October 8, 2021 ; 7:30am

Front of the Girls' Dorm

Zen's PoV

Last night's a mess. Thankfully Suki was voice recording the whole night when Harrold was there. He could've told my Coach and resulting into graduating in Soccer team. In other words I'm not going to be a part of the Soccer team anymore. Here I was waiting at the front of the girls' dorm for Katara and Suki. Katara sent me her class schedule last night before we parted ways. If I'm correct, her first class would be from 8am-9am. I could just tell my Prof that I was helping Katara go to her classes so I would be excused. She's the most popular girl in school and most favoured by the Professors. Forgot to mention she is the Ace of Swimming team. So of course the news spread so fast that she sprained her ankle. Though the one who saved her wasn't mention. "Sorry for the delay, Zen" Suki told me while supporting Katara. I got beside her and she clings on me. "Let's go?" She nodded.

"How's Harrold's cheeks?" Of course I would be concerned. Well more like concerned that I would get into trouble for it. "It was swollen Zen and his side lip was bleeding." Suki was the one who brought him to the clinic last night. "I've gotten stronger, wow" I noticed Katara raising her brow at me. "It's not something to be amazed at." She scoffed. "Well I'm proud of it actually" I chuckled. Katara was glaring at me "What? I didn't like him harassing my friends and I've already warned him the first time." It was a warning when I said 'Watch what you say, Or your gonna get yourself hurt, big boy'? I actually don't remember how I said it last night but it was so smooth. Katara just sighed next to me and continued walking.

"I'll see you later Katara." Suki waved goodbye to Katara, while she waved back as well. Suki turned to me "Zen please take care of her." I scoffed "More like I need to take care of myself from her" Katara immediately pinched my sides "Ow ow ow ow!!" She let go. I looked at her. She furrowed at what I've said to Suki. This is the evidence. "You've got your evidence, Zen" Suki chuckled as she walks away. You see? Even Suki knows it. Katara just rolled her eyes "Let's just go. I don't wanna be late for my class" We continued to walk "Okay okay."

"Do you think Harrold would be graduating swimming team if that voice record is released?" I was just wondering if he would or not. I never knew how their Coach is and how strict he or she is. I just know my Coach. One nasty scandal and you're out even if you're the best player there is. Values over skills, He would always say that. That's why no one at the team is being left out. "I don't really know. I think there is a chance since the swimming team also has the girls team. The least would be being suspended or he isn't allowed to participate in the next tournament" I'm just really thankful that Suki has that recording. Wait. Since there are 2 teams of swimming guys and girls. Are they practicing together? I looked horrified "Are the girls' swimming team practicing with the guys at the swimming team?" I stopped at my tracks and waited for her to answer "Well it happens most time, when we're nearing the tournament. Since both happens at the same season. We have 2 pools here, the other side would be the guys' while the other one is ours. If it's off season, it happens rarely" I looked up then nodded. "Why the sudden interest anyway?" She was holding me to stop. "Just worried" I shrugged. Who wouldn't be worried if a pervert is there at the swimming team. Girls' in their swimsuits while guys could just look over any moment. Disgusting jerks.

We continued at our tracks and manage to make it on time for her class while I was late for my class since it's at the other end of this building. I knocked on the door "Sorry for being late Mr. De Castro, I was walking Katara to her class" He smiled at me "Ah yes. Come in Zen. I saw you earlier with Katara and Suki." This was much easier than I thought. I took the only available seat. It was at the second row. "I'm guessing you need to go and help your friend later?" I nodded at him. Mr. De Castro is one of the kindest teacher here in Akashi University. After the discussion it was already 8:45am. "Zen, Go ahead. While the rest of you stay." The others groaned and I saw the hint of envy at their stares. I shrugged and made my way to Katara's class.

I saw that they weren't finished yet. So I leaned over to the wall and waited for them to finish. I grabbed my phone and checked what is her next class. It was 9:15am-10:10am, while mine is at 9:15am-10:00am since it was just a minor subject. I shoved my phone inside my pocket. I'm hungry, I didn't ate breakfast. I didn't have the appetite earlier. I heard the door opened and their Prof left with her things meaning it's the end of their class. I got inside and saw Katara fixing her stuff. "Hey, mind if I get your number?" I told her jokingly "Sorry but I don't really give my number to anyone." Clearly she was so focus on fixing her things. I flicked her forehead to grab her attention and it did the trick "Zen! you're already here. I would have thought you would be later than sooner" I smiled at her "Well, Mr. De Castro let me out early knowing I'm the one helping you." I extended a hand to help her up. "Thanks." She took my hand and we began to walk towards her next class

