烟绯少女之事件簿：自新的逆转 档案2
The File of Young Yanfei: Turnabout New Leaf, File 2
"I have to go there. Alone. I promised her," I begged my besties, who were raring to go to the school's rooftop with me as originally planned. I had to make some sudden change of plans not just for me, but also for dear Yanfei.
Out of the three, only Xingqiu acted pissy.
"Wow, and this is the treatment we get for being besties these past six years? Big McThankies for nothing, Tao," Xingqiu replied, and I don't think this was one of his signature sarcastic replies. "Look, the three of us'll hide far away from you two so that you won't be bothered. Simple."
"Qiu, stop that." Chongyun nudged Xingqiu. "We don't wanna ruin their moment. They did promise to do it alone. Imagine if it's us two instead of Tao and Yanfei."
"Cooking up a future date, huh, you two? Spicy!" Xiangling joked, and Xingqiu humphed while Chongyun blushed. "Kidding aside, I agree with Yun, Qiu."
Xingqiu grumbled loudly, just as my watch beeped when the meet-up time with Yanfei came.
"Whatever. Looks like you gotta go now, Tao. Good luck, and you better tell us everything that happened, as originally promised," was all Xingqiu could say before grumpily storming away. Try as we might to call him, he sped further away.
Chongyun ran towards him first, but shortly ran back to me, bowing once. "Really sorry again, Tao. On behalf of Qiu, too. We'll deal with him."
Xiangling nodded. "You gotta go, Tao. Don't keep Yanfei waiting!"
"Of course, I won't!"
And just like that, the two ran to that grumpy bowlcut boy. I hope those two'll talk some sense into him. It's not my fault that Yanfei didn't want anyone to bother us, ai-ya…
Leaving that earlier argument behind, I ran up the stairs to get to the meeting place, eager for that one moment with her. Out of the blue, I ran into Yanfei.
Sadly, my smile did a 180 when I saw who was beside her — Eula.
"Oh, Hu Tao! I was just chatting with Eula while you were gone," Yanfei happily said.
Happy around this ice-cold student council member, huh?
"That's nice," I replied. It took all my willpower to stop myself from replying with an 'isn't that obvious?' and a scoff.
"Well, that's my cue to leave, Fei. Have fun." The cunning vice-president of the student council then locked eyes with me and smiled. "See you around, Hu Tao."
"Bye, Eula," I replied.
That's right, leave us be.
Finally out of my sight, my smile returned. Everything just seemed to brighten up at that moment.
It's just me and her now.
Once I opened the door that led to the rooftop, I instinctively held Yanfei's hand and dashed to the meeting place: my special spot where I like to waste time and think about stuff alone.
"Let's go~!"
Oh my gosh, her hand feels so soft, and it's making me feel so mushy inside! I still can't believe I did that. My heart's racing, but I can't back down now — the coffin's already rolling!
"H-hey, Hu Tao."
Suddenly, she tugged my hand. We stopped when we were just a few steps behind a wall of a few thick water pipes. Beyond this is my special spot, accessible if one knows how to climb over the pipes.
It's pretty easy, even if it's pretty scary at first glance. To my right's a raised cemented platform that technicians use. Hop on it, and then simply climb over the pipes before landing on another raised platform. Unless you knew the entire school layout, nobody would know that another raised platform lies on the other side unless they tried, since the thick pipes and the wall to my right block the view.
Scary enough, once someone successfully gets to my spot, the first thing that they'll see is a broken fence. The rooftop's perimeter has a tall fence that keeps us from falling into the ground, meeting a seemingly painless death if the head goes 'splat!' on the ground.
Speaking of that, there's a story that a student tried to run into the same fence for a dare, but then it broke, and they kicked the bucket. Ever since then, the spot's been off-limits, and the pipes and wall were laid here shortly after that.
And because of that, not a single soul goes to this spot of mine. Not even my besties would come here, even though we hang out on the rooftop. That makes this my special spot, and I wanna keep it that way.
At least, I'll share it with Yanfei.
"Is this the place?" Yanfei looked around for a bit. "It's a dead end, Hu Tao."
"That's what you see." I pointed to the wall of pipes before me. "Remember that one spot everyone was talking about one time? Just climb over these pipes, and there's our meeting spot. Nobody'll see or hear us beyond these pipes. I'll help you climb the wall with me, don't worry!" I flashed a smile at her, hoping she'll climb the wall with me.
Ooh, 'climb the wall with me'. Not a bad ring to it.
"I don't know, Hu Tao. Seems too much just for a little talk. Why don't we do it here instead?"
"C'mon, Yanfei, please? What's life without a little danger?"
"Hm…"
C'mon, Yanfei. Say yes!
"I… I'd rather have it here." Uh oh, she crossed her arms, and with her signature fiery glare too. "I just remembered. It's an obvious violation of the rules to go beyond certain restricted sections. You and I already know the story of this particular area. Plus, it's kinda dangerous to climb over these pipes. I wouldn't want you getting hurt, Hu Tao."
