Principal Vance looked intently at Ember and then turned her gaze to Kenji, warning him silently. Tension filled the Boardroom, creating an uneasy calm. Ember leaned back, pretending to be indifferent, but a flicker of surprise crossed her face. Kenji’s jaw was tight, and his anger was palpable. Kael, however, remained unreadable, a slight smile hinting at his enjoyment of the situation.
"The Advanced Studies Track," Principal Vance said, breaking the silence, "is not just an extra class. It means a big change in your lives at Zenith Academy."
A wave of worried whispers spread through the room. What did this change mean? Maya, sitting curled in her chair by the door, looked anxious.
Vance watched them closely. "Starting now, your living arrangements will change. You won’t stay in your current dorms. Instead, you will move to a new annex. Each suite will house..." She paused, letting the suspense build. "...a carefully mixed group of three students from this room."
Whispers turned to frustrated groans. Ember’s eyes widened for a moment, showing real surprise that quickly turned into disbelief. Living with these people? Her ability to choose her company was disappearing.
"Each suite," Vance continued, ignoring the discontent, "is designed for you all to work together. Your first major assignment, due next week, is to create a detailed proposal for a new 'student initiative' that uses your combined strengths."
Kenji softly slammed his fist on the table, the sound sharp enough to get Vance's attention. He glared at her. "Combined strengths? With them?" he asked, his anger directed at Ember and Maya.
Principal Vance simply raised an eyebrow, warning him that there would be consequences. "Mr. Takagi, your personal biases will affect your grades. This program aims to help you overcome such limitations."
Ember felt a strange amusement. Kenji had been humiliated twice now. Even she wouldn’t wish that on her worst enemy, well, maybe on a few. But this forced living arrangement? It was absurd. "Is this a school or a social experiment in forced living?" she muttered for Chloe and a few nearby to hear.
Chloe looked anxious and tugged at Ember's sleeve. "Ember, what if we’re not placed together? What if I end up with someone like Kenji?" she whispered fearfully.
Kael smiled faintly; this situation was unpredictable. The norms at Zenith, with its social circles, were about to change. He glanced at Ember, who now looked genuinely annoyed. Her usual indifference was cracking.
"Your assigned groups and suite numbers will be posted by lunchtime," Principal Vance said firmly. "If you don’t comply, you risk suspension from Zenith Academy and a permanent mark on your record."
She picked up a folder, her silver hair gleaming. "You’re dismissed. Be ready to move to the annex by 4 PM today." With one last sweeping look at the students, she turned and left, her footsteps echoing behind her, leaving a room full of shocked and angry teenagers.
Ember pushed away from the table, scanning the faces around her. This was not boring at all. This was an imposition. But maybe this change would bring some real drama.
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