In the afternoon,
Jay is walking toward the school. Pink top, pink shoes, hair left loose, a smartphone in her hand. One look at her makes it clear-she's very worried.
Jay: I'm such an idiot! Who walks straight toward danger? Of course, me! Uff... you're a donkey, Jay. Should I just run away?
Someone called out from behind. Jay turned around and saw the boy-Sun.
Sun ran up to Jay.
Sun: Why do you think so much all day? Every time I see you, you're drowned in deep thoughts.
Jay: It's nothing.
Sun: Really?
Jay: Yeah. Where are you going? (looking away)
Not getting any response, Jay looked at Sun and was about to say something, but her eyes got stuck on his. Sun was looking straight at her. He was holding his sunglasses in his hand now. They were both staring at each other. A gentle breeze was blowing, making Jay's loose hair flutter now and then. Jay hadn't really noticed Sun until now-white T-shirt, white shoes, sunglasses-everything together made him look attractive.
Suddenly...
Sun laughed. Jay felt a bit awkward and looked away.
Sun: You're such a fool! Not just me-Suzana, Xavier, Fumi, all of us came to see your punishment.
Jay stared at Sun, disappointment written all over her face.
Sun tapped her forehead lightly and started to walk away. Jay kicked a soda can lying on the road and ran after him.
At school, Sun, Jay, Suzana, Fumi, and Xavier were all sitting in their classroom. Thoughts were racing through Jay's mind. She tried to stop them, but couldn't. From a distance, Sun looked at her and smiled softly.
After a while, the teacher entered the room.
Teacher: Sun, Xavier, Suzana, Fumi, and... Jay-
Congratulations to you all. I hope you'll present your talents fully and win the competition.
Nothing was sinking into Jay's head. How was this possible? She had been selected for The Diamond of the Era competition. Everything felt like a dream.
Jay (thinking): So I wasn't called for punishment... I was called for a reversal?
She looked at Sun in surprise. Sun was already looking at her, smiling.
Jay (thinking angrily): Devil. Was it really necessary to scare me this much? You could've just explained it.
Still, Jay was confused. Was this a prank on her? Suzana stood up.
Suzana: Sir, why was Jay selected? Could you please tell us?
Teacher: Jay was the cultural champion this year, so she was selected. Sun was selected for topping in sports. Xavier for martial arts. Suzana for topping the exams. Fumi for acting.
Jay (thinking excitedly): Oh, I see. So I got selected for singing and dancing. Oh yes!
Teacher: Start your practice.
The next day
Jay was standing on the school ground. From today, their three-month journey would begin.
Jay (thinking): Three months... I don't know what the coming days will be like. I just want to stay away from trouble. I want everything to be fine. People's words hurt me deeply. I try to run away from all this, but I can't. I'm trapped-caught in an invisible web.
Jay started walking toward the bus. After getting on, she saw Fumi, Suzana, and Xavier already there-but Sun wasn't. Jay sat down on a seat.
Suzana: Ugh! Fumi, it's just disgusting. My mood is completely ruined. What kind of people do we have to travel with!
Fumi: Seriously. Someone with no proper background, yet she's representing our school. I don't understand what they saw in her.
Suzana: Maybe she's seducing the sir, just like she does with Sun.
Tears rolled down Jay's eyes.
Xavier was scrolling on his phone, but hearing their conversation, he looked at Jay. He rarely came to class, so apart from class president Sun, he didn't really know anyone well. But he clearly understood that these two girls were constantly bullying that girl. Anger was obvious on his face. He stood up and went over to Suzana and Fumi.
Xavier: What's your problem?
(Calm voice, but anger was clear.)
Fumi and Suzana stared at him, confused about what Xavier meant.
Xavier: Answer me.
(More firmly)
Fumi: What are you trying to say?
Xavier: What's your problem with that girl?
Suzana: Look, Xavier, it's not right to interfere in girls' matters. I'll complain to the sir.
Xavier slammed his hand hard on the seat in front. The sound startled Fumi and Suzana.
Xavier: Hey! Don't try to teach me what's right or wrong. Even though Sun is the class president, the whole class moves by my word. This is your last warning-say anything against her again and see what I do to you.
Xavier went back to his seat and put on his headphones.
After a while, Sun arrived. Seeing tears in Jay's eyes, Sun panicked a little. He quickly came over and gently wiped her tears with both hands.
Sun: What happened, Jay? Did Suzana say something?
When Jay didn't respond, Sun understood that they really had said something.
Sun: Wait, I'll deal with them.
Jay grabbed his hand.
Sun: What?
Jay: Xavier protested. He even threatened them.
Sun sat beside her.
Sun: Oh... okay. Then stay with me from now on, alright?
Jay nodded in agreement.
Sun (thinking): Xavier... Xavier... Xavier...
Sun took a deep breath and looked toward Xavier.