Of course, this is Yu Yanfei I'm dealing with. She'll never break the rules unlike my reckless ass. Not even with me. Oh well, at least I tried. More importantly, she cares for me, yay!
One day, you'll realize breaking rules can be fun, too!
Folding my hands, I replied, "Ehe~ Sorry, Feifei."
"'Feifei'?"
Ai-yo, slip of the tongue! Stupid Tao!
"F-forget I said anything, Fei… Yanfei!" I mumbled with my hands on my mouth.
"No, no, I don't mind it! Actually… it's a nice nickname. I like it." She's… smiling? Sweet gods above, this must be heaven; I can finally call her 'Feifei' without sounding weird!
"Anyway, I don't feel like anyone's coming here because of the storm. So!" Feifei cutely clapped her hands twice. "What'd you want to tell me, Hu Tao?"
I looked up to the sky; looks like it's gonna rain real soon with all those gloomy, gray clouds. Oh right, there's a storm coming. I better make this count. My letter's ready, so everything's set.
Anyway, they just said 'a few minutes', yep. Just a few minutes with her. Right now, yep. What could go wrong?
Whew, it's slowing eating me up — this anxiety of mine. I hate it.
Deep breaths in. Deep breaths out.
Bowing, and with my fingers firmly pinching the envelope, I finally presented my letter to Feifei.
"Here you go, Feifei!"
A small but cutely designed envelope with the characters 俞检察官 — 'Prosecutor Yu' — was shown to me. It seems to be stapled with some brown staple wires, too.
Wait…
Hu Tao bowing.
Letter at hand.
Calling me by a nickname.
This isn't a confession, is it? Like what those TV series students do to their crushes?
But then, Ama Ping and my parents did tell me to focus on studies first. And, I think… I like Eula more than Hu Tao… or wait, no, do I even like Hu Tao in the first place?
Huh, what am I saying? Studies first, studies first! Plus, I'm not even sure if this is one of those confessions stuff!
Fixing my tie and taking a deep breath, I asked Hu Tao, "What's all this?"
When she looked back at me, her face looked like she'd seen a ghost. Hang on, I think I sounded a bit too serious there.
"W-wait, I'm not mad or anything! I'm just, y'know, shocked. Yep, that's it!"
"You're not…?"
"Promise!" And right there, I just realized I haven't taken the letter off her hands yet. Chuckling nervously, I received her letter.
The moment I took it, though, I felt a small but weird spark in my chest. I don't really know if 'spark' is the best word to describe it, but it felt nice. Like, as nice as when Eula and I'd hang out.
Strange, there's no flap here — it's all stapled shut. What a strange little letter this is, but it just screams 'Hu Tao' all over. It's gotta be how it's designed with butterflies and flowers, I guess.
"Feifei? You, uh, don't have to open it now. It's kinda tricky to do so," Hu Tao said as she chuckled. "Sorry if I didn't use a regular ol' envelope. I wanted to make it specially made."
"If you say so." I hid the letter in my breast pocket. Maybe I'll read it once I get home, but for some reason, my instincts tell me I shouldn't show this to Eula. Ever. The last thing I ever want is my crush and my good friend having a misunderstanding… Urgh. "Anyway, um, is that all, Hu Tao?"
"Actually, not yet." The way Hu Tao said that made me want to listen to what she'll say, carefully. Now, with eyes closed, she took another deep breath in. This is making me feel kinda nervous, but excited at the same time, too.
Hm…
She's just a good friend. That's just it. I don't have a crush on her or anything.
So why do I feel so… weird?
Ngh, it doesn't help that this chilly wind's making me feel more nervous than I should.
I should calm down as well.
"Feifei?"
"Yes, Hu Tao?"
"I… I wanna tell you something. Something really important!"
"Go on, Hu Tao."
"Well, first off… you're really smart! And, really, really kind. You're like the best. Y'know, ever since first grade and seeing you acting all smart and epic in school, on stage, and even in our classroom, you've always been my role model. Heck, when you started tutoring me and helping me out with those hard-ass schoolworks, it really felt like you've been a really, really great… friend. Especially…"
Hu Tao paused.
"Hu Tao?"
"Especially when you defended me from those bullies when I first transferred to your section — no, our section, I mean."
I remember that day like it was yesterday, even though it was nearly eight months ago.
"Hu Tao, they were bullying you — calling you slurs, and trying to force you to talk about this so-called 'master cheater' by unruly means. They broke the school's rules and regulations. Of course, I wanted to defend you."
She was helpless in front of those whom I call my classmates. Well, they grew to respect her over time, and they kinda made up. Still…
I could see Hu Tao shaking and gripping her fists hard. Ngh, I was starting to get more worried for her.
Now that I think about it, this is the second time I've ever seen her like this. The first was during her first day in Class 6A — the same day with those bullies.
"Hu Tao, do you need some water? Let's—"
"N-no. I need to get it out. Right here. Right now. I don't care what you think of me. I need to get these things off my chest!"
She seemed so determined to talk to me now. I can't say no to that, but I really want to help her calm down. Drat, I'll just do it later on. Hu Tao did say this'll be quick, but I'm also getting more worried the more I linger here.
