A general assembly was conducted three days before the Gallor.
Every student was present.
Assemblies like this were only called whenever a major school wide order was about to be announced.
Each department sat within its designated sector while the council presidents and their vice presidents stood behind them.
The lecturers, heads of management, and the Chancellor occupied the pulpit at the front of the hall.
The atmosphere was unusually quiet.
“Good morning, students,” the Chancellor greeted, adjusting his glasses before clearing his throat.
“You all must be excited for the upcoming Gallor, but before that, the council has a very important announcement to make.
Council presidents and vice presidents, please make your way to the platform.”
He gestured toward them.
Immediately, the Science Department erupted into loud cheers as Marcel Stonner and Elanor Brook stepped forward.
Persha sat within the Business Department sector, rolling his eyes in distaste.
“Asshole,” he muttered under his breath.
The Science council made their way onto the stage before the Commercial Department was called up next.
Cheers and whistles filled the hall once again.
“Wooooo, Elena!” Persha whistled loudly.
He was fairly close to Elena.
He occasionally used her as a therapist whenever life became too dramatic, so naturally they had grown close.
Ahmed stepped onto the platform alongside Elena, taking their places beside the others.
But the loudest cheers came from the Art Department.
Despite having the smallest number of students, they were fiercely proud of their council president and vice president.
Zabi Foss walked toward the platform with Tiffany Hayes beside her.
Among the cheering came scattered whispers.
“Whoa, those are some intimidating people,” Persha murmured.
“He’s tall and huge.
Must be really popular,” he whispered to his friends seated around him.
“A she, not he, Persha,” Victoria corrected immediately.
“What?
You’re kidding.”
Persha looked genuinely stunned.
How could a woman look so much like a man, even down to physique?
Sure, Persha himself was beautiful, but he definitely was not built like that.
“And the big breasted woman beside her is her vice president, Tiffany,” Baylee added helpfully.
The council members finally settled into their seats on the platform.
“Is it just me, or does she seem kind of…
angry?” Persha asked.
“Zabi?” Victoria laughed softly.
“Zabi is always kind of…
there.
She’s one council president you absolutely do not mess with.
She’s the second child of the Ross family.”
Persha’s eyes widened instantly.
The Ross family was legendary within the art and fashion industry.
They catered to celebrities, designers, and fashion elites around the world.
Their only son, or rather adopted son, Michael Foss, was a famous artist known internationally.
Their family practically carried artistic legacy in their bloodline.
Persha could not help staring.
Ahmed’s voice pulled him out of his trance.
“From today onward, all departments will move into the new building.”
The hall instantly erupted into chaos.
Some students sounded excited while others looked completely confused.
“What?
Are you serious?
Did you hear that, Baylee?” Victoria squealed, vibrating with excitement.
“Decorum.”
The hall immediately quieted.
“Take note of everything I’m about to say.
I believe all students are present today, but if anyone is absent, please make sure they are informed of the new order.”
Ahmed paused briefly before continuing.
“All departments will remain within the same building, but in different sectors of the building.
We will all share the cafeteria.
Dormitory arrangements remain the same.
Sports and activities remain the same as well.”
He adjusted the microphone slightly.
“The only major change is that all departments will now operate within one building from this day onward.
I hope this is easy enough to understand.”
Ahmed stepped away from the podium, allowing Marcel to take over.
Persha’s heart skipped instantly.
He shifted uneasily in his seat, silently cursing Marcel and the new arrangement.
This definitely put him at a disadvantage.
He would see Marcel far more often now.
They would absolutely run into each other.
“The new order takes effect immediately,” Marcel announced smoothly.
“After this assembly, all students are to proceed directly to the new building.
Your department council presidents will guide you further so everyone can settle into their designated sectors.”
The hall had grown quiet again, students listening attentively to the exciting announcement.
“This semester’s Gallor will not just be a regular Gallor.
It will also serve as a celebration for the opening of the new building.
Your department councils will communicate further information regarding the event, including dress codes if necessary.”
He smiled lightly.
“Enjoy the rest of your day.”
With that, the assembly was dismissed.
Students immediately gathered into groups, discussing and gossiping excitedly about the announcement.
Most were thrilled while only a few appeared displeased.
“This is insane.
All departments in one building?
It’s going to be so much fun,” Baylee said excitedly.
He and Victoria glowed with excitement, completely unaware of Persha’s inner turmoil.
Quietly, Persha drifted away from the group.
“Elena, where are you going?” Ahmed asked as she hurried off.
“I’ll be back.
I need to hand something over to Zabi.”
Not paying attention to where she was going, Elena accidentally slammed into Persha.
“Persha?
Oh gosh, sorry,” she apologized quickly.
“It’s fine.
Didn’t really hurt.
Where are you rushing to?” he asked.
“Oh yeah, good thing you’re here.
I need to head to the new building immediately.
Can you help me hand this over to Zabi?
She’s probably back at the Art Block.”
She shoved a bag into his hands.
“Thank you so much.
Check the sculpture sector.
You’ll definitely find her there.
Thank youuuu.”
Before Persha even had the chance to respond, she was already running off.
“Great.
Just great.
Ugh.”
He groaned as he headed toward the Art Building, hoping he would not get lost before finding Zabi.
He had only been there twice since enrolling at Vren Royal.
Back in the Art Building, within the sculpture sector, Zabi remained completely unaware that she was moments away from an encounter that would change everything.