The orientation

The common hall was packed, students settling into their seats while murmurs and low whispers filled the air. Some looked excited, some nervous, and a few—like Lemon and her group—just looked bored.

Lemon plopped into a chair, stretching her legs; "I can't believe we have to sit through this again."

Riley leaned back, arms crossed; "We've been here long enough to recite the rules in our sleep."

Scarlett smirked, nodding towards a group of freshers shifting uncomfortably in their seats; "Still, watching the freshers when Ms. Patel starts her speech? Kind of entertaining."

"Entertaining for you a nightmare for them," Hazel chuckled, twirling a pen between her fingers.

Just then, the sharp click-clack of heels cut through the murmurs. The room fell silent as Ms. Patel, the hostel warden, stepped onto the small stage, her usual scowl firmly in place.

"Welcome to another year at Maplewood Hostel;" her voice was clipped, eyes sweeping across the room. "I assume the old students already know the rules, but for the freshers, let me be clear—this hostel does not tolerate nonsense."

Autumn leaned over, whispering; "Same speech, different year."

Evelyn barely held back a laugh; "I swear, she enjoys this."

Ms. Patel's gaze snapped toward their row, and they immediately sat up straighter, putting on their best 'innocent' faces.

"As you all know," Ms. Patel continued, "curfew is 9 PM sharp, if I find anyone wandering after hours, you'll face consequences. Phones must be switched off during study hours. There will be no loitering, no loud noises, and absolutely no breaking of the rules."

Hazel muttered, "Might as well be a prison."

Ms. Patel's lips curled into a smirk as if she had heard that; "And let me remind you," she said slowly, "I do not believe in second chances. If you step out of line—" she paused for dramatic effect, "—you will regret it."

Lemon exchanged a glance with Riley. Same threats, same fake authority, she said.

Finally, Ms. Patel stepped back, her expression unchanged; "Now, I'll hand it over to our student council president, Lara Whitmore."

A tall girl with neatly tied hair and a bright smile took the stage, radiating confidence.

"Good morning, everyone!" Lara greeted "I know the rules sound strict, but hostel life is actually fun. We have a library, a music room, and plenty of activities; make sure to make the most of your time here."

Riley muttered, "Why does she sound like a YouTube influencer?"

Scarlett chuckled, "She probably practices in the mirror every night."

Clara continued her speech, talking about friendship, responsibility, and 'making memories'—but by that point, half the students had zoned out.

After what felt like forever, Clara finally wrapped up, and the warden stepped forward again, "Now, you will be taken on a tour of the hostel; seniors will guide you to familiarize yourselves with the facilities. Follow the groups and don't get lost."

"Yeah, wouldn't want that," Evelyn mumbled sarcastically as they stood up.

The tour began from the main door, the sofas looked older than some of the students. A group of freshers whispered to each other near the entrance.

Next was the cafeteria, the smell of food lingered in the air. Evelyn nudged Scarlett, "Same food, same taste?"

"Unless they've suddenly learned how to cook," Scarlett smirked.

They moved to the study hall, a room lined with dusty bookshelves and creaky desks. The warden's assistant droned on about study hours and noise restrictions, but Lemon wasn't listening.

Instead, she glanced around at the new students in their group. Some looked interested, some bored, and one girl in particular stood silently at the back, barely reacting to anything.

For a second, Lemon thought the girl was looking directly at her—but before she could process it, the girl turned away.

"Alright, this is the end the tour" one of the senior girls clapped her hands together. "You can now return to your rooms or explore the common areas. Remember, curfew is at 9 PM sharp."

"Wow, thrilling tour," Autumn said dryly.

"Absolutely life-changing," Scarlett added.

As they walked back to their room, Lemon felt the faintest chill run down her spine.

Not because of Ms. Patel's speech. Not because of the ridiculous rules.

But because of that one girl in the crowd.

And for some reason, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had seen her before.