Chap. 2: Project Phoenix
The bell for the morning classes finally rang, and I let out a sigh of relief.
I gathered my books and papers, my stomach grumbling with the anticipation of lunch. As I headed out of the classroom, and I saw Cassandra, my best friend, waiting for me by the doorway, a mischievous grin on her face.
Cassandra Peterson
Ready for lunch?
She asked, her voice full of energy.
Cassandra Peterson
I know the perfect place to grab some delicious and cheap ramen.
Snow Lopez
Sounds perfect,
I replied, my stomach rumbling even louder.
We walked down the hallway, discussing our classes and catching up on each other's lives. We were both new to this university, and it was comforting to have someone to navigate it with.
As we reached the cafeteria, we were met with a chaotic scene. The place was packed with students, all vying for a table, a seat, and a plate of food.
Cassandra Peterson
This is always the worst part,
Cassandra said, shaking her head.
Cassandra Peterson
I swear, it's like everyone on campus is trying to eat at the same time.
We managed to snag a small table in a corner, and we started to dig into our ramen. I savored each bite, the warm broth and chewy noodles a welcome relief after a morning of academic pressure.
We talked about everything and nothing, sharing stories from our classes, our favorite professors, and the latest campus gossip.
The cafeteria was buzzing with the usual lunchtime chaos. Trays clattering, forks scraping against plates, and a symphony of chatter. We had managed to snag a small table in a corner, away from the main flow of traffic, and were happily slurping down our bowls of ramen.
Cassandra said, between bites,
Cassandra Peterson
I heard something juicy about the SSG president.
I nearly choked on my noodles.
Snow Lopez
The SSG president? You mean that guy who showed up in Ms. Xiao’s class this morning? What about him?
Cassandra Peterson
He’s been acting really weird lately. There are rumors that he’s involved in some kind of secret society. And there’s a lot of talk about a supposed "Project Phoenix" that’s going on. But nobody knows exactly what it is.
Snow Lopez
Project Phoenix?
I repeated, my eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
Snow Lopez
That sounds like something straight out of a mystery novel. Huh?
Cassandra Peterson
Well, that’s what everyone is saying about him. They’re all whispering about it, but nobody seems to know anything for sure.
Snow Lopez
And what about the SSG president? What’s he supposed to be doing in all of this?
Cassandra took a sip of her iced tea, her eyes twinkling.
Cassandra Peterson
That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? They say he's a very secretive and powerful figure on campus. Some people say he's behind everything that happens around here. It's all very mysterious.
We both paused for a moment, considering the gossip. It was all very intriguing, but at the same time, it was hard to believe it was all true.
I said, taking another bite of my ramen.
Snow Lopez
This is why I love our new university. It's always full of drama and secrets.
Cassandra Peterson
That's for sure,
Cassandra agreed, laughing.
As we finished our lunch, the bell rang, signaling the start of the afternoon classes.
Cassandra Peterson
Well, back to reality,
Cassandra Peterson
But at least we have another lunch break tomorrow.
Snow Lopez
I wouldn't mind another ramen break,
We headed back to the hallway, ready to tackle the rest of the regular school day.
The final bell of the day rang, a welcome symphony after a long afternoon of classes. A wave of relief washed over me as I gathered my things, feeling the weight of the day lift from my shoulders.
Snow Lopez
Ready to go, Cassandra?
I asked, my voice tinged with a mix of exhaustion and anticipation.
Cassandra Peterson
Just a sec,
She replied, her eyes glued to her phone.
Cassandra Peterson
I'm trying to find a good place to get some bubble tea.
Snow Lopez
We could just get it on the way home,
I suggested, knowing that the line at the nearest bubble tea shop would be out the door by the time we got there.
Cassandra Peterson
Yeah, you're probably right,
She said, finally putting her phone away.
Cassandra Peterson
But first, I need to meet up with Clara at the library. She's got some juicy gossip about the SSG president that she wants to share.
Snow Lopez
Oh, yeah, I forgot about that. By the way, why are you so interested about the president, huh?
Cassandra Peterson
I like investigating!
The air hung heavy with the scent of blooming jacaranda trees as Cassandra and I walked side-by-side towards the library. The afternoon sun casts long shadows across the sprawling campus, and the gentle hum of conversation drifted from nearby study groups.
Cassandra, her auburn hair catching the sunlight, flipped through the pages of a well-worn paperback. I trailed behind, lost in thought, replaying the conversation we'd just had in my mind.
Cassandra's eyes widened as she spotted Clara across the bustling library.
Cassandra Peterson
There she is!
She exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper, a hint of excitement in her tone. She tugged gently on my arm, her gaze still fixed on Clara, who was deep in conversation with a group of friends near the fiction section.
Cassandra didn't hesitate. She practically sprinted across the library, her eyes fixed on Clara, who was deep in conversation with a group of upperclassmen near the fiction section. The worn carpet muffled her footsteps, but her determined stride was unmistakable. I trailed behind, trying to keep pace with her, feeling a mix of curiosity and nervousness.
The library, normally a haven of quiet contemplation, suddenly felt crowded and chaotic as Cassandra approached Clara's group. The soft hum of conversation and the rustle of turning pages were replaced by a sudden hush as everyone turned to watch Cassandra. She stopped abruptly in front of Clara, her hands resting on her hips, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. Her energy seemed to radiate through the room, making the already thick air thrum with anticipation.
