Chapter Three

Amelia Scott's p.o.v;

"My name is Caleb Jenkins, and I'm a sophomore in your Western music department. This is Robert Hayes. Every year, we organise classes for freshmen to learn how to play musical instruments. We understand that everyone of you already knows how to play an instrument of your choosing, we're here to teach you a musical instrument that is different from the one you already know. In partnership with other colleges, we produced music concerts and musical events. The purpose of this group is to encourage all students to study additional musical instruments of their choice. If you want to be a part of a concert, you must pass the audition, and after many stages of auditions, you will be performing on behalf of our university. Don't worry about the later sessions, we will train you for them as well. However, you must pass the basic level of audition, which will be held in the second week of the next month. Students who are interested can offer their names to our classes now."

Seniors completed their introduction to the club. I exhaled a sigh. Who would want to join such organisations? I was admitted to the faculty of Western music not because I was interested in music, but because I could work alongside Andrew. It was all my father's fault from the start. My father misinterpreted my interest in music while I was listening to Andrew's audio of him playing the cello on my cell phone, so he had me compete with Andrew for admission to this university. I didn't like it, but I let it go because I could be next to him.

I took a peek around the room. Everyone in my class knows how to play at least one musical instrument, however I only know how to hear them.

"It's your chance," Hannah jabbed. "Grab it!"

"Who would enrol in such classes?" I questioned. "It's tedious."

"Are you the only person in this class who doesn't know how to play a single musical instrument?"

"How did that make a difference? Is that something that bothers you?"

"Did you know there's an exam in the final semester when you have to perform in front of everyone utilising a musical instrument in the assembly hall?"

"We're only in our freshman year, and we still have a long way to go until the end of the semester. We'll see what happens afterwards. Let's simply enjoy it for the time being." I leaned back in my chair.

After selecting names for their club, the seniors exited the classroom. The teacher continued to lecture. I made notes, looked at my phone, put Andrew's name on my paper, struck it fast after writing it, gazed out the window for a moment, and napped here and there.

When the class ended, I walked to another class with Hannah, and the hours flew by. Finally, the class was over.

We made our way to the cafeteria. I noticed Andrew walking with his companions somewhere. "I'll be back in a minute," I said to Hannah. "Please get lunch for me as well."

"Why do you do this to me all the time? Do I appear to you as a lackey?"

"I'll be back in a minute before you know it," I tenderly squeezed her cheeks and walked away.

I went back to where I saw Andrew, but when I looked around, he wasn't there. I looked for him and walked into the corridor to find him. I peered into every room I passed through, hoping to find out where he went. I eventually tracked him down. He was inside a room, conversing with a man. That guy's face appeared to be familiar. Where did I see him? Ah! He's the one who came to the class. I examined the window carefully and pressed my ear against it, but I couldn't hear anything. What are they on about? Why is Andrew alone in the house? Where have his pals gone? I carefully opened the window in front of me, allowing me to hear what they were saying. I took my time listening to them. But I'm not stalking.

"When does the class begin?" Andrew enquired of him.

"From next Monday," said that senior.

“Okay.”

"You may go, Andrew, but don't forget to tell your pals."

"I'll inform them and ensure that they join as well."

"Thank you very much, Andrew."

Andrew has joined the club??? Then I must also join the club!!! Ouch! He's on his way out! I relocated from where I was previously standing. I hid behind a wall and watched him go out of the room. I exhaled a sigh. Thank goodness he didn't notice me. I emerged from behind the wall, proceeded to the room, and opened the door. Someone opened it from the inside at the same moment. We finally met face to face. When I peered closer, I noticed that it was the Senior who had come to our class to explain the club membership item.

"What do you want?" he questioned me as I stood there, without saying anything.

“Um… I- I came to introduce myself to the club. I'd like to join your organisation."

“Okay. Can you tell me your name and which faculty you're from?"

"I'm Amelia Scott, and I'm a freshman on the Western music faculty." Said while averting his gaze.

"Western music? This morning, I attended your class. How come you didn't offer your name?"

