Encountering The Singer

As Elliot roamed the echoing corridors of the school, a sense of disorientation settled over him like a heavy fog. During his business statistics class, the professor singled him out, assigning him the task of fetching someone, Felicia, who had been conspicuously absent from her classes for undisclosed reasons.

The professor's choice of Elliot for this situation was deliberate, recognizing that sending anyone else would likely result in a ditched class. The professor wished to discuss an urgent matter about their forthcoming project, hence the decision to dispatch Elliot for this task was absolute.

"Hmm... he mentioned finding her on the top floor in her club room, where they're discussing club activities... but all I see are other classrooms-" Elliot's thoughts were abruptly interrupted as he collided with someone from behind. Whirling around, he found himself face to face with a petite girl sporting short and straight light pink hair with vibrant red highlights. She gazed up at him with an endearing grin, her soft yet boisterous voice resonating as she apologized, "Oh, sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going while being on my phone." She sheepishly rubbed the back of her head with her dark, beautiful emerald left eye meeting Elliot's gaze, the other concealed behind a sleek black eye patch.

"Oh, my apologies as well. I ought to have been more attentive..." Elliot replied in his gentle, honeyed tone.

Meanwhile, the girl, clad in a black and dark blue short dress paired with a sleek and short black leather jacket and knee-high boots, simply grinned, a spark of mischief dancing in her eyes. She took a step forward, closing the distance between them, and inquired, "Are you new here? You seem unfamiliar to me."

Elliot nodded in acknowledgment, but before he could respond to her question, a trickle of blood began to seep from his nose.

The young woman before him let out a sharp gasp, her eyes widening with concern. Without hesitation, she reached into her pocket and retrieved a pristine white handkerchief, its fabric elegantly adorned with a black rose motif resting atop a large purple star pentagon, intricately printed in the bottom corner. With a gentle yet insistent motion, she extended it toward him, silently urging him to take it and make use of it.

Gratefully, Elliot accepted the handkerchief, touched by her gesture of kindness. "Thank you," he said sincerely, his voice tinged with gratitude. "I'll be sure to get it cleaned up and return it to you."

Nevertheless, the girl offered a reassuring smile and posed another question, her voice laced with concern.

"No need to return it. But... if you don't mind me asking... are you unwell, or did someone cause you harm to trigger the nosebleed?"

Elliot's cheeks tinged with a faint blush as he responded, seeking to alleviate her worry. "Oh, no need to fret! I'm just a bit under the weather, that's all. Aside from that, everything is fine. I may have overexerted myself in my search for someone."

The girl let out a thoughtful hum before posing another question, her interest piqued. "Oh... and who might you be searching for? Perhaps I can be of assistance." Elliot's smile widened as he responded, grateful for her offer of help. "Well, thank you. I'm actually searching for someone named... Felicia Rosette. Would you happen to know where I might find her?"

Returning Elliot's smile, the girl locked eyes with him before revealing, "I am Felicia Rosette. And what brings you to seek me out?"

Elliot couldn't help but flinch slightly at her introduction before mustering up a shy smile in response. "Well, you see," he began hesitantly, "Professor Colton has requested your presence in class. He mentioned it's regarding an important matter concerning our initial group project."

Felicia's grin took on a mischievous edge as she posed her next question. "And what might your name be?" Elliot was momentarily caught off guard by her sudden inquiry, his response coming out shyly. "Uh, Elliot. Elliot Amell."

Without hesitation, Felicia seized his hand and pulled him closer to her. It was only then, that Elliot realized the girl stood two inches shorter than him.

"Now, we can't have a sick student soldiering through classes, can we? So, come along, and let's inject some fun into the day!" Felicia declared, her tone brimming with enthusiasm as she began to stroll ahead, with Elliot trailing behind. He interjected bashfully, "But... but we shouldn't! We have a class to attend-"

Before Elliot could finish his sentence, Felicia interrupted him, her words ringing with playful insistence.

