Morning at Lạc Thiên High School was always bustling and full of life—like the opening notes of a long, bright day.
From the school gate, groups of students poured in. The clinking of bicycle bells mixed with cheerful voices calling out to one another. The old iron gate, though its paint had faded, still stood proudly as if it had witnessed generations of students come and go.
The schoolyard glowed under the morning sun. The old flame tree in the corner quietly shed its fresh green leaves, counting the rhythm of summer's arrival. The pale yellow three-story building stood out against the clear blue sky; its blue windows were chipped in places, adding a familiar nostalgic charm. On the large wall, a brand-new digital board flashed red lines of text:
"University Entrance Exam 20XX – Time is running out, get ready!"
From the loudspeakers came a hit pop song from MusicNet World, making the scene feel like the opening of a school-life anime. On the basketball court, the sports club was already training; the rhythmic bounce of the ball echoed through the air. Under the flame tree, a few girls giggled while eating bread and watching something on their phones.
"Hey, look! Starlight's group just jumped to 20th place in the top 100!"
"So fast? Last night they were still at 50!"
"Haha, well, idols from our fandom are built different!"
The chatter, bird songs, and street sounds outside all blended into one vivid morning symphony.
In the hallway on the second floor, the crowd of students moved in waves, the sound of shoes and laughter never ceasing.
Inside Class 12-A—the elite final-year class filled with top students—the energy was even more intense. A group of girls were gossiping:
"Hey, did you see? MelodyWeibo is exploding with Mira's new scandal!"
"Knew it! That whole thing about her dating the CEO of the entertainment company—definitely shady."
"Her fan club's in chaos. The arguments are hilarious."
Across the room, a few boys were animatedly discussing the inter-school basketball tournament.
"If we face Hong Phong High this year, we're doomed!"
"Don't be so pessimistic. With our captain, we still have a chance!"
The class was as lively as a small marketplace—noisy, but full of youthful energy.
In the corner, two boys were quieter. One tall and slim, with longish hair and black-rimmed glasses—Đức Minh. Next to him sat Hoàng Nam, tanned, athletic, and easygoing. Both were Thiên Ân's long-time friends.
Đức Minh propped his chin on his hand, gazing absently toward the door.
"Strange... Thiên Ân's not here yet."
Hoàng Nam nodded.
"Yeah. Even if he's late, he usually makes it before the bell. Maybe he overslept?"
Đức Minh pushed his glasses up and sighed.
"Probably. Guess we'll have to cover for him again."
The bell rang loudly for the start of class. The room settled as everyone rushed to their seats. Just then, the door burst open.
A boy stepped in, panting as if he'd run all the way there. His white shirt was wrinkled, his tie crooked, his black hair wind-tousled. Sweat beaded on his forehead, his cheeks flushed—it was Thiên Ân.
Every head turned. His usually cold expression now pink with exertion made a few classmates chuckle.
"Hey, Thiên Ân, why so late today? Overslept again?"
He simply nodded, saying nothing, and quietly walked to his seat, pulling out his chair as if nothing had happened.
At that moment, the sharp click of high heels echoed down the hall. The classroom fell silent instantly.
Ms. Hana entered—the homeroom teacher and English instructor. Her blonde hair was neatly tied back, her blue eyes sharp yet kind. The crisp office attire she wore added to her composed, professional look.
"Good morning, class."
"Good morning, teacher!" the class responded in unison.
She placed a thick folder on the desk, adjusted her glasses, and spoke calmly:
"Today, I have an important announcement. This is your final semester here..."
She held up a sheet of paper. A few students squinted to see, some whispering to each other. One girl in front called out:
"Application forms, right, teacher?"
Ms. Hana nodded.
"Correct. You're all growing up, and your future depends on the choices you make today. I hope you'll think carefully—these decisions will shape your path ahead. Hand them to the class president by next week. Understood?"
"Yes, ma'am!" the class answered, though whispers immediately followed.
Sighs and murmurs filled the room. Some had already chosen their dream majors, others were still undecided—or planning to work instead. The future had suddenly become the hottest topic in class.
When the bell signaled the end of the lesson, Ms. Hana gathered her papers, bid farewell, and left.
The room instantly turned lively again.
A bright voice rang out:
"Thiên Hương! Are you applying to the Royal Harmonic Academy?"
The room fell silent for a beat—then erupted like a hive of buzzing bees.
Thiên Hương, a girl with loosely tied long hair and gentle features, tilted her head with a smile.
"Yeah... I'll give it a try. If I pass, then it's fate, I guess."
A boy in the back blurted out:
"With your looks and voice, you'll definitely get in!"
Đức Minh scoffed.
"Don't jinx it. Harmonic's not that easy. You don't just waltz in."
Hoàng Nam nodded.
"Right. The Royal Harmonic Academy's one of the seven most prestigious music schools on the continent. Practically every superstar graduates from there. The standards are insane."
The class buzzed again—admiration, envy, and excitement mingled. Just mentioning Harmonic was enough to stir the room.
Meanwhile, Thiên Ân sat quietly, earphones still in, idly spinning his pen. His violet-tinted eyes stared blankly into space, lost in thought. His long lashes cast soft shadows on his cheeks, his delicate face calm yet distant—like he was drifting somewhere unreachable.
"Which school should I choose...?" The question echoed faintly in his mind.
A few eyes turned toward him, almost unconsciously. A girl nearby blushed and quickly looked down at her notebook. A boy glanced his way, then immediately turned back, afraid to disturb that serene presence. Even without trying, Thiên Ân's quiet aura seemed to separate him from the class's liveliness.
Đức Minh came over and tapped his shoulder.
"Hey, Thiên Ân."
Startled, he removed his earphones and looked up.
"Which school are you thinking of applying to? Tell us, maybe we'll get inspired. You're the smartest one in the group."
Hoàng Nam leaned in too.
"Yeah, man. We're totally lost. You must have a plan already, right?"
Thiên Ân shook his head lightly.
"I... haven't decided yet."
Đức Minh groaned.
"Ugh, I'm stuck between economics and engineering. I can't pick."
Hoàng Nam sighed.
"I'm probably just banking on sports. I'm hopeless at theory subjects."
The three fell silent, each trapped in their own thoughts.
Then Hoàng Nam suddenly grinned, breaking the mood.
"Forget it. Let's hit that new café after school. I heard their cakes are amazing."
At the mention of "hanging out," Đức Minh's eyes lit up.
"I'm in!"
Thiên Ân hesitated, but when Hoàng Nam added,
"They've got that legendary chocolate mousse,"
he finally nodded.
The final bell rang. Students poured into the halls, laughter echoing through the sunlit courtyard.
On the small street near the school, three bicycles rolled side by side, their wheels humming softly. Their voices mingled with the wind as they chatted along the way.
Soon, they stopped in front of a brand-new café. The glass doors gleamed under the afternoon sun, the signboard sparkling above. The aroma of roasted coffee and freshly baked pastries drifted out to greet them.
Đức Minh exclaimed, eyes wide like a child's:
"Wow, this place is gorgeous! Let's go in!"
Hoàng Nam chuckled, pushing the door open.
"They say their chocolate mousse has gone viral online. Time to test it out."
Thiên Ân quietly followed, an indescribable feeling stirring inside him...