Once again, the rang bell indicates that it is time for the next subject. Then their circle gadgets vibrate once again.
She reached for her device. A visible screen automatically appeared, displaying the ominous warning.
[ 15 minutes before your Political Theory and Methodology class starts. When you arrive late, you will face penalties. ]
"So, this is what Ms. President meant about how strict this school is..." Sitara muttered.
"What kind of punishment does this university have..." he whispered, his tone hushed but laced with intrigue.
Sitara, her gaze flickering nervously to the clock ticking away on the wall.
"We'd better hurry," she urged, her voice laced with urgency, a subtle tremor betraying her anxiety.
The trio hurried down the hallway, their footsteps echoing against the polished floors.
As they approached their room, Sitara paused, turning to face Koa and Dusan.
"Well, this is where we part ways. Good luck, guys," she said with a smile before disappearing into the room.
Koa and Dusan exchanged a glance before entering their room. Koa let out a sigh of relief as they arrived with just two minutes to spare.
"That was close," she remarked, sinking into her seat.
Dusan, however, wore a look of mild frustration, his curiosity still piqued.
"Ugh, I'm curious about the punishment," he muttered under his breath, his tone tinged with annoyance.
"Well, if you're that curious, why don't you go find out?" she suggested, gesturing towards the door.
Dusan's scoff filled the room as he crossed his arms, a stubborn glint in his eyes.
"Yeah, right. I'm not that curious," he retorted, though his curiosity lingered in the back of his mind.
Their conversation was cut short as the subject teacher entered the room, signaling the start of the class.
The subject teacher, Professor Hernandez, stood at the front of the class, her voice commanding attention as she began the lecture.
"Good morning, class," Professor Hernandez greeted, her gaze sweeping across the room.
"Today, we will be delving into the fundamental principles of political theory and methodology."
Koa leaned forward, her interest piqued as she listened intently to the professor's words.
"Political theory seeks to analyze and understand the underlying principles and dynamics of political systems," she explained, pacing back and forth as she spoke.
"Excuse me, Professor Hernandez, could you elaborate on the methodology used in political theory?" another student inquired.
The professor smiled, acknowledging her question.
"Methodology in political theory involves the systematic study and analysis of political phenomena through various research methods, such as qualitative and quantitative approaches."
Koa nodded in comprehension, scribbling notes in her notebook as the professor spoke.
Professor Hernandez continued her lecture, the students immersed themselves in the complexities of political theory and methodology, eager to expand their understanding of the subject.
As the class concluded, Dusan found himself lost in contemplation, his mind swirling with questions about the university's peculiarities.
"This place seems... normal, but there's something off about it," he murmured to himself.
"You mean...the weird humor?" Koa remarked prompting Dusan to glance at her.
"Yeah," Dusan replied, nodding.
"Especially that joke about killing other students. It's hard to tell if they were serious or just messing around."
"It's definitely odd. I'm not sure what to make of it."
"Koa!" Sitara called out as she stood beside the classroom entrance, waiting for her friend to exit.
Without saying anything or saying goodbye to Dusan, Koa stood from her seat and went to Sitara. He watched them leave the classroom.
"Now I'm alone..." he murmured to himself.
[...]
The two went again as they proceeded to the school entrance, hoping to discover answers.
As they neared the edge of the campus, they spotted Nyx standing by the imposing walls where the gate should have been. She seemed lost in thought, her gaze fixed on something above.
Sitara whispered to Koa, her voice barely audible over the rustling leaves,
"What do you think she's doing here?"
"I have no idea," Koa replied as she shrugged.
They crouched behind a thick cluster of bushes, peering through the foliage as Nyx's companion approached her.
Koa recognized him as the person who had intervened during the lunch altercation.
"What are you doing here?" he spoke.
"Why are you here, Hael?" Nyx's response.
Before they could delve further into their conversation, a loud noise erupted from the bushes where Koa and Sitara were hiding. Sitara had stumbled and fallen to the ground with an audible thud.
"Who's here?"
Koa's heart sank as she watched Nyx and Hael turn their attention towards the source of the noise. She grabbed Sitara's arm, urging her to stay quiet.
"Stay down," she whispered urgently.
Sitara winced, her eyes wide with panic as she tried to stifle her breathing. They remained motionless, hoping against hope that they hadn't been discovered.
Nyx and Hael exchanged puzzled glances, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of movement. Koa held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest as Hael stepped closer to their hiding spot.
Just as Hael was about to reach them, a voice echoed from the distance.
"President, Vice-President, we need you back at the student council office!"
Nyx's expression hardened as she turned away from the bushes, her attention diverted.
"I'll be there in a moment," she called back before glancing once more at the bushes, a hint of suspicion in her gaze.
With the two attention momentarily diverted, Koa and Sitara seized the opportunity to slip away quietly, their hearts pounding with adrenaline.