Rival's Crescendo: Secrets of Melrose Manor

Unlocked Echoes: A New Rhythm in Melrose Manor

Reality hit hard as I stared at the now-vacant locker that once belonged to Haerin. It was a tangible reminder of her abrupt departure – her absence now a tangible void in the bustling corridors of Melrose Manor. Fleur's voice, a lifeline from the present, cut through my reverie. "Earth to Minji, did you hear me?" Her words snapped me back, and I focused on her with a forced smile. "There's an opening day on Thursday," she continued, her eyes bright with intrigue. "Bluebird Academy is coming to give us a glimpse of our competition."

Raising an eyebrow, I considered the news. Opening days were a common occurrence here, as this elite school garnered attention from parents seeking to secure a coveted spot for their children. Yet, it was unusual for another institution to visit our hallowed halls. "So what?" I responded, a hint of defiance in my voice. "We can beat them this year." Fleur's head shook slightly, a flicker of doubt in her eyes. "I thought so too," she confessed, her gaze drifting to the locker that had once held Haerin's belongings. I sighed in agreement, a mix of frustration and resignation weighing on me. "Yeah," I muttered, "we'll just have to see."

The bell chimed, punctuating our conversation with a sense of urgency. The hallway transformed as students hurried to their respective classes. As I settled into history class, the buzz of conversation swirled around me. My ears perked up as snippets of a party narrative reached me. "Then he pulled out a gun," someone recounted, my curiosity piqued. A pang of regret echoed within me – I had missed out on quite an event.

A tap on my shoulder jolted me from my thoughts. It was Sebastian, his charismatic smile accompanied by a simple question. "Do you have a spare pen?" I nodded, handing him one as he thanked me. His dimples seemed to light up the room, a testament to his popularity among the students. Girls often whispered about his attractiveness, but to me, he was just another privileged boy who happened to play football.

Another tap interrupted my musings. I turned to find the same face – one that held an unexpected query. "Are you doing anything Saturday?" The question hung in the air, a departure from the usual casual interactions. I blinked, surprised by the deviation from the norm. My mind raced, grappling with the unexpected invitation and the intrigue it held.