Chapter - 29 : Orientation Ball
(Same Day Evening)
(Third Person View)
In the midst of the confined expanse of the freshman-Orientation Ball-a vast hall opened up with rows of tables, each adorned with numerous tables and an erratic arrangement of chairs, varying from three to five in number.
As the event progressed, some chairs remained vacant while others were claimed by students, infusing vitality into the space.
Unlike their earlier appearance at the morning's ceremony, the students were now decked out in an array of styles, each outfit reflecting their personal preferences and individuality.
Within the hall, a symphony of soft conversations and gentle laughter flowed through the air, creating an inviting buzz.
Yet, amidst this lively backdrop, a distinct energy seemed to envelop one particular table, setting it apart from the rest.
Rai and his crew occupied this table.
It was as if the air around their table held a secret, an intangible quality that defied easy description.
This intangible atmosphere seemed to blend companionship and purpose into an intriguing essence that separated them from the ordinary mingling crowd.
David, Rai's roommate, couldn't help but notice this intriguing dynamic.
As he observed their interactions, a thought crossed his mind, and he voiced it.
"Why do I feel like we are outcasts?"(David)
David mused, finally realizing the distinctiveness of their group's dynamics.
Their group dynamics stood in stark contrast to the interactions unfolding around them, setting them apart as unmistakable outliers in the sea of students.
Without a doubt, their presence was one of the most eye-catching, if not the most conspicuous.
Much of this distinction could be attributed to Rai's enigmatic aura. His attire spoke of regal elegance, akin to that of a Prince, complementing his strikingly handsome appearance.
Kavir, with his comparable allure, added to this unique group's captivating appearance, while David, maintaining an average countenance, further enriched the ensemble.
Despite these distinct characteristics, their recognition among their peers was sparse, with only a handful able to put a name to their faces.
Their interactions remained confined to brief and formal initial greetings, never extending beyond that surface level.
It was as if an invisible barrier separated their group from the rest, a boundary that neither they nor others dared to cross.
Among the crowd, a few female students attempted to breach the mysterious facade that enveloped Rai.
Driven by curiosity and a sense of frivolity, they approached, hoping to unravel the mysteries shrouding this captivating group.
However, even in their approach, there was a palpable hesitation, a subtle uncertainty that was perhaps exacerbated by Kavir's stoic expression and Rai's seemingly disinterested demeanor.
These brief encounters typically ended swiftly, leaving behind an air of unfulfilled curiosity.
David found himself caught in this whirlwind of fleeting introductions, his attempts at engagement often thwarted by the abrupt departures of those seeking to decipher the group's enigma.
His role in these encounters remained on the periphery, leaving him with a sense of missed opportunity and lingering questions.
"What do you mean you only feel?"(Rai)
Rai's voice carried a nonchalant tone, and his expression was languid as he raised an eyebrow in response to David's observation.
With a glass of grape juice in hand, he took a leisurely sip, the corners of his lips curling into a faint, self-assured smile.
"We were clearly outcasted."
He continued, his words delivered with an air of certainty that reflected his acceptance of the situation.
Rai's demeanor seemed almost detached from the notion of being on the fringes of the gathering, as if he had embraced this role with ease.
Savoring the flavor of the grape juice, Rai's enjoyment appeared genuine, with a quiet contentment radiating from his relaxed posture.
It was as if this moment, this position on the outskirts, held a certain allure that transcended the norms of social interaction.
His disposition suggested a preference for this vantage point, far from the fray of superficial conversations and empty exchanges.
.
(After a few more minutes…)
Amidst the ebb and flow of students, Rai's attention was suddenly arrested by a striking sight as he stood with the same savoring the flavor of the grape juice.
Kavir and David were dealing with a few people who had just learned his identity and were now asking if they required any special attention.
However, his eyes were on the young woman with flowing crimson-red hair making her way through the crowd, her presence a vivid contrast against the backdrop of the event.
Her steps were purposeful yet graceful, each movement exuding a quiet confidence that demanded attention.
Her attire, a blend of elegance and originality, only served to enhance her magnetism.
Her path led her closer to Rai's vicinity.
The ambient noise seemed to recede in Rai's perception, leaving only the sight of her advancing figure and the faint echo of her footsteps.
It was as though a spotlight had illuminated her in the midst of the bustling crowd, giving her a grand welcome.
"I was wondering why the hall turned noisy all of a sudden."
Rai remarked, his gaze drawn to the source of the commotion as he properly gazed at Rosalind, and beside her, Maya followed, who stepped away after nearing Rai.
"If it isn't, miss Seco–"(Rai)
His eyes settled upon Rosalind, and he started to speak, only to pause and quickly correct himself as if realizing the weight of addressing her.
"Princess Roseland Viviana."(Rai)
The words he had initially intended to utter retreated under the force of Rosalind's intense glare.
Instead, he chose a more formal tone, addressing her by her proper title.
"Prince Rai, were you about to utter something that should remain unspoken?"
Rosalind asked, her words carrying a hint of rebuke.
Despite the evident anger simmering beneath the surface, her smile remained intact, a well-practiced facade that concealed her true emotions.
Rai's response was measured, his words carrying a touch of playful nonchalance.
"I was merely mentioning that the person who invited (: forced) me here was themselves late"
He explained with an almost aloof expression gracing his features.
"I am not late.
–However, Rosalind was quick to challenge Rai's assertion.
"I arrived on time.
"Someone just happens to be too early."(Rosalind)
She retorted, her smile maintaining its sweetness.
...on the outside.
.
.
"I don't know what you are trying to accomplish by wanting me here."
Rai muttered under his breath, his words a quiet admission of his uncertainty.
He and Roseland Viviana had taken their places at separate tables, surrounded by an audience that seemed captivated by the unfolding interaction.
On another table, Kavir, David, and Maya found their seats, a subtle undercurrent of intrigue weaving through their gazes.
"But let me tell you, that's not going to work out."
Rai continued, his voice a low murmur.
His gaze swept across the room, taking note of how the once uncertain eyes now glimmered with a spark of interest.
The air seemed charged with a newfound energy, a tension that seemed to fold upon itself, surpassing even the levels of intrigue present earlier.
This heightened attention wasn't surprising.
After all, the second-ranked student was now engaged in a face-to-face conversation with a Noble figure who had managed to remain shrouded in mystery for over fifteen minutes.
The sight was an embodiment of the enigmatic nature of the Academy's social dynamics.
"Prince Rai, don't overthink.
–Rosalind's response was marked by a playful tone, a smirk gracing her lips as she savored the unfolding scenario.
"Your presence alone is enough for my objective.
–She added it with a glint in her eye.
"So just sit back and relax."(Rosalind)
With a casual air, she concluded.
Rai's response came with a touch of humor and a hint of his own strategies unfolding beneath his words.
"Princess Viviana, you know I am the best when it comes to relaxing, right?
–His words were tinged with a wry smile as he referred to the art of deciphering the unspoken.
"Oh, and by the way.
"The words you spoke can be interpreted differently(:wrong way)."
He continued, his tone carrying a hint of mischief.
Rai's words held a playful air, his gaze locking onto Rosalind's as he kept her guessing.
"You are free to interpret them as you wish, Prince Rai.
"Your interpretation doesn't bother me"
Rosalind replied candidly, a touch of amusement in her voice.
.
(To be continued…)
(Chapter END)
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