"Sorry, I'm a hassle aren't I?" She looks down. She is not a hassle and I'm quite enjoying this. I'm always near her. I should stop it dammit. I might say it out loud so stop it Zen! "Nah you're not besides I got to have my classes cut shorter since I have to support you and being with you is much enjoyable than listening to the lessons" It's true. I don't really like being in classes it makes me sleepy. "So you're just using me as an excuse to have your classes short?" I chuckled at her. "Mayyybe?" I really like spending time with her. "Zen! Look at this girl! isn't she beautiful?" Jiro suddenly jumped on me from behind showing me pictures of a girl. "Who's that?" I wasn't really interested, I just asked out of curiousity on why Jiro is showing me that. "That's Jules, ain't she pretty? Oh yeah, by the way. You, me, Rita and Jules. Double date. Tonight. 7pm. Papa rico's. I'll see you there. Bye!!" I blinked my eyes and trying to figure out what the hell just happened? Did that guy just set me up in a double date that I clearly didn't need? I could feel Katara's grip getting tighter. "Let's go to my class Zen." It was firm. Very firm. One fact. Katara being angry is equal to disaster. Though I don't know why she is angry. "Yes. Ma'am" I walk her over to her class and help her sit "I'll see you at 10:10?" She nodded as she took out her book for this class.

I walked out of the classroom and thankfully my class was just next door. Why did Jiro set me up a date? Now Katara is mad for I don't even know the reason is. I should text him later, telling I'm not going. I just wished he wouldn't sulk. He is so hard to coax when he starts sulking. Should I just go and save myself a trouble? Or no and just spend time with the gang? If I didn't spend it with the gang, what would they say? 'oh Zen has a girlfriend' in clear I don't have. What about I didn't spend it with Jiro? He wouldn't pass me the ball. He wouldn't talk to me. He would get mad at me even if I got his plays right. Jiro is a total pain in the ass. Then going with Jiro it is. Besides one date doesn't mean I'm already in a relationship with her? I guess? I got to ask Hatsuki about this later.

My class went by so fast since we only had pop quiz for today. Here I was waiting for Katara to finish up with her classes so I could walk her to the next. 10:30am-11:30am. We both had the same class. It's with Mr. Lorenzo my firstly known teacher here at Akashi University. Just remembering makes me wanna slap my face. I looked at Katara over the window and look how focused she is. I took out my phone and took a photo of her. Fortunately the teacher nor anyone noticed me taking a pic of her. I locked my screen and saw Katara. It was the first picture I took of her. Though it was technically a stolen picture. We were hanging out at the BB cafe at the first week of September. She was sipping her iced coffee with a straw and I just found her cute. I took it and saved it as my lockscreen eversince. Now that I'm thinking about it, it's been a month since I've like her. She's really cute here. She was focused on her studies while sippin on her iced coffee. She let down her smooth wavy hair. The left side was behind her ear while the right side wasn't. I closed my phone and shoved it in my pocket.

Then one by one the students starts to get out of the classroom. I waited for them to go out before I come in and get Katara. "Hey, Hope I didn't keep you waiting" I know I've been the one who was waiting. She smiled at me "Nope! Let's go?" She's not mad anymore. I wonder what made her mad, I shrugged then lend her a hand and get on our tracks. I stopped "Can we buy snacks first? I'm getting kinda hungry" I chuckled. I was getting more hungry every minute that was passing by. She nodded at me as we head our way to the snack store. "You want something?" I asked her as I took out my wallet. "Nope, I'm good" I gave the clerk the money for my snack. It was a bag of chips. It was a spicy flavored. "Didn't you ate breakfast?" Katara asked me, I suddenly stopped. Should I say I didn't? Or lie to her? Let's go over the consequences first. I didn't have, she would scold me and tell me to have breakfast tomorrow morning. She would ask me to send a picture of me with the food. When I lie? She would be happy at first but when I slip it out she would nag me everyday about it and this is worse than the first one. "I didn't, I kinda slept in" I slightly laugh while praying that she would take it easy. She just sighed at me "Okay, just make sure you eat a lot later at lunch" I blinked at her. Honestly I was expecting so much worse than that. Did something happened to her?

We were walking slowly since our class starts in 15 minutes and it was just a 5 minutes walk from here. "Mr. Lorenzo is just gonna discuss today, right?" I don't really remember what he said at the last class we had. "As I can remember? Yep. You hate him?" She asked me. Not technically hate him. "No, it's just whenever I see him, I just wanna slap my face for doing whatever I did on my first day here" Why did I ever say that. I curse my mouth. "Oh, you mean the 'You can't be Ms. Rui, You're a guy!' line" She copied how Mr. Lorenzo did it and she was laughing out loud. I frowned at her. "You're still a big meanie" She was still laughing. I rolled my eyes.

"What's with Jiro earlier, anyway?" Katara asked when she stopped laughing. Somehow I feel so cold, it wasn't even air-conditioned in this hallway. "Somehow, Jiro manage to get a double date and he somehow pulled me into it" It's really troublesome having him sulk at me. It would go on for a week! "You're going?" I looked at her. She was just looking straight ahead. "I guess so" I said with a groan. It was a pain in the ass. "You sound like you don't want to go" She stopped and looked at me. "That's because I don't want to go" She raised her brows "Then why go?" I looked at her "Because Jiro sulking means smashing my head with a rock for a week. He'll be a pain in the ass in practice if he sulks" I explained it and help her sit. I sat beside her and Mr Lorenzo wasn't here since. "In the end, You're gonna go on a double date that Jiro set up?" I nodded at her question. "Why not tell him you already have a girlfriend?" Why is she pressing this? "Because I don't have a girlfriend. If I did tell him that, he would want proof." I shrugged as I lay my head on the table. "Could we talk about something else?" I asked her. She sighed and was playing with my hair. "You sleepy?" She asks. "Yeah, I don't really like mornings" I mumbled but I know she heard it because she giggled. "I know" She said softly.

