Arrive at School

Zion is a solitary soul, rarely venturing beyond the familiar embrace of his aunt and uncle, who have been his guardians since childhood. In truth, they are the only family he knows, having raised him with kindness and care. Friends are a foreign concept to him; he exists in the quiet realm of his own company.

Social gatherings drain him; the hustle and bustle of crowds feel exhausting, as if a strange weight presses down on him, something he has yet to comprehend.

"Why is this school so quiet? Did I arrive too early?" he wonders,

Having traversed three kilometers from his apartment,

Zion arrives at the school gates, greeted by an unusual stillness.

A smattering of figures—perhaps staff, security guards, and a few early students—populate the grounds,

But it is far from the bustling atmosphere he expected.

"I don't care. I'd better head to class first," he mutters,

Determined to locate his classroom,

For there was no new student orientation; he had missed the welcoming ceremony.

"This must be my classroom," he muses, spotting 1-A,

As his name is listed among the students.

He steps inside, his brow furrowing at the silence.

"Why is it so quiet? Are there really no students here?"

Yet a small part of him finds solace in this emptiness.

"Yeah, no problem. This is perfect for me. I'll just take a quick nap.

When I wake up, I hope no one will be around, and I can slip away unnoticed."

Settling into a seat at the back—his sanctuary—he soon drifts into a deep slumber.

"Hello, wake up! The teacher will be here soon!"

A gentle voice pulls him from his dreams, accompanied by a soft pat on his shoulder.

He blinks awake to find a beautiful girl with long black hair and enchanting eyes beside him.

Yes, that girl is Audrey.

Zion's bleary gaze scans the classroom, now filled with students,

His heart sinks a little.

"Damn, why is reality not as beautiful as I hoped? I wanted solitude today; it seems I arrived too early."

Annoyance flickers within him.

"Whatever, I'll just wait for the teacher," he thinks,

Reaching for his textbook and losing himself in daydreams,

Still tinged with sleepiness.

"Hello," comes the soft, melodic voice again.

It's Audrey, the girl who had roused him from his nap,

Her presence now drawing his attention.

"What?" he responds, realizing he had ignored her initial greeting.

"Are you okay?" she asks, concern lacing her tone.

"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for waking me up," he replies,

Grateful for her timely intervention.

"You're welcome. We're table mates now," she says with a bright smile,

Then adds, "What's your name?"

"Zion," he answers tersely.

"O-okay, my name is Audrey. Nice to meet you, Zion."

"Nice to meet you too," he replies, returning her smile.

"T-thank you," she stutters, turning away, her cheeks flushed with color.

Audrey silently chides herself,

'Stay strong, Audrey. Don't let yourself be swayed by a handsome face.'

This encounter was unlike any she had known;

Zion's presence felt otherworldly, captivating in a way that left her breathless.

"What's she doing?" Zion muses, noticing her sudden shyness.

"Hello, students!" A melodious voice calls from the doorway,

And in steps a lovely woman—

Their teacher, radiant and welcoming.