The morning sunlight filtered through the tall, glass-paneled windows of Westvale Academy as Lumi Reyes stood at the front gate, blinking up at the grandeur of it all.
It was nothing like her old school. The walls gleamed. The stone paths leading to the main building were surrounded by neatly trimmed hedges and bright yellow flowers. Even the breeze smelled expensive—of lavender, eucalyptus, and fresh printer paper.
"Okay," Lumi whispered to herself, adjusting her skirt and tugging the sleeves of her blazer. "Big smiles."
She stepped through the gates, dragging her luggage-like backpack behind her. Other students passed her in pairs or groups, talking casually as they strolled across the campus. They all wore the same uniform as her—white collared shirts under navy blue jackets, with an embroidered gold sun on the chest.
But no one else looked as dazed.
"Transfer student?" a girl whispered from behind her.
Lumi caught it but didn't flinch. She just smiled wider, cheeks tingling.
Inside the administration building, she waited by the glass door as the secretary flipped through her registration papers.
"Lumi Reyes… second year, Class 2-B…" the woman said, scribbling something on a form. "You'll be under Miss Lucero. Your student guide will pick you up shortly."
"Thank you!" Lumi said, giving a practiced bow.
While waiting, she glanced around. Framed certificates lined the walls. Photos of academic achievers. A hallway clock ticked rhythmically.
"Hey. New girl?"
She turned. A boy stood by the doorway—tall, slouched posture, backpack only half-zipped.
"Elian Cruz," he said with a nod. "You're with me."
"Oh—hi! I'm Lumi!" she said, hurrying after him.
He didn't respond, just walked ahead at a pace that was clearly not adjusted for newcomers.
The halls of Westvale were polished and pristine. Students moved in clean lines, quiet but coordinated—like dancers who'd memorized the choreography.
"So…" Lumi began, catching up. "Do you like it here?"
Elian shrugged. "It's alright. You'll get used to it."
"What's Class 2-B like?"
He snorted. "You'll find out."
Their footsteps echoed against the tiled floor. As they turned a corner, a sudden gust of wind fluttered through an open window. Lumi instinctively looked outside and paused.
A tall tree stood in the middle of the courtyard—its branches spread wide, casting an enormous shadow. Something about it made her chest feel tight.
"You good?" Elian asked.
"Huh? Oh, yeah." She shook it off and kept walking. "Just a pretty tree."
Room 2-B was bright and air-conditioned. Students were already seated when they arrived. Some glanced at Lumi. Others barely looked up.
Miss Lucero, their teacher, greeted her with a smile. "Class, this is Lumi Reyes. She'll be joining us for the rest of the year."
Lumi bowed slightly. "Hi! I'm excited to be here. Please take care of me!"
A few students smiled politely. One girl whispered something to her seatmate, giggling. Lumi didn't mind.
"You'll be seated next to Elian," Miss Lucero continued, gesturing toward the middle row.
She sat down beside him, placing her notebook carefully on the desk. Elian slouched in his seat, staring at the ceiling like it was more interesting than anything else.
As the lesson began, Lumi found herself glancing around the room. She tried not to, but her eyes kept flicking to each face, cataloging them automatically.
Everyone here looked so composed. So… perfect. But I hate perfect...that's why I want to become free just like I was back then in my elementary days
(At break time, Lumi walked around the campus alone. She didn't mind solitude. It gave her time to breathe. She stopped by the school garden, sitting on a white-painted bench beneath a canopy of yellow blossoms. Pulling out her notebook, she began doodling—a sun, a pair of eyes, a stack of books.)
"Wow. That's… abstract."
She looked up. Elian had appeared beside the bench, chewing on a straw from a boxed juice.
"Oh. You again," she said playfully.
"Just making sure the new girl didn't get lost."
"I wasn't lost. I was just… exploring."
"Alone?" he ask
"Mm-hmm. I like peace and quiet." I replied
He nodded, then sat at the far end of the bench.
"People here are weird," she said lightly.
"You noticed that fast?"
"They're very… polished, composed, not funny at all."
"That's Westvale for you."
She glanced at him. "But...you don't seem very polished."
"I'm the exception." he said
I laughed at him and said "Good. I like exceptions."
He looked surprised, then shrugged. "Your interesting"
The day continued in a blur of orientation activities—uniform inspections, rulebooks, and a campus tour. Lumi stayed cheerful and attentive, nodding at everything, asking polite questions. No one seemed particularly interested in her, which was perfectly fine.
During one of the breaks, she found herself in the school library, wandering among the tall shelves. The building was huge—two floors, spiral staircase, floor-to-ceiling windows. She ran her hand along the spines of a row labeled "Alumni Publications."
A photo on a shelf caught her eye. It was a class picture. Taken on the rooftop. Her heart paused. She stared at the group of smiling students. The photo was old. Blurred at the corners.
"hmmm....is this our alumni? They look happy not like others. I feel like they really love each other"
I took a quiet breath and looked away.
By dismissal, Lumi's legs were sore from all the walking. As students packed up their bags, Miss Lucero approached her.
"Lumi, a quick word?" She nodded and walked over.
"I know transferring mid-year can be overwhelming," Miss Lucero said kindly. "But I've heard good things already. Your attitude is very refreshing."
Lumi gave a sheepish laugh. "Thank you, ma'am. I'm trying my best."
"You're fitting in well. If you need anything—academic help, a friend to talk to—our guidance office is always open."
"I'll keep that in mind."
As Lumi stepped out of the room, Elian was waiting by the door, arms crossed.
"Teacher's pet?"
She rolled her eyes. "Jealous?"
"Ohh....Please." We walked down the hallway together. While walking he ask me. "Don't you have a car ?" he asked.
"Nope... but I can walk."
"Seriously? It's like 20 minutes uphill."
"Then I'll have nice legs by the end of the semester," she joked.
He raised a brow. "You're weird."
She grinned. "Thank you."
The walk home was quiet.
Westvale Academy sat on a hill overlooking the town. Below, streets were lined with cafés, pharmacies, and sari-sari stores. I passed the same streets that I used to avoid.
I reached mine and my brother small apartment by 6 p.m. It wasn't much—a second-floor unit above a bakery—but it was clean, private, and quiet. Our parents gave this to us especially to me because they know that I will receive my education in Westvale
I dropped my bag and changed into my house clothes. Dinner was instant noodles and canned fruit. I didn't mind because in the first place... I don't know how to cook. Hahaha....that's why I need my brothers help.
Third POV
Across from her tiny dining table hung a single photo frame. It was empty. Later that night, Lumi stood in front of the mirror, brushing her hair. And beside her is her brother.
"How's the school? is it fun?"
"No, it's not!! most of the students are boring. They are all looks a bookworm or a nerd"
"hahaha...I'm sure you will adjust your surroundings. Your my sister after all"
"Well...I met a boy. Elian. He's a little rude, but not mean. I think… he doesn't like it here either, he's funny"
"You can make a friends as much as you want, but don't you dare to have a boyfriend. Your too young for that"
"Yeah, yeah. Your too overprotective kuya."
"Your my only sister that's why I want you to be safe. Anyways, you should sleep early. Good night"
"Good night kuya"
The wind outside rustled the curtains. She stared at herself for a moment longer.
Then, finally, she turned off the light.