Chapter 1; Episode 8 and 9

Episode 8

Going to School

2016 May 20

"Meow..." There’s a sound as a black shadow leaps onto the school fence and trots briskly along the wall. Black feet in white socks crisscross in silence, while two more slender cats wait up ahead.

The calico cat mother walks at the front, a scruffy petite white cat in the middle, while the black cat with white socks behind them both.

The three cats shift places, vying for the front spot.

The students of Lan Kong High School are also on the move. Vigorous bookworms, energetic sports jocks and hardcore gamers walk towards the school gates in twos and threes.

Jessy stands in the crowd, his guitar on his back and headphones on his head. He’s totally absorbed by the music from the radio station.

Muzec is an independent radio station based in the capital. For many years they've accepted submissions from independent artists all over the world. Be it rock, country, electronica, rap...it doesn’t matter, as all styles get sufficient air time. Agents from big record companies often scout for new talent here.

Musicians who appear on the Muzec charts are pretty much guaranteed overnight success; It's also an important springboard into the entertainment industry.

Which happens to be Jessy’s longtime dream.

"Meow... meow... mewmew..."

"Mew... Mewmew..."

The cats quickly approach, as if they've discovered one of their own.

The black cat lies down on his guitar case and rubs its neck against the back of Jessy's head. Surprised, Jessy helpelessly waves his hand in hopes of shooing the cat away.

The calico cat walks in front like it’s leading the way, matching Jessy's pace. Its coat shimmers under the morning sun.

The black cat has had enough fun and jumps lightly back onto the wall.

The slender white cat has found a comfortable spot on Jessy's shoulder and purrs contentedly.

From a distance, Jessy looks like a cat juggler.

"Sersiously... I'm not one of you guys..." Jessy is a bit annoyed, but there's not much he can do about them.

Episode 9

Class Meeting

2016 May 24

It always feel like vacation is just getting close when all of a sudden, the days of our youth are coming to an end. The final year of high school is about to approach, and the cicadas are doing their best to be remembered with their high pitched shrills. Yet, the chalkboard countdown still continues and the day when everyone will part ways draws near.

There’s a surprising amount of chatter coming out of Class 2.2’s classroom. It's normally a lot quieter when they’re using it for remedial classes.

"Let’s sell grilled sausages at the fair."

"It'd be better to sell fried chicken cutlet, not grilled sausage. That way we can sell bubble tea, too!"

"I'd prefer a French maid café."

Up on the podium Chelsea struggles to write down all the ideas on the blackboard, but she can't keep up with their tempo. The boys and girls have split into different camps, each with their own ideas.

"What do you mean, a ‘French maid café’? You guys just want to look at girls in short skirts, don't you?!"

"You guys are such perverts. I object! No way!"

"Don’t all talk at once... I can't keep up..." As Chelsea writes frantically on the board, chalk dust drifts down, settling on her shoulders.

The classroom is noisier than the night market at the Station Plaza, but somehow Ocean still manages to sleep soundly on the desk. Perhaps it's a major outlet to destress from their studies— even though midterms are coming up and there’s always trial exams to take, students always plan this event: the Lan Kong High School Fair with utmost enthusiam. Students, teachers, parents, and even alumni will participate in the fair, which runs all day and includes a talent show and karaoke competition.

Legend has it if you confess your feelings to your crush at the "Three Pillars" in the schoolyard, you both will get into the same college. After hearing this, many students are secretly preparing to declare their love before graduation, making sure they complete this year with unforgettable memories.

"Chelsea, allow me!” A clear, strong female voice quickly restores order to Class 3.2, followed by the sound of a chair sliding and heels pounding across the flagstone floor.

Enter: Class 2.2 Deputy Class Monitor

Yuko Sasaki!

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