"I… I have two things I wanna confess, Feifei."
"Two?"
"Just two, Feifei. And promise me, promise me you won't get too mad at me, alright? I-I mean, sure, you can scold me or laugh at me and all, I won't mind! But… just don't be too angry at me. Please…?"
How could I get mad at her? Could it be that what she's gonna confess to me might be something that's gonna trigger me? But, I can't get mad at her. Not ever.
"I won't, Hu Tao."
With Hu Tao's lips shaking, she said the following, "Feifei… I actually—"
Suddenly, a blinding flash!
Hu Tao's words were cut short while the both of us got startled by the booming thunder that followed. Along the thunder's crackle, Hu Tao rushed into my chest out of instinct. I then hugged her, tightly, as if I wanted to protect her from something, but what?
I had my answer when the rain finally started moments after. We didn't waste time rushing back into the school, trying my best to keep her from getting wet and cold.
Sitting down on the stairs, I turned to my friend. "Hu Tao…? Are you alright?"
She leaned next to me but didn't respond. Worse, she looked shaken up, and I could hear her teeth rattling a little. I felt like wrapping an arm around her, so I did. She seemed to calm down a little…
It wasn't long before her circle of friends showed up: Xiangling, Chongyun, and Xingqiu.
"Tao, it started raining so we… Tao?!" Xiangling was the first to react. "Y-Yanfei? What happened to Tao?!"
"K-keep your voice down," I told her, sighing. "There was this bright lightning and loud thunder, and then she started acting like this. Maybe she's just shaken up from that."
"Tch, some student council member you are, Yanfei," Xingqiu muttered, making Chongyun nudge him twice. That comment made me a bit sad, but I can't let that go unnoticed.
"Watch your mouth, Xingqiu!" Hu Tao suddenly spoke up, before I said anything. "Feifei didn't do anything!"
The way Hu Tao did that… It felt nice. I couldn't help but smugly smile at the student from 6C.
"Looks like your friends have arrived, Madame Vice-Prez."
What's his problem? Xingqiu really sounded unruly. Chongyun frowned at him.
Xingqiu humphed after saying that line, and right there, Eula, Keqing, Ganyu, and Aether came. Seems like they're looking for me. When I saw Eula, though, she seemed more shocked than usual. But why…? When she did, I felt Hu Tao clutch my skirt a bit tighter.
Oh…
That might be it.
Not minding the pitter-patter of the rain outside, there was an awkward silence around my classmates and friends for a bit, until Eula decided to speak up, crossing her arms.
"I think it'd be best if we all had our lunch if we haven't eaten yet. If not," she started tapping her finger on her arm, "leave the area. No loitering around here."
The way she said it, though, felt more… hostile.
It's raining cats and dogs now. It's flooding again on campus and on the streets around it… The school should really do something about it. I wonder if Siansi talked it over with the school head?
Still, that didn't really make me worry as much as what happened earlier at noon. Not even Siansi's final research requirement made me that worried too. But, looking at Hu Tao now, she seemed less shaken up. That's a relief, I guess.
Although, when we had our noontime tutorials, I couldn't help but notice that she was trying her best to act like how she normally does. I don't know why, but ever since noon, I've been thinking about Hu Tao a bit more.
Hm…
Ah, of course, that's probably because I'm concerned about my friend. Yup, that's it.
Anyway, time-check! It's half an hour past our early dismissal time already.
Looking out the window once more, I could tell the roads are flooded real bad, so I'm not able to go home just yet, or go anywhere without a roof. This usually happens when it rains like this, and I get to go home around 6PM if it becomes this bad. Not that I mind since storms usually happen around this time.
As for my research paper, I've already submitted it, but I'm more concerned about Hu Tao's research paper…
"S-Siansi…! I swear, I thought I had it with me!" Hu Tao cried out to Siansi Yelan. "Please, just one day! I would've ran back to my home and come back with it if it wasn't stormy today!"
… since she forgot it at home.
"I'm sorry, Hu Tao." Siansi crossed her legs and arms. There's this image of 'domineering superiority' coming off her posture — I learned that word from Siansi herself. "No extensions. Don't tell me you've forgotten how I run things, dear."
"Please… If I don't submit on time, I'll be…" Hu Tao lowered her head and trembled.
Ngh, don't just stand there, Yanfei! I've gotta do something. But, it is considered unfair. Argh, some rules need to be bent sometimes. Eula even did the same for me, so…
And it's Hu Tao we're talking about here. I even helped her do her research, so I know that she's got something to submit. Something exemplary! It can't go to waste like that; it's now or never!
This is for Hu Tao, my friend.
"Siansi Yelan?" I instinctively raised my hand.
"Yes, Yanfei?" Siansi turned to me, gaze sharp — something I'm already used to.
Hu Tao turned to me. A tear seemed to flow down her cheek. My fist clenched a little hard when I saw that.
"Why don't you give her a chance to submit tomorrow?" I offered.
