POV Nicholas

As I step into the inviting buffet area of the food court, I am enveloped by a delightful aroma that promises a delectable culinary experience. To my right, I notice a sandwich display, where dedicated women are attentively taking personalized orders. As I venture further, I am surprised to discover a diverse array of food displays on each side, showcasing an enticing selection of pizzas, cakes, vegetables, fruits, and sauces

At the far end of the buffet area, I can glimpse the bustling kitchen at the back, which is separated from us by the four distinct food booths, resembling a sturdy fort-like structure. The first booth on the right specializes in vegetarian cuisine, while the two booths in the middle offer Mexican cuisine and fast food options. The final booth is dedicated to gluten-free alternatives. Each booth seems to present an array of mouthwatering dishes, yet I find myself lacking an appetite.

Standing amidst the white-tiled buffet area, surrounded by the tantalizing aromas of various cuisines, I am reminded of the fact that I have barely eaten. However, I am unable to muster the desire to do so. Nevertheless, anticipating potential questions from the others about my lack of appetite, I decide to grab a portion of fries and a fruit bowl before heading towards the cake display, where I find the three guys gathered.

As before, Rick and Emmett were engaged in a disagreement about a matter. This time, the subject of their dispute seemed to be the last piece of Black Forest chocolate cake. As I approached, Ray noticed me before the other two, who were engrossed in their confrontation. At that moment, I saw Ray discreetly indicating toward the coveted piece of cake, which remained on display and unclaimed. Subsequently, he gestured in the direction of the dining area, where many people were engaged in conversation and enjoying their meals.

Swiftly comprehending his intentions, I nevertheless conveyed a questioning expression before directing my attention toward the other two, who were still engaged in their argument. Ray responded with a knowing smirk, revealing his mischievous nature.

Given that the two men were preoccupied with their disagreement and oblivious to my presence, I swiftly retrieved the cake and turned to leave.

"Well, it seems like we're not getting anywhere with this argument, so I'm gonna head out." I overheard Ray remark with a hint of frustration, followed by the sound of his footsteps approaching me. Shortly thereafter, he positioned himself beside me and exclaimed, "Let's go," accompanied by a radiant smile.

We walked between the tables, careful not to bump into anyone. We finally reached a large round table overlooking the lower level of the canteen, where a guy and a girl were sitting.

"Hey, Evan," Ray says as he sits down and hands one of the red food trays to the ginger-haired guy.

"Thanks, bro," he says, removing his arm from around the blonde's waist. "Who's this?" He asks, nodding in my direction.

Ray turns to me, "This is Nick," before turning back. "Nick, this is Evan," he says, completely ignoring the girl who looks like she's about to kill someone.

"Hi," I say before sitting next to Ray.

"Seriously, don't you see me?" the blonde screams. I look at Ray, but he doesn't reply. Instead, he starts to eat. "Are you going to let him treat me like this?" She turns to Evan, staring him down with her blue-gray eyes. But he just shrugs in response, making her heavily made-up face contort in anger. "What a**holes" She says, getting up.

As she gets up, her mini black skin-tight dress that barely leaves much to the imagination rides up. But instead of pulling it down, she bends over and picks up her bag, which leads to her flashing us her red underwear. With that, she storms away to another table.

"That's Brianne, the new head cheerleader, and Evan's on-and-off-again girlfriend who wants to sleep with his friends," Ray says dryly. I didn't know what to say, so I just put my bag down and grabbed a fry.

"It's not that bad," Evan defenses.

That when a reply comes from behind, "she's a sl*t." The person who said that sits between Ray and Evan.

"Rick, please refrain from making disparaging remarks about Evan's significant other." Emmett states with a serious look as he sits next to me before he and Rick start laughing.

"Significant other. Yeah, right," Rick snorts. That's when his eyes landed on my tray. "You?" He looks in shock at the cake and me before looking at Ray. "No, this was your doing."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Ray said with a smirk.

"You little sh -" Before he could finish, Emmett grabbed the cake and took a huge bite out of it. I couldn't believe my eyes as he stuffed his face with my cake.

Everyone at the table seems to be in agreement as Emmett pigs out on the cake. It's just not worth it.

"Do you still want that cake?" Evan teases.

"What a pig," Rick says, expressing what is on everyone's mind.

I look away, trying to suppress a smile that threatens to emerge as I meet those captivating, vibrant green eyes. For an instant, my heart's rhythm quickens.

That's how the rest of the lunch break went.

***************************

As I sit down in one of the chairs in the classroom, more students start pouring in, filling up the open seats.

Most of them appear to be acquainted, as they engage in discussions about their summer break and their upcoming plans for the music program as juniors this year. As for myself, I find myself seated, quietly observing my surroundings. Seeing as all the other guys are in a sports program as their focus, including Evan, who is in baseball.

