THE LAST SEMESTER

"Hi" ‎Becca greeted the new girl with a wide grin and a delightful expression ‎"You must be the new scholarship student" ‎Olivia nodded "Hi" ‎"I'm Becca" she stretched her hand for a handshake "your roommate" ‎Great! ‎Olivia breathed a sigh of relief and appreciation. ‎She has saved the stress, she wouldn't have to go round looking for Apex 002 ‎"Let's go" ‎Becca grabbed her bag and led the way. ‎Her energy was magnetic and positive and Olivia decided she liked her. ‎ ‎As Becca led Olivia through the bustling hallways, curious eyes followed the new girl wherever she went. ‎ Whispers rippled through the corridors. ‎"That's the new student?" ‎"The scholarship girl?" ‎"She's prettier than I imagined." ‎"No wonder everyone's staring." ‎Olivia lowered her gaze, clearly uncomfortable with the attention. ‎"Don't mind them," Becca laughed softly. "News travels fast around here." ‎ ‎As Becca helped Olivia settle into their dormitory room, laughter and excited voices echoed through the hallways. Students rushed from room to room, greeting friends they hadn't seen since the start of the summer holidays. ‎ ‎"It gets noisy every year," Becca said with a smile. "Give it a few days and you'll get used to it." ‎ ‎After unpacking, Becca suggested they take a walk around the academy before sunset. ‎ ‎"You'll definitely get lost tomorrow if we don't." ‎ ‎Olivia laughed softly and followed her outside. ‎ ‎The academy grounds were breathtaking. Stone pathways stretched between towering buildings, flowering gardens surrounded the central courtyard, and students wandered everywhere, either catching up with old friends or exploring before the semester officially began. ‎ ‎As they crossed the courtyard, a loud commotion erupted near the entrance gates. ‎ ‎"He's back!" ‎ ‎"The Student Captain!" ‎ ‎A sleek black car rolled through the academy gates before stopping in front of the main building. ‎ ‎The crowd naturally parted as a tall attractive young man stepped out. ‎ ‎Without saying a word, he made his way through the hallway as two bodyguards, all clothed in dark outfits followed closely behind carrying his luggage. ‎ ‎He neither waved nor acknowledged the students calling his name. ‎ ‎"That's Omar," Becca said. "The Student Captain and also the crown prince of valoria." ‎Her eyes were dreamy and soft as she introduced him to her ‎ ‎"He doesn't seem very friendly," Olivia murmured. ‎ ‎Becca chuckled. ‎ ‎"He isn't rude... just quiet." ‎ ‎Before they could continue walking, another burst of cheers erupted from the opposite side of the courtyard. ‎ ‎A boy sprinted across the lawn at unbelievable speed before skidding to a stop in front of a group of laughing students. ‎ ‎"Asher!" several girls shouted. ‎ ‎Unlike Omar, he greeted everyone with a grin, exchanging handshakes and playful jokes as though he'd returned to a family reunion. ‎Becca rolled her eyes ‎ ‎"He loves attention," she whispered. ‎"He's the school's sports leader, fastest guy in school, Omar's best friend and of all every girl's crush..." then she looked at Olivia " except me" ‎ ‎Olivia couldn't help smiling at the contrast. ‎ ‎As they walked toward the library, they passed a quiet bench beneath an old oak tree. ‎ ‎A lone boy sat there with a thick book resting on his knees. ‎ ‎Several small stones floated lazily around him as though gravity had forgotten them. ‎ ‎He seemed completely unaware of the bustling campus around him. ‎ ‎"Who's he?" Olivia asked. ‎ ‎Becca followed her gaze. ‎ ‎"Qwen." ‎ ‎"The smartest student in the academy." ‎ ‎She hesitated before adding, ‎ ‎"...Most people just call him the school freak." ‎ ‎For reasons Olivia couldn't explain, she found herself glancing back at him as they continued their walk. ‎She was intrigued by his lone figure and quiet energy, he looked different admist the whole bustles and noise of the school. ‎"Freak?" ‎"Yeah, he's a genius and is really smart , but he lacks confidence and really sucks at combat and socializing. He's such a loner!"