Beneath the Surface

Chapter 2: The First Impressions

I woke up early the next morning, surprised to find Riven already up and moving around.

"You haven't packed yet," he said, setting down cutlery and leftover food from last night.

"I'll finish packing in a few minutes. I don't have much to pack anyway," I replied, washing my face before sitting down at the table.

Riven took a seat across from me, but as I started eating, I noticed he hadn't touched his food. He was just staring at me. I paused and looked up at him. "What's wrong?" I asked.

Riven pursed his lips. "I'm not really excited about you leaving," he admitted, his straightforwardness catching me off guard. "I won't get to see you as much. "I couldn't help but laugh a little.

"Since when did you become so clingy?" I teased.

"Since we met," he replied, his face serious. There was a slight frown on his lips. "I will miss you."

"I'll come see you when I can, and you can always sneak in to visit me," I said, chewing on the hard bread.

"That place has a full surveillance system, and you want me to sneak in?" Riven asked, incredulous. "You can do it. I believe in your skills to evade the cameras and security," I said, taking a sip of the soup.

"But-" I quickly stuffed a piece of bread into his mouth.

"Eat. Then help me pack. The car will be here soon to pick me up." I wiped my mouth and stood up.

I took out the uniform and quickly put it on. Riven tactfully stepped out to give me some privacy.

Viviana stood before the cracked mirror, meticulously adjusting the crimson red tie around her crisp white blouse.

The delicate lace trim along the high collar framed her slender neck, adding an elegant touch to the form-fitting garment.
She slipped on the tailored black blazer, the silver embroidery along the lapels and cuffs catching the faint morning light streaming through the window.

The academy's emblem, a sleek design featuring an obsidian gemstone and a phoenix, sat proudly on her left chest pocket.

She smoothed down the pleated skirt, ensuring the thin silver line at the hem fell perfectly just above her knees.

The deep red fabric contrasted sharply with her long black hair, which she let fall freely down her back, a striking cascade against the uniform's dark hues.
Viviana then pulled on a pair of black knee-high socks, the high-quality material fitting snugly and comfortably against her fair skin.

Her feet slipped into polished black low-heeled shoes, their understated elegance matching the rest of her attire.
She fastened the silver pin with her initials, V.C., to her blazer, the small accessory gleaming subtly against the black fabric.

Standing back to appraise her reflection, Viviana noted the stark transformation from her usual ragged clothing.

The uniform made her appear poised and commanding, a far cry from her life in the slums.

"Whew..." Riven whistled as he entered.
"Suits you." He said, a hint of admiration in his voice.

I smiled.
"Help me pack." I instructed.
He nodded and began folding my clothes neatly into the duffle bag.

"I spent the entire night reading those files. I've memorized them, but I'm leaving them here. You should go through them; they could be important." I said.
"Hm." He hummed in acknowledgment.

"Viv," he called, his tone serious."What is it?"

"I don't think they'll agree to join us," he admitted, focusing intently on the clothes in his hands. I raised an eyebrow. "You don't believe in me?"