I may be used to asking favors from Siansi, but right now, it's different. I'm doing this for Hu Tao.
Siansi… smiled? Hang on, when Siansi smiles, that usually tells me something. "You know what you have to do," she said.
Right there, I knew what I needed to do: present my argument. To think I'd be doing an impromptu one, but I'm used to this already!
Hu Tao looked at me, tearfully worried. "F-Feifei?"
I explained to Hu Tao what I needed to do before readying my argument for Hu Tao. Maybe it was out of instinct, but Hu Tao stepped back for me to stand before Siansi. Hu Tao then shakily thumbs-upped at me.
Don't worry, Hu Tao, I won't let you down.
To start off, I told Siansi that Hu Tao's got a clean record of submitting on time. Naturally, her reputation is clean; she's never cheated before! Plus, she submits on time. Siansi knows this, but I just needed to say it, for the record.
Next, I moved to my next point: revealing that I helped out Hu Tao during her research.
"Yanfei, dear… What do you mean by that?" Uh oh, Siansi Yelan looked like she was gonna penalize me for attempted plagiarism. She even raised her gavel.
Hu Tao was getting nervous and jittery. I was, too. Though, I gotta stay strong and look confident for Hu Tao. That's what my father told me. Hmph, I have my counter, of course. This should be a cakewalk.
"Siansi, all I did was guide her. If you don't believe me, why don't you see for yourself when Hu Tao submits it tomorrow? Then, compare my work with Hu Tao's. With all due respect, Siansi," I pointed my index finger at Siansi. "you tell us if there's been any proof of plagiarism or any form of academic dishonesty by then!"
The teacher in blue smirked. "Quite a smooth point and transition. But," she slowly lowered my finger down "no pointing at me, please."
Urgh, force of habit. Still, one glance at Hu Tao told me that looked like she was on the edge of her seat.
Lastly, my final point to wrap everything up: I argued that Hu Tao would never deceive us. Repeating a part of my first point, I elaborated here that while Hu Tao is known for her antics, I challenged Yelan to present any proof of Hu Tao's record of cheating from the disciplinary office. Plus, she's got good grades. It would be a waste if Hu Tao's record would get dirty just 'cus of a single missing assessment, or worse, expelled.
Again, the Tehiatik education system is too extreme, especially in Legue, Ikazuchi, and Akkadu! One missing assessment might even lead to expulsion, and if a student has a record of expulsion, their career could get affected really, really badly.
Whew, there we go. My impromptu argument, completed. Now, time for the judge's verdict. Er, I mean, the teacher's comments.
That took us around 15 minutes, checking my watch. Felt like less, honestly.
As for Hu Tao… oh… she came closer to me and clutched my skirt while I was making my points. She noticed it immediately, but I told her it wasn't a big deal. Hu Tao then hid behind me, peeking over my shoulder at Siansi Yelan who was thinking over her final say.
"Thank you, Yanfei. That will be all from you." She now turned to Hu Tao behind me. "Hu Tao?" Siansi's voice kinda boomed along the rain, like thunder, causing Hu Tao to skip.
"Y-yes! Present, Siansi Yelan!" Hu Tao stepped to the side and presented herself, sweating.
"I just have one question — maybe two — for you, dear," Siansi said.
Our history teacher did her signature crossed-hands, resting her chin on them. She smiled, quite scarily. Was she intimidating Hu Tao…? She looked shaken, too. For some reason, my own hand moved by itself and held her hand. I don't know why, but Hu Tao suddenly calmed down a bit. I could really feel the coldness of her hands.
"Answer me, honestly."
"You did finish your research paper on your own,
without any academic dishonesty or sabotage, right?"
"Yes, Siansi! I swear, even if Tehiatik was gonna undergo a Fall of Khaenri'ah 3.0 right now, I'd still tell you the truth!" Hu Tao replied, with confidence in her own words.
I remember something, the title of Hu Tao's research was actually The Fall of Khaenri'ah: The First and The Second. Could this be Siansi's mini-test for Hu Tao?
Speaking of Khaenri'ah, I think a little bit of history lesson's appropriate here. The archipelago that is the nation of Tehiatik was once historically known as Khaenri'ah. The nation of Khaenri'ah fell twice, once in the 16th century, and once more in the late 90s. While the nation was able to rebuild itself a bit more easily in the mid-16th century with the help of 'helpful' colonizers, it wasn't so lucky a second time.
After The Second Fall, Khaenri'ah was renamed into Tehiatik and, after the intervention and aid of foreign powers, split up into seven regions desperately wanting independence: Legue, Sonnenstadt, Ikazuchi, Akkadu, Fleuve, La Yolotl, and Kholodnaya.
"So sure of yourself, and nice reference to your research, speaking as your history teacher." Siansi smiled, now quite genuinely happy.
"Before anything else, you do realize that during both instances of the nation's 'collapse', Khaenri'ah had partially fallen because of massive internal corruption. Both had led to terrible dictatorships and martial laws, and both had been well-documented of the nation's… countless violations of rights." Siansi's eye's sharpened, but for some reason, I could feel a bit of anger… but it wasn't aimed at either me or Hu Tao. "Much more The Second Fall. And, by extension, such autocratic foundations must've been built on deceit and lies, right, Hu Tao?"
