.

"From the music department in class 2-A," the teacher began to announce the participants, "Cecilion Reize."

"From Class 1-A," she continued, "Reijimin Li."

"Also, in the same class," she mentioned, "Aki Cerise and layla shion”

"As we finish announcing the 4 of the 7 participants from our music and art department, the three remaining slots are now open for anyone else who wants to join the competition. This is a call for the rest of you to take this opportunity and challenge yourselves to see how far your skills and creativity can Take You."

"Why would I be selected as a participant!?" I exclaimed, feeling completely stunned and surprised as I realized I was being pulled to the stage with Reiji.

I didn't know what was happening, but the whole auditorium seemed to be covered in whispers and gossip as my schoolmates all noticed me.

"Did you see that girl with the vice president? She was awfully late."

"No wonder! The vice president was never late for anything."

"Do you think she's the reason?"

yeah the vice president has been giving her special treatment

"Sit here," she said, and I felt like the seat was somehow reserved for her.

"...and finally, let’s have the SSG vice president, reijimin li for a closing speech"

As reiji went up to the stage, the voices of the other students who were chatting around me suddenly quieted down.

Reiji looked around the auditorium "as we close, Let us leave this ceremony with a message of inspiration and optimism to guide us in our future artistic journeys. Remember that art is about self-expression and creativity to explore new ideas and perspectives

“To my fellow students, Let us embrace the challenge of this competition, to embrace the unique beauty and power of art, and carry its spirit with us as we journey forward. Thank you, and good luck."

The boy beside me then said "You must be Layla," and I noticed that he was focusing on the stage without looking at me at all.

“Uh”

"I'm cecilion reize,it was nice to finally meet you," he added, but he didn't look at me and kept focusing on the stage.

"...Cecilion Reize?" I thought, staring at him. His eyes grew cold as I followed his glance. He was staring at Reiji.

"This art competition should definitely have a teacher in charge," Cecilion mentioned, giving me a pointed looks.

“I suggest you find out who that person is and ask them personally if they are willing to oversee the competition."

" music competition? " "Yes I would like to know which teacher is in charge "Ah it would be glenn "Glenn Yes, yes,glenn is the one who teaches music " Sir Glenn,a student wants to ask you about the Concours" i blinked.my eyes when i saw i man leaning its.back arros the wall and glared at me i gulp

Everyone starting to put their things away to go back while chatter filled the room"I guess I'll head back to"I gathered up all my books and put them into my bag when sir glenn came over

"Layla"

Is he still mad about me last night? "Come to my office it will not take long"

"Alright....sir" I thought he had forgiven me for that already

I timidly followed him until we reached his office"

"Please take a seat"I timidly sat down in the chair as sir glenn offered me a cup of tea and chocolate cookies

"If it's about last night, I already refected on my behavior...."I said as I nimble a piece of cookie

I wasn't really interested in the tea.... "About that,did you hear that someone broke into my office last night?"

"I nodded"Yes luke told me"

"The thief broke in while I was lecturing you,Layla... "I Glanced at sir glenn for a moment waiting for what he was about to say next"Why were you at that time" he added

I knew it!

"Because I forgot my book?I lied

"Is that really why?" I once again nodded at took another piece of cookie

Sir is suspicious if someone in particular. I thought Weren't you asked to come meet someone?" I gulp"

So we're you asked to come out by someone or not?""I really did Came to my text book"I said in a serious tone

"Do you really..."sir glenn blankly stared at me as he lean closer towards me"...Believe that lie will work on me?"

"It's the truth"I calmly said as I once again nimble a piece of cookie

"You plan to stick to that story?" What should I do. I thought as lift the cup and I stared at my reflection in the tea"Actually I was talking a walk ""A walk you say?in the middle of the night"

"I couldn't sleep...""

"You trespass into a school building just because of that?"This conversation ain't going anywhere. I thought to myself

"You must be aware that entering school buildings is forbidden during the night""Well....I saw a cat run off while I was chasing him I ended up there"

"Is that so?but that cat as wrapped around your arm when I saw you"

"That's because I already found him before that"

"It didn't look like that in the slightest

"Why do if feel like I'm getting interrogate here?"What should I do"

"What is it?"Going to respond it with silence?

"This is going to be trouble some"sir glenn sigh"That's enough for now" "I will find that thief no matter what"

"No matter if someone is protecting that person due to whatever personal reasons"

"Keep that in mind"

"Thank you for having me"I took all the remaining cookies in the saucer and stood up

"Please excuse me now"I bowed to sir glenn then left his office

I was silently walking at the hallway. Not a single soul can be seen around. All I could hear were my light footsteps as I walked down"I was somehow able to trick him.. but I guess I didn't fool him at all.... "I whispered as I stared at the dark sky

At this rate, sir glenn will catch the thief

That thief is most likely—It was already dark"time flies really fast huh?"I frustratedly eat the cookies while heading back to the dorm

.

.

.

.

"Clyde" I called out, but she didn't seem to hear me at all. She looked annoyed, and I was shocked by her abruptness.

"What?" she finally replied, and I was taken aback by her tone.

"Why are you acting this way?" I asked, confused. I knew that she wasn't usually like this.

Are you okay?”I asked worriedly

"Oh and by the way, congratulations," she said, but I could feel something was off. Was Clyde upset with me? I tried to ask her, "Is there something? Is there something wrong? But she just walked away.