"Good morning class!" Mr. Lorenzo suddenly came up that I almost jumped out of my seat. He is in a good mood, I guess it has something to do with his date last night. Before I go to Lillian's I saw him walking with a woman. She was clinging to him, though it was kinda dark so I don't know if it was a father daughter date or a romantic date. He is pretty good looking too, just really strict with classes. He teaches well and very intelligent. I wonder if he is married, divorce or single. For his age I think he is about 34? So cross the father daughter date. It was a tall lady, I just couldn't see the face very well but her silhouette was up to Mr. Lorenzo's mouth.

There was a knock on the door, which made all of us look at it. Mr. Lorenzo opened it. "Good morning Ms. Rui" He was smiling, so was Ms. Rui. That smile, it was something different than a professional smile. I feel like I'm seeing flowers all over them. I shook my head and leaned on Katara. "Don't you think something sparkly is happening over there?" I whispered at her, she slightly shivered maybe because I leaned in so fast but she didn't mind it and looked at the two "I don't think so" She said while putting her one side of the hair behind her ear. That was pretty. I looked back to the two professor still talking. I know there is something between them. Ms. Rui was about neck high of Mr. Lorenzo though. I sighed and decided to let it go and close my eyes. "Zen, Come here" I opened my eyes and got closer to them. I saw my Coach standing at the back of Ms. Rui, I couldn't see him earlier since the door was blocking the way. I immediately took a step back.

"Am I in trouble?" Coach doesn't enter classrooms unless needed to. This is gonna be bad. I saw Harrold behind Coach and was whimpering while holding his cheeks. "It was him! I didn't do anything to him then he punched me out of the blu-" My Coach turned around "Let my Ace speak." He was angry I could tell. He was practically growling at Harrold. I was happy when he said that but I'm also terrified. "What happened and what was the reason you punched him." He came closer to me then rested a hand at my shoulder "He was threatening me last night saying he wouldn't stop bothering me and I was a bonus prize for him if we didn't let him hang out with us!" Katara shouted from her seat. That pretty sums up all of it. "Is that true?" Coach asked me. I nodded. "Don't believe him! Katara is being threatened to twist her words!" Harrold still pushed it further. Until I saw an unfamiliar teacher. "Wasn't Harrold the one that saved you Katara?" She said. While Harrold looks Horrified. "Wait wait what?" Mr Kien who happens to be with my coach contradicted. So that's why Harrold looks horrified.

I looked over to Katara she was pretty confused. "Zen was the one who saved Katara from drowning. I can't be wrong. I was there and I saw it with my own two eyes." She looked at me unbelievable. "You did?" I just turned away. "Harrold explain yourself!" The unfamiliar teacher said. I think it was the coach of the swimming team. I saw him shrunk at where he stood. "We have ploof! Ouch!" Sokka bit his tongue and was panting with Suki and Zuko. Sokka was holding up the phone with the recording. He gave it to the Coach of the swimming team and came at my side. "We saw Harrold walking with a lot of teachers and your Coach so we followed them." Followed them? "Skipping classes?" I asked.

The shook their heads "It's our vacant time" I nodded then I looked at Katara who seems to be staring at me ever since Mr. Kien told the whole class that I was the one who saved her. My coach came closer to me and hugged me. "I know you wouldn't do it just for fun kid" He pulled back and smiled at me "Great Job for standing up for your friends" He ruffled my hair. The the Coach of the swimming team came closer to me. "I'm very sorry for Harrold but I thank you for protecting Katara." She came closer to Katara and pulled her "I'm sorry" Katara shook her head. "It wasn't your fault Coach" I knew it! It was the coach of the Swimming team.

Me, Harrold along with the teachers expect for Mr. Lorenzo went to the principals office to talk about what happened. They also took Suki's recording as an evidence that Harrold was threatening Katara. The principal decided that I would get a penalty for punching him while Harrold was graduated from the swimming team and was banned to get closer to Katara or do any sports at the University. My penalty is a week of community service at the pool. So everyday for 1 week I would clean the pool after class. I was still penalize since this school doesn't allow violence but was lightened due to the fact that I was defending my friend.

I came back at the classroom when it already ended. I saw Katara waiting for me. I sat beside her "Hey". She looks at me "Why didn't you tell me?". I shrugged "I don't know" I said weakly. I didn't even know why I didn't tell her the truth. If I did would she have believed me? My minds making this really complicated. "Was that the reason why you got irritated? Because I thought he was the one that saved me?" She grabbed my arm. She was right it was the reason but it's not because she thought he was the one that saved him. "Yes and no. I was irritated at him. Not at you, idiot" I put out my tongue. I stood up "Come on let's eat. I'm starving from all this commotion" I helped her up as she clings on me.

