#3 First Exchange of... Challenges~?
The sharp ding of the school bell echoes through the grand halls of The Royal Institute of Amorelle. As it is exam time the morning assembly was cancelled. So, the school bell signals the start of the first lecture–
Inside the classroom, a collective groan ripples through the students. It isn’t just any lecture. Today is a grammar test.
Ruby Keane. (FrIeNdLy Princess)
*sighs as she flipped open her notebook*
Who even enjoys surprise tests first thing in the morning?
Nora Sinclair. (Rich Young Lady)
A nerd! A heartless, soulless nerd.
*mutters beside Ruby*
Ruby Keane. (FrIeNdLy Princess)
*dramatically dropping her head onto her desk*
And we got five top ones in our class.
From the desk before them, Edward Edison, the ever-diligent son of the Principal and one of the top-level nerds, turns around.
Edward Edison. (Hot-headed Nerd...?)
*adjusting his glasses*
It’s not a surprise. Sir Clarke announced it last week.
Edward Edison. (Hot-headed Nerd...?)
His tone was as crisp as his perfectly pressed uniform.
Ruby Keane. (FrIeNdLy Princess)
*lifts her head just enough to glare at him*
And do I look like someone who listens in class?
Edward Edison. (Hot-headed Nerd...?)
*deeply exhales*
Clearly not.
ಠಿ_ಠಿ
Beside Edward, Alina Shaw, the dance queen who is actually a daughter of a celebrity as well as Ruby and Nora's so-called best friend mutters carelessly-
Alina Shaw. (Love-struck Diva)
Honestly, who even cares? We should be studying something actually useful. Like oh, I don’t know, may-be the dance history or...
Alina Shaw. (Love-struck Diva)
Art of seduction.
*smirks looking at her best friends at the back*
Ruby and Nora, does a high-five winking at Alina's comment, while Edward rolls his eyes clearly annoyed by his desk mate.
If it wasn't because of their Class Teacher, Ma'am Diallo's arrangement he wouldn't ever sit beside the crazy romance-lover.
Edward Edison. (Hot-headed Nerd...?)
*snorts annoyed, his patience visibly thinning*
Oh, so you'd finally top a class?
Alina Shaw. (Love-struck Diva)
*flips her hair*
Obviously. Unlike this thing they call a test.
Before Edward could throw another sarcastic retort, the classroom door swings open with a loud thud grabbing the attention of everyone, and in strolls the third cadet from the Police family, Simon Reeves.
He enters with his hands in pockets, looking as unbothered as ever.
Elios Frost. (Coldy Class Monitor)
Nice of you to finally join us.
*says unimpressed*
Simon Reeves. (Senior Simp King)
*gives a nonchalant shrug*
I like making an entrance.
Simon Reeves. (Senior Simp King)
Asher Reeves. (Stupid Chatterbox)
*smirks*
Hey Sim, how was the morning warm up of Senior Cheer-girls?
Simon Reeves. (Senior Simp King)
Hot as always!
*winks at Asher*
Elios shook his head and Simon moves to take his seat beside Ms. Topper Bennett when his gaze falls on his dear bosom-friend Phenix, he smirks taking his seat and lean towards Phenix's desk with a grin.
Simon Reeves. (Senior Simp King)
Nix, wanna bet on who scores higher?
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
*gives him a deadpan look*
That’s like betting if a fish or a rock swims better.
Rhea Bennett. (Savage 1st Ranker)
*without looking up, mutters*
At least the fish tries.
Class. (💥)
*burst into laughter*
While the High Pony Duo, at the back stares at Phenix, one judging and another well... swooning.
Tiffany Monroe. (Mean Ponytail Princess)
Ugh, I still cannot believe that Phenix actually stood up for Avian?
Brittany Robert.(Obsessed Pony Swooner)
I know, right? Such a… strong moral compass. So brave of him.
(☆▽☆)
Tiffany Monroe. (Mean Ponytail Princess)
*immediately targets her judging gaze at Brittany*
Brittany Robert.(Obsessed Pony Swooner)
*realizes*
I MEAN, disgusting. So pathetic. EW.
