Professor Hale dismissed the class with a reminder about the quiz before gathering his things from the podium.
Almost immediately, the lecture hall fell into chaos as students stowed their laptops and notebooks, and filed out the door.
Maya carefully closed her notebook before tucking it in her bag along with the rest of her things.
Meanwhile, Carter stretched in his chair and slung his bag over one shoulder.
“You know,” said Carter as they walked out of the lecture hall, a satisfied smile on his face, “I think I finally get momentum now.”
Maya shot him a look as she adjusted her bag.
“You solved three problems.”
“I solved them without your help.”
“You did after asking me six questions.”
“I believe that’s called improvement,” said Maya before giving him a small smile.
“Just don’t let your head swell up.”
“My head was already big,” teased Carter.
“I noticed.” said Ethan as he walked beside them.
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard him say that before.” said Olivia as she joined them.
“It’s one of my best qualities.” said Carter unapologetically.
“I don’t think it works that way,” said Olivia.
“It does, it’s confidence,” said Maya, “but arrogance is just confidence that forgot how to be humble.”
Ethan whistled.
“That one really stung, didn’t it?”
Carter placed his hand over his chest dramatically.
“I swear you wake up every day just to find ways to tear me down.”
“I don’t have to look hard.”
Dexter wasn’t there to hear that, but Ethan laughed heartily enough for the both of them.
The five of them walked along the campus side by side, weaving in and out of the many groups of students walking back from their various classes.
The wind rustled the colorful leaves overhead while the distant sound of chatter floated up from the courtyard.
As they neared the student center, an odd sight caught their eyes.
A group of students with navy blue jackets bearing MEDIA CLUB written on the back bustled around, setting up various banners and tables.
Some took pictures as others handed out colorful flyers to any student who passed.
“What are they doing?” Olivia wondered aloud.
“It seems it is that time of year again,” said Ethan.
“The annual fall party organized by the Media Club,” said Carter.
“I hate this time of year,” said Maya.
“Why? Because you never get invited?” Carter said with a smile
“HAhahah funn,y and how the hell do you know about the party and not about Kingsly?” Maya asked.
“I Honestly don’t Know”
“Yeah, trust me, once he forget something or someone he’s not going to remember,” Said Ethan.
Before walking off, someone abruptly stepped right in front of the group.
Kingsly Cmore greeted them with his usual grin, a microphone dangling from one hand as he tucked a stack of flyers under his other arm.
Even with the many other MEDIA CLUB members walking around behind him, Kingsly somehow managed to draw in attention to himself effortlessly.
“There you are,” said Kingsly, flashing a grin at Maya and Carter, “my favorite couple.” He handed each one of them a flyer, skipping over Maya.
On the front of the flyer, beautiful silver lettering was etched onto the paper.
THE ANNUAL MYSTERY MASQUERADE
“One Night. One Mask. Endless Possibilities.”
Below the short phrase was the date and time listed.
Next Friday
10:00 PM-10:00 AM
Olivia’s eyes widened as she took in the fancy script.
“Oh my gosh…” She grabbed hold of Maya’s arm in excitement.
“This is the masquerade party!”
“It was next week?” Ethan sounded surprised.
“I completely forgot.”
“This actually sounds pretty cool,” said Carter, reading over the flyer.
“I think I’m going to go.”
“It always is,” said Ethan.
“Everyone goes.”
“Everyone?” Maya asked.
“Everyone,” Olivia said.
She counted off several groups in her mind before adding, “Okay, maybe not professors. But yeah, almost everybody at the University goes.”
“Seriously, and I have never gotten an invite, and did he just give you guys a flyer and not me?” said Maya
Before another word could be said, Kingsly suddenly raised the microphone to his mouth.
Almost immediately, the chattering students fell silent as they turned to regard the boy standing in front of them.
The MEDIA CLUB members made way, revealing the courtyard where Kingsly stood, smiling.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he started, his voice echoing through the portable speakers, “May I have your attention, for just a moment?”
More and more people gathered around as he continued to speak, until eventually a decent crowd had formed around the MEDIA CLUB booth.
Kingsly pulled out one of the beautiful black masks from the table beside him.
“This year’s annual party theme…” He paused dramatically before lifting the mask up and over his head, revealing his grin.
“…is Mys tery!”
The crowd cheered at the dramatic reveal as people immediately started chatting excitedly amongst themselves.
Kingsly continued speaking, reveling in the adoration he was receiving from the students.
“Every guest attending the party must wear a mask.”
“And no one should know who you are.”
The crowd cheered again as Kingsly continued.
“And more importantly…” He paused to point at the mass of people in front of him with a grin,
“…should not know who anyone else is.”
There were excited murmurs in the courtyard as the students took in his words.
Kingsly laughed into the microphone.
“Who knows?”
He shrugged dramatically.
“Maybe this year, we will witness another Cinderella and Prince Charming moment unfold.”
Several girls squealed happily as some of the guys chuckled.
One of the students even shouted, “Not likely!”
Kingsly pointed at the boy.
“Never underestimate the power of mystery!”
The courtyard erupted in laughter as Kingsly raised the microphone to his mouth again.
“So, mark your calendars!” He gestured at the sign hanging behind him indicating next Friday.
“Next Friday!”
He raised both hands in the air.
“Ten at night…”
…and spread them out either side, “…until ten in the morning.”
The crowd roared as they realized just how long this was going to go on for.
“It’s going to be the biggest party of the semester!” Kingsly shouted as he cheered, “So, bring your friends and wear your masks. And prepare for a night you’ll never forget!”
The crowd gave a loud round of applause as Kingsly continued to smile widely.
He looked around at the excited expressions on the students’ faces before he spotted Maya and Carter standing in the front of the crowd.
His grinned softened as he took a step closer.
“Oh…” He looked at the couple before shaking his head.
“I almost forgot.”
He looked from Maya to Carter.
“I have a feeling next week’s biggest story…” he paused for effect, “…isn’t going to be the party, after all.”
The crowd turned to look at the couple as Maya closed her eyes.
“…I knew he wasn’t done.”
Meanwhile, Carter just chuckled.
“I’m liking this guy more and more.”
Maya slowly turned her head to look at him.
“…Don’t.”
“That is all,” he said the students walks off He handed Maya a flyer personally.
“i hope you will be there my friend”