[On Stage — The Play]
The father's voice was steady and firm.
"Soil and water prevent our escape. But the sky is free. Even in the darkest depths below, there's still hope."
The son stretched out his arms.
"These are my wings. As long as I have these wings..." His wings sprouted suddenly, and with a smile, he said, "I can soar freely in the sky."
The father's tone grew serious.
"Icarus. Listen carefully. Sometimes, freedom can make people lose their way. Arrogance will lead to your death. Even birds must fly with caution."
The play ended, and the audience applauded.
---
[Audience — Miss Elira and Kairon]
Kairon walked quietly from the back, hands in his pockets, and sat beside Miss Elira.
"What a waste of taxpayers' money," he muttered.
Miss Elira glanced at him.
"A few days ago, a man contacted the school. He wants to kick you out."
Kairon shrugged.
"What's the point? I don't even know who he is. No one's kicking me out without a reason."
Miss Elira leaned forward.
"There's a condition though. You have to stop hiding your abilities and move up to Class S, where you belong."
Kairon raised an eyebrow.
"Class S? As long as I'm a student here, I'm protected. But if I cause trouble..."
Miss Elira cut him off, calm but firm.
"This isn't your choice. If I say it becomes reality."
Kairon smirked.
"You're not threatening me, right?"
She smiled.
"I'm making a deal. If you want to reach Class S, I'll support you. Think about it. Isn't that a good deal?"
Kairon stood up.
"There's nothing to talk about."
Miss Elira's voice softened but carried a warning.
"What a shame, Kairon."
He stopped and looked back.
"You'll be kicked out soon. Lose your freedom."
Kairon's glare was cold.
"And you call yourself a teacher?"
Miss Elira nodded.
"Decide now—aim for Class S or get kicked out."
The stage lights went dark as the play ended. The crowd applauded again.
Kairon muttered,
"You want to use me, but you might regret it."
Miss Elira smiled.
"Don't worry, my life's already full of regrets."
---
[Later — Rooftop]
Kairon stood alone, staring at the sky. The wind blew softly through his hair.
"Give up freedom to protect freedom?" he whispered to himself.
---
[10:00 AM — Recreational Facility]
Ivy, Caden, Torin, and Kei wore swimsuits, ready to enjoy the day. Kairon still wore his uniform.
Ivy laughed.
"Who knew a one-day holiday would become two?"
Kei smiled.
"Let's make the most of it."
Caden nodded.
"For sure."
Kairon thought quietly to himself,
"The school has everything: pool, theater, restaurant, bar, sparring area..."
Ivy interrupted, running off with the girls.
"I'm going with the girls then!"
Caden suggested,
"Why don't we check out the restaurant?"
Kei rubbed his stomach.
"I'm starving."
Torin grinned.
"Kairon, come with us."
Kairon sighed but agreed. They entered the restaurant and froze. The students inside sat like nobles; the waiters were dressed sharply. The atmosphere was quiet, almost intimidating.
Torin whispered,
"Maybe this place is too classy for us."
Kei replied,
"We just got here—let's try it."
They sat at a table and received the menus. The boys stared, confused.
Caden sighed,
"I don't understand any of this."
Torin raised his hand loudly.
"Waiter! Waiter!"
Kairon tried to calm him.
"That's not how you—"
Suddenly, a voice sneered from a nearby table.
"What's trash like Class D doing in a place like this? Garbage should eat trash."
Everyone turned to look.
Kei stood, angry.
"What did you say?"
The boy smirked.
"You wanna fight? Loser classes eat hamburgers."
Kei grabbed the boy's collar, but a bald student next to him stepped in.
"Hold it right there," he said, calm but firm.
Kei asked,
"Who are you?"
The student smiled coldly.
"I'm Adams Albert. Heard you got lucky escaping expulsion after fighting Class C. You don't want to turn this into a brawl."
The first boy grumbled,
"Yeah, garbage."
Adams shook his head.
"Adrien, enough. Don't stoop to their level."
Adrien mumbled an apology.
Kei scowled,
"Is this your place?"
Torin and Caden pulled Kei back.
"Enough, Kei. Let's go."
Kairon observed quietly.
"Adams Albert... Golden Medal from Class A. Central figure."
Rumors buzzed around them.
"Isn't that the violent Kei?"
"He almost killed someone."
"True."
Kei gritted his teeth as they left.
---
[At the Locker Room]
Sena held up a swimsuit.
"This would look good on you."
Ivy hesitated.
"Too bold, don't you think?"
Sena laughed.
"Just try it on!"
---
[At the Spa]
Lizzy lay wrapped in towels, eyes closed as a masseuse worked on her.
"This feels amazing, Mrs. Sora."
Mrs. Sora smiled, also relaxing.
"Yes."
Lizzy whispered,
"To get our class to S, we need to watch Arisu and Adams from Class A, and Ren from Class C."
Mrs. Sora nodded.
"What about Class D?"
Lizzy hesitated.
"Aria and Riven are promising."
Mrs. Sora sighed.
"But someone's missing."
Lizzy raised an eyebrow.
"Kairon?"
Mrs. Sora's face darkened.
