The Truth of the Lochfolk (Genshin Fanfic)

Chapter 6 - Bamboozled

Everything went just as expected. I got one of the highest marks in my class on my final exam, however honestly the whole thing was child's play. My relationship with Cheryle grew over the 2 weeks we had left of school. The moments were bittersweet, knowing we had to part ways eventually to pursue our own career goals. In the lush gardens of the last day of school, Cheryle spoke up during our peaceful lunch break.

"Oh man I'm so excited to be officially partnering up with Lynette and Lyney tomorrow! I can't wait for school to end to finally meet them!"

She then stopped

"Oh sorry! That probably sounded really insensitive knowing you're leaving tomorrow as well."

I smiled, my expression showing her I've truly changed a bit after our little talk.

"No worries! It doesn't bother me if you're thinking that."

My lettuce sandwich kept me in a good mood. Who couldn't resist the fresh leaves of lettuce and the loud crunches it makes? It also kept me in the best health condition, optimal for my upcoming adventure. Near the end of break, Cheryle suddenly got up and started a small dance performance besides the large, oak tree. By now she's gained a small audience, cheering and clapping for her when she was done. I felt genuinely happy for her, knowing that her dream from when she was little was slowly becoming a reality. 'RING, RING, RING' It was the bell, signaling the final class of the school year.

"Come of Cheryle, you don't want to be late for your last performance class, do you?"

She stuffed her mouth with her remaining bread, remembering she left her lunch out while she was performing in front of our fellow seniors a few minutes ago. She wasn't the type to waste food, but now she looked like one of those anime girls stuffing their mouth with toast while running late to school. I slowly rose up and carried my bag on my back, walking away. Cheryle was taking way too long to get ready.

"Heyy Zepherlyn wait up! I'm not that slow you know!"

Cherlye tried to catch up with me, almost tripping in the process. We walked back to our respective classes. Her usual performing classes, and my forsaken accelerated class.

When I walked in, the atmosphere felt different than usual. It was much lighter, my classmates were smiling and talking to each other. Even the teacher had a smile plastered on her face, something I had never witnessed before. Something felt... Off. I rubbed my eyes, making sure what I was witnessing wasn't an illusion. Nothing happened. Except now I noticed streamers and balloons were everywhere. This just felt... Surreal. Not the usual, pressure-heavy class I'm used to. I walked up to the teacher, questions muddling my brain.

"Oh, who is it here? Well, if it isn't Zepherlyn! One of my top ranked students. How are you?"

I stepped back in confusion, "What's gotten her so friendly?"

"O-oh I'm fine! I'm just very glad final exams are over and the stress is finally gone." I then took this chance to ask her my question. "Anyways... What's the occasion? This class feels completely different than usual, the students and even you Miss." I held in my breath, waiting for a lecture coming my direction because of the way I talked to her. Instead, she just laughed.

"Oh Zepherlyn! Don't you know? The final class of accelerated is fun and festive, free of stress! Don't you know how tough it is to be strict to demanding to all my students to make sure they get the highest marks possible? They know that too, which is why studies are the number one priority. No distractions otherwise. You'd know that the best, Zepherlyn. But now that everything is finally over, there's no more studying to be done. Because of that, I take this opportunity to relieve every one of their years' worth of stress in this one class."

I was puzzled- no, more like bamboozled. Was I living a lie the entire time? Did everyone just put on a facade in front of me the entire time? I collapsed, the pressure releasing from my body. I should feel happy, right? But I couldn't. Because of this class, it has molded me into the person I slowly became overtime. A heartless, cold monster. However, I couldn't think of that now. The purpose of this lesson was to relieve my built-up stress. I closed my eyes and blacked out. That was the best thing for me now.