"What did the principal said?" She asked me curiously. Well who would not when you were beinv threatened by that guy. "He decided to terminate him" I chuckled as her eyes widened with what I said. "I'm just kidding." She slap my arm for that joke. "Joking aside. He decided that Harrold would officially graduate the swimming team and will not be allowed in any sports at the Akashi University. He also decided I should be penalised at what I did because this school doesn't accept violence." Katara looked worried "Just one whole week of community service. Cleaning the pool everyday after school. I'll start on monday. They decided to lighten in since I defended my friend. If you're asking if he is suspended from school. I don't know. He let me out to speak with him alone." I looked at Katara who wasn't really listening after I said I was gonna be cleaning the pool after class.

We sat at BB cafe and ordered the usual. "Where's Uncle?" I asked Bell, she works for uncle at this cafe. I work with her sometimes. "He said he had a date" Ahh again? I nodded "Okay thanks" I waited for the food and beought it to the table. "So if you're gonna clean after class then you would see the swimming team for a whole week?" That's what she was thinking this whole time? "I guess? I don't really know." I took a bite at my food. Geez I'm starving. "Can you just go there after the swimming team is done and out of the pool and lockers?" Why is she so worried that I see the swimming team anyway. She always see the soccer team and I have no problem with it. "No, I can't. I'm still practicing for the tournament cup remember? Our first match is at October 28 though the opening will be at October 27." She frowned "What's that gotta do with cleaning?" What's the deal anyway? "That and the cleaning has to do about everything. If I can't clean it fast I would have lesser time to practice. If I waited for them to finish. I wouldn't be able to practice"

She took a bite at her food while pouting "Just practice at morning." I frowned at her "I can't, I'm still helping you walk around" Next she was glaring at me. "Hey guys, how's it going?" Suki sat next to Katara. "Katara over here wants me to go at the pool when all of the people there is gone which would take forever since they are showering before they go out. Which means I wouldn't get practice for the tournament cup, If I did have, I wouldn't get much time." I whined while Katara crossed her arm. "Here's the thing SleepyAce. Katara is just worried about you seeing the girl in their swimsuit that's why she wants you to wait till they're gone. End of story." I raised my brow at Toph then Katara. Why was she worried if I see girls in swimsuit. "Shut up Toph!" She was clearly embarrassed. Looks like Toph hit the bull's-eye. "Why would you be worried?" I lean closer at the table. "Because you're a pervert!" Then pushed my face hard that made the chair and me fall back.

A pervert? I'm not. I don't even look at them! "Here you go" Zuko helped me up. "Thanks" I picked up the chair and sat down silently. "I'm sorry Zen." I looked at her while taking a bite at my lunch. I didn't even bothered to answer her. Was I just a pervert in her eyes? I didn't even do anything to be called that! I continued to eat my lunch.

Ring ring ring

I looked at my phone and it was Jiro. I picked it up.

"Zen! buddy! where are you?" I just remembered that he set me up a double date with a stranger.

"At BB Cafe." I said plainly then he hung up. That guy really gets on my nerves.

"ZEN!!!!" I jumped at who shouted my name and saw Jiro at the door panting. "What the hell are you doing here?" What in the wonder name just happened to him? He came closer to me "You know that picture that I showed you earlier? The one with a girl?" I still remember it of course. It was that picture that got me in a date that I didn't even want. "Yeah." He looks at me like he just had seen a falling star "Dude she's a teacher! I'm cancelling this, as much as I want to get laid later tonight, I won't risk my position in the soccer team" He's cancelling the date! Yes! Thank you so much! So he's more scared of losing his place than getting laid huh. I looked at Katara and shoved Jiro forward "This is the pervert not me!" I frowned at her. She giggled "I know, I'm sorry okay?" She's really cute while I saw Jiro "I'm not a pervert just sexually troubled" I choked at my water when he actually said that out loud. I laughed even though my nose hurts. My eyes felt teary.

"You okay?" Katara asked worriedly. "My nose hurts" I think some water gone up to my nose. I really hate it when that happens but I couldn't stop laughing. "Damn Jiro, how could you say that without being embarrassed" I grabbed a tissue and wiped my nose and mouth. "There's no room to be embarrassed my friend and now I got to go" Then he's gone in just a flash. "Don't worry about him, despite him being sexually frustrated he really respect women. Maybe it's because he have 5 sisters." I finished my soda. Katara was still suspicious of Jiro because of the way he acted.

I checked my watch and it was 12:20pm. The next class is at 1:30pm-2:30pm with our Homeroom teacher, Ms. Rui. Then next was 2:45pm-3:45pm. Then 4:00pm-5:00pm. The last would be 5:10pm-6:10pm. My eyes were getting heavier each seconds that had passed. I was full and that is one of the reason why I feel like this. "Come here" Katara gestured to the seat beside her. She was seating at the couch while I was sitting at the chair. I couldn't really refuse her right now nor do I have the enegry for it. Maybe she wants to go to the restroom. Well, of course I wouldn't go inside the restroom with her. I'll just support her up until the door. I stood up and sat next to her and waited for her to cling on me. To my surprise she pulled my head down and rested in on her shoulder. "It's the least I can do for you. Just think this as a thank you for helping me. You sleep I'll wake you up after 40 minutes" I noticed Suki who was at the beside Katara at the other side grinning and stopping Sokka for acting out. meanwhile Toph would just roll her eyes.