And Brittany again stares at Phenix as he drinks water from his bottle, Tiffany dramatically blocks her view like a protective mom.
Tiffany Monroe. (Mean Ponytail Princess)
Nope! No, you are not allowed to ever look at him again.
Brittany Robert.(Obsessed Pony Swooner)
I wasn’t looking at him, I was just...UM? Just analyzing his poor posture!
*stares in Phenix's direction*
Tiffany Monroe. (Mean Ponytail Princess)
Babe, you are literally gawking.
Brittany Robert.(Obsessed Pony Swooner)
*snaps out of it*
What? NO. I was JUST judging him, like you!
Tiffany Monroe. (Mean Ponytail Princess)
You sighed! Romantically.
Brittany Robert.(Obsessed Pony Swooner)
*scoffs*
That was a disgusted sigh. You wouldn’t get it.
Tyler who was sitting behind them laughs amused as he got new gossip.
But his attention flickered to Yuri Knox, who was slumped in his chair at the back, idly twirling a pen between his fingers.
He wasn’t even pretending to be concerned about the test. Instead, he was whispering something to his desk mate Percy, smirking as he did.
Tyler Ponting. (Gossip Monkey)
Bet he didn’t study at all.
*mumbles*
Brittany Robert.(Obsessed Pony Swooner)
*snorts quickly changing the subject*
Study? Yuri? His definition of ‘preparing for a test’ is charming the teacher into giving him hints.
Tiffany Monroe. (Mean Ponytail Princess)
Or copying someone else’s work.
Brittany Robert.(Obsessed Pony Swooner)
Exactly.
Hearing them Nova, their sharp-tongued classmate and Yuri’s childhood friend, rolls her eyes from beside Tyler, finally getting up from her not-so-peaceful sleep.
Nova Stark. (Sassy Snoozer)
I’d be more surprised if he actually passed on his own.
Meanwhile, Avian leans back in her seat, unfazed. English is her strong suit.
She glances at her seatmate, Phenix, who looks as if he has just born.
Given that he had been absent for a week, she doubts he had even glanced at the syllabus.
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
Did you even study?
*whispers*
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
*stretches lazily*
For what?
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
*shakes head*
Hopeless.
*Their seating arrangement for reference*
The classroom is buzzing with chatter until the door creaks open. In walks the English teacher, Mr. Desmond Clarke, a thick stack of test papers in his hands along with his ever-watchful gaze sweeping over the room.
The sight alone was enough to send a wave of dread through the students.
As if on cue, most of the students lazily rose from their seats to greet him.
Class. (💥)
GoooOod mooOorniIiing, siiiiRrrr~!!!
The class drones in unison, their voices stretching like a slow, out-of-tune song.
Desmond Clarke.(Calm English Teacher)
*pauses, raising an eyebrow*
What is this? A choir of exhausted souls?
A few chuckles breaks out, but many simply flops back into their chairs with resigning sighs.
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
*rubbing her temple, whispers*
I swear, even ghosts sound livelier than us.
(눈‸눈)
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
*smirks, tapping the desk*
Maybe we should request instrumental backing next time.
<(￣︶￣)>
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
*rolls eyes at his comment*
Desmond Clarke.(Calm English Teacher)
*sighs, shaking his head as he places the stack of papers on his desk*
Alright, everyone, settle down.
Professor Clarke says, dropping the papers onto his desk with an ominous thud.
Desmond Clarke.(Calm English Teacher)
Hope you all reviewed your grammar. If not, well, my condolences.
ಠ ͜ʖ ಠ
A mix of laughter and complaints filled the air.
Yasmin seated beside Adrian Voss, the top-notch literary genius & the son of reputed farmers, sighs dramatically.
Yasmin Grant. (Violent Butterfly)
Who in their right mind schedules a test first thing in the morning? That should be illegal.
Adrian Voss. (Proud Bookworm)
People who actually study!
Adrian said without looking up from his novel.
