Arrivederci || Dan Heng [✓ ]

⋆ ✦ ˚｡ Part one ˚｡⋆

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With the help of my newfound friend, Serval, I was able to make it to the classroom on time. She warned me about being late, as the teacher didn't take kindly to it.

Luck was on my side as my seat was situated close to the window, separated from it by just one row of desks. Serval occupied the seat just ahead, which gave me a sense of comfort. She introduced me to her friend, Pela, who welcomed me warmly with her short stature and charming rounded glasses. They kindly offered to guide me through the ropes of this new environment.

Since I was somewhat early, the teacher had yet to make and appearance as well. I continued to study my surroundings, identifying all the unfamiliar faces.

First I saw a boy with gray-ish hair, in his backpack there was a baseball bat carelessly shoved in, along with his mitt and batting gloves. He looked as though he just dozed off.

Then I noticed some other kids, there was a girl with reddish-pink colored locks. Sitting next to her was another young woman adorned with a purple flower. They were talking amongst themselves, the first girl was laughing at the one with a more serious face.

But it was the young man to my left who truly captured my attention. His dark hair contrasted with his captivating green-blue eyes. Although quiet and withdrawn, there was something about him that intrigued me. Currently absorbed in a book, his gaze shifted to me when I spoke.

"Hey." I said, just loud enough for him to hear. His focused shifted to me, and a smile slipped out as we locked gazes. Yet the boy just gave me a dirty look, not even responding to my greeting. He went back to reading just as soon as he glanced at me. The exchange left me puzzled and eventually—irritated.

Did he just... ignore me?

Before I could say anything else, a female voice started to scold him.

Before I could ponder further, a female voice reprimanded him.

"Dan Heng! How rude can you be?" She playfully swatted his back with a rolled-up paper. "Apologize and properly introduce yourself—she's the new student!" The boy, now identified as Dan Heng, grumbled in response, while the young girl's eyes remained fixed on him, exasperation evident.

"I'm so sorry about him," she apologized earnestly, bowing her head. "He's always like this, so don't take it personally. I'm March, and he's Dan Heng. Welcome to the school!" Her genuine sincerity dissipated my frustration, but before I could express my gratitude, the teacher's arrival prompted silence.

"Ahem!" An older man stood at the front of the classroom, commanding attention. "Thank you for waiting patiently."

"Good morning Mr. Yang." All the students chimed in unison. He nodded silently before casting a look toward me.

"We have a new student at our school. I hope you all treat her nicely. Now, everyone please take out your textbooks and open to page 93."

Seeing him at the front of the classroom rekindled the morning's excitement within me. The feeling of being in a new place really outweighed the dread of schoolwork. I was happy to be here in this moment, and I was going to make sure I enjoyed it while it lasts.

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╰┈➤ EDITED ✦

Original publication: 06.17.2023
Re-written: 08.23.2023

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ASTRAL HIGH SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙛𝙛 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙮 𝘼𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨
Astral High will be hosting its annual culture festival later this month. Student council is working hard to make it the best it can be. We ask that students help volunteer for certain festivities. Thank you.

- Principal Jing Yuan and The Student Council

𝘾𝙡𝙪𝙗 𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮
The astronomy club will be going stargazing later in the evening, please feel free to join and bring friends!

- Club Leader Asta

Come one come all! Join us for a giant gambling party next week in the club room, hosted by the Poker Club! There is a small $5 dollar fee, but a small price to pay for a load of fun and maybe even a load of cash!

- Club Member Qingque

Fencing club is having a summer tournament. Students be sure to always bring their fencing protective gear and practice items.

- Club Overseer Ms. Himiko and Nurse Natasha

𝙀𝙭𝙩𝙧𝙖 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝘼𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨
We want to give our warmest welcome to the new transfer student in the second year class. We ask that all students treat her with compassion, and show her the ways of Astral High. Thank you for your cooperation.

-Astral High Teachers and Staff

Stay tuned for next weeks news!
- Newspaper editor and publisher, Tingyun

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