Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.

– C.S. Lewis

The headmaster’s voice echoed through the halls, "The official orientation will be held two days from now. You students should use this time wisely to interact with each other! Any form of violence or illegal activities is forbidden."

Mr. Murdock then pulled an orange folder and opened it, clearing his throat, "As we call your names, please collect your card and key for your dormitory room. Return to your seats in an orderly fashion."

One by one, Mr. Murdock called our names in alphabetical order. Elena, sitting next to me, contained her hidden enthusiasm well. The excitement in the room was palpable. Though she wasn't smiling, her eyes shimmered just a bit and she uttered a small yes under her breath. I knew Elena was excited for this. For someone who enjoy her own company, the prospect of having her own room was a dream come true.

"Oh my goodness! I can't believe we're getting our own room!" I heard a female student exclaim to her friend. My eyes glanced over her features before looking over at her seemingly excited friend.

"Pfft! What a relief! I don't need to share my room with a bunch of slobs." Another girl muttered. Although she was only many feet away from the left corner of my peripheral vision, I noticed she had dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. She nonchalantly examined her manicured nails, seemingly lost in both boredom and her cocky ambiance.

My name was suddenly called, and I quickly made my way to the stage, ignoring any stares directed my way.

After nodding a thanks to the headmaster, I paced back to my seat, contemplating whether I should wait for Elena or not.

There have to be at least a thousand students present in this room. The principal took at least six seconds to call each name, depending on the syllables and length. He started letter 'B' after he called my name. My guess is that it will take four minutes before he reached letter 'E' and less than two minutes before he reached Elena.

I took my seat and listened to the names being called. That way, I can put a name to a face and remember the students.

"Hey, Augustan?" I turned to look at Elena. Her face was slightly flushed and she fiddled with her fingers. She was nervous.

"D-Do y-you think you can—uh...," her voice crack as she trails off. She's probably saying the rest of her question inside her head.

I lazily raised an eyebrow. "You want me to wait for you so we can leave together after your name is called. Sure, I'll wait."

Elena gazed at me in shock. "Really?!"

I nodded.

She then smiled and sheepishly rubbed her neck. "I thought my weird technology talk was starting to annoy you. Good thing it hasn't yet. Thanks."

I nodded again and waited for Elena's name to be called. Whilst waiting, my mind drifted to the thought of having a new principal. There was no updates on the academy website, so what's going on? Have they forgotten? But that wouldn't make sense. Ascendant Academy is always punctual about updating their website about every little thing that happens in the school. They do this because they know the world is watching. Maybe I'm in over my head about this.

Once Elena was called, I began to gathered my things. It didn't take long since I didn't put down anything.

Elena quickly returned, and we exited the hall after Mr. Roberts told us we were free to leave once our names were called. I always look over every detail.

Mr. Roberts then led us to the cafeteria. The cafeteria at Ascendant Academy exuded a buzz of activity and communal camaraderie. Trays and plates cluttered and clattered as the students grabbed their meals. The cafeteria was located at the heart of the west wing of school. It serves as a hub of social interaction and nourishment for students and faculty alike.

Upon entering, I was greeted by the savory aroma of freshly prepared meals, enticing the senses and whetting the appetite. The spacious room was adorned with traditional and elegant decor, reflecting the institution's long history and prestigious reputation. The walls were lined with rich wood paneling, giving the room a warm and dignified ambiance. Ornate chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow over the space and adding a touch of old-world charm.

Rather than modern furnishings, the tables and chairs were crafted from sturdy wood, featuring intricate carvings and upholstered seats for comfort. Antique rugs lined the floor, adding a sense of coziness and refinement to the room. Long rows of tables stretched across the room, providing ample seating for students to gather and enjoy their meals together. The buzz of conversation filled the air as students chatted and laughed over their food, forming friendships and forging connections amidst the lively atmosphere.

At the serving area, a wide array of culinary delights awaited, ranging from hearty main courses to delectable desserts. The menu boasted a diverse selection of dishes to cater to various tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone found something to savor.

Behind the counters, dedicated cafeteria staff work diligently to prepare and serve each meal with care and efficiency. Their friendly smiles and welcoming demeanor add to the warm and inviting atmosphere of the cafeteria, making every visit a pleasant experience.

