The intercom crackled again, sharp and sudden.
"Lia," the principal's voice echoed through the classroom. "Report to my office."
A collective groan rose from Section E.
Jay leaned back in her chair. "You literally just came from there."
Percy smirked. "Congratulations, you've been promoted to permanent office furniture."
Lia didn't react. She grabbed her bag, glanced once at Jay, and said, "Don't start a fight."
Jay grinned. "Which one?"
The door shut behind Lia, and chaos immediately resumed at half volume.
The principal didn't waste time this time.
He gestured for Lia to sit. "This won't take long."
Lia stayed standing. "That usually means it will."
He sighed. "Fair."
He folded his hands. "You already know each section's assigned countries. This meeting is about what happens after reunion week."
Lia's attention sharpened.
"The earliest batch will officially conclude classes once reunion week ends," he continued. "To mark that—and to reinforce the cultural themes—we are approving an international immersion program."
Lia didn't interrupt.
"Each section will travel to its assigned countries," the principal said. "Fifteen days in each country. Supervised. Educational, cultural, and performance-based."
Even Lia paused.
"…Thirty days total," she said.
"Yes."
Her mind moved fast—safety, logistics, people, passports, chaos.
"You'll announce this," the principal added. "To your section—and to the other representatives."
Lia nodded once. "They're going to be unbearable."
"They already are," the principal replied calmly. "This will simply make it louder."
The hallway was already buzzing when Lia stepped out.
Ion spotted her instantly. "You look like you're about to ruin my life."
"Improve it," Lia corrected. "Possibly."
Jessica and Michael joined them, Vishal close behind.
"We're traveling," Lia said simply.
Ion froze. "As in… outside the city?"
"As in outside the country," Lia replied.
Jessica inhaled sharply. "To our assigned ones?"
"Yes. Fifteen days each."
Michael stared at the floor. "That's… that's a month."
Ion grabbed her head. "I AM NOT EMOTIONALLY READY FOR BRAZIL."
"You're never emotionally ready," Jessica said.
Vishal smiled faintly. "This explains why the principal looked pleased."
Lia checked the time. "I need to tell my section."
Ion waved her off. "Good luck. Try not to die."
"No promises," Lia said and walked away.
The moment Lia re-entered Section E, she didn't even make it to her desk.
Jay was already watching her face.
"…You have news," Jay said.
"Yes," Lia replied.
The room leaned in instinctively.
"We're getting an international trip," Lia said. "After reunion week. Fifteen days in each of our countries."
The room went dead silent.
Then—
"You're lying." "SAY THAT AGAIN." "OUT OF SCHOOL?" "FOR A MONTH??"
Jay's eyes lit up. "You're serious."
"I am."
Hunter leaned forward slightly. "This is approved?"
"Yes."
Percy laughed once, sharp and disbelieving. "This school has officially lost its mind."
Eren stood up. "I CALL TOP BUNK WHEREVER WE GO."
"You're not calling anything," Jay snapped. "You lose everything."
Someone yelled, "DO WE EVEN HAVE PASSPORTS?"
Lia raised her hand. "That will be addressed."
Jay climbed onto her chair again. "ATTENTION. IF YOU DON'T HAVE A PASSPORT, YOU HAVE THREE OPTIONS: GET ONE, BORROW ONE, OR STAY BEHIND AND REGRET YOUR LIFE."
"That's not how passports work," someone muttered.
Jay shrugged. "Not my problem."
The noise rose—excitement layered over panic.
"India first or Philippines first?" "What about food?" "Do we get free time?" "ARE WE COMING BACK?"
Lia watched them with quiet focus.
"This trip depends on reunion week," she said firmly. "If we embarrass ourselves—no trip."
That shut them up instantly.
Jay nodded slowly. "Heard."
Hunter smiled faintly. "So we behave… publicly."
Jay smirked. "Define behave."
Lia didn't answer.
Outside, other sections were already spiraling—cheers, shouting, planning, arguments spilling into the corridors.
Five days of performances.
Thirty days across countries they already carried in their bones.
And now, with travel added to the mix, the stakes had just doubled.
Jay leaned closer to Lia, voice low but thrilled.
"This is going to be chaos."
Lia replied evenly,
"Yes."
And for the first time since the announcement
She didn't sound tired.
She sounded ready.