"Yes. My gut says he could be trouble."
Lizzy chuckled.
"Your gut's been drowned in alcohol."
Mrs. Sora laughed.
"That's harsh."
---
[At the Library]
Arisu played chess alone.
"That's what I know about Class C."
A voice whispered nearby.
"So, who do you want me to watch next?"
Arisu smiled coldly.
"Class D—the losers."
---
[At the Poolside]
Ivy and the girls jumped into the pool, splashing and laughing. The boys watched, cheeks red.
Torin grinned.
"Today's the day—I'm confessing to Ivy."
Caden cheered.
"Go get her!"
Kei encouraged.
"You got this!"
Torin swallowed hard, then walked over to Ivy as she climbed out of the pool.
Ivy smiled.
"What's up, Torin?"
Torin blushed hard.
"Well... can I talk to you... like friends? No formality?"
Ivy nodded warmly.
"Sure! Ever since we met, you're all my friends."
Torin's face lit up.
"Yes! Ivy!"
Behind them, Caden and Kei wiped tears of joy.
"He did it!"
"Way to go, Torin!"
Kairon watched quietly, confused.
"What did he do? He just called her name."
Kei laughed.
"You won't understand, Kairon. Love takes time to bloom."
Kei looked at Kairon.
"Maybe I should try calling Aria's name too. You're closest to her—what's her surname?"
Kairon replied,
"Nyre."
Kei grinned.
"I'll go sow the seeds of love too."
Caden laughed.
"I won't lose to you."
Kairon smiled faintly.
"Good luck. I'll be in my room."
He walked away.
---
[Kairon's Room]
Kairon lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. A knock sounded.
He got up and opened the door to see Riven.
"Hey, not busy?"
Kairon shook his head.
"Not at all."
Riven smiled.
"We planned an event to thank Aria for helping Kei. Wanted to invite her, but you know how she is."
Kairon's phone rang. It was Kei. He glanced at it.
Riven said,
"I'll come back later."
He left.
Kairon answered,
"Aria!"
---
[Bar]
Aria sat reading a book. Kairon joined her.
"That was quick," she teased.
"Why did you call me?" Kairon asked.
Aria dropped her book.
"Do you think this holiday is normal? Suspicious, isn't it?"
Kairon smiled,
"Nope."
Ren approached and sat close to Aria.
"Aria Nyre. A pleasure to meet again." He reached for her hair.
She slapped his hand away.
"You're that guy from before."
Ren smirked.
"I see you're still feisty. I have a question."
Aria stood up.
"I don't have time for this."
Ren grabbed her hand, pulling her down.
"Were you the one who planted cameras at the Special Annex?"
She glared.
"So what if I was?"
Ren clapped slowly.
"Interesting. I'm a fan now."
Suddenly, a blue-haired girl approached.
"There you are, Ren."
Ren turned, a lazy smile spreading across his face. "Oh, if it isn't Miya."
Miya crossed her arms, voice cold. "Why did you hit Rose?"
Ren shrugged, stepping closer. "Who's Rose?" His hands landed firmly on her shoulders. "Why don't we go to my room? Just the two of us. Talk it out."
Miya's eyes snapped with anger. She swung a punch at him—but Albert caught her wrist effortlessly.
"Albert!" she hissed, "You're backing him? Why do you protect him?"
Ren only smiled wider and turned away.
"Come back! I'm not done with you!" Miya shouted, leaping after him. Albert caught her again, slamming her against a nearby pole. Without another word, he followed Ren.
Kairon approached, offering a hand to Miya.
She slapped it away fiercely. "Do I look like I need your help?" Then she stormed off.
Aria appeared beside Kairon, watching Miya leave.
"Looks like Class C's falling apart," she said, a sly grin forming. "That could work in our favor."
Kairon nodded calmly. "I hope so."
---
7:00 AM — On the rooftop
Akira stared at the fading moon, voice barely above a whisper. "I… I wanted to say—"
Kairon appeared behind her. "What do you want to say, Akira?"
Startled, she slipped, but Kairon caught her hand and pulled her upright.
"You okay?"
Akira nodded, cheeks flushed. "Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry… I keep depending on you."
He smiled softly. "No complaints. And if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here."
"Thanks," she whispered, holding his hand for a moment.
Suddenly, Ivy's cheerful voice broke the moment. "Kairon! Akira! What a coincidence!"
Akira quickly let go of Kairon's hand. "Good night, I'm sleepy," she said, walking off.
Kairon watched her go, thinking quietly, Is she shy around Ivy?
Ivy smiled brightly. "Sorry if I interrupted."
Kairon shook his head. "No, it's nothing. I'm tired. Good night."
"Good night," Ivy said sweetly.
As Kairon turned to leave, Ivy suddenly grabbed his shirt from behind, resting her head lightly on his back.
"Kairon!" he exclaimed.
Her voice shifted—colder, sharper. "Are you avoiding me? I can feel it. Have you ever felt… lonely?"
Kairon hesitated. "I… no. Never mind."
She smiled, stepping back. "Sorry to bother you. Good night."
Kairon looked up at the moon, quiet.
The holiday's over, he thought.