After lunch, the students filed into the Great Hall.
Though the hall had been built to seat a thousand, only one of its massive doors was unlocked, opening to reveal a space that seemed far too large for the ninety-four of them. Rows of empty benches stretched into the distance, shadows pooling in the corners. The students naturally clustered toward the front, their chatter echoing faintly in the cavernous room.
Aria entered from the side, her steps calm and steady. Her uniform was neat as ever, her presence carrying that same quiet authority. And, as always, her iconic, measured smile preceded her words.
She stepped onto the low platform at the front, scanning the faces that turned toward her. When the room had settled, she spoke:
"Thank you, everyone, for trusting yourselves enough to come here. The fact that you're here today means you believe—not only in yourself, but in each other."
Her words settled gently across the room. A few students shifted, some sat taller, and some exchanged quick, uncertain glances.
"That," Aria continued, "is already something worth more than anything else."
She clasped her hands together and took a slow breath.
"Without making this too long, I'll come straight to the point. As I mentioned this morning—the café. That is where we will begin. That is how we'll earn financially for ourselves and for KHSS. Many of you agreed, and that's why we're here now."
She paused, letting her eyes travel across the hall, making sure her words landed.
"So, I have an idea about how we start. I don't know how good it is, but I want your thoughts. Your ideas matter. I will present mine, and then you can tell me what you think."
A ripple of whispers moved across the students, their anticipation building.
Aria allowed the murmur to breathe for a moment, then raised her chin, ready to reveal the plan.
"There are seven days in a week," she began, her gaze sweeping the room, "and we have seven batches in KHSS. So here's the plan—each day, one batch will take responsibility for the café. That way, everyone shares the work, and everyone shares the credit."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the hall. Heads nodded, students whispering quickly to their neighbors.
"In the mornings," Aria continued, "the café will be a place of peace and calm. A space where people can relax their minds, drink something warm, taste dishes that make them happy. Food will be our strength. We'll focus on making it delicious, memorable. I already have my recipe book"—she lifted the small, worn notebook from her bag, her lips curving into a confident smile—"the iconic foods. But we'll also add more—trending dishes, fresh ideas. Together, we'll make this something unique."
She let the anticipation build before shifting her tone, more playful now.
"And at night… the entire café will change. Not just the menu—the atmosphere, the theme, everything. It'll be a place of fun, of energy, where people can enjoy themselves. Sugary treats, spicy favorites—something for every mood. And each night, one student from KHSS will perform. Any talent is welcome. Cooking, dancing, guitar, singing, storytelling, writing—whatever your strength is, it will have a stage."
Students leaned forward now, whispers buzzing louder than before. Some smiled in disbelief, some in excitement.
"According to the program, we'll set the theme of the night," Aria explained. "We'll add fun games, bets, contests, anything that makes people come back. The café won't just serve food—it'll serve experiences."
She took a slow step back, letting her words sink in. Then she gestured to the small projector she had carried with her.
"This," she said, placing it on the table and clicking it on, "was borrowed from my home. And with it, I've prepared a detailed explanation."
The students sat straighter, the faint glow of the projector spilling across the hall as Aria began clicking through her outline.
"This," she concluded, "is just the outline. The rest—we build together."
The projector clicked off, and for a moment, the hall was quiet. Then voices rose all at once—excited, thoughtful, full of ideas.
Students stood, one after another, offering their suggestions. Some spoke about food, volunteering family recipes or skills in baking. Others offered ideas for themes—mystery nights, festival nights, even challenge nights. A few shy voices suggested board games, poetry readings, or magic tricks. Every corner of the hall buzzed with life, and no one noticed how quickly time passed.
Aria listened to each of them patiently, noting ideas, her smile never fading. The great hall, built for a thousand, suddenly felt full—not of numbers, but of energy.
Finally, when the voices had settled into an excited hum, Aria raised her hand. "Thank you," she said softly, but the firmness in her tone silenced the hall. "All of you gave such wonderful ideas. This planning will become something real only because it belongs to every one of us."
She let her eyes sweep the crowd, her expression sincere.
"Now, one more thing. Prepare your talent—morally, mentally, however you can—because we'll call you unexpectedly. Don't be shy, don't run back. This stage isn't about perfection—it's about us. If you don't feel confident, just show your talent on a small stage. I don't know how you'll survive," she added with a playful shrug, "and honestly, I'm not confident either. But I will try my best—and I want you to try too."
A ripple of laughter passed through the hall, the tension lightened.
"We can't afford professional singers or dancers," Aria continued, "so we'll become them ourselves. About food—yes, we'll need something truly delicious to make this café worth visiting. If anyone is interested in cooking, please contact me or your group leaders."
She paused, closing her notebook.
"Tomorrow morning at 8 a.m., we'll meet at the café corner to start our first work. I hope most of you know the place. If not, don't worry—I'll send the location. And one more reminder," she added, her smile turning mischievous, "don't forget your homework. You have a one-week gap, but I've already told your leaders to give you something heavy, so you can't escape. Leaders, you are not exceptions. Even me."
Groans rose across the room, but they were laced with laughter.
"After one week, we'll meet again with your homework done. And yes—there will be a test after the café opening."
She clapped her hands once, a signal to close. "That's it. Thank you all. See you tomorrow. Bye!"
Aria stepped down from the stage, walked calmly to her seat, and picked up her bag. Around her, students were packing their own bags, the sound of chatter and laughter echoing off the tall walls. The great hall slowly emptied, leaving behind an invisible spark—the beginning of something bigger than any of them had imagined.
After the planning and class, Aria, Sreya, Danvy and Sona, were walking back toward their house. They moved slowly through the corridors, almost lazily. Sona broke the silence, "If things go like this, I'm sure Aria will be the next Queen." Sreya and Danvy nodded in agreement.
"Me? Queen? Of course not," Aria replied, incredulous.
"If not, then who?" Sreya said, teasing. "You've transformed from a shy girl into a proper leader. Of course, you'll be the next Queen." Danvy nodded again.
Sona grinned. "Just imagine Aria as the Queen, walking with Zorvath by her side as a couple. How sweet would that be?"
"You guys are all crazy," Aria laughed, covering her face.
Suddenly, a voice came from behind. It was Aswin. Alongside him were Mirzand, Leo, Zorvath, and Rithul. They had been following quietly and had overheard the entire conversation. Aria froze, embarrassed and quickly hid her face.
"Who's going to be our new Queen? Is that you, Aria?" aswin asked, smirking.
Mirzand asked zorvath "How would it feel if Aria became your Queen?"
Zorvath looked Aria up and down, then just smiled lightly, saying nothing.
Aria hurried ahead, her friends laughing and teasing her as they followed, while the boys walked behind, smiling but not chasing as eagerly.
When they reached the gate, Aria stopped abruptly. A Rolls Royce was parked there. Her eyes went wide as she read the number plate—she was completely shocked. Almost every student around noticed the car and Aria standing there, stunned.