First punishment

The sun streamed through the tall, arches of the silent halls of the school, casting a warm glow on the stately, oak-panelled walls creating an illusion of tranquillity. Yet, as one ventured further, the distant echoes of laughter and commotion grew louder, emanating from the boisterous senior class. The classroom door swung open, and the chaos spilt out into the corridor.

Inside, the room was a whirlwind of activity. Paper balls flew through the air like mischievous birds, finding their targets with playful accuracy. Laughter erupted like a symphony of unrestrained joy, blending with the occasional tap-tap-tap of fingers dancing across phone screens. Some students had found respite in the realm of dreams, their heads resting on folded arms, oblivious to the ruckus surrounding them.

At the back of the class, a group of boys huddled together, their animated voices rising above the rest. The topic that fueled their excitement was cars, engines, horsepower, and the thrill of speed. Each word they spoke seemed to ignite a spark, fueling the flames of their conversation. Their voices crashed against the walls, vibrant and full of life, drowning out the rest of the clamour.

Amidst the chaos was the school prince, Wyatt. With an air of indifference, he leaned against a wall, his eyes constantly glancing at his phone. He was looking at the chat that remained unanswered. His presence exuded an enigmatic aura as if he were an observer in his own kingdom rather than an active participant. The noise enveloped him, yet he remained untouched by its waves.

His friends were too caught up in their fervent chatter and failed to notice Wyatt's distant gaze. They debated the merits of different car models, their voices rising and falling like waves upon the shore. Though he was the center of attention he remained silent, his thoughts concealed beneath a veneer of stoicism.

Myan turned to look back and found that Wyatt was standing there constantly glancing at his phone. Curious, she got up and peeked at the screen of his phone while asking, "Who got you all riled up today? You don't seem to be in a good mood."

Wyatt had already locked his phone by the time she walked over. "It's nothing," he said as he pulled his chair to sit down. Myan's brow arched her curiosity intensified. She absentmindedly glanced around and suddenly met Luna's gaze.

She was silently sitting in front with a book open in front of her but at the corner of her eyes, she was staring at Wyatt.

Myan was quite familiar with that gaze.

Being astute and perceptive she knew that just like every other girl in the school, Luna harbored feelings for Wyatt though she wasn't like these hungry hyenas sending him gifts and food while calling him husband online. She mostly hid it well.

With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Myan leaned down towards Wyatt, her arms gently resting on his broad shoulders. Their closeness seemed intimate, an unspoken connection between them like they were a couple.

The sight caught Luna's attention, and a sudden pang of jealousy coursed through her veins. She tore her gaze away, her fist clenching involuntarily as she watched underneath the desk.

Mr. Johnson, the mathematics teacher suddenly stormed into the chaotic senior class, his frustration evident on his face. The clamour of voices echoed through the room, drowning out any hope of order. With a resounding thud, he slammed his stack of books onto the podium, causing a collective gasp from some students.

As the vibrations settled, the class gradually quietened down, albeit only slightly. They begrudgingly returned to their seats, stealing curious glances at their irritated teacher.

Among the students, Kilin and Keele, who had sneaked out to the bathroom, hurriedly made their way back to the classroom, unaware of the sudden turn of events.

They had been looking at the comments from the livestream yesterday and making plans for a photo shoot after school hence they lost track of time.

Spotting Mr. Johnson's imposing figure at the podium, Kilin and Keele panicked. Mr. Johnson was famous for snitching. He recalled all your crimes during the semester and on parent and teacher meetings he would sell you out like Judas betrayed Jesus.

They didn't want to be on his hit list so they instinctively dashed the back door, hoping to escape his wrath. However, their hasty dash into the classroom was met with an unexpected obstacle which was the door frame. Because they entered the class simultaneously they got wedged in the narrow space, their desperate struggle drawing the attention of the entire class.

"Move back," whispered Keele through gritted teeth while Kilin nervously smiled at Mr. Johnson.

"You move back," she replied and they finally tripped forward and the room erupted in laughter, the sound bouncing off the walls. It seemed like an uncontrollable wave, engulfing the students in amusement, except for Luna and Wyatt. Luna had on a composed demeanour like a goddess, poised and graceful.

Wyatt glanced at his phone before his gaze shifted from the trapped duo at the door to Ross, who appeared thoroughly amused by the spectacle. Ross sensed Wyatt's eyes on him and met his gaze with a wistful smile. Wyatt looked away checking on his phone again.

Meanwhile, Mr. Johnson's stern voice cut through the laughter, demanding attention. He pointed towards Kilin and Keele, instructing them to stand outside the classroom as punishment for being late and causing a commotion.

"Since you don't want to be here then stand outside and reflect on your mistakes," he said and the two of them turned to leave.

However, after a moment's consideration, he changed his mind, perhaps realising the potential distraction it could cause. "Wait wait wait. I change my mind. You two stand at the back of the class for the duration of the lesson. If I hear a peep I will call your parents," motioning them to move to the back of the class.

With a sheepish expression, the two students reluctantly shuffled to their designated spot, conscious of the lingering laughter and their teacher's watchful eye.

Kilin and Keele didn't make a sound but their hands weren't as behaved. They were arguing with their hands until Wyatt glanced back his gaze as cold as ice.

Kilin snorted internally his anger from yesterday that had simmered down suddenly bubbled up again. She wished she could strangle him to death and rid the world of him.

She rolled her eyes only to meet Ross's intrigued gaze.

Kilin, "..."