"I-I was a little unsure of myself at the moment, and the thing is..."

"You are free to express yourself to me about anything. I'm your senior."

"The problem is that I don't know how to play any musical instruments."

"It's all right. That is why we are here to assist you to teach you how to play an instrument."

“N-No. You're mistaken. T-The trouble is, everyone in my class knows how to play at least one musical instrument, but I don't. I haven't attempted it."

"It's fine, Miss Scott," he answered with a smile. "Don't be concerned. We'll deal with it. The classes will begin next Monday, please contact your friends who have given their names, and if more wish to join, please let me know."

"Thank you, Senior," I said, nodding.

"This is Caleb. Simply call me Cal." And gave me a wink.

I said my goodbyes and went to the cafeteria.

On my way to the cafeteria, I noticed some of Andrew's friends conversing with other males in the corridor. I strolled slowly alongside them, my head down.

"Hello, Amelia!" One of them yelled, which astonished me.

I kept heading to the cafeteria, avoiding them.

"Hey! Didn't you hear me, Stop!"

I came to a complete halt, grasping my bag tightly in my palms.

"Come on!" When one of them yelled at me, I turned around and approached them.

I kept my head down and stayed mute in front of them.

"Are you deaf?"

I quickly shook my head in response to their question. Someone approached me and whispered into my ears, "Why are you lowering your gaze? Are you afraid of falling in love when you see my face?"

I kept my mouth shut.

"Look up!" He yelled at me. I can tell he's angry because of the tone of his voice. I cautiously raised my head and gazed at them.

"Don't you realise you're supposed to greet your seniors when you see them?"

I then realised the males with Andrew's friends who I wasn't familiar with were our seniors.

"Good morning, Senior," I say.

The person who had asked me to greet him turned to Andrew's companion, Harry, and said, "What keeps you standing here? Go to your classes."

Harry and Peter gave me a smirk before departing as instructed by the Senior.

"What is your name?" one of them said as they wrapped their hand around my shoulder.

"Ava!" exclaimed someone aggressively.

When I turned to gaze towards the direction of the voice, I saw a tall female wearing a denim jacket with slim-fit pants. She had a black necklace around her neck. Her hair was flawless, with blue streaks in black hair. Finally, she appeared to be really cool.

She snatched that guy's hand and wrapped it around me, saying, "What are you doing with my junior?"

"Your junior?" he inquired.

"Yup! She's my line junior. You can inform me personally if you have anything to say to her. I'll let her know."

Junior line? What does this imply?

That guy looked at her and said to the guy next to him, "Come on, let's go."

They both walked away. When I saw them leave, I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Can you tell me your name?" The senior who saved me from those guys asked.

"A-Amelia Scott."

"Did those guys bully you?" she asked, nodding.

My head shook.

"Don't be afraid of them, if they bully you again in the future, please notify me. I'll look after them."

She sounded like a Supergirl who swooped in to save the day.

I smiled and replied, "Yes. Can I ask you a question?"

"Go on."

"Um… What exactly do you mean by "line junior"?"

"It is a friendship between a senior and a junior who have the same identifying number. To clarify, have you heard of the terms 'peer mentee' or 'peer mentor'?"

My head shook.

She put her hand on my shoulder and said, "So, don't be concerned. It's simply taking care of the youngsters and guiding them with our wisdom."

"Do we have the same ID number as you mentioned earlier, senior?"

"Yeah, I was meant to meet you during the freshman ceremony itself, but I was very preoccupied with the cooking club," she joked.

So she didn't tell the truth. That is the truth. So she came to save me because I was her line junior, rather than because she wanted to? I exhaled a sigh.

"Cooking club?"

"Yes, I am the president of the cooking club. I wasn't able to join you guys last week because we were busy preparing food for the club's new members. Do you like to cook? In our club, we prepare traditional cuisine. Are you curious?"

"I-I…"

"It's all right. You are welcome to meet me whenever you decide to join the club. Please give me your phone number."

