Since class was over and it was time for lunch break, most students headed straight for the cafeteria—and that was Valentine's next destination.
Ding!
Her phone buzzed with a message notification. She glanced at the screen.
"Meet me at the Arcade. It's next to the Student Council office." — Rachel
Valentine's eyes skimmed through the message before she sighed softly, slipping her phone back into her bag. After packing her books neatly, she was about to head out when a calm, mature voice stopped her.
"Miss Valentine."
Teacher Lorentz's tone carried its usual composed authority. He was tidying his textbooks and digital tabs into his old-fashioned briefcase. Once done, he walked toward her.
"Yes, sir?" Valentine asked, her gaze curious but polite.
"Don't mind me—let's walk. I have something to say to you."
"Okay…" she replied, slowing her pace slightly so she wouldn't walk ahead of him. It would have felt disrespectful.
"I liked your demeanor and your analysis of the question earlier," he said.
"Thank you, sir." Valentine bowed her head slightly, though her expression remained neutral.
"Let me cut straight to the point." He handed her a stack of papers.
She took them carefully and glanced through. They were filled with science questions—complex ones from different topics. Her brows knitted as she looked up.
"These are from various branches of science. The Science Cruise is coming up. If you can solve them and return the answers next time I teach your class, you'll be eligible to join."
"But… why me? I only answered one question. That doesn't make me smart," Valentine said, frowning slightly.
Lorentz smiled faintly. "I have eyes for potential."
And with that, he walked off—his pace quicker now, leaving Valentine staring after him.
'Was he slowing his pace earlier for me?' she thought, a small smile curving her lips. Shaking her head, she tucked the papers into her bag and continued toward the Arcade.
Finding it, however, was another story.
Malcolm College was enormous, and she wasn't yet familiar with the grounds. After wandering for nearly ten minutes, she finally sat under a tree, exhausted.
She texted Rachel:
"I think I'm lost. Can you send me a map of the school?"
Valentine sighed, gazing around. The place was quiet—almost empty. Only two or three students were nearby.
When she squinted to recognize them, her heart jumped.
Rhea and Alex.
The Academic Advisor and Head of Discipline.
As if sensing her stare, both turned—and started walking toward her.
Her thoughts spiraled.
Had she trespassed?
Was this area for the Student Council only?
Was she about to get punished?
She stood abruptly, ready to leave, when a firm voice stopped her.
"Hey, wait."
Valentine froze, turning awkwardly to face them.
"I'm sorry," she said quickly. "I didn't know this area was restricted. I promise I'll leave and not come back unless I have permission."
"Chill, girl. We're not going to bite," Rhea said, amused. Her gaze lingered on Valentine, intrigued by how calm she appeared despite her hurried words.
Valentine blinked, uncertain. Then she turned toward Alex, who watched her silently. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes said he was studying her closely.
She seemed calm, yet her voice trembled faintly. She was scared.
A small chuckle escaped Alex. She was beautiful, yes, but it wasn't just that—something about her felt different. He remembered her from the Welcome Ceremony: the girl who'd stunned everyone and won the Best Newcomer Award, personally presented by the President.
He assumed she was here to sign winner's documents or collect her digital access key to the private library.
But her next words proved him wrong.
"I got lost. I was trying to find the Arcade. My friend Rachel told me to meet her there." Valentine said, showing them the message on her phone.
Rhea nodded. "You can go now."
Still, something nagged Rhea. The girl looked familiar—too familiar. Rhea never forgot faces she considered special.
And this girl radiated something unusual.
Snapping her fingers as realization hit, Rhea said, "You're Valentine Loraine, right?"
"Yes," Valentine answered, blinking.
"You're the one who performed at the Welcome Ceremony—the Best Newcomer."
"Yes."
Rhea rubbed her chin, studying her. Then she smiled faintly and extended her hand.
"Nice to meet you, Valentine. I look forward to seeing your future growth."
Valentine shook her hand politely. For a brief second, she thought she saw a glow in Rhea's eyes—but she dismissed it as her imagination.
"Then I'll take my leave now," she said softly.
Rhea nodded, watching her walk away.
After confirming she had left their sight, Alex turned to Rhea and said:
"You were different with her," Alex noted.
"Yes. I don't usually bother with ordinary students. But she's… special," Rhea murmured, still watching Valentine's fading figure. "I caught a glimpse of her future, but it was blurry. That's never happened before."
"How's that possible? Your visions are always clear," Alex frowned.
"I know. That's why I said she's a different kind of special."
Alex's gaze darkened thoughtfully. "Then we should inform the President."
Rhea shook her head immediately.
"What, you don't want to tell him?"
"It's not that," she said quietly. "He already knows."
---
Meanwhile, Valentine exhaled shakily, pressing a hand against her chest.
"Good grief… I thought I was in trouble."
But something still nagged at her—something she'd forgotten.
Pulling out her iPad, she scrolled through her reminders. Her eyes widened.
She was supposed to meet the President and Vice President today. And the Student Council office closed after lunch break.
Ten minutes left.
"Oh no."
Without another thought, she sprinted through the halls, climbing the stairs two at a time until she reached the top floor. Only two doors were there—President and Vice President.
She took a deep breath and knocked.
"Come in."
The deep, husky voice froze her in place.
Her hand trembled on the doorknob before she finally entered.
And the sight that met her nearly gave her a heart attack.
Her fists clenched. Her entire body stiffened.
It was him.
The reason for her unease.
Her heart skipped painfully.
What was she going to do now?
Should she start avoiding him?