As I observe my surroundings, I notice a black grand piano on the right side of the classroom, a drum set on the left, and chairs facing us in the middle. Instead of tables, we have a music sheet that stands in front of us. At the back of the classroom, there is an electric piano and various instruments hanging on the wall, including acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass guitars, violins, cellos, and others. The only instruments missing are trumpets and flutes, which are instruments most people wouldn't share.

As I face back toward the front, that's when a man with slightly gray hair walks in. He is elegantly attired in his navy blazer and black button-up shirt. "Hello, class," the teacher says as he sits down on the chair in front of us, causing his dark blue jeans to wrinkle."I'm Mr. Everton is the one in charge of teaching the juniors in the music program. Of course, I'm not your only teacher. I'm just the main one who oversees your progress and helps you all the way. I know by now, as juniors, you already know what musical path you want to pursue. Be it a producer, solo musician, forming a band, or performing musicals, you know it. The music program works to improve your talent and guide you down your chosen path. Of course, there seem to be some who have doubts and even those who wish to change to something else, which is normal. But this is a performance-based program, so if you don't prove you belong, you will be cut by the end of the year. We nurture talent, not feed false hope." He looks at us with sharp gaze.

"I aspire to nurture your talents and witness your success. However, it is essential to be candid with you all from the outset, as not everyone achieves their goals." He says, looking at us directly before going on."This year, as has been the tradition, we will have a mandatory class performance during winter, which will constitute 45% of your final grade. Please remember that the failure of even one individual will affect the entire class's grade. Additionally, we have the prestigious Musical Fiesta competition at the end of the year, which is open to various schools and follows a specific theme. Participation in this competition is optional, but those who choose to participate will receive a bonus 10% on their final grade, regardless of the outcome. Further details about this competition will be provided after the winter performance. I understand that this may be unfamiliar to you, as only seniors and juniors have participated in the past, but you are now considered juniors as well. It is important to note that not everyone who wishes to participate will be selected. As you are aware, we hold a mini-competition within our school during February for seniors and juniors, and only the best performances will have the honor of representing our school at the Musical Fiesta Therefore, I encourage you to work diligently to secure the opportunity to earn the additional 10%."

" For where you're 55% will become from. The will be from the class works you get from your other teachers and the monthly performance in this class. This performance gives you 25% of the final grade and is open performance that shows your progress to me so be it you solo sing, playing an instrument, performing in a band, or whatever. You will be showing me something on the last week of each month, including this one, which happens to be two weeks from now. Therefore, I encourage you to work diligently in class and begin considering ideas for the winter performance. We will discuss any concepts you come up with next Friday. Since it is an open forum, all ideas are welcome. Now, since there are no classes today, you are free to leave. However, I would like Nicholas Anderson to stay behind, please.day. It is an open floor, so any idea is welcomed. Now that all seeing as today there no classes your free to go. Oh, can Nicholas Anderson stay behind."

With everyone leaving and only the teacher and I remaining behind, before I could head his way, he walked towards me and turned back one of the chairs in front of me sitting down. "So, you're the new student. I watched your video where you performed 'Nervous' by Shawn Mendes with a guitar. You were quite talented, which is why you were accepted into this program, even though it is junior year and we typically do not admit new students, except for freshmen or rare cases like yourself who possess talent. This is because most of the time, these students fail to keep up. However, we are hopeful that you will succeed, and of course, we will assist you in any way we can," he concluded.

"Thank you. I am glad I met your expectations," I replied. I wondered to myself if I was truly that good.

He said with a smile, "In any case, it appears that you are enrolled in the producer class, classical instrument class, vocalist class, and the mandatory dance class. It seems that you are aiming for the solo path, although there is not much of a choice considering that everyone has already formed bands since freshman year, and joining an acapella group is not for everyone. However, this may change once your classmates get to know you better. They may ask you to join a band, or if you have a talent for music production, they may ask you to produce for them. Your last chance to make any changes will be by winter, as we want everyone to have a set goal before becoming seniors. In any case, you may leave now. Have a good day."

"Have a good day, too," I say as I leave.

It didn't take me long to get to my car since the visual and performing arts building was next to the main high school building and where I parked my car. As I put my bag inside and was about to get in my car,

I hear someone calling from across the parking lot. I turn to see Emmett and his friends. He runs up to me and says, "Phone, please." Without thinking much, I hand it to him.

He returns it after a few minutes. "See you tomorrow. Also, nice to meet you," he says, smiling brightly before going back to his friends.

Maybe it wouldn't be so bad hanging out with them. I thought, looking at Emmett's saved number on my phone, feeling myself lightly smile.

***********

Thanks for reading! 👀

It seems Nick doesn't dislike Emmett as much as he thought 🤔

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