"Oh my gizmo! They have strawberry cheesecake! And chocolate mousse!" Elena rushed over to the glass display. Her eyes widen with excitement as she drooled at the sight of delicacies.

I grab two trays and handed one to Elena. "At least put it on a plate before eating it."

Elena gave me a stink eye before grabbing both the mousse and cheesecake, which were already placed on mini white platters. I picked up a fruit tart before walking to the main course counter. I added a cheeseburger and chips to my tray, and to assuage my guilt over the greasy choices, I grabbed a strawberry salad.

I beckoned for Elena before taking a seat next to a floor-to-roof window. Not long after, Elena joined me, still beaming.

"Wow. Thank you so much for waiting on me. Such a wonderful friend," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, causing me to smile.

I didn't know we were on friendly terms now. I didn't mind. I'm going to need it. Elena didn't emanated a dangerous aura. She seemed friendly and eager to please.

"Thank you, thank you," I said, preparing a napkin over my lap. "If it wasn't for you ogling the dessert section for five minutes, maybe I would've waited." I teased.

"It’s not that I was ogling at the sweets. It’s just that…” Elena glanced down, her brows furrowed.

“I know. It seems like your parents, more so your dad, probably had a negative experience with sweets, which is why he forbidden you and your siblings from eating them,” I said, reading her expression.

Elena gazed at me, her mouth opened in awe. I held in my laughter and took a bite of my cheeseburger.

"Wow! That's so cool! How did you do that?" She inquired, genuinely impressed.

I chuckled. I looked around to see if anyone was listening. I leaned forward and whispered to Elena as if I'm about to tell ia big secret, "I'm psychic."

I looked at her and popped a chip in my mouth. She should know I was kidding.

But instead of laughing at my joke in disbelief, her eyes glimmered. "Really?! Oh goodness. Okay. Uh...?"

Elena glimpsed around before looking on a boy with tan skin, long dark wavy hair and deep brown eyes. "Okay, tell me any information about that guy over there."

Does she really believes I'm a psychic? I chuckled internally. I don’t buy it.

I raised an eyebrow, "Why? You like him? But I thought you liked me."

Elena annoyingly rolled her eyes before cutting into her steak. I chuckled before glancing over to where Elena's gazed was fixed. I focused on the people at the table across the cafeteria. Their voices were drowned out by the din of the heaving room, but I honed in on their movements, trying to decipher their conversation through lip-reading.

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As I watched, I caught snippets of conversation, the shapes of their mouths forming words that I pieced together like a puzzle.

Oh, so that's his name.

The guy, Niccolò, sat amidst a group of students who seem to hang on his every move. Despite the lively chatter around him, he remained quiet and reserved. Girls flock to him, vying for his attention, while his unique features—like his mismatched eyes and the scar running down his neck—set him apart from the crowd.

Mimicking the psychics I've seen in movies, I placed my fingers on each side of my head, rubbing my temples, and closed my eyes. Elena stopped eating and straightens in her seat, watching me intently.

"His name is Niccolò, and... he's gradually losing his sight in his left eye," I said, trying to sound mysterious.

I rubbed my temples again, pretending to concentrate deeply before continuing.

"He also has a scar that runs down from his neck and into his shirt. Likely from an intense knife fight."

Elena's eyes widen in surprise, and she leaned closer. "Wow, Augustan, how did you know all that?"

I give her a half-smile, enjoying the moment of intrigue. "A psychic never reveals their secrets, Elena."

As Elena giggled and asked me to read a few more people, she turned her attention to the rest of the cafeteria, scanning the faces until her gaze settled on a solitary figure sitting by herself.

"Oh! You can read Tristesse." She nodded at a lass. My eyes followed and I was astound. Tristesse was beautiful. Her dark gray almost black hair cascaded down in waves, framing her heart-shaped face. Tristesse's almond eyes were an icy blue and her cupid-shaped lips were a flush pink. Her skin was as fair as a dove's and smooth as silk. Blemishes was not a word in her dictionary.

