The Flasher

Six weeks had passed since Sakar's infamous punishment, and his reputation as the school's resident pervert had only solidified. Each corridor he lingered in, every staircase he haunted, he was on the lookout for an opportunity to sneak peeks under skirts. His antics made him notorious, and every girl on campus knew to steer clear of him.

His infamy wasn't confined to whispers and wary glances; even the boys began to distance themselves, fearing guilt by association. Only Kepyun still spoke to him, and that was strictly within the privacy of their shared room.

The situation reached a new peak when the school newspaper featured him in its sixth-week issue. The headline read 'Number One Person To Stay Away From', cementing his status as a pariah. Sakar, seemingly unfazed by the widespread disdain, continued his questionable pursuits with a brazen disregard for how deeply he was digging his own social grave.

***

Olga's first six weeks at the academy were marked by a flurry of admiration and envy. Her penchant for revealing outfits, perfectly normal back in Water City, made her stand out dramatically in the more conservative environment of Old Marmara. Every day brought new love letters—thirty-three in total—and direct confessions from twelve different boys, all of whom she turned away without a second thought.

Her peers in the shaman class slowly withdrew from her, their feelings a mix of jealousy and disapproval. They whispered among themselves, speculating that she craved attention, a theory only reinforced by her bold fashion choices.

Despite the social rifts, Olga's presence was undeniably captivating, especially when she took to the skies. Few at the school could fly, and none with the grace and flair Olga displayed. She made her daily commutes between classes, the refectory, and the dorms a spectacle, soaring through the air in outfits that left little to the imagination. Her unabashed expression of freedom and her unique abilities made her a figure of intrigue and controversy across campus.

She didn't speak with Sakar at all, but she caught him watching her flights a few times. It wasn't just Sakar; many boys seemed captivated by her airborne displays.

One particular incident highlighted the tension her presence caused. A girl from the shaman arts class had planned to confess her feelings to the boy she liked. She invited him to the secluded backyard of their class building, gathering her courage to express her emotions.

"I lo…" She began, her eyes locked onto his with fierce determination.

But as she spoke, the boy's attention drifted past her. Following his gaze, she turned to see Olga flying overhead, her vibrant pink underwear clearly visible as she soared. The realization hit hard—she was being upstaged at her own confession.

"That's playing dirty!" the girl thought, her frustration mounting.

Turning back to the boy, she noticed he was still distracted by Olga's display. Her temper flared.

"Why are you watching a flasher?" she snapped, her voice sharp with accusation.

The boy's response only deepened her anger. "You're just jealous. Bye." With that, he walked away, dismissing her feelings completely.

Furious and humiliated, the girl was not just any student—she worked on the school newspaper. This incident wasn't just a personal embarrassment; it was a story, and she had the means to share it. What had been a private frustration now had the potential to become a public spectacle, giving her a platform and motive to act.

The situation escalated rapidly after the newspaper article dubbed Olga "The Flasher." The nickname spread like wildfire, changing how everyone viewed her actions. Before the article, most students had seen her frequent flying and attire as quirks or personal style. Now, they viewed every move she made through a lens of scandal.

As the week progressed, the school's attitude towards Olga shifted dramatically. What started as whispered gossip turned into outright ostracism. Crude drawings and offensive notes began appearing on her desk, symbols of a growing disdain. Conversations would halt when she approached; classmates who once smiled at her now turned away.

Despite her usual confidence and the isolation, the relentless negativity began to weigh on her. She found herself increasingly alone, her interactions marked by cold shoulders and harsh whispers. Her reputation was nearing the infamous level of Sakar's, but for entirely different reasons.

A few of the more aggressive students even attempted to physically confront her, frustrated by her unapologetic demeanor and her visible defiance of social norms. However, Olga's ability to fly—a literal and metaphorical rise above her peers—kept her out of reach. Her prowess as a wind shaman not only allowed her to escape potential attacks but also served as a stark reminder of her strength, deterring most from trying again.

The hostility only deepened her resolve to remain unaffected on the surface, but privately, Olga grappled with the stark reality of her situation. The freedom she cherished seemed to bind her in new, unexpected ways.

***

Kepyun's obsession with fighting and muscles earned him the nickname "muscle brain" around campus, a label he wore with pride. His enthusiasm for physical strength was unmistakable, often leading him to challenge others to bouts or enthusiastically discuss workout routines and muscle development.

Despite his singular focus, Kepyun's openness and gregarious nature made him the most social of the trio. He didn't mind the teasing; if anything, he saw it as recognition of his dedication to his craft. However, his intense personality and constant talk of physical prowess were too much for some, making them keep their distance.

Yet, for those who shared his passion for athleticism or could match his high energy levels, Kepyun was a loyal and motivating friend. His ability to inspire others in the gym or during training sessions made him a valuable ally. But in a crowd of diverse interests, his one-track mind about muscles and fighting inevitably alienated him from the less physically inclined, highlighting the divide between his world of strength and the broader student body's varied pursuits.