"Oh, come on! Skipping one class won't do any harm, as dire as you make it sound. So, loosen up and allow me to introduce you to the joys of my club. It's a music club, and I happen to lead a rock band called 'Rosefall.' I hope you'll be a fair judge of our latest album, 'Scarletix,' though I can't be certain if it aligns with your tastes."

Elliot simply shook his head in amusement at his vivacious classmate's enthusiasm before responding with a gentle smile. "All right, I'll join you, but just this once. And as for your music, I'm sure I'll enjoy it. I don't have any particular preferences, to be honest."

Felicia's grin widened into a radiant beam as she exclaimed, "Fantastic! Let's not waste any more time, then. Off we go!"

~><~*~><~

BAND: ROSEFALL

SONG: VILLAINESS

{INTRO}

AIM, FIRE, BANG, TILL CRYSTALISITIC BOOM!

{VERSE 1}

“I'm the queen of the dark, don't you step in my lair,

Cloak of shadows, baby, catch me if you dare.

Heart cold as ice, got a venomous stare,

I play with your fate, like it's truth or dare.

Whispers in the night, got your secrets on lock,

Dagger in the back, yeah, I'm ticking like a clock.

Charming with a smile, but my mind's a loaded Glock,

Scheming every second, watch me rise, never drop.

{PRE-CHORUS}

I'm the villainess, I'm a vill-vill-villainess, I'm the villainess

I'm your nightmare dressed in finesse,

You can't run, can't hide, feel the wrath of my distress.

From the shadows, I rise, I confess,

I’m the queen of the night, and I'll leave you in a mess.

{POST-CHORUS}

Haunting every dream, in your mind, I'm supreme,

The villainess reigns, with my face on the money,

Chains of your fear, in my clutches with no redeem,

Bow to your queen, now scream for mercy.

{VERSE 2}

Crown of chaos, wear it with pride,

Tide of destruction, I’m the turning of the tide.

Love to see you crumble, watch you try to hide,

My power’s an ocean, can’t escape the rising tide.

Laughing as I plot, your demise is my game,

Each move you make, I'll be there, feel the shame.

Beauty and the Beast, yeah, we're one and the same,

Lurking in the shadows, better learn my name.

{PRE-CHORUS}

In the dark, I'm the spark, igniting the flames,

Name on your lips, but you fear to proclaim.

Dance with the devil, it's more than a game,

Feel the chill in your spine when you whisper my name.

{CHORUS}

I'm the villainess, I'm a vill-vill-villainess, I'm the villainess

I'm your nightmare dressed in finesse,

You can't run, can't hide, feel the wrath of my distress.

From the shadows, I rise, I confess,

I’m the queen of the night, and I'll leave you in a mess.

{BRIDGE}

A storm’s brewing, hear the thunder in my laugh,

Path of destruction, I’m the aftermath.

In the mirror, see my shadow on your path,

No luck here, face my wicked wrath.

Gaze into my enthralling eyes, see your fate, it’s so clear,

I’m the villainess, darling, your darkest fear.

Empire of darkness, I reign without a peer,

Bow down to your queen, the end is near.

{CHORUS}

I'm the villainess, I'm a vill-vill-villainess, I'm the villainess

I'm your nightmare dressed in finesse,

You can't run, can't hide, feel the wrath of my distress.

From the shadows, I rise, I confess,

I’m the queen of the night, and I'll leave you in a mess.

{POST-CHORUS}

Haunting every dream, in your mind, I'm supreme,

The villainess reigns, with my face on the money,

Chains of your fear, in my clutches with no redeem,

Bow to your queen, now scream for mercy.

{OUTRO}

AIM, FIRE, BANG, TILL CRYSTALISITIC BOOM!”

As the final notes of the song faded into silence, Felicia wasted no time in directing her question to Elliot from her spot on the stage, her eyes bright with anticipation. "Well, what do you think? Did you enjoy it?"

