Fierce Red

Exceptional Red

The loud clang of the bell rang through the corridors, signaling the end of Control Class. A wave of collective relief washed over the room, as students began to pack up their bags, chatter slowly returning to the room after the intensity of the lesson.

Almora and Stacy gathered their things in silence at first, the echoes of the day’s events still humming in their minds. Almora’s fingers trembled slightly as she zipped up her bag. The memory of her glowing red, the pain, the transformation of the mopstick, it all still lingered like a phantom touch on her skin.

They began to head out of the class, the hallway now bustling with students moving to their next destinations.

But just a few steps outside the door, Almora suddenly felt her legs give way. A strange force seemed to surge through her again unexpected and jarring.

“Ahhhhhhh!” she screamed, her voice cutting through the chatter.

Before her body could hit the floor, a pair of strong arms caught her swiftly around the waist. Her breath caught in her throat.

Time slowed.

As she looked up, her gaze met the stranger's and in that moment, everything else faded. His eyes were deep, mysterious, and undeniably beautiful. She felt like she could drown in them if she didn’t look away. Her heart pounded in her chest like thunder.

Internally, Almora screamed at herself to move, to regain control. With effort, she pulled herself together and stood upright. Her face flushed a soft pink as she stepped back.

“Thank you,” she murmured in a rush, eyes barely meeting his, before she turned and hurried away down the hallway, her heart racing in her chest.

Lucian remained still, his eyes fixed on the door she’d just disappeared through. He glanced down at his hand the one that had just held onto her waist. His fingers remained slightly curled, as though reluctant to forget the feeling.

Behind him, Melanie’s eyes flared with fury as she glared at the same door. Her arms were crossed tightly, and her posture was stiff. The tension in her face said more than words could.

Mr. Powell, who had quietly observed the whole encounter from inside the classroom, smiled faintly to himself. His eyes sparkled with an unreadable emotion, curiosity, perhaps, or amusement. Whatever it was, it hinted that he had seen something others hadn't.

Later, as Almora and Stacy walked toward the cafeteria, Stacy looked sideways at her with raised eyebrows. “What just happened back there?” she asked, the curiosity bubbling out of her voice.

“Nothing happened, Stacy,” Almora said flatly, trying to sound nonchalant, though her ears still burned with the memory.

“Well…” Stacy said with a knowing grin, “it looks like you’ve gotten yourself an admirer.”

Almora let out an exasperated sigh. “Stop, Stacy. I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Okayyy... fine,” Stacy replied, drawing out the words dramatically and holding her hands up in surrender, though the playful smirk never left her face.

They reached the cafeteria and found a quiet corner to eat in. Their plates were filled, and conversation flowed easily between bites. The awkwardness melted as they laughed about classmates, talked about their powers, and shared small stories from their lives before Greenland College.

By the end of the meal, the tension from earlier had dulled into a quiet memory.

As they left the cafeteria, Stacy clapped her hands excitedly. “It’s time for the extracurricular activities! Let’s go show them what we’ve got in our different fields.”

Almora laughed at the animated expression on her friend’s face. “You don’t know how you looked while saying that. Your eyes were glowing like you were about to storm a stage.”

“Ble ble ble… whatever,” Stacy said, sticking out her tongue. “Let’s just go and kill it!” She threw a small whooping sound into the air, followed by a cheerful fist-pump.

The two girls shared a quick hug. “Good luck to both of us,” they said in unison, giggling.

Almora separated from her friend and headed toward the dance studio. Her nerves tingled with anticipation and doubt. As she stepped into the spacious room, her eyes immediately scanned the faces and there he was again.

‘Oh God, he’s here again,’ she thought, already feeling her pulse quicken as her eyes landed on Lucian.

He was standing at the far end, his gaze casually sweeping the room, but the moment their eyes met briefly Almora turned away.

“Hello, new students!” a bright and energetic voice rang out. It was Ms. Daniella, a woman with curly dark hair pulled into a high ponytail and a confident aura that filled the room. “I’m your dance teacher, Ms. Daniella,” she said, clapping her hands once.

“You will perform in groups or solos, and I will select dancers based on skill, presence, and uniqueness. If you’re good, you’re in. If not... you’re cut. Let’s see what you’ve got. Begin!”

Almora’s stomach flipped. ‘This is… phew,’ she muttered silently, taking a calming breath.

One by one, students performed. Some danced in groups, others solo. Styles varied; jazz, modern, freestyle. Applause followed each performance, some louder than others.

Then, it was Almora’s turn.

She walked to the center of the floor alone. Her palms were sweaty, her throat dry. But she closed her eyes and imagined herself in her bedroom, dancing alone like she always had. The music began, soft at first, then building into a strong rhythm.

She moved.

Her body flowed with grace and precision. Each step, each movement, was laced with a quiet power, fluid like water, fierce like fire. She transitioned between contemporary and hip-hop effortlessly, blending elegance with edge.

It was more than dance. It was expression, emotion, art.

Lucian sat frozen in place, completely captivated. The way she moved, it was as if her soul spoke through motion. He had never seen anything like it. His heart thumped harder with each step she took.

The music faded.

Almora opened her eyes, panting slightly. The room was silent for a second. Then—

Applause.

Thunderous applause.

She blinked, stunned. She hadn’t expected such a reaction.

“Ms. Almora,” Ms. Daniella said, stepping forward with eyes wide and sparkling. “You have done far more than I expected to see today. You are the most beautiful dancer I’ve ever seen in this school. You are... exceptional.” She paused, then added, “An Exceptional Red.”

Almora’s eyes widened slightly, but she managed a soft smile and said, “Thank you very much, ma’am.”

When the selection list was revealed, Almora’s name was at the very top.

After a brief orientation with the other selected students, the class was dismissed. As she stepped outside, still catching her breath from the moment, a familiar voice called to her.

“You’re a great dancer,” Lucian said, walking over to her with an awkward yet sincere tone.

Almora turned, surprised. She met his eyes briefly, then looked away, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Thank you,” she said softly.

Before anything else could be said, Melanie suddenly appeared beside Lucian and interlocked her arm with his possessively. “Babe, let’s go. Won’t you come for the volleyball selection?” she said sweetly, but her eyes locked on Almora with barely concealed venom.

Before Lucian could respond, Almora gave him a polite nod and turned on her heel, disappearing down the corridor.

Later that day, Almora and Stacy met again. Both had bright expressions on their faces.

“How did it go?” they both asked at the same time. They blinked, then laughed together.

“You go first,” Almora said.

“It was awesome!” Stacy said, practically bouncing. “They liked my designs! I’ve been selected already!” She jumped up and down, giggling in excitement. “What about yours?”

Almora gave a thoughtful look, suppressing a grin. “Well… Ms. Daniella didn’t actually like my dance.”

Stacy gasped. “Oh no… why?!”

“Because,” Almora said, beaming, “she loved it.”

Stacy let out a joyful squeal. “Oh my God! You really got me, Almora! I’m so happy for both of us!”

Almora smiled warmly, her heart swelling with pride. For the first time in a long time, she felt... seen.

“Now,” Stacy said, holding up a volleyball, “let’s head off to the volleyball selections and finish this day in style.”