As expected from her! Hu Tao wasn't folding under Siansi Yelan's legendary intimidation and interrogation; she's better than that. Grade 6 or not, I know Hu Tao'd never break under any pressure. She'll find a way. She has to.
Tch, speaking of which, you really know how to test us, Siansi…
"Yes, Siansi," Hu Tao nodded. "But, even though both nations fell because of those factors, they somehow managed to keep the peace going afterwards, because of the people themselves! Those righteous, and, um, innovative ones. In The Second Fall, even though those leaders were corrupt as fu—" Siansi and I raised our eyebrows at Hu Tao. "I mean, corrupt as frick, the people managed to start a nationwide revolution. And, a new government was then made with better people, and also after terrible fighting and all…"
Why… do I feel sad? Hu Tao must've felt the same.
Just then, I remembered: Aether — he lost his younger sister and a parent because of the latest political disaster. Not to mention, most of the parents of my schoolmates and seniors have had experiences during those terrible times…
No, gotta save my emotions for our country's history for another time. Hu Tao knew this as well and continued.
"This could be seen as a kind of proof that those who lived through cheating their entire lives would never succeed. Well, if they don't change their ways. And, they'll get their just desserts before they go knock-knock-knocking on Heaven's door, or Hell's!" Typical Hu Tao, with all those afterlife allusions. Not that Siansi or I mind, though.
"An interesting response, dear." This was all Yelan could say before returning to her original crossed-legs-and-arms pose. Leaning on her swivel chair, she closed her eyes to think.
C'mon, Siansi… get this girl that one-day extension she needs. Hu Tao and I eagerly waited for her response—
"Who's there?!"
Suddenly, Siansi Yelan turned to the door looking all alerted. Her voice spooked us, even Hu Tao.
"S-Siansi? What's wrong?" Hu Tao and I asked her together.
"No, it's nothing. I thought I felt someone watching us from the door. Sorry for spooking you both like that." Really? I didn't feel anything, or anyone. I doubt even Hu Tao saw anyone, too. If there was really someone, then woah, Siansi's got razor-sharp senses.
And so, after a few moments, Siansi finally revealed her thoughts.
"Alright. The both of you have managed to convince me. Hu Tao, dear?" Siansi turned to my friend.
"Yes, Siansi!" Hu Tao eagerly responded. I was even excited!
"You get to have a one-day extension. But!" Of course, this is Siansi Du Yelan. She'll have conditions for every single deal that goes through her. "This is a big 'but'. Hu Tao, the maximum score you'll get is 60 points. That's 10 points away from passing. I do hope you understand why you can't get a perfect mark, dear."
What?! That's crazy! Siansi may be strict, but this can't be that reasonable for Hu Tao. It should be 80, o-or at least a 75! I could never… Hu Tao worked really hard for this, so this has to be changed. I need to raise an objection and—!
"Yes, yes! Thank you, thank you, Siansi! Thank you!"
She's… in tears? Tears of joy, maybe?
I held back my objection, and that took a lot of my self-control.
I can't believe this. Hu Tao's actually okay with this? Her exemplary research's only getting a maximum of 60, and she's fine with it…?
Oh…! Hu Tao's hugging me. I could hear her muttering, "Thank you , Feifei!" What could I do but return the favor?
This still doesn't sit right with me. I gotta talk this over with Siansi. Sure, Siansi gave us the whole school year to work on it, but I've gotta find a way to bump it up somehow, even by just a little.
Though, in the meantime, I'll be enjoying this hug.
"Ahem, I'm still here, both of you," Siansi said, a bit annoyed. "Don't you have to call your parents or guardians regarding the storm or your commute back home?"
Whoops! I nearly forgot about that. I probably got a hundred missed calls from Ama now. Meanwhile, Hu Tao just said, and while sticking her tongue out, "Ehe."
I giggled. She looked cute saying that. Really cute.
"Hey, Tao? Xiangling's looking for you in 6C," Chongyun said as Feifei and I got out of Room 6A.
"Ai-ya, can't it wait? I was gonna chit chat with Feifei a bit longer…" Oh great, speak of the devil. Madame Eula of House Lawrence has entered the building, looking way more pissy than bowlcut-boy earlier lunch. "On second thought, 6C. Right, Chongyun? Xingqiu?"
"Yep," Xingqiu said as he nodded. "Didn't know what for though, if you're asking, but she did look quite… serious-looking." He was searching for a deeper word, I bet. "Now, if you'll excuse us, Chongyun and I'll have to submit our research papers to Siansi Yelan."
And like that, they were off, leaving just me, Feifei, and this girl who seems to have her eyes on Feifei.
"Well?" Eula said.
"Well… what, Eula?" I replied, with my eyebrow raised.
"Go to Class 6C, Hu Tao. Your friend needs to see you." Great, she crossed her arms. "Don't just loiter around here and waste time. There's a storm, too."
