all that could've been → jjk

ix

CHAPTER IX ; LAVENDER HIGH

many people claim that the principal's office is the most intimidating place one could ever get themselves stuck in, some say the disciplinary office and some the teachers' faculty. it's pretty much obvious that they are, without a shadow of a doubt, intimidating as all of them shared the same essence.

but to you, where you're standing right now is one of the most dreadful places you could ever be in.

"hey, what brings you here in the drama club?" says a member with twin drills trailing down on both side of her head.

higher-ups gazing down at you like a flock of vultures. that's it, that's the essence. you haven't even died yet but their stern gazes were enough to send you straight down to your coffin.

and that goes the same for the drama club. and may i remind you, they're staring down at you like you're some kind of prey in the lions' den. this was enough for you to squirm under your breath.

"i hope i didn't interrupt something important," you squeaked out when you noticed how they had expressions to urge you on talking. "i wanted to check in on kugisaki-san."

one of the few members sat back and perked up a friendly smile. "kugisaki doesn't attend club meetings at lunch since she takes supplementary lessons in arts."

your body didn't correspond to what you were thinking about. your eyes narrowed and your mouth was left hanging. surely, there was something you had to say, it's just on the tip of your tongue. the confusion you felt was immense and embarrassing.

but thank the heavens for kokona, the same twin drill-headed girl, breaking the ice but asking yet another question. in all honesty, you just wanted to leave.

"aren't you that underclassman from 'the phantom of the opera' play we had last year?"

you wished that that performance was only remarkable because of your acting and not because of the dialogue that came with it. you wished that their current thought went in sync with yours, the part where your voice trembled in fear and how you dramatically dropped against the dusty chair provided by the group.

perhaps, that display was convincing and not the totally embarrassing-

"right! you're the 'it's the ghost!' character!" an unfortunate frown settled on your face.

a symphony of agreement blasted through the air but what took you by surprise is how a mixture of praises resounded as well.

the conversation had only went to a dire turn and your eyes couldn't stop itself from wandering elsewhere except for the members. the talk about the infamous hamilton play was flattering. being gender fluid-looking is a pretty good advantage.

other than that, the sole reason you found yourself pegged within the familiar red walls was to join the club and fix whatever problem you have towards kugisaki but from the looks of it, you'd have to wait for eons for that to happen.

at the end of the *almost* hour-long conversation, they settled down with the chattering and went down to business— to which you got no time for because mother nature decided to come barging in the room.

you bade goodbye and made a bee line towards the door, trying not slam yourself out. the trip down to the nearest comfort room was usually not that hard considering that all you need to do is relief yourself but then there's inumaki.

yes, the inumaki toge.

'not again-'

fatality isn't one to be inclined to, like who would want to die? death could be lurking over the grounds which he sowed for souls and hunt down fresh ones to lay next in line.