Chapter 3: The Annoying Nathan Colfer

“Eh?! Don't be like this big bro. I know, I exasperated you. You seem even hated me to call you such nonsense name but don't make excuses like that. It's clearly not true.”

 Zitrey sighed a breath of relief. Thankful, that Nathan didn't take it seriously. She even has a gut feeling that this person is an idiot. 

“So, Big bro what's your name?” Nathan strikes the iron while still hot, but he is still failed.

Zitrey ignore him and walked again. “Jeez, I just wanted to know his name, why'd he made it hard for me.” Nathan thought and run to caught up to her. 

He stared at these 15 feet (4.57 meters) tall, thick wall; amuse, he said, “The school administrative really don't want us -students to escape the school.” But then, he changed his mind when he saw a gateway without a gate nor security guard instead it only had horizontal steel blocking the way. 

“Zeth!”, a lady in a white coat uniform shouted behind the entrance of their school. He wondered why this beautiful lady waves her hands cheerfully towards them.

 “Who is 'Zeth'? Is this big bro's name? Does he know that lady?” He looked at her. He could say, she's an example of a girl who could capture any man's heart; even him. Her well-pointed nose, almond eyes, and kissable lips could make anyone fall in love at first glance. Her well-refined body perfectly shown on her fit uniform and her curly hair bounces every move she made. He could even smell her sweet perfume in this distance. 

“Maybe this beautiful lady is one of the admirers of Big bro or his girlfriend.” he thought. However, Zitrey completely ignores this lady. “Ah, she's not. What a pity! If I'm him, I would gladly accept her.”

The lady saw Nathan standing beside Zitrey. Her expression became darken, “Zitrey never let anyone come near him, yet who is this woman? Why'd she's exempted?” she clutched the clipboard in her hand. The papers almost wrinkled in her grip. It even angered her when she saw Nathan grinning and waving at her. 

Zitrey put her Identification card on the flat square board standing near the horizontal pole. A green light illuminated from the board, scanning her ID. Nathan glimpsed on it and saw a silver imprinted letters under her profile:

Name: Zitrey d' Nightroad

Department: Academe

Section: Class Sage

“So, Big bro name is Zitrey.” He quickly looked in another direction and hummed when Zitrey notices him.

 Zitrey momentarily stared at him, then swift back her attention to the flat board. Thinking, “This guy is really an idiot. He's readable.” After the scan, she gets her ID and put it inside her black leather wallet.

“Eh? Is that ID like a ticket in the train station? Why do they not wearing it? And why'd they hidden it? Weird.” Nathan in a–confused expression.

A 'Ding' sound came out from the scanning device. Later on, the horizontal steel opened and Zitrey entered, hands inside her pants pockets. Suddenly, the lady in the white coat grabbed Zitrey's arm but not yet get a hold of it when Zitrey yelled, “Back Off!”

The lady immediately let go and said, “Fine! Jeez not taking a joke, I knew you don't like physical contact, but I was hoping you've changed your mind, but unfortunately not. So why you're late? You knew we have a policy, every 10 minutes late will deduct five points in your score. Hey! Ignoring me again?”

Her hands are on waist, brows knitted while looking at Zitrey whose walking away from her, paying no attention. In the next second, a smile formed on her face; the harder the challenge, the more thrilled she felt. “Someday you will be in my possession.”

Nathan mesmerized while watching the two. He wondered if they are celestial beings pretending to be a human. They're so gorgeous that you will think they're not earthlings. “This pair is perfect to each other,” he murmured. He saw that Zitrey seems to forget him as he walked away from them. He startled, “I'm not familiar with the way, I need to follow him.”

As soon as he stepped in, he instantly stepped back when all of a sudden, the steel blocked his way, and with a 'thud' the transparent wall emerges and close the gateway. The two inside halt when they heard the alarm and turned around. The blue and red light could be seen above the gateway. Both look confused while looking at the person who was responsible for turning on the security alarm. Both thought, “Why the hell it alarmed?”

Nathan on the other side is feeling nervous, cold sweat forming on his forehead. “So, I can't enter? This is the example of, 'No ID, no entry!' although in a normal way a school guard will block you in this school it's the wall!” Nathan saw the woman talking to her phone. Then, suddenly the alarm stops as soon as, the woman finished her call. 

She stepped closer to the transparent wall and a black rectangular thing came out from the tiny hole in the wall. The tiny hole is purposely made for the Identification Card and only to pass through it.

 Nathan gets his ID and examined it. It was black like Zitrey's ID, as it represents they are from the Academe department. It was five inches in length and 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) wide. He's quite shocked when he saw his profile, it was not him it was his elder brother when he was in Highschool. He smiled bitterly. “My brother was really ashamed of me.” He looked at the silver letters imprinted in his ID. All of a sudden, his eyes shimmered, he and Zitrey are in the same class!

He can't hear what the woman was talking about. But he seems to understand what the woman meant. He put his ID on the flat board. The device starts to scan and with the 'ding' the transparent wall opened. He gets his ID from the device and put it inside his coat. The lady in a white coat welcomes him with a gentle and beautiful smile like a flower. 

“So, you're the transfer student?” she asked. Nathan just nods. “I didn't recognize you because your appearance in your profile seems different from the actual, so you're a man? Your data here, tells you are.” She looked at the paper in her clipboard and showed it to Nathan. Nathan just nods again.