Yasmin Grant. (Violent Butterfly)
*scoffs*
Of course, the walking dictionary would say that.
Adrian Voss. (Proud Bookworm)
Correction, a top walking dictionary!
<(￣︶￣)>
*replies with a smug smile*
Adrian Voss. (Proud Bookworm)
In front of them, Asher, who despise English with every fiber of his being and has the lowest tolerance for it, groans.
Asher Reeves. (Stupid Chatterbox)
Can’t we just collectively ignore this test and pretend it never existed?
Elios, the ever-responsible class monitor, shot him a blank look.
Elios Frost. (Coldy Class Monitor)
Not unless you want to fail. Oh wait, you already do.
Asher Reeves. (Stupid Chatterbox)
*gasps*
Frosty, how dare you say that about the great me?
(╬⁽⁽ ⁰ ⁾⁾ Д ⁽⁽ ⁰ ⁾⁾)
Elios Frost. (Coldy Class Monitor)
*blinks*
Easily.
Asher Reeves. (Stupid Chatterbox)
While Adrian, their dear perfect buddy, chuckles hearing Asher's whines as he flipped a page of his novel.
Adrian Voss. (Proud Bookworm)
You know, Ash, English isn’t that bad. You just need to–
Asher Reeves. (Stupid Chatterbox)
Vossy, don’t you dare say read!
*warns, pointing a threatening finger*
Adrian Voss. (Proud Bookworm)
*grin*
I was definitely going to say read.
Desmond Clarke.(Calm English Teacher)
Calm down, Class!
The test is only of forty minutes. If you didn’t study, consider this a lesson in regret.
A collective groan ripples through the room. The moment of dread has arrived.
Desmond Clarke.(Calm English Teacher)
Elios, come help me distribute the Test Papers.
*to Elios*
Elios gets up immediately to help Teacher Clarke.
At the back, Nora and Ruby, Alina’s supposed "friends", are engaged in their usual whispered scheming.
Nora, ever the actress, steal a glance at Elios before sighing dramatically.
Nora Sinclair. (Rich Young Lady)
I just hate that we have to take tests. It’s so stressful. I don’t know how I’ll do…
As Elios walks to their desk to hand over the Test Papers, Nora looks at him with a pout.
Nora Sinclair. (Rich Young Lady)
*pouts & says to Elios*
Elios, will you help me study next time?
Elios Frost. (Coldy Class Monitor)
*didn’t even glance at her*
You mean actually 'study'? ❄️
Ruby Keane. (FrIeNdLy Princess)
*smirks, nudging Nora*
You’ll have better luck failing beautifully.
As the class chuckles, Ruby discreetly looks toward Phenix, batting her lashes.
Ruby Keane. (FrIeNdLy Princess)
I don’t know about you guys, but I think English is so much more fun when you have… the right motivation.
*giggles softly*
Ruby Keane. (FrIeNdLy Princess)
Desmond Clarke.(Calm English Teacher)
*ears perk up*
I’d be even happier if your grades were as impressive as your enthusiasm, Ruby.
And the laughter continues.
As soon as Elios went away, Nora's expressions turns sour.
Nora Sinclair. (Rich Young Lady)
*huffs*
Ugh. Stupid goody-two-shoes class monitor. He never falls for anything.
Ruby Keane. (FrIeNdLy Princess)
*cross her arms*
And Sir Clarke? Seriously? That was the reaction he gave ME! That TOO in front of Phenix?
Nova, their sharp-tongued classmate, rolls her eyes at the two, two-faced best friends, from the row beside.
Nova Stark. (Sassy Snoozer)
It will be more beneficial if you two princesses work on your poor grades instead of wasting time & energy on useless things.
Nora Sinclair. (Rich Young Lady)
*snaps*
Excuse you, don't compare us with your childhood friend, we study.
Nova Stark. (Sassy Snoozer)
*smirks*
Yeah? And yet, your grades beg to differ.
Meanwhile, Nova's childhood friend – Yuri Knox, their resident troublemaker, lazily propped his feet up on his desk.
