Photography Division.
The class had ended.
Students filed out one after another....
and at last, Group Eleven emerged.
Among them were two girls, Nimi and Chahal.
Now, with the addition of Wee and Lamai,
their group numbered six.
The others were Rio and Lucy.
Rio, the only boy, was also their leader.....
a master of photography, refined by years of study.
He welcomed Wee and Lamai warmly,
his tone carrying the ease of someone who had already walked these halls for four long years.
And the girls, Nimi and Chahal...
they took to Wee and Lamai instantly.
Laughter bloomed like wildflowers,
friendships sparking at first glance.
There was a rule here, one every student knew:
the last remaining member of a group becomes the leader when the others graduate.
Rio had once been the youngest.
But now....he was the last.
The torch of leadership, passed into his hands.
To celebrate the arrival of his new members,
Rio led everyone to a lively dining hall.
Tables gleamed with dishes,
the air thick with voices, laughter, the clinking of plates.
Sunset poured its colors through the windows,
washing the space in a golden warmth.
It was a perfect scene.....
a memory waiting to be photographed.
---
On the other side.
At the Aurea Flora Complex.....
Suda welcomed Kai and Teanguan with equal kindness.
He was the type who blended easily with anyone,
yet carried the quiet weight of responsibility.
More often than not,
the others in his group scattered to their own tasks,
leaving him to shoulder the work alone.
And so it was Suda who explained to the newcomers:
"Since you're new, you'll begin with the basics....
plant care.
Each of you will be given one plant as an assignment.
You'll observe it daily,
and record every detail of its growth and changes."
His words were simple, calm, professional.
But before Kai could respond,
a teacher called out his name.
Suda excused himself quickly,
leaving the two of them standing there....
alone, surrounded by a forest in glass walls.