"Pfft, thanks for your unsolicited advice, Eula."
"Hmph, disrespectful and sharp-tongued as usual, aren't you, Hu Tao? I've duly remembered this."
Oh, she's really asking for it. Clenching my fist, I walked towards Eula. Funny, Eula also did the same.
"Hu Tao. Eula." Oh crap, Feifei's stopping us.
Urgh, this is all your fault, Eula! She furrowed her brows at me. Pfft, whatever. I stuck my tongue out and lowered my eyelid at her.
"Hu Tao, behave yourself. Please." Oh alright. For dear Feifei, I behaved myself. "And Eula, c'mon. Can't you be nicer to your juniors? Both of you have been acting more weirdly around each other today. I don't like it."
No… Feifei's frowning.
Ngh, I think Eula and I got the memo just now. Calling a truce with this headache of a 'friend', for now.
"Oh fine, Feifei."
"I'll try, Fei."
Sighing after shaking my hand with that Eula, I turned around and walked away, making sure that I didn't see her face as I headed to my old section, Class 6C.
I really, really wished Feifei stopped hanging out with Eula. She just seems… I dunno… not the right person for her? Too strict. Too unforgiving. Definitely not the best pair for Feifei! Like, Siansi Yelan's just as strict as Eula, but Siansi's way better than Eula — even got this second-mother kinda feel. She's a teacher so I guess that's why.
Argh, I can't help it! I always think about those ending up together, and that thought makes me puke! I really hope Zhong-daren or Ajax has some nuggets of wisdom for me about relationships, 'cus seeing them together makes me sick!
…
Hey… I'm not jealous, am I?
No, no. That's not it! I just…
Oh, who am I kidding? I remembered their words: "Too much denial isn't good," they both told me one time.
Fine, I am jealous, so I need more of their advice. I sighed deeply after accepting that fact.
Didn't take too long before I was before the door to my old section. Well, it's not too far from Class 6A. Just take a right after the first corner from 6A, and the room next to 6B's my old section.
Opening the door, the classroom's devoid of souls. Hyu~ it's much more chilly here too — like, windy-chilly. Not even Xiangling's here.
Heh, I know that Xiangling like an open book; she's probably out there buying some snacks or something. Probably buying some for me, too. Giggling a little at my bestie's habits, I closed the door behind me.
Ah… this place does bring back memories. A time when I was still with my besties almost every time. I looked over to my old seat near the windows at the far back. That's our usual hang-out spot in the room.
Heh, I remember one of our teachers scolding us for laughing out loud during recess. Like, okay? Can't we have a bit of fun when those strict teachers get to bore us with their lessons every single day? Chongyun and Xingqiu were probably about to snap at that time, too.
"Hyu… Nostalgic~"
It's not really the room that holds the memories, but my time with my besties and friends back here. Unlike those smartasses in 6A, Feifei and Ganyu excluded, we were pretty much a happy-go-lucky section. Sure, we had some smartasses here, but at least they weren't as condescending as those 6A dudes. At least 6A and I have a kinda OK relationship now, but that's a big kinda.
Still can't forget what those assholes did to me during my first day there…
Feifei… just what would I do if you weren't there…?
Sighing, I hummed a nursery rhyme I was taught by my late father and Yeye, as I walked to the same spot I sat those months back as I enjoyed the background sound of rain…
Hm?
My eyes caught something that looked quite strange.
I went a little closer, letting my curiosity get the best of me.
"What… is this…? Oh!"
"Yes, yes… Got it, Ama. I'll be at the covered entrance by 6PM… Huh? No, no! I'm fine. Eula and Hu Tao're with me. Well, Hu Tao's away for a bit… Okay, okay. Don't worry Ama, I already ate, and I got some snacks with me… Okay, see you! Love you too!"
Ending the call, I put my phone back in my pocket. Ama's voice was quite choppy. Guess this storm's ruining the signal around here, even though I'm in the spot that gets the best reception.
"Hey, Fei. How's Grandma Ping?" Eula asked.
"Oh, she's doing fine. A bit worried about my safety and health as usual, much more since there's a storm," I replied. "You can call her 'Ama' as well. I don't mind, and I don't think Ama would mind either! You two're close anyways after all those times we've hung out."
"Really?" Eula smiled — gosh, she looked a bit handsome when she did too… "That's good to hear, and thank you. I'll be sure to remember it."
"I-it's nothing really, Eula."
"Say, want a cup of hot chocolate, Fei? It's quite cold. Oh, and it's on me." Eula's treating me? Whew, I can't say no now, can I? I tensed a little but I quickly said yes. "Well, off to the cafeteria we go—"
"Oh wait, Eula."
Suddenly, I remember Hu Tao… Oh, I know! I think this could be the best opportunity for them to become better friends. I really, really want them to stop acting all weird whenever they see each other.
I just wonder why they're like that…
"How about we invite Hu Tao over, Eula?"
Eula stopped walking.
"Why?"
"Well, I just find it weird that you're kinda uptight around your juniors, much more with Hu Tao—"
"No, that's not it, Fei."
