The Entire World

After the final school bell rang, marking the close of yet another day of classes, I made my way to the club room. Inside, I found myself bent over a math problem our teacher had assigned earlier that day.

I couldn't help but feel a little guilty about tackling schoolwork during our club time. Then again, it's not like we ever did anything that resembled club activities.

As always, Adica was engrossed in a thick book her unbroken concentration. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Emma was flipping through a brightly illustrated children's book, a sight that oddly softened her usual intimidating aura.

And everything was quite for a while, "Hey, Reol," before Emma interjected, "when did you first run into Bryant? That day when you were with him, it seemed like you two knew each other quite well."

I stopped, my pencil stuck between my fingers, as if pointing to the memories of that encounter that flooded my mind – the not-so-pleasant meeting with Bryant, and the series of events that followed. "Well," I started, "the thing is, I actually ran into him on my very first day in town... at the same spot where we met that day."

"Your first day? That's some ridiculously bad luck," Emma sympathized, wincing at the thought.

"Yeah, it was quite the start..."

"So, did he turn you into a punching bag?" Emma asked, getting straight to the point she was clearly eager to hear about. She never seemed to tire of teasing me, "Did he?"

"No, not exactly. It's more like... they were searching for someone else, but they mistakenly thought it was me. And then... well... things got a bit messy."

"Wow, you're really in a streak of bad luck. And to top it off, he's sitting right in front of you," Emma observed with a playful smirk. I let out a sigh, fully acknowledging the ironic twist in my situation. "Yeah, it's crazy. But do you know why he got suspended in the first place? Did he cause trouble in class?"

 "You haven't heard, have you?"

"No one's filled me in on anything, and honestly, I didn't go digging for it either."

Emma leaned in on the table, thinking something, before she went back on crouching back on the chair. "Have you heard about what's been happening in the neighborhood lately? With all the gangs and stuff?"

"Yeah, I heard a bit about it."

Emma leaned in once more, as if about to share a well-kept secret. "Well, here's the scoop – Bryant is actually the leader of one of those gangs. Some parents from your neighborhood tipped off the principal, and they didn't even bother with an investigation. His name just came up..."

"Come to think of it, Adica's mother mentioned something like that on the day we arrived in town." I glanced over at Adica, who remained engrossed in her book, seemingly unaware of our conversation. Her ability to immerse herself in that alternate reality never ceased to amaze me.

"So... yeah, he got slapped with a one-month suspension," Emma elaborated, "You lucked out there. Imagine having to deal with him right from the start."

"Yeah, I suppose you're right," I conceded. "By the way, on the day we first met, he was going on about someone impersonating him and causing trouble. Any idea what that was all about?"

"Who knows? I'm not exactly invested in his drama either."

With that, we returned to our previous activities, and the room once again embraced the quiet. But it didn't last long. Out of nowhere, the door burst open, making all three of us jump in surprise. I glanced up, my eyes widening as Mr. Clair marched in, wearing an infectious grin. His entrance was like a sudden north-wind, and his enthusiasm was as clear as cold in winter, as he made his way toward our little group.

"Good afternoon, everyone!" Mr. Clair's voice bounced back and forth around the club walls. He was the kind of teacher who could infuse life into even the dullest subjects with his overflowing enthusiasm. That included the most mind-numbing topics too... If you ever doubt it, just attend one of his classes.

"I've got some exciting news to share with all of you!"

Adica placed a bookmark in her book and gazed at Mr. Clair with curiosity, while Emma's focus shifted from her colorful illustrations to Mr. Clair's lively demeanor.

"What's going on, Mr. Clair?" I inquired.

Mr. Clair delved into his bag and pulled out a stack of pamphlets, announcing, "Town Library Spring Literature Festival!" as he presented one with a dramatic flourish right in front of me. "This, my dear students, is an opportunity you absolutely cannot miss. It's a literature competition happening this spring, and I firmly believe that each one of you has the potential to shine."