Well Katara, don't mind if do. I closed my eyes and drift away in my dreams.

Katara's PoV

Zen woke up early this morning since he had to help me. He has been walking all over the campus supporting me and leaving early at his class just to help me get to my classes in time. He said it was fine but I could see he the dark circles in his eyes that he was tired. I know that he normally have eyebags but this one was a different one. You would know it if he was tired or not. He even told me that he didn't have time to eat breakfast. I was feeling a bit guilty that I troubled him about this. I glanced at the man who was resting at my shoulder.He was fast asleep and even looks peaceful, I could hear and feel his breathing this close. He was slightly snoring. It was a soft snore, he must've been really tired. I'm sorry Zen. I moved his bangs out of his eyes. Such a visual. He slightly shifter to make himself more comfortable.

I would seriously hate it, if he did this with another girl but the thing I hate the most is that fact that we weren't together. I couldn't take hold of him since we're just friends, It's so frustrating liking him knowing that girls would always stare and grab his attention. I noticed that he was wearing the bracelet we gave him after he won the regionals. He doesn't usually wear it it his practice. I wonder who is the girl he is interested in. We asked him but he still decides to keep it a secret. Does the girl know he's interested in her? Are they meeting in secret? Is he calling her out during midnight like he did with me one time? My eyes went wide thinking what if they're together and I'm doing this. I would be a relationship wrecker! No no no, Zen clearly told us he wasn't going out with anyone at this moment. He is just interested in the girl, I hate this. I just like him so much that I want to know what he likes and hates. I want him to always look at me. I want to be close to him everyday and cling on him like I did today. I want to be the one he goes to if he is having troubles with his feelings, emotions, studies and everything. I want him to be mine and mine only. I want him to be selfish of me. I want him to get angry if I did something wrong. I want us to fuss and fight and make up. I just want him so bad that it hurts.

I sighed and drink the rest of my coffee. I turned the page of the book that I've been reading. It's for our History class later after our homeroom. Speaking of this book has Zen even read it? I haven't even seen him with a book outside the classroom. Speaking of classes, Akashi University has an uncommon way of sections. Like the homeroom, mostly students in the same major and year are grouped but here it was different. We were group by year only. It somehow feels like highschool. Though that said, we were grouped according to our houses.

"What are you reading?" Zen with a sleepy voice asked. His head still on my shoulder and he wasn't pulling away any second. "It's the assignment, remember? In our History class today." I stared while still reading this book. Our teacher said it contains what happened at the war. It was inspired from a diary of a soldier. Zen yawned "The Hundredth March? Yeah I remember. I'm going back to sleep." Oh no he isn't gonna go back to sleep without reading this. "Have you ever read this?" I looked at him. "I already did, last week" He said while his eyes were still closed. When did he ever read the book? He shifted a bit to get a bit comfortable. Somehow me and Zen manage to get closer in the few months that we've known each other. Actually the gang got much closer to Zen these months. I'm much surprised by how Toph and Zen got closer. He actually treats her as a little sister. There was one time Zen got tickets for a concert of a band named Gratitude. He took Toph and when they came back they told us how rad it was.

Then the next is when he took Aang on skydiving. He said he couldn't take everyone because he only had 2 tickets again. Zuko on the other hand invited Zen to fire dancing. Zuko took a video when Zen tried it, he was impressed by his skills. Zen told him when he was in highschool it was an exam so they had to practice it. Next was Suki who took him to her hometown since he was interested in where did she learn those martial arts. Then just last week Sokka took him jet skiing. It was unfair that they all had an alone time with Zen while I still hadn't had one. I sighed and looked at my watch. It was time to wake him up. "Zen? wake up" I looked at him as his eyes starts opening slowly. He sat up and yawned. "Thanks" He mumbled taking his bag and hanging it to one of his shoulder. "Let's go?" He asked as he was preparing to help me up. "Yep, Come on Suki." Calling her out who was cuddling Sokka. We bid goodbye to the others and made our way to the campus.

Zen's PoV

It was a good nap but I keep yawning and yawning on the way to the campus. Katara who was clingin on my leftside looks worried "You okay? You keep on yawning" I know I was tired and it was obvious in my eyes. "Yeah, just need to shake off the nap from earlier" yawning once again. My eyes was teary from yawning. I could see Katara nodding and looking ahead the road. I took my phone and checked once again her schedule. Four subjects left. I should've asked the principal to move my community service to December. I just remembered I'll be going to Shin Island this month. There lived my family in the father's side. Fortunately, my dad nor my brother is going since they always thought of it as a nuisance. They needed me to help set up for the year by year celebration every October 23, It's kinda like a family tradition. It was said that it was when the Island became known. They also said that our ancestors found this and named it as Shin Island. I guess it makes sense since our surname was Shintaro.