"Huh?" I cocked my head in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"It's just…" Eula bit her lip… what's going on? I could feel the air grow colder, too. "Why do you talk about Hu Tao more often? It wasn't like that before."
I was a bit worried at how Eula phrased that. Her tone didn't sit right with me either. But, I think I want to know what's up, too. "Do you get a bit uncomfy when I do, Eula?"
"Hey, I asked first, Fei."
"Oh, sorry," I said, but I furrowed my brows. Something's really up. Eula's a bit more uptight, and based on what's been going on, Hu Tao's got to do something with this. I need to get to the bottom of this. "But, I think—"
"Yanfei? Eula?" a voice came from the way to the cafeteria — it's Xiangling, and she's running to us, too. Oh, she's with Keqing, too.
"Fei, let's talk about it later." Eula breathed in deeply. "And, I'm sorry if I sounded irked back there. I'll remember not to do that often."
I sighed. "It's alright, Eula, but be honest with me when we talk about it again, alright?"
"Of course, Fei."
Maybe… Eula has some issues with Hu Tao. I've got no proof, so it's conjecture at best. But, why does it feel like the right answer…?
And… Xiangling's here, along Keqing. Oh, Xiangling's carrying a brown panda doll with her, too. Pretty cute!
"Ah, it's Yanfei and Eula," Keqing greeted us.
"It's pretty cold right now, huh? And summer's fast approaching, too!" Eula and I nodded. "I should probably cook up some soup for you guys. Now if only I had the utensils and ingredients… Ah! Sorry, um, is Hu Tao still in 6C? I felt a bit hungry on the way, too" Xiangling asked.
"I think so," I answered. I checked my watch; it's been around 10 minutes since we last saw Hu Tao.
"We were actually on our way to 6C to… invite Hu Tao for some hot chocolate," Eula answered. "Want to tag along?" Xiangling nodded.
"By the way," I added, "why're you with Xiangling, Keqing? Student council assistance?"
"Actually, I'm looking for Aether and Ganyu. Xiangling said that they might be in 6C, too," Keqing answered. Huh, I wonder what they're doing there in the first place?.
Eula crossed her arms, something she does when she goes into thinking mode, too. "It seems that all of us're going to 6C. Best we tag along, especially that there's a storm."
"Ooh~ I'm escorted by three student council members! VIP Xiangling, and her three bodyguards!" Xiangling said. It looked like her eyes were sparkling.
We laughed it off and headed to 6C, Hu Tao's former section and Xiangling's section now, and the stormy wind that blew through the school seemed to enter through some window slits.
It was cold, alright. But as we walked closer and closer to 6C, this eerie, worrying feeling that's making the air feel colder and colder grew. I'm not sure if it was just me or if my friends felt the same.
Maybe… it's because Hu Tao didn't tell me what those two important things were during lunch? Or is it something else?
One thing's for sure, though, that I couldn't let this feeling of worry go away. I even felt it grow the closer we got to 6C.
I really wished that I was worrying for nothing, but when we stepped into the room of Class 6C, I never thought I could beg the skies to be wrong.
That's when I started seeing Hu Tao in a different light.
When we got into the room, Hu Tao was opening an envelope, as if trying — no, forcing something out of it by furiously shaking it.
"Tao, I was… Hu Tao?!" Xiangling screamed, causing Hu Tao to drop the envelope and skip back in shock. "That's my envelope!"
Without warning, Xiangling ran to her envelope, shoving Hu Tao aside.
"Ai-yo! What gives?!" Hu Tao angrily said.
Keqing and I ran to Hu Tao, helping her up, while Eula went to Xiangling's side. Huh, why did Eula take her phone out…?
"No way…!" Xiangling was livid when she said that. "Hu Tao! What've you done with my research papers?!" She presented her empty envelope. "Where are they?!"
"Woah, I didn't do anything, Xiangling! It was already empty when I got here!"
"No way! I left my filled envelope in this very room before I went out to buy some food!" Xiangling paused, as if she got an answer why her envelope was empty. "Of course, it's the only explanation: you stole them!"
"What?!" To say Hu Tao was shocked at that accusation was an understatement. "What're you saying, Xiangling?! I didn't steal anything! I was just waiting for you… right here… alone…"
Her eyes widened, she just realized what was going on.
"So," Keqing said as she crossed her arms, "you were all alone in this room, without anyone to accompany you, Hu Tao?"
"Wait… wait-wait-wait!" Hu Tao started shaking. "D-don't get any ideas, Keqing! I didn't—"
"You stole them! It was you!" Xiangling threw her envelope at Hu Tao and clutched her doll tightly. "I've been working my fingers to the bone the whole year for it, and it's all down the drain… all because of you! To think we've been besties for years… and just before our exams and graduation…!"
Ngh…! I have to say something… but, what?! And, why can't I move myself Hu Tao right now?! It's like I'm being stopped by my own body!
