After rushing to reach the campus, we finally made it to the gates.
Two guards were standing there, arms crossed, blocking the way.
"You two—late. The ceremony's already started," one of them said.
"We're really sorry, we had… issues on the way," Felicity explained smoothly.
The guard eyed the cat in her arms. "And I assume you're bringing that in?"
"Yes. It's a documented Curious-Class anomaly."
"Identification for the cat?"
"Yes." Felicity dug into her handbag, then shot me a look.
"Faith, your ID. Hurry," she whispered.
I handed mine over, and she presented both to the guard.
"Very well. You may proceed."
The moment the words left his mouth, Felicity grabbed my forearm and started dragging me inside like I was some toddler.
"Hey—"
"What?" she snapped, not slowing down.
"I thought you didn't care about attending."
"That was before I remembered… I'm giving a speech."
"A speech?"
A speech. A speech. A speech. My brain stuttered on the word. Wait—
Oh no.
I was supposed to give one too.
I completely forgot.
Eh. Too late now. Felicity could just cover for me—
"Hey. Hey. Hey! Are you even listening?!" she suddenly shouted.
"What? Sorry, I was… thinking."
"You think?"
"What were you even thinking about?"
"I just remembered…"
"Remembered what?"
"…I was supposed to give a speech too."
She stopped mid-step. "For what?"
"For the first years. Like, the welcoming speech."
Her eyes widened. "Wait—the one the top scorer gives?"
"…Yeah."
"As in, you scored the highest? Top one? Out of everyone who took the exam?"
"Yes."
"And you're late! How are you this laid-back?!"
"I mean, that's why I left early earlier—"
"Wait. That was my fault…" she muttered, guilt flashing across her face. "Sorry."
"…Also, didn't know I was hanging around with a prodigy. A genius, even."
I sighed. "Just so you know, flattery won't get you anywhere."
"Oh, so you're not denying it's true?"
"Oh, it's a fact?"
Her grin widened. "What now?"
"Enough chit-chat," she said, pointing ahead. "It's right over there."
"Then let go of me already."
She didn't.
"Felicity."
"…Felicity."
"Let. Go."
"Oh, sorry," she said apologetically.
"Anyway, we're already here." She finally let go of my arm.
"Isn't the main entrance on the other side?" I asked.
"Yeah, but you seriously wanna walk in from there?"
"…Well, no."
"See? So hush and don't complain."
"But—"
"But what?"
"I think my speech has already started without me."
"How could you be so sure?"
"Because someone's definitely taking my spot right now."
"Isn't that a good thing?"
"Well… yeah."
"Then why are you complaining?"
"It's just… what you said earlier, about me being too laid-back. You were right. I should at least show I care a little."
Her eyes softened, lighting up as Fae meowed in her arms. She bit her lip, shoulders trembling just a little.
"Idiot," she said gently. "This—right now. Us talking. It already shows you care. So how about we go? I still have my speech, and you better cheer for me."
"Thank you," I said quietly. "I'll make sure I do."
She looked away, almost embarrassed. "Didn't know you had this side to you," she mumbled under her breath.
"What? I didn't hear that."
"Nothing," she replied quickly.
"Come on," she said with a faint smile, gesturing for me to follow at her side.
We walked briskly down the hallway toward the seating area. Along the way, a few staff and professors offered greetings—warm, polite exchanges, though most of them were clearly meant for Felicity.
At last, we reached the hallway behind the rows where professors and staff were already seated.
"Felicity, your seat's just over there," one professor said casually, pointing toward the section.
His eyes shifted to me. "And who's this? A first-year?"
"Yes, Mr. Jones," she replied.
"Ah. Well, the first-years' seats are on the other side of the hall. Crossing now, with this many people watching, might be a little embarrassing, don't you think?"
"Yes, it would," Felicity admitted with a light chuckle.
"Then let him sit with you. There are still a few empty seats."
"I wouldn't mind at all. Thank you, Mr. Jones," Felicity said politely, nodding in gratitude before gesturing for us to move on.
"Oh, and before you go—cute cat."
Felicity let out a soft laugh. "Isn't she?"
"Humble guy," I added.
"He's a nice person, isn't he?"
"He sure is."
"Don't tell him I said this," Felicity lowered her voice, "but he's my favorite professor here."
"Where do we sit?" I asked.
Before she could answer, a familiar voice cut in.
"Felicity, you're late?" One of her classmates grinned.
Felicity laughed.
"Should've put it on my bingo card this year," the girl teased. She had ashy-blonde hair and sharp blue eyes. From where she sat, it was hard to tell her height—but she carried herself with confidence.
"Oh, Cassandra, if I'd known I'd be late, I would've called you."
"As you should," Cassandra shot back proudly. Then her gaze slid to me. "So… who's this guy? Your boyfriend? Judging by the uniform, he's a first-year, right?"
"Uh, no, never. This guy? Yeah, just a first-year." Felicity lightly mocked me, and somehow, I didn't mind.
"You can sit here, beside me. No one's taken the seat." A boy spoke up instead. Jet-black hair, brown eyes, neither slim nor heavy—his posture suggested a toned build.
"Thanks. Name's Faith," I said as I sat down. "What about yours?"
"Josh. Josh Anderson." He offered a gentle smile, eyes lingering on me.
He leaned in slightly. "That girl giving the speech—does she know you?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Because she's been glaring at you since you walked in. Honestly, it's chilling."
"She's probably pissed at me."
"Oh? And why's that?"
"Well, I was supposed to be the one giving the speech right now."
Josh blinked, then stared. "Wait. Really?"
"Yeah."
"You're telling me… you scored top?"
"Pretty much."
His jaw dropped. "I'm jealous. I only got second—five mistakes."
"Dang, that sucks."
"On the easy ones too," he added bitterly.
"That's rough."
"It sure is." He laughed.
"What about you? Bet you scored perfect."
"Nah. I had two wrong."
"Oh, dang."
"Wanna know how our top scorer did back then?" Josh asked.
"Sure, if you don't mind."
"Perfect. Zero mistakes."
"Must be a genius."
"He is. He's also the student council president. Popular with both the guys and girls."
"He sounds overwhelming." I joked.
Josh sighed. "Can't deny that."
"Hey he's a nice guy." Josh adds.
"It's nice knowing."
"Maybe a little too—hmm, let's say proud? Borderline obsessive, even."
"Not arrogant, just… overly confident. Respectful, yeah—but definitely proud."
He nudged my shoulder. "It's Felicity's turn now."
Felicity made her way toward the stage, her friends cheering her on as she passed.
"Hey! The cat—don't bring her up on stage," a girl with deep blue hair and pale blue eyes called out from across the seats.
"Oops, sorry," Felicity replied with a light laugh, earning a few chuckles from her friends in the distance.
Felicity gently handed Fae over to her friends before glancing at me. Her lips moved in a whisper I couldn't hear, but I could read the words clearly:
Wish me luck, Faith.
She gave me a soft smile, then turned and continued up to the stage.