[Scene: Myrathis High School – Day Two] The school is just as lively as the day before. Students flood the hallways, their laughter and chatter echoing against the gothic archways and modern glass panels. Jeremy walks toward his homeroom, clutching the straps of his backpack, his gaze fixed on the ground. Despite his efforts to remain invisible, his shoulders still tense under the occasional curious glance from passing students.
From across the hall, Jace's voice breaks through the noise.
Jace:[waving enthusiastically] "Yo, Jeremy! Over here!"
Jeremy hesitates for a moment, his natural instinct to fade into the background kicking in. But Jace's grin is impossible to ignore, and he reluctantly makes his way over.
Jace: "So, how was the first day? Still alive, I see."
Jeremy:[shrugs] "It was… okay, I guess."
Jace:[grinning] "Hey, that's progress! Small victories, my friend. Anyway, guess what? There's a club fair today during lunch. You should check it out with me. Might be fun!"
Jeremy:[frowning slightly] "Clubs? I don't know… I'm not really good at that kind of thing. Talking to people and all."
Jace:[nudging him playfully] "Come on, you can't hide forever. Besides, it's not all about talking. There's an art club, a gaming club, even a book club. I'll bet we find something that doesn't involve much socializing. Baby steps, man."
Jeremy sighs but nods hesitantly.
[Scene: Homeroom] The homeroom is a blend of the gothic and futuristic aesthetic that defines Myrathis High. Stained-glass windows cast colorful shadows on the smart boards lining the walls. Students settle into their seats, and Jeremy takes his usual place in the back, hoping to avoid attention.
The homeroom teacher, Ms. Kaede, walks in—a tall woman with sharp features and a calm, commanding presence. Her dark, sleek attire adds to the aura of the school's gothic elegance.
Ms. Kaede: "Good morning, class. Before we begin, I'd like to introduce a new student. Jeremy, could you stand up for a moment?"
Jeremy's heart sinks. He feels every pair of eyes in the room turn to him as he slowly stands.
Ms. Kaede: "Jeremy recently transferred from Valkora. Make him feel welcome."
As Jeremy sits back down, a girl seated near the window, Amara, leans over and whispers with a kind smile.
Amara: "Hey, I'm Amara. Don't worry, it's not as scary as it looks."
Jeremy nods awkwardly, unsure how to respond.
[Scene: Club Fair – School Courtyard] During lunch, the courtyard is transformed into a vibrant scene of activity. Tables are set up in neat rows, each decorated with banners and props representing various clubs. The gothic statues surrounding the space give an almost magical feel to the buzzing fair.
Jace guides Jeremy through the crowd, pointing out the most interesting booths.
Jace: "Alright, we've got the Gaming Guild over there—think RPGs and card tournaments. Then there's the Debate Society, but uh… maybe not your thing. Oh, check out the Creative Writing Club! Perfect for brooding types like you."
Jeremy chuckles softly, appreciating Jace's attempt to make him feel at ease. They stop at the art club booth, where a girl with paint-splattered hands enthusiastically waves them over.
Girl: "Hi! I'm Callie. Are you interested in art? We meet every Thursday after school."
Jace:[nudging Jeremy] "See? Nice people, cool activities. You could totally try this."
Jeremy:[hesitating] "Uh… maybe. I'll think about it."
As they move to the next booth, a boy with headphones slung around his neck steps in their path.
Boy: "Jace! Long time no see!"
Jace:[grinning] "Leo! What's up, man? Hey, this is Jeremy—new kid. Jeremy, meet Leo. He's in the music club."
Leo:[with a friendly nod] "Nice to meet you. You should drop by our club sometime. We're always looking for fresh talent."
Jeremy mumbles a quiet "thanks," feeling overwhelmed but secretly intrigued by the diversity of activities.
[Scene: End of the Day – School Hallway] As the day winds down, Jeremy reflects on everything he's seen. The club fair, the new faces, and even the small moments of connection with Jace and Amara—it all feels strange and unfamiliar, yet not entirely unwelcome.
Jeremy (thinking):Maybe this place isn't so bad after all. Maybe… I could belong here someday.
As he walks out of the building, the gothic spires of Myrathis High cast long shadows in the golden evening light. Jeremy glances back at the school, a faint flicker of hope warming the edges of his otherwise guarded heart.
