stepped out of my cab. I looked my driver over one last time before closing the door, not quite sure the look he gave me had any underlying adoration or sign that he would miss driving me to school. I nodded anyway, with a smile this time.

As he drove off I turned towards the formidable structure looming ahead: the place I would have to call my new 'school'. On these 'new' grounds I halted my steps, looking up as another fresh flurry of snowflakes swirled around me.

The building seemed to have been frozen in time, It's layout looking quite outdated and in dire need of a renovation. Despite noting the disagreeable location, a mischievous grin crept its way along the edges of my face, laced with the promise of adventure. Here and now my journey was about to begin and I would relish in making myself enjoy every moment of it.

With nervous determination, I entered the building, guided by an irrepressible sense of curiosity. I softly knocked on the administrative office's window, drawing the attention of a young woman.

She peered over her glasses, eyes a bit wary but still welcoming. "Can I help you?" she inquired.

I cleared my throat a d replied with "Yes," my voice tinged with slight uncertainty, which I quickly tried to hide. "I'm new here, and I could use some guidance. Could I humbly request you to point me in the right direction?"

She simply looked at me, mouth slightly agape, reflecting her surprise at my (maybe a bit too) articulated request.

Regaining her composure however, she offered me a kind smile. "Of course," she said, "Could you tell me which class you'll be joining?"

Standing a bit taller, I casually ran a hand through my hair, projecting an air of nonchalance. "I believe it's Class 5A," I responded, my gaze drifting toward the ceiling as if pondering some profound thought.

This made her pause once more before quickly rising from her chair, ready to show me to my first classroom.

I welcomed her company but couldn't help but steal glances at her as we walked. Briefly, I admired the slender curve of her neck... resisting the urge to lick my lips— until she stopped at the classroom door.

"Here's your first class," she said, "Have a wonderful first day." she turned and smiled before leaving me to my own devices. I straightened slightly, biting my lip before opening the door.

*

As I stepped into the classroom, a hush fell over the students. Every eye fixated on me, boredom and perhaps curiosity etched on their faces. I nodded at the teacher, who stepped back, giving me space to introduce myself to the class.

"Good day, everyone," I walked to the front of the room, desperately urging my steps to ooze confidence. "My name is Laurent Orion, and umm.. starting today, I'll be joining your class." I politely inclined my head.

My peers stayed silent, most seemed to be intrigued by me in some kind of way, which was good.

I concluded "It's a pleasure to meet you all," and made my way to the only empty seat in the room. Whispers filled the space as their gaze seemed to follow my every move.

I smiled slightly and sat down and as our class commenced. Eventually the many looks and whispers died down— and strangely, I found my attention drawn elsewhere.

The girl seated next to me, didn't seem to have noticed me at all... looking more occupied with whatever she was scribbling. It bothered me somehow.

She was an intriguing figure, with her light brown complexion, almost glowing in the soft light of the classroom. Her face was almost entirely obstructed by long, dark-brown locks, with a bright pink stripe in the middle. I turned to her with a friendly smile.