Feels like a Dream...

._-~'NINE-ECHOS'~-_.

Kasey's POV

The morning sun streams through the classroom windows, casting a warm glow over the desks. Despite the cheerful weather, the atmosphere in school feels heavy, a palpable tension hanging in the air. Every glance exchanged between students carries an unspoken weight, and the usual buzz of conversation is punctuated with whispers and sidelong glances.

As I walk down the hallway to my locker, I can't help but notice how the dynamic between Avery's group and Kali and Alice has shifted. It's like a shadow hanging over everything, affecting even the smallest interactions. I spot Avery, Daily, Eve, and Akrian gathered by their lockers, their faces reflecting the same mixture of apprehension and resolve that I feel.

"Hey, Kasey," Daily says with a weak smile as I approach. "Ready for another day of dodging landmines?"

I return her smile, though it doesn't quite reach my eyes. "Yeah, I guess. Just trying to keep things normal."

We chat briefly about our classes and upcoming tests, but the conversation is scattered, our words often trailing off into silence. It's hard to concentrate when the recent events feel so fresh, and the lingering tension from Kali and Alice only adds to the difficulty.

As we head to our first class, I notice Kali and Alice standing by their lockers, their expressions guarded. They seem to be in a hushed conversation, their heads close together. Kali's body language is rigid, her posture exuding a sense of defiance despite the underlying anxiety in her eyes. Alice, on the other hand, looks more withdrawn, her gaze flitting around nervously.

I catch Daily's eye, and we exchange a knowing look. It's clear that neither of us is comfortable with the current state of things, and the feeling of unease is mutual among our group.

The morning classes pass in a blur, each period feeling longer than the last. By lunchtime, the cafeteria is buzzing with chatter, but it lacks its usual energy. It's as if everyone is waiting for something to happen, and the anticipation creates an underlying tension that's hard to ignore.

I sit with Avery, Daily, Eve, and Akrian at our usual table, trying to focus on the conversation. We're discussing a new project in history class, but the topic of Kali and Alice inevitably comes up.

"I saw them in the hallway this morning," Avery says quietly. "They looked like they were having a heated discussion."

Daily nods. "Yeah, I saw that too. Kali's acting like she's ready for a fight, and Alice... I don't know. She looks like she's carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders."

Eve frowns. "Do you think they're planning something? It's hard to ignore how tense things are."

Akrian, always the calm one, offers a thoughtful response. "They might be feeling the pressure just as much as we are. It's clear they're struggling with their own feelings about the situation."

The conversation shifts back to the project, but the lingering thoughts about Kali and Alice continue to hover in the background. I find myself glancing over at their table, where Kali and Alice sit apart from each other. The divide between them mirrors the growing rift between their group and ours, a stark reminder of the unresolved conflict.

As the lunch period comes to a close, we all head to our respective classes. The rest of the day drags on, each minute stretching into what feels like an eternity. The weight of the unresolved conflict between our group and Kali and Alice hangs over us, casting a shadow on even the most mundane activities.