dissident ｡ nct

6.1｡

—Part 6.1—

Judge of Character

"They won't even make it to the trains."

—Emiko—

The moment the last faction transfer let his blood fall, choosing Erudite as his resting place, a collective gasp spread through the audience. Murmurs carried through each row of seats as Taeyong stepped into the centre of the stage, making a futile attempt to snag back our attention so he could dismiss us.

People were too caught up in shock, regret to pay him any mind, and for some, too caught up in happiness. Around the dome-like room, parents held on to each other with teary eyes, some glared down at their children, and the unmistakable weight of heartache hung heavy in the air. I, myself could barely suppress the whirlpool of emotions brewing in my gut.

Today was a day we'd anticipated since childhood, and it was over. Just like that. Weirdly, I didn't want it to end. That meant I had no way out.

Usually, the sunset would be something I spent the entirety of my day waiting for and longing to experience. But, the skylight leaking a golden hue above me held no yearning significance at that moment. The day was over, and I had made my choice. After 18 years. We'd all chosen.

As a child, the ceremony seemed so far away. But it was over in the blink of an eye.

Even Jaemin, seated only a row above myself, couldn't help but frown slightly. And Jeno, beside him, wore the same look. None of us were satisfied with our decision, that much was clear. Even if I was, the crying families and guilty children dragging down the room around me were already enough of a downer.

"That concludes our ceremony," Taeyong clasped his hands together into a formal stance, his fitted grey suit matching the stone walls around him, "I hope you all feel you've chosen the faction that will bring you the life you desire. Please follow the chosen route that your factions have allotted. Thank you."

With those final words, Taeyong stepped off the stage and out of sight along with an abnormal group of well-dressed Abnegations. Once the podium was emptied, and all that remained was a curved table and 5 tainted bowls, everyone rose from their seats.

Chatter overtook the room as each faction began to filter out. I stood up with sweaty palms and a pang of guilt in my chest, though I was glad my mother had left the room already. Facing her was something I did not have the will to do. There was something about the look in her slanted eyes that made a shiver creep up my spine, and I knew the glare would only be more potent if I was to meet with her then.

The rows of Dauntless were on their feet, submerging the newly transferred members in a crowd of black, leather, and multicoloured hair. They glanced around worriedly, between Dauntless after Dauntless as they began to herd towards the exit. It was comedic in a way, watching Erudite or Abnegation transfers attempt to weave their way through the crowd, but I did feel slightly sympathetic.