9 Pick up the Torch

Lunchtime was over, and everyone had returned to their respective classes.

Before leaving, Emma suggested that everyone meet up at the entrance after school to go to her home to celebrate Jae's arrival in the city and the beginning of the year. Everyone accepted except Sumire and her brother who already had other plans.

While discussing, Jae Hyun learned that Daniel was part of the school's martial arts club with Yuuto. After learning how Jae Hyun had beaten him, Daniel offered him to join them, but he didn't want to join them any more than that. He thought it would be better for him to find a job to help pay the rent and so on. After all, he wasn't going to let himself live.

He also noticed that Daniel and Emma were very teasing to each other. He wondered if they didn't have feelings for each other. Tiffany loved music, even though Jae Hyun already knew it, this common point had allowed her and Sumire to get closer. Finally, Jasmine loved taking pictures and going around town on her airboard. Her friends were even talking about her achievements in this area.

For his part, he hadn't talked much about himself. He had only told them that he loved music, but nothing more. He was mainly listening. It's not that he didn't want to talk about himself, but all his life he had lived in solitude, and he didn't know how to approach them. Also, it wasn't as if he could tell others that he didn't come from their world and that he was actually 19 years old.

The next class was sports. Jae Hyun changed in the classroom and could feel the look of the other guys. Daniel put his arm around his neck.

"You hid me that. Did you have such muscles under your clothes? Seriously, you should join the club. I'm sure you'd be accepted." Jae Hyun chuckled.

They went outside to start with an endurance test. Obviously, the guys weren't the only ones surprised by his stature. The girls, as if struck by lightning, looked at him stunned.

The looks didn't bother him any more than that, but the fact remained that he was not used to getting so much attention. Even though he had sung in front of thousands of people, nobody had seen his face. Jae Hyun had always lived in the shadows after all. But the feeling was quite pleasant, and he had the feeling that he would get used to it. Jae Hyun started running around the field with the other guys.

Suddenly, a shrill noise was heard. As a reflex, everyone carried their hands to their ears. The noise seemed to come from the school's speakers.

"One, two, one, two. Is it working?"

The young man cleared his throat.

"Good morning, dear students. I am the president of the fan club "Music first" on Webdian and I would like to pass on a message. As many of you know, last night, a singer with a fantastic talent, was arrested. We aren't without knowing the injustice behind such an action, so I would like your cooperation to repair this wrong!" His voice was full of confidence.

****

At the same time in the hallway in front of the broadcast room.

The director arrived at the race obviously out of breath.

"What are you waiting for to open this door and stop the broadcast?!"

The director raised his voice against teachers in front of the door. Several of them were already trying to break down the door or reason with the people behind it.

"That's what we're trying to do, but they locked themselves inside and blocked the door!"

Another teacher backed him.

"They even hacked into the system giving access to the room!"

The principal couldn't believe his ears. 30 years as the principal in this school and it was the first time something so senseless had happened.

"Go get the school technician to open this door for us!"

What useless staff, he thought.

Several professors took up the task. The director stood by with his arms crossed gloomily.

*****

The guy's voice could be heard in all classes and school.

"It's time to stand up and act! Do you really want to let Utopia run our lives?! Why would music be harmful? Isn't our voice important?"

A girl by his side took the microphone of his hands.

"I am the vice-president of the club. I would like to point out that Lee who was arrested yesterday was convicted without a fair and legal trial. And sending her to the most secure prison in the world is clearly an abuse of power. Utopia and Bliss may try to scare us with their actions, but we will not back down. We will take over from its fallen artists and one day we will be able to say loud and clear that we are proud of what we have accomplished!"

Another pursued.

"Music shouldn't be used as a weapon of persuasion as Utopia does. Singers should have the right to freedom of expression! In my opinion, music is the language of emotions and speaks where words are lacking. If you are like us, don't let Utopia change you, but become the change itself! Please come and sign a petition to help Lee on our website. That being said, I wish you a good end of your class on Lee-Tick Tock's song."

The boy turned on the music and it began to echoed in every corner of the school.

"The dark side in my heart is

It's misery within a past that I just can't erase

It's alright, cause I don't give a damn

The trigger is warm within my hand

My life is in my control

I threw it all away

'Cause it was just an empty frame

There's no proof I exist

Hell, it took everything I have to save myself

How did it all end up like this?

I see the path I've long avoided

There's no one left,

And nowhere else to go

Fate can screw itself and die

As I helplessly only cry for pride

Ah, Ah, Ah, Alone in my world

I cry a song of love

This world is twisted,

You blink and miss it

All of my hopes and dreams,

They break and fall away

I'm so sick and tired of this torment

Goodbye precious life—"

A dry sound was heard, and the music stopped. Apparently, the teachers had managed to break down the door and stop them. Around the school, cheers and applause could be heard. Their reckless act had earned them the admiration of all.

The teachers tried to stop them, but they didn't succeed. Some had even accepted the challenge and started to put out Lee's song that had just been cut on their screen with their wristband singing and jumping.

After a while, and especially after the principal's intervention, the students calmed down. The rest of the day went smoothly.

The bell rang to announce the end of classes. Jae Hyun loved its sound. The sound of freedom. He followed the girls and Daniel before meeting the others outside the school. Without further ado, they headed to Emma's house. She lived about 15 minutes from school in a wealthy neighborhood. Jae Hyun was wondering what job her parents were doing.

When they arrived in front of her building, they entered and took an elevator to the 321st floor. Emma invited them in. Jae Hyun just couldn't believe the beauty of the house. It was so fancy. She opened the glass doors leading to her balcony and suggested that they sit at the table while she went to get something to drink and some snacks.

He walked towards the edge of the balcony and was blown away by the view. He even forgot to breathe. Emma had returned with drinks and chips accompanied by Daniel, Tiffany and Kylian. When she saw his face, she couldn't help but make a remark.

"Nice view, huh?", said Emma.

Jae Hyun recovered.

"Sorry. It's just the first time I've seen the city from so high up."

"Then we'll have to fix it. The weather is fine, so we can take a little walk after we enjoy the party if you want. I know some good places."

He didn't, of course, refuse the proposal.

"So now that we're all settled in, how about we play a game to get to know each other?", said Jasmine.

She had a scary look.