Last day of Spring Semester

After their final human anatomy exam, the class 5 gang gathered around their usual table in the bustling dining hall for a lunchtime chat.

"I can't believe we're finally free! Spring break plans, anyone?" Hannah sang out, vines of delicate pink honeysuckle flowers snaked affectionately around her French braid.

She smiled indulgently to her side at Senza, who was absently stroking the petals of a white orchid, causing them to bloom slowly and open wider.

Trent shook his head wryly from his perch on the window seat, one arm slung around Elise as she leaned contentedly against him. "It's just for two weeks," he remarked.

"Oh hush, you party pooper." Hannah turned towards them, smelling pleasantly of honeysuckle. "Aren't you excited to relax at least?"

Trent shrugged noncommittally, playing with a strand of Elise's moonlight hair. Social events had never been his forte. Sensing this, Elise smiled up at him reassuringly,

"We'll find a nice balance of socializing and quiet time," she promised him fondly. Trent's expression softened as he brushed a kiss to her temple. Trent continued his antics, more intent on listening than speaking as usual. But he kept one arm draped affectionately around Elise's shoulders.

Between bites of her garden salad, Hannah giggled and fed Senza forkfuls of her pasta.

Nearby Bri rolled her eyes at their shameless public display of affection. "Get a room you two!" she complained. Though if she was sincere, a small part of her felt envious that her girlfriend Max wasn't so openly affectionate.

Seemingly reading her thoughts, Max peered up from her thick textbook with an arched brow. "At least they're enjoying themselves," she remarked dryly, though her eyes held secret amusement.

Across from the girls, boyfriends Tome and Sanya made an equally arresting study of contrasts. The younger picked at his lunch, periodically fading from sight in shy flickers. Sanya's steadying hand was anchoring him solidly back to visibility this time.

Suddenly, Tome spoke from beside Sanya, "Think we could go for somewhere quiet?" he asked hopefully. "I'm sure we can find a place that would be secure and fun for us to just hang out at. It can be anywhere."

The proud look on Sanya's face was evident.

Meanwhile, Max reclined regally in her chair, as glossy and sleek as the black book curled in her hands. "That does sound rather fun," she remarked, absently pushing her glasses up her nose bridge.

Bri arched an eyebrow. "You wanna sleep somewhere that isn't a library, bookworm?"

Max pursed her lips in amused offense, shooting at a stern look at the other girl's direction.

"My bad, that's more like what Elise would be caught doing"

"Bri!" Elise is taken aback by how her name found its way into the conversation.

Everyone chuckled. Hannah declared happily. "Now, we just need to find a location."

Sanya reached over to give his boyfriend's hand an encouraging squeeze, his strength causing Tome's slender fingers to momentarily vanish from sight. "It's settled then!"

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Trent smiled softly at their friends' antics as Elise nodded along.

Just then the intercom buzzed to life. "Attention all students. Please make your way promptly to the outdoor assembly grounds."

A curious murmur went through the group. "Announcement for what?" Bri wondered aloud.

But they obediently filed out with the streams of other students heading outside, gossip and theories passing among them.

When they reached the parade grounds, all the classes stood assembled in orderly rows while Headmaster Sensai mounted the platform in his customary white kimono robe.

There, Sensai waited patiently atop the podium in his customary white robe, surveying them all with an inscrutable smile touching his lips. An air of anticipation hung over the gathering. With a graceful wave of his hands to quiet the murmuring students, Sensai's rich voice carried out melodiously to share the news.

"As spring draws her first sweet breath this year, a delightful opportunity has arisen which I wish to share." His dark eyes glinted mysteriously.

"As we approach the end of a semester, it is my pleasure to announce the field trips that have been meticulously curated for each year, with the intent of fostering growth, exploration, and the honing of one's supernatural gifts."

A brief pause hung in the air, allowing the students to lean in, eager for the revelation. A holographic presentation appears behind the podium for all to see.