"N-no! Xiangling, I was just—"
"Shut up…! Shut up-shut up! I've been covering for you but then…" Xiangling wiped her tears. "This is going too far!" Her eyes widened, now it looks like she's gonna get back at Hu Tao. She was even… smiling? "Hey guys! Perfect timing too, student council! I have something important to say! You're not gonna believe this one secret about Hu Tao!"
Suddenly, Hu Tao tensed up. Then,
"No, I…! Xiangling, please, listen to me! Don't do anything stupid! If we can just talk it over. Hell, I can explain—"
"Keqing!" Xiangling turned to Keqing. "The rumors are true!"
"NO!" Hu Tao lunged at Xiangling, but Eula was faster to react than me in stopping Hu Tao. Xiangling then moved closer to Keqing.
"Don't you dare! Don't you dare say it! DON'T YOU FUCKING SAY IT!" Hu Tao said while being gripped hard by Eula.
What was said next froze every single one in the room.
"She cheats and sabotages!"
"Now… I'm gonna fail because of her! That cheating little brat!" Xiangling then turned to me, looking all agitated. "Y-Yanfei! It's true, she cheats! And… she's the master cheater of our batch!"
"What…?" was all I could say.
A little later, Hu Tao and I locked contact for a bit. Eyes full of despair and hopelessness.
I remember seeing it during the first day she transferred into 6A.
"Eula?" Keqing called the one keeping Hu Tao in place. "Get Siansi Yelan. It's a code orange, maybe red. Get Aether and Ganyu if you see them, too."
"No… NO! Keqing, that's not true… ah!" Eula hastily released Hu Tao before running to 6A. Before she left, Eula and I locked contact. Was she trying to tell me something?
"Phone." She muttered before disappearing from my sight.
"W-wait! EULA! STOP! DON'T GO!" Hu Tao limped to the doorstep, but out of my instincts as a student council member, I quickly grabbed Hu Tao's arm, seizing her.
"Hu Tao…?"
One more time, our eyes locked together. I could see the despair and hopelessness much more clearly now; Hu Tao was crying.
My dear friend. Crying.
But, why? Why don't I feel sad for her right now? Why am I not worried for her?
No, I don't think it's only those. Maybe… it's that one question that's been bugging me since lunch — since that bolt of lightning and torrent of rain stopped her confession. It's clear now, the reason why I felt this eerie feeling within me.
Just what is Hu Tao hiding?
"Yanfei…! Feifei!" She knelt down, hugging my knees and clutching my skirt really tightly. "Please, listen to me! I beg you, please! I… I didn't do it!"
"Please believe me!"
Yu, Yanfei (12, F)
↪ Class 6A student. Also the vice-president of the Student Council Regiment B (SCB). Usually talks a lot when it comes to her favorites.
Hu, Tao (11, F)
↪ Class 6A student, originally from Class 6C until scoring unusually high points in the resectioning exam. Intelligent and quite mischevious.
Cheng, Keqing (12, F)
↪ Class 6A student and president of the SCB. Really strict and rigorous.
Yang, Ganyu (12, F)
↪ Class 6A student and the secretary of the SCB. A reserved and extremely hardworking student.
Faramund, Aether (16, M)
↪ Class 9D student and the president of the SCA. Quite charismatic and knows the buzz and rumors around school.
Mao, Xiangling (12, F)
↪ Class 6C student. Has an aptitude in culinary arts. Wants to study in Fleuve for her culinary arts career.
Dong, Chongyun (12, M)
↪ Class 6C student. It's as if he radiates sunshine when talking to him. He and Xingqiu seem to be really good friends.
Ye, Xingqiu (12, M)
↪ Class 6C student. Has a knack in literature. He and Chongyun seem to be really good friends.
Lawrence, Eula (15, F)
↪ Class 9A student and the vice-president of the SCA. Seems to have a resting scowl face and uptight attitude, but gets cheerful at times.
Du, Yelan (24, F)
↪ Member of the school's faculty, Class 6A's homeroom advisor, and a history teacher. Also known as 'Siansi Yelan' or 'Du-laoshi'. Mysterious and dominating aura around her.
XenoGenerator
Smug Keqing and smug Yanfei, just who'll win in a smug-off, if ever? Hahaha xD Indeed, it's really, really unfair and brutal :( And for that question to be answered, stick around until the end of Case 2!
Guest B
Ooh~ I appreciate the effort you've put into your review! Thank you!
Oh yes, I was having experiments and drafts on how I could write the perspective of some not-so average teenagers. I'm glad it kinda turned out well!
Glad you were able to catch on to that! Let's see how the case unfolds, and by then, we'll be able to see how their relationship also develops, for good or for bad.
Easter egg hunting time! But don't be shy to ask questions of the world-building and characterizations I laid out. I can answer them for you based on what or how many chapters I've posted, so ask away! :D
Hahaha sorry for trapping you like that, it wasn't my intention, hehe (￣▽￣)" But I do appreciate the reviews/comments you leave for me! Hopefully, I can finish Case 2 before the end of 2023. (o゜▽゜)o In the meantime, I do hope you'll enjoy what I have in store for you, if you're still reading this!