Tristesse was a famous French model. She received looks from both the boys and girls. Clearing my throat, I asked, "Who is she?"

"You don't know thee Tristesse Beaufoy?!" Elena exclaimed.

Of course I knew who Tristesse Beaufoy was. I remembered hearing a rumor that the prince of morroco asked for her hand in marriage. I always wondered why someone would named their child that word.

"She models for her father's couture known as Beaufoy. In fact, she's a walking sensation in the modeling world. The fact she got the attention of Anna Winter says enough." She whispered the last part as if Tristesse could've heard her from where she sat.

Anna Winter, the formidable fashion tycoon, has held the position of editor-in-chief at Dernier Cri since 1986. Known for her icy demeanor, she has been a prominent figure in both British and American media. Dernier Cri, the renowned magazine she oversees, specializes in covering the latest fashion trends and related topics. I recall my mother once mentioning that if she ever became famous, she would aspire to be featured as a cover girl by Anna Winter. Her dream came true.

Elena added, "Her celebrity status reached its peak with the launch of her own fashion brand, Margaux, drawing inspiration from French regency and contemporary fashion."

With admiration, Elena exclaimed, "Her father holds the title of the richest man in France and ranks among the wealthiest globally. Our fathers crossed paths a couple of years back. Mr. Beaufoy sought my father's expertise for crafting a bespoke suit for the launch of the Starsung phone and the Nebula Tablet. However, I highly doubt she would remember meeting me."

I nodded as I looked at Tristesse, "I see."

If she felt someone was gazing at her, Tristesse didn't showed it. Instead, she flipped the pages of her book.

Something tells me Tristesse is aloof and taciturn.

Tristesse quickly looked around before glancing down at her Russian literature book, War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. I recognized the book cover.

"Well...?" Elena asked, scooping the last bit of mashed potatoes in her mouth.

I closed my eyes and pretend to concentrate. "She likes literature. But it seems as if... she's gloomy."

"Huh? How? Maybe it's because all the model projects she had to leave before coming here?" Elena asked in confusion.

"Maybe..." I trailed off but never confirmed it. Tristesse didn't seem that shallow. Something tells me there's more to that. Maybe its family business. Maybe that book reminds her of someone. Or maybe I think to much.

"You're trailing off so I guess I can conclude that its not fashion biz. Can you use your psychic abilities to see what's she truly sad about?"

I took a deep breath in and shook my head. "I don't think so. It's seems like there's something blocking my energy. Maybe she has a mental block. Or the negative energy she's emitting is too strong to bypass." I lied.

Elena frowned before nodding in understanding. "Oh... okay. I hope she gets better!"

I nodded slowly, "Yep. Yeah. Anyways, what's the coolest thing you ever created?"

Elena took a sip of her raspberry lemonade, thinking for a moment. Her eyes then widen as she slammed her glass back on the table.

"Oh! Oh! It was when I created a Game Mania Virtual World! It contained games that I made as well as games inspired by others. It is set up in a grand hall where each door contains puzzles, conundrums or a world where you have a role to play."

I took a bite of my cheeseburger. "That's so cool. Which parts was the hardest to create?"

Elena contemplated for a moment, "I wouldn't say any part was difficult since I'm quite use to it. The parts that took the longest was the worldbuilding. I had to design multiple worlds with different cosmologies, physics, landscapes, cultures and lore. As well I had to do other technical implementations."

I nodded while listening to Elena speak about her passion. However, the conversation soon ranged from movie genres to comic books.

"What's your favorite genre of movies? I like comedy or romance! I hate anything that deals with blood or dead bodies... or the occult! Ew!" Elena's skin turned ashen as she shivered. "It just give me the heebie-jeebies!"

"I like horror. Especially the kind that's so mind bending and mind twisting."

Elena grimaced, "So you mean you like psychological horrors?"

I nodded, "Yeah. There's just something about controlling the mind without needing to use deadly weapons or being some urban legend murderer or havinv otherworldly powers. There are humans who can manipulate you and you won't even know."

That truly scared me because what if we're being control without even knowing it? Okay now my mind is racing.

Elena was silence, gazing at me she then cleared her throat. "I don't like anything that requires to much thinking. I already have to think think I help my father and his work. I just want something entertaining in a comically way."