I'm gonna be a hella busy next week. I've asked my teachers to give me the week's assignment where I'll be absent next week. This is why I don't want to waste time, with all this requirement, me missing classes and with the tournament cup comming at the end of the week. I groaned. I'm getting head ache for just thinking about it. Before we got inside the classroom, Ms. Rui stopped us "Katara, could I borrow your boyfriend for a minute" She winked at her. I immediately felt heat rushing to my cheeks by the word that Ms. Rui said to describe me. "Uh, he's not my boyfriend." Suki helped Katara on the way to our seats. "Zen are you sure about this? You do know you still have community service to complete and while you're at it, you have a tournament cup coming up." She was holding a bondpaper which contains the assignments for the week I'll be absent. I nodded "I'm sure besides, It feels better to know that I won't need to worry about my assignment while I'm at Shin Island. I rather cram now than later anyway" She handed me the paper. "Okay but make sure to take care of yourself and you could ask me if you're having a problem with the assignment."

I put the paper in my folder inside my bag. "Thanks, Ms. Rui!" Then I came in the classroom and sat beside Katara. "Okay, goodmorning class. Let's start, shall we?" We all payed attention to her. Ms. Rui is kind though you don't want to make her mad or you'll really regret it. "Let's start with the first announcement. As you all know we have would be having the finals in late November. Regarding our pace I would say we're fast with the progress in which I don't really have complaint about instead I congratulate all of you. For the second announcement. The winter formal gala has been announced by the office!" Winter what? Everybody cheered when Ms. Rui announces it. I looked at Katara who seamed very happy with the news. "It's a school night that involves all students from year 1-year 5." She explained. "How? I mean considering the numbers of the students which is estimated to be 20,000 or more students that attend this University." Akashi University is a big school and having a school dance with all the students from 1st year to 5th year is crazily insane. Katara laughed with what I said. "You do know that we have college houses right?"

I look at her puzzly "Houses?" Her face fell "You seriously didn't know?" I nodded. Was it something I was supposed to know? "If you have your Certificate of Registration, it was indicated there what house you'll be but you can know about it from your homeroom. I'll cut to the important details. First is that we have 4 houses which contains about 5 -7 thousand students per house. The names of this four is The Red Pegasus, The Blue Phoenix, The White Dragon and The Black Minatour. The school uses this Houses to group the students for their events." I've noticed how the whole class was listening to Katara as she explains the system this University made. "That's right Katara, well Zen to answer some of your question. We belong to the house of White dragons. Teacher's are also included in the houses, that's where, we, your advisers come in. We always need to make sure none of you cause troubles and remind you off all the events that's going to come. Are you getting it?" Ms. Rui explained it, still this was still confusing as hell. "Most of it, I guess? One more question if all of us here belongs to the house of the white dragons does that mean all of my classmates in another class is one too?" Ms. Rui shook her head. "Nope. Your other classes contains other houses as well, the only exception is your homeroom." I nodded.

Somehow I was reminded of the times when some people ask me what house am I in. I always told them a normal house and I even told them my complete address. Could they mean this kind of house. Knowing it just now makes me feel embarrassed. I buried my face with my hand. Damn I wish I could go back and slap myself! "Heh, I think Zen is remembering when other students ask him what his house was but he answered his house was a normal house." I just remembered it again, thanks to Gen "Shut up Gen. I'm already dying of embarrassment!" I look straight ahead and I sure know my face was bright red. "I slammed my head at the table "Guess that's why they had this confused face when I tell them. I even told them my full address!" Just kill me now. "I bet the girls liked it" I looked at Gen who was beside me. I opened my mouth but I closed it. I had nothing to say anyway. I can't even answer that, I slumped at my seat and just groan. I have a feeling that Katara would insanely tease me with this.

"Continuing with the announcement! For the White dragons, our Winter Formal Gala's theme will be Under the stars. For those who are asking where, we will be holding it at the ballroom at the center of the campus." 5-6 thousands students inside the Massive ballroom at the center of this campus seems possible. That ballroom could even hold up to 10 thousand people anyway. "For when, it will be at December 20, 2021. You already know what kind of outfit it is but to be clearer it's a formal attire. That'll be all for the announcement for Winter Formal Gala. Be sure to bring your date but if you don't have any that's not a problem as well!" She continued. Date huh, I looked at Gen "So who will you be bringin?" She scoffed at me "Of course it'll be Hatsuki. How bout you?" I'm planning to ask Katara but I think she already has someone in mind. "I think I'll just go alone" I mumbled. I never got a chance to go on an event like this. My last year in highschool was a mess that I missed out on my prom. "Why?" She asked while looking at Katara and me back and forth. She was saying 'what about her? aren't you gonna ask her?' I shrugged with uncertainty. I never asked anyone out for a Wanter Formal Gala.

