ALNST HS AU

The bell chimed, reverberating through the classroom, marking the official start of another day. It was one of those overcast mornings where the sun peeked shyly through the clouds, casting a soft, light into the room. The teacher was nowhere to be seen yet, so the five of you—Mizi, Sua, Ivan, Till, and yourself—naturally drifted to your usual spot by the wide, slightly foggy windows.

You were huddled together, leaning against the sill as you exchanged bits and pieces of your lives, laughing at the recent mishaps and little victories that had filled your week. Mizi, as usual, had everyone’s attention. She shared the story of how she accidentally set off the fire alarm in the science lab, her blush a light pink against her cheeks.

“It wasn’t my fault the beakers were so delicate!”

Mizi tried to protest, as all of you laughed at the story. Ivan, the quietest among you, just listened, his sharp, cat-like gaze attentive as he leaned against the window frame. Occasionally he’d throw in a low comment that sent everyone into fits of laughter. Ivan was one of those who spoke rarely but somehow always got the best reactions.