I took my phone out for the number.

"Don't you know what your phone number is?"

"I recently changed it."

"Oh. Okay. Please hand over your phone."

I handed her my cell phone. She appeared to have made a call, then her phone abruptly rang. Oh. She checked her phone for a missed call.

"Got it. And this is my phone number. Save it " said while displaying the number at the top of my call log.

I gave her a nod.

She gave a smile and said, "Call me when you're interested." And then he departed.

Cooking class... I haven't given much thought to anything other than Andrew and his music. How do I respond to a senior? Sh*t! Hannah had completely slipped my mind! I should rush over to her.

I walked into the cafeteria and looked for Hannah. As soon as I went in, I noticed the Green jerkin. I went to the table and sat next to Hannah.

"At last, you arrived. Where did you run to?" she inquired, her face irritated.

"I'm joining the club, too," I added, laughing nervously.

"Which club?" she inquired as she ate the burger.

"Instrument club,"

She murmured as she bit into her burger, “What!? But when I asked you, you stated you weren't interested."

"I considered what you said and gave it some thought. As you stated, it is critical to study as much as possible as quickly as possible in order to pass the test in the final semester so I decided to join the club."

“So… you're saying you joined the club?"

“Yup!”

"Ah!" she murmured as she hugged me, "I assumed I'd be alone. I am definitely saved. Let's have some fun together." and splattered her burger sauce on my shirt

"The sauce!" I yelled.

She expressed regret.

When I poured the sauce on her green jerkin, she shrieked, "Arghh! "My dear jerkin!"

"It's a hot and spicy jerkin now." and made fun of her.

While I was screaming, she started tickling me "Hey! Hey! Stop it! Please! Don't!"

I teased her back until someone came up to the table.

"Make a space." Some men arrived, sat down, and squashed us like a sandwich.

It's Andrew's pals. Peter and Harry. They were pressing us on either side. What exactly are they doing here? We both stood up and sought to leave our seats.

"Can you tell me when and where you're going?" Harry inquired as we were attempting to depart.

"Don't you get tired of making fun of us?" Hannah inquired.

Harry, "No. Because it's amusing to tease you."

"Are you dating anyone?" Peter, who sat next to me, stated.

"N-No," I mumbled as I shook my head.

"I'm currently single. Do you want to be my girlfriend?"

His inquiry shocked me. When it comes to him, I'm at a loss for words. Can these queries be posed in such a casual manner?

While I was still speechless, Harry responded, "Do not take his offer. He's not very good at relationships. His women frequently dump him. If you want a boyfriend, you can choose me."

Hannah addressed Harry and Peter in the following manner, "Ladies and gentlemen! Hold it! What are you hoping to achieve here? Stop acting like that." "Let's go," she replied, taking my hand in hers.

I nodded and walked away from the situation.

"Where are you trying to flee to, girls?"

Harry and Peter stopped us and refused to let us through.

Harry approached Hannah and enquired, "Are you jealous because we only asked Amelia and not you? You can tell me that immediately."

Hannah pulled Harry to the ground and exclaimed, "Don't treat us the same way you treat the other girls in the class. We're not afraid of you."

I stood beside Hannah, holding her hand warmly. She looked at me through the grasp and said, "It's all right. Let's go."

"Where are you fleeing to?" Peter inquired.

"Aren't you tired of tormenting these nerds?" Andrew questioned as he hit Harry on the head and turned to face us.

He looked at me as if he'd come to save me from these idiots. For a split second, I imagined Andrew in shining armour as a hero on his way to defend me from the bad people. Without realising it, I was smiling at him. No! Don't even try to smile. He is your adversary. You must be annoyed with him because his friends teased you. Argh! I couldn't be upset with him when he came to aid me.

Hannah whispered, "Let's get moving,"

I followed her out of the cafeteria, nodding.

As I walked with Hannah, I tried not to look at him. I was ultimately vanquished. I turned to look at him as I was about to exit the cafeteria. Andrew appeared to be calm but my eyes warmed when I saw him.