She then eyed me warily, "But that makes sense for someone like you to like psychological... horrors. You emit detective vibes." Rubbing her chin, Elena looked up as she pretended to think. She then nodded matter-of-factly, agreeing with what was said.

I laughed in disbelief, "Thank you. I'll take that as a compliment. I mean, detectives are intelligent. So indirectly, you are telling me that I'm smart."

Elena bobbed her head. "Yeah, you seem pretty smart. But aren't all psychics smart?"

"I guess so. Speaking of psychics... have you heard about Y-Men? It's a comic about mutants who have crazy powers and..." I trailed off, noticing the question mark that appeared on Elena's face. "What?! You don't read comics? I thought you would since they're entertaining and don't require much thinking to keep up with."

Well, some comics doesn't require you think.

"I mean," Elena started, "I heard the name before, but I haven't read any comics about them."

"Oh. Well, allow me..." I began to tell her about the stories and lores of each character of the team. With each word I said, Elena would lean forward in interest. As we chatted, I felt like I learned alot more about Elena. It felt like we were friends for many years. Maybe a true friendship was blossoming. And it's only the first day!

Soon, an hour had flew by. It was pass seven o'clock and we were both done with our meals. We placed our plater in the tray return station and strolled out the double doors.

"Hey. Would you like me to walk you to your dorm?"

Elena nodded eagerly and we started our walk to the female dormitory. There was a comfortable silence surrounding us as we walked to the dorms. I only saw pictures, but the male and female dorms were on opposite ends of the campus. Using my memory, I guessed that the dorms were roughly 1.14 miles apart.

Soon, we reached the female dormitory building which was 6 stories high. The building was painted in red with floor to roof length windows. There were a few girls lingering around in the saloon. Elena looked at the notice board and saw the list with their room number.

"Okay! So I am on floor three...," Elena trailed off once she noticed I was going.

"Geez! You're going to leave without saying goodbye?!"

I halted in my tracks. I turned around and gave her a nod, "Goodbye, Elena."

Elena smiled and waved, "Goodbye, August!"

Brushing of the sudden nickname, I watched as Elena entered the elevator before strolling away. The path to the male dorm was at least fifteen minutes long depending how athletic one was. The jet lag finally hit me as my eyelids became heavy. I shook my head to keep myself awake.

My lids heaved again and I immediately widen them.

I'm not about to drop sleep in the middle of the corridor.

Suddenly, I bumped into a body. The contact was so quick, I was afraid I had knocked the air out of the gaunt girl's lungs. How fast was we going? I grasped the girl firmly, keeping her from falling. Her body felt limp in my arms.

"I'm sorry. I didn't see you." The girl didn't say anything. She just smiled.

The girl looked up and my eyes traced her face. Her hair was long and black as a raven. On the left side, her locks were tucked behind her ear, but on the other side, her hair swept across her right eye. She's insecure about her face, particularly her right eye. She's hiding a major scar or something major happened to her eye. Or it's just a unique fashion choice.Her roundish eyes were a murky shade of brown and her chapped lips was slightly on the thinner side.

The silence became unbearable that I gradually released her. Nodding at her, I dawdled away.

But I halted in my tracks once I heard the disturbing sentence the girl mumbled. Her voice was naturally low and raspy, but I heard her quite well.

"The bloodshed that will happen in this school will be enough to paint the walls a new vivid shade of red."

I turned around, ready to question her, she vanished. Its as if she wasn't behind me at all. She disappeared in plain sight.

What the...

I look at the nearby bushes, before racing back to the female dormitory and questioned the girls.

"Hey!" I shouted at the girls to gained their attention. They looked at me, some with lingering stares.

"Have any of you girls saw a female with white skin, brown eyes and black hair that swoop across her face?"

Some of the girls frowned, but they all glanced at me in confusion. Rubbing my face, I walked back outside and inhaled deeply as my mind began to race.

Is she a ghost? No. I touched her. I felt her. She's definitely real and corporeal. My fingers would've went through her if she wasn't.

I glanced up at the moon and sigh.

Dear God, please... let what she said be false.