Paradoxical Convergence (Book 1)

Chapter 2:Classmates

Cecile stepped out of the auditorium, the bright midday sun momentarily blinding him. His thoughts,however, remained fixed on the girl with snow-white hair and the ominous note she had left behind. "Beware the Butcher. It's closer than you think." He could feel the weight of the paper in his pocket, as if it held more than just ink and words. He glanced back at the auditorium doors, half-expecting to see her standing there, but the space was now filled with a steady stream of students, eager to explore the campus after the ceremony.

No sign of her.

Who was she? Cecile couldn't shake the strange feeling she'd left him with. The way she had spoken to him, so certain, so knowing. And that warning—did she mean the Butcher was at the academy? Or was she just playing some sort of game? He sighed, running a hand through his hair. This day was getting stranger by the minute.

As he walked, his mind returned to the girl's words: "You carry something heavy... You also carry a light."

What did she mean by that? The accident had left him with heavy memories, true, but what light was she talking about? A gift that will turn your life upside down... It didn't make any sense. He sighed again. Maybe it was nothing—just the cryptic words of a strange girl trying to spook him on his first day. But the look in her eyes had felt far too real.

He pulled out his schedule, scanning the list of rooms and teachers' names. Senior High 12-HUMSS, Room 4-B. With a small sigh, he started weaving through the flow of students. The main building of St. Benedict loomed ahead, its gothic architecture both imposing and grand, stained glass windows casting colorful beams onto the cobblestone paths.

Cecile found Room 4-B without much difficulty. The door was open, and a few students had already settled into their seats. He stepped inside and quickly scanned the room.The classroom was bright, sunlight streaming in through tall windows, illuminating the polished desks and the gleaming blackboard. He picked an empty seat near the middle of the room, close enough to observe but not so central that he'd draw attention to himself.

"Hey, are you lost or something?" a sharp, feminine voice interrupted his quiet moment.

Cecile looked up to see a girl standing by his desk, her arms crossed and a perfectly manicured eyebrow raised in amusement. She had long, straight black hair that shone under the fluorescent lights, and her posture exuded confidence—almost arrogance. Her uniform was immaculate, the blazer perfectly pressed, and she wore it with an effortless grace that suggested she was used to being in the spotlight.

As if on cue, the girl's eyes swept over him, taking in his appearance—the pale skin, the wolfcut, the slight nervousness in his posture. Then she smiled, but it wasn't a warm smile. It was more like a test.

"New here, huh?" she said, her voice carrying across the room. The students around her turned to look at Cecile, some with curiosity, others with thinly veiled amusement.

Cecile nodded. "Yeah, first day."

The girl's eyes swept over him critically before she cocked her head to the side, confusion clouding her expression. "Wait, why are you wearing the male uniform? Isn't it uncomfortable?" She frowned slightly.

Cecile blinked. "I'm... a guy." His voice was quiet but firm, though he could feel the embarrassment creeping up his neck.

For a second, the girl just stared at him, clearly caught off-guard. Then she burst into laughter, her voice ringing out across the room, catching the attention of a few nearby students.

"Oh my god, I thought you were a girl!" she gasped between giggles. "You're so pretty, I totally thought you were in the wrong uniform!"

Cecile's face flushed, but he managed a small, awkward smile. "Nope, definitely a guy."