Yuri Knox. (Mr. Troublemaker)
Yuri Knox. (Mr. Troublemaker)
Test? Oh, I didn’t study, but it’s fine. I’ve got a method.
Beside him, Percy, who is no different from Yuri perks up.
Percy Sterling. (The Rotten Apple)
Yeah? What is it?
Yuri Knox. (Mr. Troublemaker)
*smirks*
It’s called hope.
A loud thunk echoes as Elios drop a grammar test paper on Yuri’s desk.
Elios Frost. (Coldy Class Monitor)
Try something new,
Elios Frost. (Coldy Class Monitor)
Like effort. ❄️
Yuri Knox. (Mr. Troublemaker)
*groan*
Ugh, Frosty, you killjoy.
ಠಗಠ
While Tiffany and Brittany, the class’s self-proclaimed queens, were unimpressed by all the fuss.
Tiffany Monroe. (Mean Ponytail Princess)
*twirls her pen*
Honestly, why are we even having this test?
Brittany Robert.(Obsessed Pony Swooner)
*flips her pony*
Exactly. Does proper grammar really matter in life?
Tiffany Monroe. (Mean Ponytail Princess)
Not if you’re rich enough!
*smirks*
Rhea Bennett, the undisputed 1st-ranker sitting before the High Pony Queens, sighs dramatically and mutters,
Rhea Bennett. (Savage 1st Ranker)
This is why the literacy rate is dropping.
Meanwhile, Avian, seated beside Phenix, barely react. As the test papers were being passed out, she taps her fingers on the desk, watching Phenix out of the corner of her eye.
He is staring at the paper like it has personally offended him.
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
You look like you just saw your future.
*teases*
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
*lets out a long sigh*
If my future is failure, then yeah.
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
Did you even try to study?
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
Define try!
ʕಠ_ಠʔ
*says looking way too serious*
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
*sighs*
Don't tell me that English is your weakest subject.
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
*holds up a hand*
Shhh! Don’t remind me of the pain.
Nova glance at Yuri, who was leaning back lazily, spinning his pen between his fingers, not a single trace of concern on his face.
Nova Stark. (Sassy Snoozer)
Nova Stark. (Sassy Snoozer)
*wonders*
🗨️ Has he even opened the textbook once this year?
But before she could dwell on it, Teacher Clarke drop a test paper onto her desk.
Avian smirks, stealing one last glance at Phenix, who is gripping his pen like it's a foreign object.
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
🗨️ This is going to be interesting.
Desmond Clarke.(Calm English Teacher)
*clears his throat*
Enough. Time to begin.
Class. (💥)
*a loud sigh echoes*
A collective sigh fills the air as students pick up their pens.
And just like that, the classroom falls into the rare tense silence.
The air in the classroom is thick with tension as students scribble away on their test papers.
Sir Clarke paces the aisles like a hawk, his sharp gaze making sure no one dares to cheat.
Avian, breeze through the questions. Grammar is her strength, and each answer flow effortlessly from her pen.
Beside her, however, Phenix, a cadet trained for pressure finds himself sweating under the merciless stare of question number two.
"Identify the incorrect sentence and correct it."
His eyes dart between the options. They all seem correct.
He peeks at Avian's sheet but immediately snaps his head forward when she subtly tilted her paper away.
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
*smirks*
Caught you.
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
*sighs dramatically & whispers*
Help a struggling soul out, will you?
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
Nope. Struggle builds character.
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
I have enough character, thanks.
Phenix leans slightly towards Avian's desk looking around, tapping his pen against the desk.
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
Avian, aren't you a topper?
*whispers near her ear*
Avian freeze hearing his whisper so close but soon frowns, glancing at him from the corner of her eye.
Phenix never noticed her before. He was either busy with his friends or with soccer.
Then why is he suddenly interested now?
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
*eyeing him suspiciously*
Yeah… why?
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
*shrugging, a lazy grin forms*
Then your English must be really good.
Avian rolls her eyes.
Of course, he needs help. Typical.
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
*casually*
It’s decent.
