Past the podium stood a bouncing castle. Beside it was a photo studio area. On my right, I passed a popcorn stall, a toy booth, and a ping-pong gathering surrounded by cheering spectators.
"I bet Jaxon will win!"
"No way! Ray has won two rounds already!"
"I'm still betting on Jaxon!"
"I'm going with him," I said suddenly, pointing at a quiet guy nobody had mentioned.
"Colin?" someone scoffed. "Come on, man. Colin only won by luck. This is the final round. If he loses, you lose your money."
I laughed. "It's just for fun anyway. I'll take the risk."
Honestly, I only joined to feel included. I didn't expect anything.
Five minutes later…
"I WON?!"
"One hundred dollars," a boy handed me, shaking his head. "You're lucky. You new here?"
"Yeah."
"Well… enjoy your tour," he said, passing me the money.
I had to admit… gambling felt fun back then.
After wandering around some more, I stopped suddenly in front of a toy shop.
Something had caught my attention...
A Gigantosaurus action figure.
The moment I saw it, my imagination exploded. The fair around me dissolved into a prehistoric jungle. Giganto roared dramatically, calling for my help.
Naturally… I saved him...By buying him.
I checked my watch.
…Way past ten minutes.
"Oh crap."
I hurried back toward the popcorn stand and told Mum I got lost.
"What's in that bag?" Elrith asked suspiciously. "You went shopping?"
"Yes, I did," I replied quickly. "Can we go now?"
A few minutes later, we arrived at the gate marked:
DISTRICT 2
District 2 was massive.
A wide football stadium dominated the center. Rows of spectator seats stretched along one side, while a long hall stood opposite — probably used for team meetings and training sessions.
Further inside were basketball courts, swimming facilities, and several other sports complexes.
Before we reached the end of the district, Elrith suddenly groaned.
"My legs hurt."
Mum sighed and called for a cab.
Oh — I forgot to mention.
Cabs were commonly used inside the school because of how enormous the campus was.
I was definitely not happy about leaving so soon.
"Elrith's right," Mum said, checking the time. "It's 3:16 p.m. We need to head home."
"Mum, you don't have to worry about me," I replied quickly. "I can go home myself when I'm done touring."
She studied my face. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, Mum. I need to get acquainted with the environment before Monday."
"Oh, so you remember English when you want something," Elrith muttered, rolling his eyes.
Mum sighed softly. "Well… you're old enough to move around on your own. Just be back before 7 p.m."
She handed me transport money.
"Sure, Mum."
I stood there, watching the cab disappear into the distance before turning back toward the campus. The faint sounds of whistles and balls being kicked drifted through the air. District 2 already felt stricter than the fair-like chaos of District 1.
District 3 was quieter.
Another library stood there, which confused me at first until I realised just how massive the school really was. There was also a wide open competition ground—probably for debates and quizzes. The rest of the district was mostly decorative landscaping: trimmed flower bushes and carefully planted trees.
District 4, however, was alive.
Students lounged on picnic mats, laughing and gossiping. Some were reading. Others just lay under the shade of trees. It felt like the social heart of the school. There were a lot of pretty girls and effortlessly cool-looking guys.
That was when a guy walked towards me.
"Stop right there, fellas."
Fellas?
I turned around to see if he was talking to someone else, strange enough, another boy stood a few steps behind me, he instantly up beside me, standing shoulder to shoulder.
"What's up, bro?" the second boy said casually.
Ace smirked. "I'm Ace, From here onward is restricted. Students only."
"We already registered," the boy beside me replied. "We're basically students now."
Ace chuckled. "Wait until school resumes… or you'll be going home badly. The boys ahead aren't so friendly."
He turned and walked back to his friends, who were watching us with amused smirks.
"The boys aren't so friendly?" I repeated under my breath.
"Hi… sorry I stalked you."
"I'm sorry—you did what?"
He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I'm Micheal. Micky for short. I saw you leave the reception earlier, and when I spotted you again, I figured two freshers were better than one."
The introduction was awkward… but somehow genuine.
"That introduction sucks," I said.
"Yeah, I know."
We both laughed, and just like that, it felt natural.
Micky glanced toward Ace and his group. "Going home badly, huh? What right do they have to say that?"
You've got guts, Micky Mouse.
"Are you serious?" I muttered. "Look at how big they are while we…" I trailed off, realising something uncomfortable.
My brother's words echoed in my head.
I couldn't even stand up to a lady… how could I protect anyone from bullies?
I bit my lip hard, forcing the sting behind my eyes away.
Why can't you just grow up, Meffi? Crying is for the weak.
Micky was still talking, but his voice sounded distant, muffled by my spiralling thoughts.
"Meffi…? You still with me?"
"Of course I am," I replied quickly. "What right do they have to say that?"
"I said that minutes ago."
I blinked. "We've been standing here for minutes?"
He studied me for a moment before shrugging. "Tony Champ is my uncle."
I stared at him.
"No way… Tony Champ? The number one wrestling champion in Ueineo… actually, scratch that—probably half of America."
"Yep. He's taught me a few moves," Micky said, glancing toward Ace's group. "Enough to handle guys like them."
"I still don't think that's a good idea," I admitted. "Maybe we should leave it for another day. My mum wants me home soon."
"Alright," he said easily. "How about we take a cab? Faster."
"No way!" I blurted louder than intended. "I mean… there's no rush, right?"
He shrugged. "Sure."
We walked toward the school gates together, exchanging contacts before eventually heading in different directions.
I sighed heavily as I settled into the bus seat, resting my head against my hands while staring out the window.
The sun dipped lower into the sky, painting everything in soft gold. Workers were beginning to close for the day. Birds drifted across the horizon in loose formations. The evening breeze brushed lightly against my skin.
And somewhere deep inside me…a slow, creeping rush of adrenaline.
I was scared, but I didn't know why.
I had lived with my parents for sixteen years… my brother for thirteen. I had faced lectures, comparisons, arguments, everything.
Yet I had never felt this kind of fear before.
Slow, heavy and certain.
Strangely… the school never crossed my mind.
Because the only thought circling my head was this:
My baby brother was planning something dangerous… and somehow, it involved me