She rolled her eyes and facedpalm herself "You're really hopeless" I shrugged once again "I got it from you anyway" She punched my arm "Ow?! What was that for?" She shrugged at me. "Well good thing I didn't get your craziness" I muttered. She instantly glared at me. I felt myself shudder that I quickly stood up and got to the other side of Katara. That one was a hell of a glare. Katara raised her brow "You okay?" I nodded "Just being cautious." She looked at Gen and saw her glaring at me. "What did you do or say Zen?" I looked at Katara "Just this and that" She shook her head. "Zen please take your seat. I'm still not done with the announcement." Ms. Rui who was writing the board a minute ago finished. "I'm good here, Ms. Rui" Still on guard with Gen. I saw Gen ease down her glare. I carefully moved in my seat and once I've relaxed. Gen suddenly jumped on me and choking me. I couldn't breath "I give up! I'm sorry I'm sorry!" She loosen up her choke on me. I can't believe I forgot how strong Gen is. She would always beat me when we were kids.

"52 me and 51 you. Ha! I got the lead again." Dang it. We're always competing with each other since we were children. It consists of cooking, running, and all kinds of stuff that we could compete. "Ehem" Ms. Rui has gotten serious at this point. Both of us frozed and closed our lips that moment. "Good. That's great isn't it?" We nodded. "Okay continuing our announcement, we need a committee for the dance. 2 students per homeroom. 1 girl and 1 guy. Any one wants to volunteer?" Nobody volunteered. "Okay we will vote. Who wants to nominate?" Gen on my side raised her arm "I nominate Zen to be a representative committee for our class" I could see her grinning at me. "I object! I can't, I'll be busy with practices and the tournament cup for November." Can't believe she has actually nominated me knowing the tournament cup is just around the corner. "Anyone want to invalidate Zen being nominated?" Ms. Rui asked the class and no one even raise their hand. Not even Katara. I groaned, they are not making this easier for me. I frowned at my cousin for doing this.

"Any other nomination?" They all looked at me "Ms. I think we got our male representative." The guys in front told her. "Moving on for the females' representative." Suki stood up. "I nominate Katara" She quickly glanced on Katara. If Katara was picked to be a representative then I don't mind being a representative. "Another nomination?" Ms. Rui said while placing the chalk down. "I nominate Shiro" Shiro, the pretty girl with blonde hair. Doesn't really talk too much. "I second to close the nomination." Another classmate said. I can't believe no one was nominated after me. How unfair was that. They voted and it ended as a tie. Shiro and Katara didn't vote neither did I. "You're supposed to vote, Zen" Ms. Rui mentioned. Was I really supposed to? They both had 28 votes, one was absent. Ms. Rui came closer to me "So who do you vote for?" I shrugged "Then, I'll put in my vote for Katara" Ms. Rui smiled at me. She always seem to pair me and Katara whenever a situation allows it. I don't have a problem with it, in fact I'm more than happy for it.

"Great, Later you guys have a meeting at 4:00pm - 5:00pm at the AVR" She handed us the paper we need fill up. After our homeroom it was our history class before the meeting. I was really bothered during the meeting by the way the head comittee was looking at Katara in every second. I mean he would look at the others but he was seriously staring at Katara. Sokka and Zuko was there as a representative as well and We we're grouped into two. 1st group is to organize the whole night program while the 2nd is going to be designing the whole ballroom. The vice committee made arrangements of the 2 groups by our skills. I wasn't really someone who likes to plan so I was put in the Design group while Katara, Sokka and Zuko was in the 1st group. Even the head committee was in the 1st group but Sokka and Zuko was there which made me feel much better. Both groups went on their own corner, I handed Katara to Sokka. "Thanks for helping my sister, buddy" I nodded "She's really heavy, you know?" Sokka laughed while I teased her which made her a little pink "I'm just kidding. It was no problem, she was light." I smiled at them and got to my group. My head manager was there "Jean!" I sat beside her "Well if it isn't the Ace. Dragged into it?" I nodded "Gen did it." She chuckled "Classic ol' Gen". Fortunately for me, Jean was the leader for this group. It made it a lot easier for me to move in the group.

"Before we start the discussion. I would like to introduce ourselves first to get to know each other more." One by one they introduced there selves then it was my turn to speak. "My name's Eizen, I'm from Ms. Rui's class a sophomore and I'm a member of the soccer team. I major in electrical engineering." They all stared at me. "Psst Zen, your hobbies and skills" Jean who was beside me whispered. "I have a lot of hobbies and skills that includes music, arts, sports, experimenting technology, going out and sleeping." Jean nodded at me "I nominate Eizen to be my assistant leader for this group. Does anyone opposes to the idea?" My eyes widened at Jean, this isn't what I want but sadly no one opposes to it so I'm the assistant leader. I sighed. Each group consists of 50 members. Which means that the total representatives there is for the White dragons is 100 members. Each homeroom class consists of a 100 students since the classroom were really big here. There are 50 homeroom classes all in all for the white dragons.