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
*taps his pen against his chin, pretending to think*
What about the second question? You know the answer?
Avian turns her head fully to him now, her grip on pen tightening. She hates when people assume that she will just hand over answers.
But more than that, why is HE the one asking?
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
*flatly*
Of course.
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
*smirks, watching her reaction*
Great. Tell me.
Phenix isn’t sure why, but annoying her is entertaining. Maybe it is the way she narrow her eyes like she is already plotting his demise.
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
*lifting an eyebrow*
Why should I?
Avian stares at him.
His expression is completely casual, but there's a mischievous glint in his eyes, like he knows he is getting on her nerves and is actually enjoying it.
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
*feign innocence*
Maybe because you like helping people?
乁[ ◕ ᴥ ◕ ]ㄏ
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
*scoffs*
More like you like cheating.
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
*gasps looking fake-offended*
Whoa, who said anything about cheating?
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
I’m just checking your accuracy.
ಡ ͜ ʖ ಡ
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
*exhales sharply*
The way he said things so easily, like it is no big deal, makes her want to argue more.
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
*deadpans*
So you don’t believe me?
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
*grinning wider*
Not unless I see it.
Avian bit the inside of her cheek. It is stupid, but for some reason, she suddenly feels determined to prove him wrong.
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
🗨️ Why does he sound so… smug?
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
*huffs as she slides her paper toward him just a little*
Fine. But only the second question.
Phenix's fingers brushes the edge of her paper as he glances at the answer, and for a second, he found himself wondering that her handwriting is so neat.
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
*nods, pretending to be impressed*
Huh. Not bad.
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
Wow, thanks for the validation.
*sarcastically*
Phenix leans back, watching her reaction with amusement.
He always thought of her as the quiet, serious type.
But as he is getting to know her, he found her unintentional reactions amusing.
Every thought that crossed her mind played out on her face, completely unfiltered like an open book, and he couldn’t help but like that about her.
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
No problem, topper.
( ꈍᴗꈍ)
Avian shakes her head, turning back to her paper. But even as she picked up her pen, she could still feel his gaze lingering for a second longer than necessary.
For a second, he pauses wondering about her few reactions he couldn't grasp at all like why did she fluster for a moment or even took the bait when she could easily ignore his challenge.
But then he decides to not dwell on it, when he has a high-stake case in his hand.
And he finally looks away.
In the front of classroom as Mr. Clarke walks away, Cadet Asher leans closer to Elios with a miserable look.
Asher Reeves. (Stupid Chatterbox)
Hey, monitor. Let me copy a tiny bit.
ಥ╭╮ಥ
Asher Reeves. (Stupid Chatterbox)
Elios Frost. (Coldy Class Monitor)
*didn't even blink*
No.
(⌐■-■)
Asher Reeves. (Stupid Chatterbox)
Come on. I’ll fail!
Elios Frost. (Coldy Class Monitor)
You always fail in grammar.
Asher Reeves. (Stupid Chatterbox)
*gasps, hand on chest*
Frosty, that was uncalled-for.
( ≧Д≦)
Elios Frost. (Coldy Class Monitor)
That is the truth.
Before Asher could reply, Teacher Clarke claps his hands standing beside their desk, glaring at Asher.
Desmond Clarke.(Calm English Teacher)
Desmond Clarke.(Calm English Teacher)
Twenty minutes left.❄️
Asher Reeves. (Stupid Chatterbox)
And Cadet Asher heroically start his mission impossible dealing with Sir Clarke's special attention at the same time.
Their interaction is seen by none other than the literary genius, who is sitting behind Asher.
Adrian Voss. (Proud Bookworm)
🗨️ Looks like Clarke has a serious grudge against Ash after our Legendary Nuclear Dance Disaster.
*chuckles*
Beside him Yasmin who was struggling with a question, hears Adrian chuckling to himself like a villain in a tragic novel.
Yasmin Grant. (Violent Butterfly)
*frowns giving a blank look to Adrian*
🗨️ Has he finally lost it from reading too much? ಠಿヮಠ
On the last bench in the farthest corner, Yuri was tapping his pen against his desk. He glances at Percy, who looks equally lost.