CLARA
-Top honors Students
-Assistant librarian
-Secretary of the SSG council
-Upperclassmen
Clara
Hey, Cassie! You're here.
Clara greeted her, her voice a touch surprised, though her expression remained composed. She glanced at me briefly before returning her attention to Cassandra, a subtle shift in her posture suggesting a mix of amusement and apprehension.
Cassandra Peterson
Can we talk to you? Or, are you still busy? We can just go if you're not free this time?
Clara suddenly glanced at her schoolmates, her expression shifting from amusement to a subtle grimace.
Clara
Oh, right, Just catching up with some friends. You know how it is. But don't worry I'm free, is it about.... Him?
Clara leaned in close, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
Cassandra whispered to her also.
Clara, look at her friends this time.
Clara
Hmm.... Guys, I'm sorry. Can we catch up later?
Anya
Yeah, sure. Have some time, we have to go, thank you, Clara
Once Clara's friends had drifted away, their laughter fading into the general hum of the library, Cassandra and I took their spot at the table. The table, made of dark, polished wood, had been cleared of their books and papers, leaving a space that felt strangely intimate, as if we were sharing a secret.
Cassandra didn't hesitate. She slid into the seat beside Clara, her eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and curiosity. I, on the other hand, felt a little more hesitant. I settled into the seat across from them, feeling a surge of nervousness as I caught Clara's gaze. The air around us felt thick with unspoken words, the scent of old paper and leather mingling with the faint aroma of coffee from the nearby café.
Cassandra leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Cassandra Peterson
So, tell me everything. What's the scoop on the new SSG president?
She began, her voice barely above a whisper. Clara let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly.
Clara
Oh, you know, the usual,
She replied, her voice laced with a touch of boredom.
Clara
He's... well, he's trying.
Cassandra Peterson
Trying?
Cassandra's eyebrows shot up in disbelief.
Cassandra Peterson
Trying to be what? A tyrant? A fashion icon? I want details, girl! Spills the tea!
I chuckled, trying to hide my amusement.
Snow Lopez
She wants to know what Project Phoenix is all about, Clara.
I said, looking at Clara. And glance at Cassandra who's nodding at me now.
Snow Lopez
It's the talk of the whole campus, especially since the SSG president is involved.
Cassandra Peterson
Yes, that's right! I want to know what's the deal with Project Phoenix. The whole campus is buzzing about it. They say it's somehow connected to the SSG president. What's the real story?
Clara's eyes widened, a touch of alarm flickering across her features.
She echoed, her voice barely a whisper.
Clara
You really shouldn't be talking about that...
Cassandra raised an eyebrow, her gaze challenging.
Cassandra Peterson
Why not? Everyone's talking about it. It's like a big secret that everyone knows. I'm just curious, that's all.
Clara hesitated, a conflicted expression on her face.
Clara
It's... it's complicated,
Clara
And it's not really something that's meant for public discussion.
Snow Lopez
Complicated how?
I asked, intrigued by the air of secrecy surrounding the project.
Snow Lopez
What's it all about?
Clara glanced at me, then back at Cassandra, as if weighing her options.
The air hung heavy with anticipation as we leaned closer, our hushed voices weaving a tapestry of whispers. The library, normally a haven of quiet contemplation, felt charged with a different kind of energy, the hum of curiosity and intrigue buzzing between us. Suddenly, the air grew colder, a palpable shift in the atmosphere that sent a shiver down my spine. A voice, sharp and chilling, cut through the silence.
Ace Anderson
I wouldn't recommend whispering about things you don't understand.
We all froze, our gazes instinctively drawn to the source of the voice. Standing behind me.
I can clearly see his figure silhouetted against the sunlight streaming through the high windows. It was the SSG president. His face, usually lit up with a boyish grin, was now shadowed, his expression unreadable, his eyes narrowed with an unsettling intensity.
Clara shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her fingers twisting nervously.
Clara
It's... well, it's better if you just forget about it,
Clara
It's not something you should worry about.
She said nervously as she looked at the guy who's standing behind me.
Cassandra, ever the bold one, was the first to react.
Cassandra Peterson
Well, hello there, Mr. President,
She said, a playful smirk on her lips.
Cassandra Peterson
Didn't know you were into eavesdropping.
Ace Anderson
I'm not. But, I'd like to remind the three of you that the library will be closing soon.
He glanced at the clock, the second hand ticking ominously.
We followed his gaze on the Vintage library Clock, to see what time it is already.
Snow Lopez
Uh' shit, the president was right. We must go and leave the library now.
I looked at him, meeting his gaze, and gave him an apologetic smile. The tension between us felt tangible, the air heavy with unspoken words. His expression was inscrutable, a mix of suspicion and something else, something I couldn't quite decipher.
My heart hammered in my chest, a mixture of fear and defiance. The President's words, his warning, had sent a jolt of adrenaline through me, but I refused to let him intimidate me. I would find out the truth about Project Phoenix, no matter what.
I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief that the encounter had ended without further escalation.
We all headed back to our own homes, as the day went to end.
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