[Scene: Jeremy's Room – Evening] Jeremy sits at his desk, the faint hum of the ceiling fan the only sound in the room. His textbooks and notebooks are spread out in front of him, but his focus is distant. He taps his pencil against the desk, his thoughts drifting to the day before—a conversation with Jace and a few other students during the club fair.
[Flashback Scene: School Courtyard – Club Fair] Jeremy is standing awkwardly with Jace and two others from their homeroom. Amara, the friendly girl from earlier, smiles as she talks animatedly about an idea.
Amara: "So, there's this place just outside the city—The Phoenix Arcade. It's got games, food, and the best milkshakes in Myrathis. We should totally go this weekend!"
Jace:[grinning] "Yes! I've been dying to check that place out. What do you think, Jeremy? You in?"
Jeremy freezes slightly at being addressed directly.
Jeremy:[hesitant] "Uh… I don't know. I've got… stuff to do."
Amara:[encouraging] "Come on, it'll be fun! You don't have to stay long if you don't want to."
Before Jeremy can find an excuse, another student chimes in. Leo, the boy from the music club, leans in with an easygoing smile.
Leo: "Trust me, Jeremy, their VR setups are insane. You'll love it."
Jeremy shifts uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact.
Jeremy:[murmuring] "I'll… think about it."
Jace:[clapping a hand on Jeremy's shoulder] "That's practically a yes. Don't overthink it, man. We'll have a blast."
[Scene: Jeremy's Room – Present] The memory lingers in Jeremy's mind as he stares blankly at his homework. He feels a pang of anxiety just thinking about spending time with people outside of school. The idea of being in a loud, crowded place like an arcade makes his chest tighten.
Jeremy (thinking):Why did I even say I'd think about it? Jace will probably drag me there anyway...
He sighs, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his temples. He knows Jace means well, and Amara and Leo seemed nice enough, but the thought of being surrounded by so many people is overwhelming.
As the room grows quieter, Jeremy's gaze drifts toward his desk drawer. He thinks of the board game his dad had taken the night before, wondering why it still weighs so heavily on his mind.
Jeremy (thinking):Maybe I should just go… to the arcade. Maybe it'll help me stop overthinking all this stuff.
The thought surprises him, and he shakes his head, grabbing his pencil again and forcing his focus back to his homework.
[Scene: Jeremy's Room – Evening] Jeremy sits at his desk, his homework spread out in front of him. The light from his desk lamp casts a soft glow, barely pushing back the shadows filling the room. His pencil hovers over the page, but his thoughts are elsewhere. The conversation from the club fair echoes in his mind—Amara's invitation, Jace's persistent enthusiasm, and Leo's easygoing smile.
Jeremy (thinking):Why does it feel so hard to just say yes? Maybe they don't really want me there. Maybe I'll just ruin everything…
He sighs heavily and sets his pencil down, running a hand through his hair. His chest feels tight as he contemplates the idea of going out, of stepping into a space where he wouldn't be able to fade into the background.
A soft knock on the door pulls him out of his thoughts.
Allen:[opening the door slightly] "Hey, champ. Got a minute?"
Jeremy nods reluctantly, and Allen steps inside, followed closely by his mother, Elena. Her warm expression contrasts Allen's more reserved concern.
Elena: "You've been quiet since you got back from school. Is everything okay?"
Jeremy shrugs, avoiding their gazes.
Jeremy: "Just… homework. It's fine."
Allen exchanges a glance with Elena, then sits on the edge of Jeremy's bed.
Allen: "You know, I've been thinking about that arcade your friends mentioned. Sounds like fun."
Jeremy:[frowning] "I don't know if I'll go. I'm not really… good at that sort of thing."
Elena steps closer, her voice soft but encouraging.
Elena: "Sweetheart, I think it could be good for you. You've worked so hard to adjust to the new school. You deserve to take a break and enjoy yourself."
Jeremy hesitates, his stomach twisting with nerves.
Jeremy: "But what if… what if I mess things up? Or they don't want me there?"
Allen:[firmly] "They invited you, didn't they? That means they want you there. And trust me—nothing's going to 'mess things up.' Just go, have fun, and see where it takes you."
Jeremy looks between his parents, their concern and encouragement sinking in slowly. He nods, though the knot in his chest doesn't fully loosen.