Yuri Knox. (Mr. Troublemaker)
*grins*
Rock-paper-scissors?
ಡ ͜ ʖ ಡ
Percy Sterling. (The Rotten Apple)
*whispers back*
What for?
Yuri Knox. (Mr. Troublemaker)
To decide which random answers we pick. Let's make failing more fun.
Yuri Knox. (Mr. Troublemaker)
Percy Sterling. (The Rotten Apple)
*nods seriously*
I like that.
ಠ_ಠ
Meanwhile, Nora and Ruby aren't even pretending to focus. As they are busy stealing glances of their crushes.
In front of them, Edward has already finished his test and is quietly rechecking, ignoring everything. Beside him, Alina is still struggling, looking more interested in doodling hearts than actual answers.
Alina Shaw. (Love-struck Diva)
*sighs, staring at Edward's finished paper*
Hey, nerd boy, switch papers with me.
Edward Edison. (Hot-headed Nerd...?)
Edward Edison. (Hot-headed Nerd...?)
*too done with her*
Not in a billion years.
ಠ ل͟ ಠ
Alina Shaw. (Love-struck Diva)
*huffs*
You’re no fun.
Beside them, Rhea Bennett was writing calmly, completely unbothered by the chaos.
Her seatmate, Cadet Simon, was in deep panic mode, tapping his pen against his temple.
Simon Reeves. (Senior Simp King)
Bro!
Simon Reeves. (Senior Simp King)
*whispers to Phenix*
Do you think Clarke would believe me if I told him I accidentally lost my test paper?
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
*barely peeks back at Simon*
Do you think Clarke would accidentally let you pass?
Simon Reeves. (Senior Simp King)
*groans, muttering under his breath*
No faith in me. Unbelievable.
(☉｡☉)!
After him Tyler with Tiffany and Brittany, the High Pony Queens, were openly copying each other's answers the moment Mr. Clarke looks away.
Nova Stark. (Sassy Snoozer)
*whispers to the cheating trio*
Seriously, this isn't a group project!
ಠ,_｣ಠ
But the three of them just rolls their eyes. The High Pony Duo even flips their ponytails glaring Nova as if warning to keep her mouth shut and continues copying ignoring her.
Nova Stark. (Sassy Snoozer)
🗨️ And they were backbiting Yuri.
*sighs & focus on her own paper*
As the final minutes ticks down, the class buzzes with whispering frustrations, exchanged glances, and a few not-so-subtle attempts at cheating.
Desmond Clarke.(Calm English Teacher)
Pens down!
Teacher Clarke's voice rings across the room.
Class. (💥)
*sighs in relief*
A collective sigh of relief spread through the students, except for the three Cadet buddies Phenix, Asher & Simon, who looks as if they have just survived a near-death encounter.
Desmond Clarke.(Calm English Teacher)
Alright, pass your papers forward.
As the students shuffles their papers, Avian glances at Phenix, suppressing a smile.
Avian Kincade. [Avy]
That bad, huh?
*teases*
Phenix Marshall. [Nix]
*lets out an exhausted sigh*
Let’s just say… my future is looking uncertain.
Author Sky. (Lazy bird)
A long chapter on account of my Birthday.
(•‿•)
Author Sky. (Lazy bird)
Thanks for reading, lovely Doves!
Author Sky. (Lazy bird)
Stay tuned, I will be back with a lot of Summertime Crazy Updates once my exam is over.
![Phenix Marshall. [Nix]](https://up-pic.mangatoon.mobi/contribute/fiction/10356988/avatar/53111466/1742490033184.jpeg-s200webp?sign=d9e5c2612cb420a4e783a6b367d492c8&t=6812b980)
![Avian Kincade. [Avy]](https://up-pic.mangatoon.mobi/contribute/fiction/10356988/avatar/53111466/1742489411046.jpeg-s200webp?sign=573d0fef9f1970fa773e7df6951f2e4e&t=6812b980)
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