Golden Melody

Chapter 1.3

The Academy Library

His Pov

November, 2011

Five months in, and I somehow got stuck with the title of Student Council President.

Thanks to that annoying Thyron as my campaign manager, I ended up winning by a landslide.

I still can't believe he made me the student council president.
He's always been so focused on his own ambitions.
He even won Mr. Wayne Academy, for crying out loud.

What does he need with me in this position?
He could just run for president himself and add another trophy to his collection.

This whole thing just feels... off.

I'd rather be playing DOTAA than dealing with endless meetings and school events, but I guess I'm the "responsible" one now.

Because of the heavy responsibilities that came with being president, countless school activities and projects, that
I hadn't talked to the golden girl Miexha.
She was busy, too, always rushing around campus.
But despite that, her grades were shockingly low.

I still couldn't figure out why she scored so poorly on exams.
It didn't add up.
Her mind sparkled with wit and musical genius, but academics seemed to elude her grasp.
It was as if her brilliance was a flame that burned brightest when fueled by passion, not by textbooks and tests papers.

And then there was this weird thing: she was kind of a loner. You wouldn't think it, not with her looks and confidence.
But apart from Thyron, she barely spoke to anyone.
She lit up every time she saw him, like he was her personal sun.
It pissed me off a little.

But hey, I could be her friend, too, right?
Maybe I should finally talk to her.

I walked toward her, trying to act casual and definitely not like some kind of stalker.
My heart thumped a little faster as I approached her.
But before I could get any closer, a girl approached her.
I had no choice but to stop, pretending to look busy as I grabbed a random book from the library shelf.

"Exy, have you seen Zat?" the girl asked.

Wait, Zat?
That's my nickname!
No one else in this school goes by that name.
Miexha didn't even look at her.
She was so focused on the book in her hands, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"I saw him walk in here, so I know he's hereee," the girl said, her voice dripping with drama.
She was clearly trying to get Miexha's attention.

Miexha stood up and walked away without a word.
She didn't recognize my nickname?
Right... I never told her I go by Zat.

The girl was fuming, crossing her arms as she glared after Miexha.

"How dare you ignore me, brainless Exy!" she shouted.

Ugh, really?
In a library?
I sighed, a wave of annoyance washing over me.
This girl was a drama queen.

I turned to her, trying to keep my voice calm.

"What do you need from me that you have to shout in the library?" I asked, my tone was serious.
I was starting to get annoyed.

She jumped a little, not expecting me to speak up, and then her expression shifted into something cutesy.
She tried to smile sweetly at me, but I wasn't buying it.
Sure, she was pretty, but I wasn't into girls who looked like they belonged in a makeup commercial.

"Oh, hi Zat..." she stammered, biting her finger.
What is she, a toddler?
I turned my attention back to the book I grabbed.

That's when I realized it was Little Red Riding Hood.
Great.
Now I feel like an even bigger loser.

She sat down next to me, her face getting way too close to my shoulder.
I shifted uncomfortably, inching away from her.
I didn't want to be near her.

"The Christmas ball is coming up, and I know you're too shy to ask me..." she said, batting her eyelashes.
"It's okay, though.
I'd be your date for the ball.
Just say the word, hmm?"

I stared at the pages of the book. Nope.
Nope.
Nope.
"Nope, I won't ask you or anyone," I said flatly, not even bothering to look at her.
I didn't want to be rude, but I was done with this conversation.

Her face immediately twisted into a pout before she huffed, stood up, and stormed off like the spoiled brat she was.
I let out a long breath.
Finally.
Peace.