Dear Zhang Ming, Did you see the flyer for the Soaring Phoenix outing posted on the bulletin board by the entrance hall? If you didn't then it's basically telling us that there will be an announcement about the details given by the Seniors later and to meet up by the courtyard. I'm kind of excited about it. What about you? Would you be coming with? And nope, learned soccer from this offered summer class at my school when I was younger. Was fascinated by the sport and signed myself up without telling my parents. Of course, they found out anyway since their permission was needed to have me enrolled and their signature on the paperwork as well. However, they did manage to teach me viola. Mother used to play in an orchestra. P.S. Can I know why you're still avoiding me at school? I thought we've dealt with this now, that we're good. Yours, Reke
–
The students who had classes the previous hour finally file into the courtyard to join the already present hoards awaiting the announcement.
The team of Seniors and heads of Soaring Phoenix are settled by the front of the crowds.
Two in particular were standing on an elevated area, overlooking the students.
The shorter one with a light skin tone that contrasted with his dark clothes cleared his throat before speaking up.
“Guys!” Klark said loudly, trying to catch the attention of the chattering students.
Klark frowns when nobody quietens or pays attention, “…HELLO—” He tries to shout but is only drowned out.
Noticing the other’s problem, the one beside him with a dark skin tone and just as dark eyes helps him out. Jared speaks up from beside the other, “LISTEN UP SOARING PHOENIX!!!”
Every student jolted from their positions, turning to the front with wide eyes and batted breaths.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Jared nods in satisfaction before turning back to the other to continue.
“Stfw, atjcx sbe, Zg Ajgfv.” Bijgx abiv tlw.
Ktf batfg bcis rtgeur, “Tbe’gf kfimbwf.”
Kegclcu yjmx ab atf raevfcar, Bijgx mbcalcefr, “Ccskjs— Mbg atf jccbecmfwfca P’w regf sbe’nf jii yffc kjlalcu obg—” Lf uijcmfr ja Ajgfv ktb ecvfgrajcvr fzjmais ktja tf’r ublcu obg.
“KLS UYVK NPJKYET DSCJL UCEKT!!!” Ktfs rtbea abufatfg.
“WOOOHHHHH!!!” All the students start cheering and shouting in glee.
“As tradition,” Klark further explains, “the factions with the most winnings of sports week get to plan a beach party. And this year, THE TROPHY’S OURS!”
And Soaring Phoenix cheers back, “YEAHHHHH!!!!”
“Now for the details!” Klark clapped and took out his notes, “The venue will be at the Emerald Beach Resort! Make sure to pack your bags with swimming gear!”
Jared piped in, “This will be a bring your own provisions event, bring as many snacks, food, and drinks as you want!”
“This event, you will be watched over by Mr Klark and I. If you have any inquiries, just approach us. Thank you.” Jared finishes to which Klark nods in turn.
–
He avoids her gaze and looks firmly down to the board on the table, before moving Pawn to D4.
“So…” Coach Noya opens from in front of him, moving her own piece. “What’s going on here exactly?”
Still avoiding her gaze, he moves again. Pawn to E3. “What’s going on with what?”
“What are you doing here?” Coach Noya raises an eyebrow, leaning her head on her hand as she rests her elbow on the table.
He huddles in closer to himself. Knight to F3. “What do you mean? I’m a student. This is my school.”
“Don’t give me that sass, child.” Is the quick answer for his trouble.
Bishop to D2. “I’m not.” He answers.
“Uh huh, sure.” The deadpan shows clearly on her face. “I mean what are you doing at the chess club?” She clarifies, gesturing at the room somewhat clustered with the other members playing a few games as practice.
Knight to C3. “…playing chess?” He tries to say before getting smacked on the head.
“Hey!” He finally looks up with furrowed eyebrows to glare at Coach Noya who is not entertaining that kind of answer.
“Just answer me, child.” The older woman says
He looks down yet again after rubbing the stinging spot on his head. Bishop to D3. “I’m not doing anything.”
“Really? After telling me you don’t want to join the chess club, you’re just magically here, playing chess with me, doing nothing?” She raises an eyebrow yet again, leaning closer to him.
He pauses before switching the King with the Queen’s Rook in a Long Castle. “…”
She sighs before leaning back, “…is anything wrong?”
“…everything’s fine.” The boy eventually answers after a few seconds of silence.
“Are you sure?” She tries to push.
But Zhang Ming doesn’t budge, “Positive.”
“Definitely not hiding in here?” She pries again.
Zhang Ming mutters in response, “Definitely none of your business.”
“Hey, hey.” Coach Noya chides with a look, “You’re toeing the line here.”
Zhang Ming winces before sighing, “…I’m sorry.”
After a few seconds of silence, she sighs again and pats him on the shoulder. At the pat, the younger man looks up, a look in his eyes.
“Look Zhang Ming,” she opens, “I don’t know what you’re going through. Or what the problem is. And I can’t force you to do anything.”
“…” Zhang Ming continues to stay quiet, but well Coach Noya didn’t really expect much so she continues.
“But I would like to tell you that hiding doesn’t solve much.” She gives him a pointed look, somewhat mixed with patience for the other, “You can stall the problem as much as you can but eventually you’re going to have to face it in some way.”
She’s right. He knows she’s right.
She leans back, and waves her arms outward, “So I don’t know, either face it as soon as you can on your own terms. Or risk stalling for longer and ending up with more bad consequences.”
“…right.” Zhang Ming processes the words before nodding. To himself or to Coach Noya, she isn’t actually sure.
“Now get outta the club room.” She scolds jokingly, pointing out the door of the room, “You’re still not a club member until you actually pass that membership form I gave you—”
“—You mean forced on me—” The younger man interjects only to be resolutely ignored.
“—so make your way out and come back with it filled up.”
–
Dear Reke, Yes, I saw the flyer. Probably won't come by for the announcement. Share me the details? I spent that time at the chess club. Didn't take too long though, Coach Noya kicked me out because I wasn't even a member. You play the viola? Didn't expect that. Is it any different from playing a violin? P.S. I know, I'm sorry. Is it okay that we just talk through letters for now? If it's okay for you that is. Sincerely yours, Zhang Ming
At least the letter is going well.
I like that ZM found a way around the system by being pen-pals.
I have absolutely no idea how to personally solve the problem without getting electrocuted to death in front of Reke, haha ^^°
Thx for the ch ٩( >ヮ<)۶