"For our distinguished fourth-year students, a journey awaits to the Celestial Observatory on a Floating Island. An ethereal realm where an ancient celestial observatory resides, suspended gracefully in the sky. This mystical sanctuary offers unobstructed views of the cosmos, inviting our young adults to cultivate a heightened connection to celestial forces. Under the guidance of the stars, the exploration of supernatural gifts shall unfold in this celestial haven."

Another pause, the anticipation building.

"Concurrently, our fifth-year students shall embark on a sojourn to Seraphic Haven, a Hidden Oasis in the Mountains. This secluded mountain retreat boasts cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. A tranquil haven concealed from the ordinary world, purposefully designed for young adults endowed with supernatural powers. The altitude and natural energy of the surroundings shall enhance your abilities, providing an exclusive space for self-discovery and rigorous training."

The weight of the announcement lingered, the gravity of the destinations sinking in.

"Let this spring break mark not only a pause in academia but a passage to deeper understanding and mastery of your extraordinary gifts. May you find enlightenment and growth on these chosen journeys. Safe travels, my esteemed students."

The air crackled with vibrant energy at this chance for adventure and discovery just on the horizon.

Elise turned to Trent, eyes shining. "A whole week in the mountains! Can you believe it?"

He smiled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Hmm... sounds nice." His gaze was soft, only paying attention to her amidst the surrounding chatter.

"Nice is putting it mildly!" Hannah squealed, sending a fresh cascade of vines shooting haphazardly up the nearby column. "Oh gosh, sorry about that..." She attempted to rein the foliage back in.

Hannah was practically bouncing on her toes, the grass beneath her feet springing to life with baby buds. "I can speak to the ancient trees and see how they lend their strength! Oh, I can hardly wait!"

Senza just patted her hand gently, unfazed by the green chaos.

Max gave a small wistful sigh which Bri immediately called out. "What's that for? You ain't jealous are ya, bookworm?" She nudged her teasingly, but her sea-green eyes held a glimmer of vulnerability in them.

"Perhaps a small twinge of envy," Max admitted loftily. She slanted a sly smile in Bri's way. "Though I suppose the company offers adequate compensation for a field trip this time."

Nearby, Max neatly dodged a wayward vine snaking across the floor. "Well, I for one look forward to some peace to catch up on reading..." She trailed off as Bri snorted loudly.

"Yeah right, bookworm! Like you'll have any time for reading between hiking, waterfall swims, and campfire parties all week. I'll make sure you're too busy having actual fun." She winked. "But I know you secretly don't mind."

Max arched an eyebrow dryly though her cheeks coloured slightly. "I suppose the company has its merits."

Bri's grin threatened to split her face in half. Trust her prickly genius to show affection by pretending otherwise. It was nearly as good as an outright declaration.

Sanya, always calm and teasing, nudged Tome gently. "Well, well, looks like we're headed to Seraphic Haven. A hidden oasis, huh?"

Tome, with his usual shyness, nodded and gave a faint smile.

Sanya, his deep voice carrying a teasing tone, playfully tugged at a strand of Tome's hair. "You know, it might not be as quiet as you like. But hey, I promise to keep the teasing to a minimum."

Tome's invisible blush was evident, and he mumbled, "I...appreciate that."

Sanya, with a wicked grin, leaned in closer, his voice a low murmur against Tome's ear. "It's a good opportunity, though. We can work on your invisibility powers without anyone bothering us. And who knows, maybe you'll be able to sneak up on me for once."

Tome's eyes widened at the playful challenge, and he responded with a soft, "We'll see about that." The subtle touch of Sanya's fingers lingered on Tome's shoulder, a comforting presence.

"Well, I'd say this settles our spring break plans!" Elise said, her cheeks still pleasantly flushed. She tipped her face to the sunlight contentedly.

Trent enclosed her slender form from behind, resting his chin atop her head as they mutually basked. Their friends had already broken off into animated conversational clusters all around the gathering field, but Elise's attention remained wholly captivated by Trent's crooked smile.

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