After introducing ourselves Jean passed on the papers she has been holding since the start of the meeting. "So this is the details for our Gala. We will based our design with the theme of course, which is Under the stars. We also need to cooperate with the other groups plan for the program. Now, some of you might think their assignment is easier than ours but it's not. It's not easy planning an event that consist of 5000-6000 students. They would be the one who would call the caterers, the sound systems, the performers and etc. So don't ever let me hear that you guys are getting lazy just because it's unfair because I'll tell you once again It's not!" Jean was firm with every word she let out. I knew she was not going to take this event as a joke and I knew how she work being our head manager in the soccer team. She was precise, strict, fun, responsible, and has a great sense of leadership. Jean is a very hard working woman that I actually look up to. She would be perfect for the other group but somehow she was with us. I glance at the group 1 seeing them being really focused made me decide I shouldn't really get lazy about this, should I? The guy raised his hand. If I remember correctly his name was Ronald. "If we are gonna adjust for the group of planning of programs, shouldn't we wait for them to finish planning it rather than revising and revising our design plan?" I stood up from my seat. "No, not really. We are the design committee right? I suggest instead of wasting time waiting for them to finish their plan, we should design the things and places that will not ruin their plan. For example is how the tables and chairs look like, the windows and curtains. The lighting is ours right?" Jean nodded "The lightings, the stage, the flowers or the little details. What we are waiting for is the placements of these things, Where the students is supposed to walk in and dance. Where the MCs will take the stage, the catering, and the sound system." They all seemed impressed with what I've said. "I never knew the Eizen who's always sleepy has leadership skills" It was Gio, a classmate in physics. "What can I say, I'm also shocked myself" I chuckled. Jean put her hand on top of my shoulder "This is why I wanted Eizen to be my assistant leader. Even though he's always sleepy, he always accomplishes his task." I don't really know whether Jean is complementing me or not.

I glance again to the group 1 and caught Katara staring at me, she quickly turns to the head committee, it kinda seems like the head committee was interested at her. I mean he was looking at her back and forth since earlier before we started the meeting. Jean quickly took the papers and rolled it to strike me at my back "Ow!" Jean glared at me "Focus." I quickly nodded. "Anyway. Our meeting for the group is done here. Next week we will be having this again and I hope that all of you have a visual on the design. Go back to where you seat when you first came here and Eizen you come with me." All of them stood up and properly placed the chairs to where they belong. I followed Jean in front with the head committee and his assistant head committee.

They were all 5th years while I'm the only one that's a sophomore in front. I heard whispering across the room. I glanced at my back and saw what the group 1 has planned. They move really fast but this schedule was a bit complicated. I was really cringing at this schedule. "Why am I sensing you don't like what we planned?" The assistant head named Dex asked in unpleasant way. The head committee named Gerald steps closer to me "If you have a problem with it just say so." He was glaring at me to intimidate me. Dude I've seen guys who's more bigger and intimidating than you. I looked at Jean who also was having trouble to compile how can the event be successful with this schedule. I looked at her to ask for permission in which she nodded. "Your schedule is too complicated. We start the event in the late evening 7pm and end it early at 11 pm. Then you expect 5000-6000 students to get and eat their food injust one hour. The event would only have 3 hours or even lesser with this schedule. Did you even considered the number of students that will attend this event? That is just purely impossible unless we have super abilities like being so fast or just slowing the time."I'm seriously getting sleepy each minutes that passes by. Just seeing this schedule makes my head hurts. "You passed." I stared at him with a blank stare. "I wha?" He chuckled "You passed on being the assistant leader of group 2" I seriously don't need his permission whether I became the assistant or not. "You see, when Katara was looking at you. I thought you were nothing but a distraction. Whe. you came here with her I thought you were just a helper. So I told them about this and bet on it that you would do a good job analyzing the schedule." grabbed a cartolina which was the true schedule of the Gala. "This is the true schedule for the Gala. We start early and end late."

4pm Preparations

note: All students should be already there by 5 pm

5pm The star

6pm Catering will be open, students can eat anytime.

6pm-11pm Dance, bands and have fun

12am closing

This was much more reasonable than the first. "Do you have a plan on where you want the sound system, catering, and entrance is?" Jean asked the two guys. "Well, if possible I want a large dance floor. The sound system can be upstairs. The catering should be it's easy to get but hard to bumped into. I like it to be squared. The entrance I would like it the be like a red carpet vibes." Dex mentions. "I would like a bar included in the catering." Gerald said while looking at Katara. He's too obvious. "How bout the stage?" I sighed as I took out a notepad in which I just drew in. Little by little I could see what they like. "I would like the stage to be like up above the clouds and has enough space for a band." Dex who slapped gerald into reality. "That's it for today. I'll see you guys next week." Me and Katara got up and walked to our last class for today and went back at the dorm. This was a very busy day.

Disclaimer: Any A:TLA characters are not mineHope you guys enjoyed this chapter and story! Please be sure to click Favourite and Follow if you want to be updated for this story! I'm actually thinking of rewriting the earlier chapters into PoV's of the characters, but I think I'll do it when I got much better at writing. If you have any critics and comments please don't be shy or hesitate in reviewing this story! It'll really help me a lot. I'll begin to write the next chapter after this