A side character
A silver-colored clock tower stands silently on one side of the road, as if mourning something. Occasionally, a car passes by, breaking the silence for a brief moment.
The clock ticks steadily.
The hour hand is about to reach three.
The minute hand has passed eleven by three marks.
The second hand crosses twelve.
The time is 02:59.
A little distance away from the clock tower, a forest can be seen.
Scene Shift
Darkness has swallowed the surroundings of the forest. Under the faint glow of a crimson moon, everything appears mysterious. A cold northern wind blows. From time to time, the distant sound of bats echoes through the air. Together, it creates a strange melody-
a melody capable of mesmerizing anyone instantly.
If one falls under its spell, they would want to stay in this world forever.
Like a maze where people lose their way and never return.
Yet, there is a difference-
in a maze, people want to escape but cannot,
here, people stay by choice.
A figure dressed in black is seen walking alone through the heart of this enchanting melody.
He is completely alone.
No people. No animals.
He walks with focus.
Suddenly, his eyes lock onto something unfamiliar yet deeply desired in the distance.
A pair of deep red eyes, glowing fiercely.
An unnaturally pale body.
It slowly moves closer.
Its ferocity is unmistakable.
Scene Shift
Back at the clock tower, the time is now 03:00 AM.
The bell begins to ring.
With the same echoing sound of the bell-
Scene Shift to America, inside a bedroom
A seventeen-year-old girl is sleeping on the bed.
The table clock keeps ringing, but she doesn't wake up.
A middle-aged woman entered the room.
Then she turned off the clock.
Olivia: “Jay! It’s 7:30! Get up or you’ll miss the bus again.”
Olivia left the room.
Jay sat up in bed. His hair was messy, and sleep still lingered in his eyes.
Jay’s POV
I’m Jay! Jay Davis! Everyone considers themselves the main character of their own life story. But in my story, I’m nothing more than a side character. If I miss the bus, no hero is comes to pick me up. At school, no one tries to seem noble in my eyes by saving me from bullies or no one says, "Jay! Don't worry. I'm here," during exams. Enduring humiliation all day, being forced to do others’ work, bad grades, daily late punishments—can any of this be a heroine’s trait? Of course not! Oh no! I need to get ready.
Jay got out of bed.
Scene shift…
Jay is running down the street. His uniform collar is messy, one hand holding his tie, the other gripping his school bag over his shoulder, a piece of bread in his mouth, hair loose and untidy, worry etched on his face.
Jay’s POV
Late again today. I’m a failure. An idiot. The teacher will get angry again today.
Jay ran into the classroom, eyes closed.
Jay: “Sorry, sir! Sorry, sir! Sorry, sir! Sorry, sir!” (keeps repeating without stopping)
Getting no response, he slowly opens his eyes and sees the teacher isn’t there. All the students laugh. The class president, Sun, hushes everyone. Jay quietly walks toward his desk.
Jay’s POV
There’s Suzanna sitting at the first desk. She’s the heroine of this story. Stunningly beautiful and popular. Always second in exams. Excels in sports, cultural activities, and social service. Absolutely perfect. That’s why all the boys are crazy about her. But she has one flaw: her character. Over the past year, she’s changed boyfriends twenty-three times. Last week, I saw her dating three boys at once. Possibly, she’s dated almost every guy in class.
The boy next to Suzanna is flirting with her, and she’s enjoying it.
The teacher entered the class. Everyone greeted him with a “Good morning.”
Teacher: “Sun! Important announcement. Starting tomorrow, the selection for ‘The Diamond of the Era’ competition at Woods International School will begin. You are the lucky batch eligible to participate. Five of you have been selected for this group.”
Sun: “Sir, please tell us the names.”
Jay dozes off at his desk.
Jay’s POV
I’m not interested in any of this because I know I’ll never be selected. I’m average academically. Zero in sports. Late to school. No popularity. No one would ever choose me over others. There are far better candidates than me. They’ll never pick me.
Suzanna and her friends sit confidently, smiling.
The teacher begins to call the names…
Teacher: “Sun! Xavier! Suzanna! Kit!…”
Tension fills the air. The ticking of the wall clock makes the moment even more intense.
Teacher: “Jay!”
Everyone shouts at once: “What?”
Jay wakes with a start, having dozed off at his desk. Everyone’s staring at him. He’s a bit scared, trying to understand the situation.
Jay’s POV
Ugh, Jay. You’re definitely going to get scolded. Why did I even sleep? Everyone’s looking at me like the teacher is about to explode. But did I do something wrong?
Teacher: “Jay! Get yourself ready. You’ll be coming to school this afternoon.”
Suzanna stands up.
Suzanna: “Sir, how can you do this? How can she handle this pressure?”
Teacher: “Do I owe you an explanation right now?”
Suzanna: “Sir, look at him. She’s still a child. She can’t even wear his uniform properly. It’s impossible for her.”
Jay’s POV
I used to think badly of Suzanna. She always bullied me. But she’s actually very kind. She’s requesting the teacher like this to prevent me from getting punished.Wow!
Teacher: “My decision is final.”
After school…
Jay is walking toward the bus, dozing off. Clutching his school bag with both hands. Sun runs up from behind and starts walking beside him, but Jay doesn’t notice. Sun blows a whistle in front of him, startling Jay a little.
Jay: “Hey, what’s your problem?” (a little annoyed)
Sun: “You’re always sleeping, huh?”
Jay: “So what?What does it matter to you?"
Sun: “Personally, it’s none of my business, but it concerns the school’s honor. That's not a request or advice. It's a warning. Control yourself.”
Jay: “What?”
Sun: “Didn’t you hear what the teacher said in class?”
Jay: “Yes. The teacher said I have to come to school this afternoon for punishment.”
Sun smirks and lightly taps his forehead.
Sun: “Idiot! Suzanna was right.”
He walks away. Jay watches him leave, confused.
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