tick, tock, tick...
The clock ticked down its final seconds as Liam leaned back in his chair, his pen hovering above the last question as if it's the only thing he could hear. The scratch of pens on the paper, the occasional coughs, and the low murmur of students around him created a dull chaos that he found comforting. Some students rubbed their tired eyes, shoulders slumped, while others quietly celebrated. A few even whispered, "Finally…"
Across him was a new face. A boy with sharp, dark eyes lounged across his desk, stretching lazily, one leg almost slipping off the chair. He leaned just enough to peek at another student's answers without an effort, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He already recognized the type instantly trouble wrapped with casual arrogance.
That boy was Raven, a transfered student who had joined this semester. Rumor had it he was a delinquent, someone who didn't care about their grades and had a knack for testing patience.
Liam shook his head, exhaling softly, trying not to let the irritation show as he returned his focus to the paper.
The timer rang sharply, slicing through the low hum of the room. "Time's up! Pass your papers forward," the teacher commanded. The sound of sighs, shuffling, and paper rustling followed. Liam lowered his pen, stretching his stiff fingers. He'd finished with time to spare, a quiet satisfaction settling in his chest. Then the cheerful crackle of the PA system interrupted.
📢 "Attention students: September is Science Month! Each section is to conduct a research project, and every group must have a representative to participate in the Science Research Event at the end of the month."
Liam's hand shot up almost instinctively, before he could even consider it. The decision wasn't difficult. His teachers had noticed his dedication, his meticulous notes, the way he could even turn a blank paper into something interesting. Leading a group felt natural, expected even.
Within moments, classmates began volunteering. Some pushed their hands up eagerly with excitement or just a hope for recognition.
Others hesitated, glancing nervously at others before muttering a quiet "I guess I'll do it." Liam watched them, The group needed five members, it's the maximum allowed.
He knew the coming weeks would be grueling though. Late nights in the library, endless calculations, and the constant pressure to be the best. Though his intuition says something fun was about to come.