Elliot simply returned her enthusiasm with a warm smile, offering her jacket as she descended from the stage and made her way towards him.

Snatching the jacket from Elliot's outstretched hand, Felicia wasted no time in replying energetically, "Thank you!"

And, Elliot responded earnestly, his admiration evident in his words. "You were incredible up there. Your rap skills are truly impressive."

Felicia's smile widened; her soft, glossy lips painted a delicate shade of light pink. Leaning in, she caught Elliot off guard, causing him to stumble backward slightly, his gaze dropping to the ground. Undeterred, Felicia spoke with gentle encouragement. "You seem impressed by my performance, yet there's something on your mind that you're hesitant to share. Don't worry, Elliot. I'm here to listen. So, feel free to speak your mind. I'm all ears."

Elliot felt a warmth creep into his ears, his breath catching in his throat as Felicia drew near. As their proximity increased, he couldn't help but react, his heart racing with anticipation. Meanwhile, Felicia regarded him with a mischievous glint in her eyes, akin to a fox eyeing its favored plaything.

And in Elliot, she found a prey that she couldn't help but find utterly endearing.

"Um, I-I believe your voice would... be better suited for soft, slow, and steady songs," Elliot began hesitantly, meeting Felicia's gaze as she looked at him with an expression of genuine interest, momentarily causing him to feel a twinge of confusion. Nevertheless, despite his flushed cheeks, he continued to voice the thoughts that had been swirling in his mind since the start of her performance.

"I think your beautiful voice would make slow, melodic songs sound truly breathtaking."

Felicia moistened her lips before posing her question, her voice a soft whisper in his ear, "Is that so?"

Elliot could only manage a nervous nod in response, his eyes fluttering shut as he felt the cool surface of a desk against his back. Meanwhile, Felicia pressed her hands against the desk, effectively pinning him between her and the furniture.

Elliot's fear mounted, worried that Felicia might detect the rapid thudding of his heart. However, before they could linger in that tense moment any longer, a member of Felicia's entourage interjected, breaking the tension. "Hey! Cut it out with the flirting, Felicia. This is the fifth guy you've toyed with today. You're such a player! Hahaha... Anyway, we're heading out. Let us know if you want to tag along!"

Felicia's eyes rolled playfully as a grin played on her lips. Leaning back to address her bandmate while still keeping Elliot within her grasp, she retorted, "Oh, come on, Brian! Spread the word that I won't be joining you all today. And you should know by now that's just how I banter with my friends, not how I toy with their emotions. Anyway, catch you later!"

As her bandmates bid their farewells and departed the club room, the door closing behind them with a soft click, Felicia swiftly turned her attention back to Elliot, catching him off guard. He had been surveying their surroundings, taking in the room adorned with posters and band equipment, along with an array of dark, colorful roses—perhaps serving as a symbolic nod to their band's name.

"Hey, Elliot... How about spending some time together? I'll treat you to coffee as a thank you for being a judge for my new song. What do you think?" Felicia's voice was smooth as velvet as she maintained her gaze on his, a mix of anticipation and something else Elliot couldn't quite decipher, but it set his heart racing nonetheless. Unable to pinpoint the exact feeling, he simply cleared his throat and did his best to respond.

"Um... how about we attend the class together first, and then we can hang out?" Elliot suggested, his tone tentative yet resolute. "We've only been here for about twenty minutes, so we can still make it to our class. I can't afford to skip it, especially since I was the judge today. It's only fair that you return the favor by attending. Plus, this way you won't need to buy me coffee."

Felicia let out a thoughtful hum before her grin widened into a playful smile as she responded, "If that's what you prefer, then I'm more than happy to attend class. However, we'll still get to spend time together during our break if you're unable to skip classes. How does that sound?

Elliot returned her smile and simply nodded in agreement.

With a cheerful "yes!" from Felicia, she seized his hand once more and guided them out of the club room, heading towards their class.