The morning sun cast a golden glow over the city as Xu Wang and Wang Li walked side by side toward school. The streets were bustling with students, some chatting excitedly, others yawning as they dragged their feet.

  Wang Li broke the comfortable silence. “Today’s the day, you know. A lot of newbies are joining our school.”

  Xu Wang nodded. “Yeah, like every year. As seniors, it’s our responsibility to guide them in the right direction.”

  “You’re right,” Wang Li agreed. “And speaking of responsibilities, our treasurer, Liang Hao, has already graduated. That position is still vacant.”

  Xu Wang raised an eyebrow. “Being the student council president is already a tough job for you. How do you pn on filling that position?”

  Wang Li smirked. “We’ve got a few candidates in mind. The announcement will be made today in the cafeteria, so you’ll just have to wait and see.”

  Xu Wang shrugged. “If you’re selecting the person, I’m sure they’ll be capable.”

  Suddenly, a cheerful voice called from behind them.

  “Wang Li! Xu Wang!”

  They turned around to see Xinyu running toward them, waving enthusiastically—until her foot caught on something, and she slipped.

  With an almost comical fil, she nded ft on the ground with a loud thud.

  Both of them stared for a moment before she quickly scrambled to her feet, brushing herself off as if nothing had happened.

  Xu Wang chuckled. “Good morning, Xinyu.”

  “Good morning, Xu Wang!” she replied cheerfully.

  Wang Li crossed her arms. “Why are you te today?”

  Xinyu sighed dramatically. “Well, st night, I started watching a romantic movie, but it ended on a cliffhanger. So, of course, I had to watch the second part. That also ended on a cliffhanger. And before I knew it, I had binged the entire series until midnight.”

  Wang Li tapped her on the forehead. Thwack!

  “Ouch!” Xinyu pouted, rubbing the spot.

  Xu Wang shook his head. “If we don’t start walking, we’ll be te.”

  With that, they continued toward the school, blending into the sea of students entering the gates.

  ---

  The Announcement

  Inside the grand auditorium, students gathered, filling the space with murmurs of excitement. The new students looked around in awe, while the seniors stood confidently, ready to welcome them.

  Wang Li stepped up to the stage and tapped the microphone.

  “Welcome, new students!” her voice rang out. “I hope you’ll have a great time here, make unforgettable memories, and build friendships that st a lifetime. Our school isn’t just about studies—it’s about growth, passion, and pushing yourself beyond limits. The student council is here to support and guide you, so never hesitate to reach out!”

  The crowd cpped.

  “Now, let me introduce you to our student council members!”

  One by one, she called out names, and they stepped onto the stage.

  - “Xinyu, our Vice President.”

  - “Jian, our Secretary.”

  - “Lin Yue, our Public Retions Officer.”

  Finally, she took a breath before making the final announcement.

  “As you all know, our former Treasurer, Liang Hao, has graduated. So, this year, we have a new treasurer—a brilliant student, responsible and reliable! Please welcome Xu Wang to the student council!”

  A round of appuse erupted as Xu Wang walked onto the stage.

  Wang Li smiled at him. “From today onwards, you’re our new treasurer. We have high hopes for you.”

  As he stood there, a girl in the crowd stared at him, her heart racing. Her eyes widened, and she felt an unfamiliar warmth spread through her chest.

  Love at first sight.

  ---

  Cssroom Conversations

  Back in the cssroom, Xu Wang, Wang Li, and Xinyu sat together—Xu Wang and Wang Li side by side, while Xinyu sat in front of them.

  Xinyu turned around with a pyful grin. “Now that Xu Wang is in our gang, we have to celebrate this day!”

  Xu Wang frowned. “Gang?”

  Wang Li ignored his concern. “So, where are we celebrating?”

  Xinyu beamed. “Of course, at karaoke! I’ll tell all the council members to come.”

  Wang Li nodded. “Sounds like a pn.”

  Before they could continue, the teacher entered the cssroom, and the chatter died down. Soon, the math lesson began, and time passed slowly.

  When the lunch bell rang, Xu Wang stood up. “I’m going to get some juice. Want anything?” he asked Wang Li.

  “Get me whatever you’re getting,” she replied.

  Xinyu perked up. “I want strawberry juice!”

  Xu Wang smirked. “Go get it yourself.”

  Xinyu’s face fell, and she started fake crying. “Wang Li, do something! I need strawberry juice!”

  Wang Li gnced at Xu Wang and smiled knowingly.

  Xu Wang sighed. “Fine.”

  He walked toward the cafeteria, got the juices, and started heading back. As he crossed an alley, a girl suddenly stopped him.

  Wang Li, watching from the cssroom window, noticed the interaction.

  A few moments ter, Xu Wang returned to css. He handed a pineapple juice to Wang Li and strawberry juice to Xinyu.

  Xinyu grabbed her drink and immediately asked, “Who was that girl talking to you?”

  Xu Wang shrugged. “She told me she loves me and asked me to go out with her.”

  Xinyu’s eyes widened. “And what did you say?”

  “Obviously, I rejected her,” Xu Wang replied casually. “I told her I have a girlfriend.”

  Xinyu nearly choked on her drink. “W-Wait… what did she say?”

  “She said she won’t back off and will wait for me behind the school.”

  Xinyu shivered. “She’s crazy, right, Wang Li?”

  Wang Li, flipping through her book, barely reacted. “There are a lot of stupid people in this world.”

  Xinyu sighed. “Forget about it! We have karaoke tonight!”

  The css continued, and soon, the school day ended.

  Xinyu looked around. “Where’s Xu Wang?”

  “He had to buy something from the market. He’ll meet us there,” Wang Li replied.

  Jian and Lin Yue arrived. “Where’s our new treasurer?” Jian asked.

  “He’ll be there,” Xinyu reassured.

  When they arrived at the karaoke bar, Xu Wang was already waiting. The celebration began.

  ---

  The Nightmare Begins

  Late that night, the school guard did his final rounds, checking that all students had left. He walked through the empty hallways, ensuring no one remained inside.

  Then, he heard something.

  Drip. Drip. Drip.

  Water?

  His brows furrowed as he followed the faint sound. It was coming from the girls’ washroom.

  Slowly, he pushed the door open.

  His breath hitched.

  A girl’s body y slumped inside a stall. Her legs were twisted at unnatural angles—both broken. Her tongue was missing. Her eyes… gouged out.

  The guard’s blood ran cold.

  Panic seized him, and with trembling hands, he turned and bolted toward the principal’s office.

  ---

  To be continued.....