GUNS & ROSES | ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴᴛᴇᴇɴ

iii. ✓

𝒊𝒊𝒊.

The resonating chime of the first-period bell shattered the tense silence that hung in the air, serving as an unspoken cue for us to disperse and make our way to class.

"I guess we should be going to our classes now." Nayoung cleared her throat and stood up, gracefully slinging her bag over her shoulder.

As I glanced at her, something caught my eye—a flash of luxury amidst the mundane school setting.

Oh, shit, is that a Gucci bag?

I couldn't help but marvel momentarily at the opulence surrounding Nayoung.

Yoojung turned her attention to me. "What's your subject?" she inquired, her gaze searching mine.

"Music," I replied, my mind recalling the schedule sheet I had received from Ms. Principal the day before.

Jieqiong's excitement bubbled forth as she exclaimed, "Oh, cool! You can join us! We have music too!"

A smile tugged at my lips, amusement evident in my eyes. "Well, what a twist of fate to be meeting you all," I remarked playfully.

The girls chuckled, their laughter dancing through the air like a sweet melody. With Yoojung and her friends leading the way, we made our way to the music room, located in the eastern wing of the school building.

Observing Yoojung and her friends as we walked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth emanating from them. They all seem friendly and outgoing. I guess not all rich kids are snobs.

Sohye, brimming with infectious excitement, announced our arrival at the music room, her voice filled with joy. The rest of the girls smiled indulgently at her behavior. Nayoung, ever the informant, clarified, "Sohye's favorite subject is music."

Doyeon interjected playfully, "Although she's not particularly skilled at it," causing the girls to erupt in laughter. I simply smiled in response.

The first period flew by like a fleeting melody, and as we parted ways, Yoojung and her friends explained that they had a dance class until lunch. I found myself alone until then, but we made a pact to reconvene at the cafeteria.

Consulting my schedule, a sense of relief washed over me as I realized I had a free period before my English class. With nowhere in particular to go, I decided to seek solace in the library.

As I meandered through the hallways, my mind wandered, overwhelmed by the sheer size and grandeur of the school. Swimming pools, gardens, fields, cafes, and even a mall—Sakura High School resembled a thriving city within its own walls.

Lost in thought, my mind suddenly fixated on the enigmatic figures of the Kings. I had already encountered two of them—the pavilion boy and the High King—both of whom had proven themselves to be insufferable individuals.

A tinge of embarrassment colored my cheeks as I recollected how I had been inexplicably drawn to the pavilion boy just the previous night. At that moment, he had appeared almost otherworldly, an ethereal being who captivated my attention. But I quickly shook off the memory, reminding myself of his derogatory words.

He called you 'trash', my inner voice echoed, its reminder cutting through my reverie.

Sighing heavily, I contemplated the implications of being labeled as such. I figured that, just like everyone else in school, they noticed that I was the scholarship student. 

Was it that obvious? I pondered this question, my footsteps carrying me further into the hallways.

Lost in my musings, I failed to notice the towering figure directly in front of me until it was too late. I collided with a force that sent a jolt of pain through my body, my head throbbing from the impact.