OLYMPIA

Group Study

    Another long day of class ended in the academy of Olympia, and students began pouring into the streets. It has been but a few weeks since the school year started, yet many of the students are already feeling the mental and physical strain that comes with studying here. Of course, there’s also the ones who’re breezing through most of the academic requirements and have yet to feel any sort of pressure that they haven’t already felt.

    One such student is currently walking down the sidewalks of the Academy. A white-haired girl who’s rose-colored eyes pierce the souls of those who look into it, and who’s mere presence has been enough to uplift the spirits of many in the school, inspiring them to study if they want to be in the same class as her. 

    Besides her walks another inspiration for many. A dark-skinned brunette who’s bubbly persona allowed her to befriend majority of the student body, and has even touched the heart of the seemingly cold Venus Marigold.
    For most students, they, along with a third person who doesn’t seem to be so fond of them, are an untouchable and unreachable star that will only get farther away from them. And though Julia is friendly and approachable in comparison to Venus, no one would ever dare approach her for something so meager as to have a lunch. For most of the students, such an act is unthinkable especially if you aren’t even in the same class as them. And even those who are still dare not do it. That is why many people are often surprised to see Class-4 student Louis Monet comfortably chatting and eating with them. 

However, they aren’t jealous. They were furious. Not just because he has the audacity to approach these two girls, but because he has the audacity to cheat on the two of them with the two of them as, despite always being seen with at least one of them, he’s never seen with both at the same time. Any observer with a functioning brain will, therefore, come to the obvious conclusion. Does he think himself so superior that he would take both of them at once? Many of the students would beg to differ.

That is why a small group of male students gathered around the back-side of the Class 4 Dormitory. Each one from different class, each one united by a common cause. To bring about the justice that this freak who is about to come to them so greatly deserves. 

“Just so he wait!” said one, cracking his fist.

“School be damned, this comes first!” said another. 

Their fury can be felt by an observer from a mile away. If Louis is to continue his present and daily routine, then he will most certainly meet his end here. 

***

    “So would any of you like tea?” Louis asked his guests who’s currently sitting at the table. Two girls and a boy, the girls he’s been well-acquainted with for the past few weeks and the boy being a new addition, having insisted on coming to his house for unknown reasons. Whatever the reason may be, though, Venus most certainly didn’t look pleased.

    Julia didn’t bother looking up her phone but still answered in the same cheerful tone. “Yes please!” 

    “No,” said Venus. “I’m not good with caffeine.”

    The boy, Joseph Gavin, adjusted his glasses before turning around to face him. “Don’t you have coffee?” he said condescendingly.

    Louis shrank a bit before answering. “Uh… yeah. Sorry.” Although he’s been spending weeks and growing comfortable with being around the two girls, he’s yet to be joined by the man, and he already seems to be hostile. At least, he looks like he is.

    “Thought so.”

    Having finished making the tea and delivering it to Julia and himself, he took a sit on the table. “So… shall we begin?” 

    “Sure!” Julia took out her notebook, opening it at a certain page. 

    “So what part do you not understand here?” Venus asked.

    Julia pointed her finger to a certain line, which Venus read and explained to her. For weeks now, Louis has been part of a study group with this two girls, often going to join them on their hilltop tower, though they do go to his dormitory sometimes, like now.

    As was usual, the session continued for a few hours with each of them - save for Venus, who just taught the other two, and Joseph, who showed nothing but disinterest - taking turns teaching and learning from one another. The three of them were clearly enjoying themselves, though Louis does find his eyes locking with Joseph’s judgement every so often, which places a heavy burden on his mind. However, the sun sets and they must end the day here to go home. 

    “Thank you for having us,” said Venus, bowing down at the front of his door.

    Louis looked away and scratched his head. “It’s nothing.” By this time, he’s seen the sight so many times that he already settled on one way to not blush due to embarrassment and further embarrass himself.

    Julia, on the other hand, has just finished stuffing her stuff into her bag, which - as Louis and Venus can both testify to - is a mess. As she approached the door, she threw her hands around Louis and hugged him from behind. “I still can’t believe you’re not in Class 1!” 

    Louis’ face turned red. No matter how many times Julia does that to him, he just can’t get used to it. “I, uh, just didn’t want to…” he said.

    Julia finally let go, joining Venus and Joseph on the other side of the door. “Anyways, thank you for having us!”

    “It’s nothing…” His eyes wandered into Gavin’s, locking once again. He can see a fiery look in it, as if hoping that his vision would be enough to commit murder.   
    While Venus didn’t seem to mind, Julia felt the tension between the two boys and started pushing her company away from Louis.

    “We’ll get going now!” She said, shutting the door.

    Louis’ dorm is once again empty, as is usual. It’s still messy, though, seeing the many plates and papers littered on the table and in the floor. He doesn’t mind, and he does tell them to leave it to him.

    Finishing the chore of cleaning, Louis picked up the garbage bag that he’s been using to store the mess left by their little study and went out. 

    He got off the elevator he rode on his way down, making his way out into the streets and into the side of the building. The heavy bag he’s been carrying for sometime now started to weigh in, dragging itself to the ground. Luckily, Louis is close to the dumpster where the garbage bot would be collecting it in a few minutes. 

    He felt an intense pain dealt to his stomach, causing him to fall into the ground writhing in pain and leaving him gasping for air, unable to call for help or open his eyes.