Potential? Didn't he just recruit a handful of random transfer students to salvage this otherwise lackluster club? I shot him a look of complete disbelief, as though I were the night sky glaring directly at the sun itself.

"What's with that expression, Reol? Aren't you excited?"

"Excited?" I scanned the pamphlet, absorbing the details. The competition appeared to be both thrilling and daunting, offering categories that spanned from poetry to short stories to essays. I had completely forgotten that clubs had to engage in such activities. Well, until now, I had mostly taking the club as a means to read books and pass the time without much thought. Adica, on the other hand, mirrored Mr. Clair's enthusiasm. "Could you tell us more about this competition, Mr. Clair?"

"It's a literature competition that encompasses a wide range of genres. There are categories for poetry, short stories, and essays. It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase your writing talents," Mr. Clair explained.

"Literature competition? That's unexpected. I'm not sure if it's my thing," Emma remarked.

Mr. Clair chuckled. "Ah, Emma, my dear. You three spend so much time in this club room, and I can't help but feel that you're squandering your potential."

I exchanged a glance with Adica, both of us equally intrigued by Mr. Clair's direction. Though Mr. Clair, on the other hand, was filled with conviction, "I got this club going in the first place to help students explore their interests and talents together. It's all about discovering your passions and collaborating as a team." 

Perhaps Mr. Clair had a valid point. After all, I hadn't joined this club just to focus on math. Trying new things was essential, and developing an interest could come later – as could the results.

Mr. Clair then provided a thorough overview of the literature competition, emphasizing how it aligned perfectly with the club's goals and encouraging us to participate. "I hope to have your support in this endeavor. It's not only an opportunity for personal growth but a chance for our club to shine together."

Adica nodded in agreement with Mr. Clair. "I believe we should give it some thought. It could be a wonderful opportunity for us."

"I'm on board," I chimed in. "Let's give it a shot as a team."

Emma, still appearing uncertain, eventually gave in with a sigh. "Alright, I suppose there's no harm in trying. I'll give it a thought too."

"That's the spirit! Just remember, this club is here for you to explore your passions. But also, I must caution you, if you decide to take part, give it your all. Clubs are up for execution if they don't contribute to the school positively."

The school gates loomed tall and imposing ahead, marking the symbolic boundary between the familiar routine of the school day and the enigmatic world beyond. I clutched the pamphlet Mr. Clair had given me, my mind swirling with questions, and my footsteps echoed in the deserted corridor. Is there some way for me to contribute for the club? Or will our club's recent inactivity lead to its dissolution? The club room had become a sanctuary for me, and the thought of losing it doesn't sound great.

As I crossed the threshold of the gates, my thoughts surged like an unstoppable tide. I was so consumed by my worries that I failed to notice the foreboding figure lurking against the wall until I was nearly upon him.

Bryant.

A cold shiver slithered down my spine as I caught sight of his malicious grin. This wasn't the first time he had cornered me like this, and every encounter left me more unsettled than the previous ones.

Emma and Adica had already left, and there was no teacher in sight by the gates. What should I do now?

...

Uhh... why am I even thinking of being saved? This wasn't the time to wait for help. I had to act quickly. I need to do something myself... clearing my throat, I attempted to sound resolute. "What are you doing here?"

Bryant just shrugged casually, closing the gap between us with calculated ease. Instinctively, I retreated, my fear becoming evident with each step backward.

"Why so jumpy, Reol? I happened to see you heading down the corridor, so I thought I'd wait for you."

"I-I didn't need you to wait. I can go home by myself."

Bryant's smirk widened as he continued to advance. His presence was undeniably overwhelming. "No need to be in such a hurry. We can take a little detour together. It's not even that late, and you're leaving club early, aren't you?"

As he approached, Bryant's lips brushed against my ear, igniting a surge of fear within me. His hushed utterances, brimming with threat, sent a chill racing down my spine once more. "You've yet to settle your dues from last time. Don't even consider trying to escape this time." Bryant's grip on me grew tighter, along with my own fear, like a veracious shadow, about to engulf me whole.