THIRD PERSON'S POV
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"Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink!"
"Whoa!!!"
Compared to the academy's usual atmosphere of studying and battles, the club was complete chaos.
The academy had leisure districts too—clubs, arcades, malls and stadiums—all built to keep students comfortable within the institution.
Loud music blasted through the walls, students dressed wildly, games flashed everywhere, people danced beneath colorful LED lights, all adding to the chaotic energy.
Upstairs wasn't much different.
Though reserved for mentors, leisure had no age limit. And since the academy preferred younger mentors capable of keeping up with students, the atmosphere remained lively.
Renzo sat lazily on a couch, his arms draped around the shoulders of two female mentors clinging to him seductively. A hookah pipe rested between his lips while his group's red bandana was tied loosely around his wrist.
His sleeves were rolled up, exposing tattoo-covered arms, with a massive wolf tattoo stretching across his entire left arm.
The top three buttons of his shirt were undone and his hair slightly messy, yet somehow it only added to his charm.
"Do you need another drink, Lorenzo?"
One of the women whispered seductively.
Renzo slowly shook a finger in refusal.
The other smiled and rubbed his chest lightly.
"Are you stressed? Your kids are so well-behaved it feels like you barely have to do anything."
"Well, everyone except his rookie. Trouble seems to follow her."
The other woman chuckled.
Renzo slowly turned his head toward her and smiled lightly.
"Leave."
The woman froze.
Her smile twitched as she struggled to maintain it.
"Seriously? Did I do something wrong?"
"Yeah. You're noisy. Go on, chop chop."
The woman scoffed and stormed away.
The remaining mentor smiled triumphantly.
*Finally. Less competition.*
She immediately leaned closer until she waspractically glued to his side.
Meanwhile—
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Downstairs, the noise only increased as several top groups entered the club.
From secondary school.
Groups 5 and 16 from high school.
Then senior and university students.
Team 5's appearance wasn't surprising. Donald always dragged them to clubs after missions.
They were dressed uniformly too—comfortable but stylish.
George wore black cargo pants, a purple hoodie and white sneakers. His red group bandana was tied around his head while his usually spiky hair was tied up for once.
Nathan dressed similarly but wore a sky-blue turtleneck with chains resting around his neck. The fitted fabric outlined his physique perfectly, causing several girls to openly stare since he usually hid it beneath loose clothing.
Donald wore oversized white jeans that practically cleaned the floor as he walked, paired with a royal-blue loose shirt matching his newly braided hair. White sneakers with black decorations completed the look. He went all out with chains, rings, ear piercings and black sleeves beneath his shirt while his bandana dangled from his waist.
Albert wore loose knee-length black shorts, long white socks, black sneakers and a mustard-colored oversized shirt. His bandana rested around his wrist while his signature messy hair remained untouched.
Ivy dressed similarly to Donald but folded her jeans neatly above her sneakers. Her inner sleeves were white while her hair flowed freely in waves.
Fiona wore mustard shorts, black heeled boots and a black cropped polo top. Her hood rested over her hair while her bandana remained tied around her wrist.
Lily wore white shorts decorated with dangling jewelry, a sky-blue crop top, a black leather jacket and black knee-high leather boots. Her bandana was tied around her head like a headband.
Zoe wore knee-length baggy pants, a purple vest and an open cropped black leather jacket with white sneakers and enough accessories to make Donald proud. Her bandana rested loosely around her neck.
Several first years squealed excitedly, already searching for things to ask them to sign.
Donald proudly led them toward the VIP section and immediately pulled Ivy down beside him.
"Listening to Donald was a terrible idea."
Zoe grumbled.
"What?! Just look at everyone staring. They probably think we're disciplined enough to coordinate outfits."
Albert ruffled his hair absentmindedly while looking around.
"I have projects to finish."
"School's over, nerd. Who are you acting for? Trying to complete next term's work already?"
Donald squinted suspiciously at him.
Albert ignored him entirely and calmly called a waiter over instead.
Lily excitedly snapped pictures of everyone.
"Don't worry Donald. I like—no, LOVE your idea. We look so cool. And you even did couple pairings."
"Yeah. What a coincidence."
Ivy mumbled sarcastically.
The waiter soon returned with their drinks.
Vodka for Donald and George.
Mojito for Fiona.
Dirty banana for Lily.
Irish coffee for Zoe.
Absinthe for Nathan.
Champagne for Albert.
And strawberry milk for Ivy.
Donald slowly turned toward Ivy who calmly drank her milk through a straw.
"What?"
She mumbled without looking up.
"Well aren't you adorable? Here, try alcohol."
He poured vodka into a glass and tried feeding it to her.
Ivy reluctantly took a sip before immediately shoving him away, her face twisting in disgust.
"Bitter..."
The others burst into laughter.
Then she frowned slightly.
"Aren't you supposed to be twenty to drink alcohol?"
Albert calmly cleaned his glasses using the edge of his shirt.
"Yes. But the academy wants everyone happy. Besides, mentors are upstairs. Trouble never lasts long here."
"Enough talking bookworms! We came to unwind so get your asses up and party!! Whoa!!"
Donald raised his glass dramatically before running toward the dance floor where he was immediately surrounded.
Lily happily followed after him while dragging Fiona and Nathan along.
Zoe quietly drank while scrolling through her phone.
George observed the crowd thoughtfully.
Meanwhile Ivy seemed fully immersed in drinking her milk.
"Hey guys..."
The three turned to see Nora nervously approaching the table.
Ever since the match, they had barely spoken and mostly avoided one another.
Ivy smiled lightly.
"Nora, come sit."
Strangely, Ivy's warm welcome only made Nora more nervous.
She tightly clutched her group bandana before taking a deep breath.
"I'm sorry I hurt you... I don't know what came over me. I understand if you're still angry but I'll spend every day apologizing if I have to."
Zoe rolled her eyes and walked away with her drink.
Nora trembled slightly while waiting for Ivy's response.
Instead, Ivy calmly continued drinking milk while George helplessly told her to slow down.
"Nora, sit down. Forget the incident. Honestly, if you hadn't brought it up I would've forgotten already."
Nora blinked in surprise before smiling lightly and sitting beside her.
"You've always been the reasonable one."
"Yeah. 'Cause I'm very smart. Don't worry, I'll think for both of us."
Nora blinked slowly before staring at the grinning Ivy.
George scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"I think she's tipsy. We didn't know her alcohol tolerance was this bad. She literally only took one sip."
"Let me try yours."
Before George could react, Ivy grabbed his glass and downed the vodka.
Her face immediately scrunched up and she choked. Nora gently rubbed her back.
"Ugh. Bitter."
"'Cause it's the same thing. Vodka. Here, drink milk instead please."
George helplessly gave her more milk.