 “I thought you're a girl, but I'm wrong. Sorry for the misunderstanding,” she seems relieved that the girl she thinks her rival was actually a man. 

Nathan blinks twice while staring at the lady in front of him. His mouth was closed like it was locked, can't speak just nodding. He was stunned when the beautiful lady approached him and talked to him. Well, that's because Nathan fell from the charm of the lady. Surprisingly, the noisy Nathan awhile ago became mute in just a split of seconds.

The lady in white coat uniform chuckled when she saw Nathan pale face turned to pinkish. “Well, I'm that beautiful?”, she winked and leaned towards Nathan. She's much taller compared to him.

 Nathan lowered his head, and shyly nod, his earlobes were totally red too.

The lady in the white coat straightened her body and said, “I'm Julliana, Vice President of the Student Council. I'm here to deliver your identification card, Mr. Nathan. Also, to explain the rules, and regulations, and things about school. And if you need help in the future, come and find me.”

“T-t-thanks...” Nathan answered while still looking down, feeling shy. 

Zitrey wants to clap her hands while watching them. “This woman was an expert in changing her expressions, and this idiot falls for it. Well, what would I'd expect? He's an 'Idiot'.” Zitrey didn't leave yet because she was still anxious about Nathan. What if he will suddenly say what she declared to him? Human curiosity is unstoppable and dangerous, it will cause a big problem. That's why she decided to observe him at first and if he dares to say it, well who knows what will happen.

 Nathan was astonished at the scenery. Different kinds of flowers are in the bloom; smiling brightly at the gentle sun above, and dancing gracefully with the cold wind. The droplets of water remaining on their petals and leaves are sparkling as if it was a tiny diamonds in the jewelry. Butterflies flutters in different sizes, shapes, and colors which add to the sensational beauty of the place. Making a colorful and spectacular landscape.

The wide path they were standing on was made of bricks with white iron fences beside it, about two feet tall. Underneath it has a canal with clean water and what amazed him more were the koi fish living on it. They walked a bit farther from the entrance and arrived at the circular path. There's this fountain at the center and benches surround it. The three of them entered a small medieval-like building after it. This building has no doors. Go in at the entrance doorway and go out at the exit doorway.

 A while ago, Julliana explained to Nathan about the rules, and regulations of the school and give him a map and a thin book. The inside of the medieval-like building was spacious with no other things rather than bicycles and skateboards. These were lined in rows, and in chains. The one with padlocks had already an owner while those that don't, no one owned them. Zitrey picked up his own bicycle and unlocked it. 

Julliana turned to Nathan. “Please choose what will you use.” Nathan scratched his head. He didn't know how to use these vehicles. His Elder brother never mentions this kind of transportation. He was transferred to this prestigious school without visiting it. Moreover, his elder brother prepares all his transfer papers. This explains why he was so astounded and ignorant about this school.

 Julliana added, “Private cars are prohibited inside. The school promotes an eco-friendly environment that's why we have only these three. Bicycles and skateboards are for boys, but some girls could also use them. For girls, and the higher-ups used that eco-friendly vehicle." She pointed at the automated vehicle near the exit doorway. "And you could also walk but the distance between each department, main hall and this building is farther away. So, it's better to use these three."

Julliana looked in the direction of Nathan only to notice that he isn't listening to her. Moreover, he was in deep thoughts while staring at two things. ''This transfer student how dare he!... Hmmph. '' Jullliana hold her temper and took a deep breath. She asked while wearing that gentle smile, "So, Mr. Nathan what will you use?"

 Nathan looked back at Julliana. "Neither of the two?", he said in a topsy-turvy expression.

"You don't know how to use them?", she asked. Nathan scratched his head again and smiled shyly, "Yea?"

Julliana chuckled, "Then you can join me. " She used her ID to swipe at the automated vehicle and the door opened. She entered and wave her hands toward Nathan like she was calling a puppy, "Come."

When Nathan heard it, he was delighted. His eyes became bigger and if he has a tail, he was wagging it right now. Well, who doesn't want to ride in a vehicle with your crush? Nonetheless, Nathan hesitated. He wants to but looking further away in the future. Riding with Julliana will cause him trouble. ''Who knows how many admirers this goddess has? And if I'm with her my school life within this new school will be ruined."

He searched for someone inside the building and founding her preparing to take her to leave. Nathan immediately blocked her way. "Move!" Zitrey said with eyes burning with anger. Julliana sees this and felt a bit of fear but for Nathan, it seems nothing. Zitrey tried to walk in another way while holding her bike, however, Nathan quickly blocked her way again. "What?!", she shouted. 

"Big bro Zitrey...can I ride with you please? I don't know how to use those two... Please?" he begged with his puppy eyes and both hands clasped together. Zitrey stared at him. This person really knows how to make her angry. 

Julliana inside the vehicle glance at them, ''Nathan you have nerves. Unfortunately, Zitrey's heart was hard as a stone, cold as a block of ice. Merciless and don't care of anybody.'' her lips curved upward, but not been 10 seconds had passed when her eyes shrank and bitten her lips. She kicked the couch inside the vehicle, out of anger. "Why?! Who is that Nathan? ", she yelled in her mind.

Zitrey cursed and went backed to the rows of bicycles. She locked her own bike and get another one, where two people can sit on. She wants to leave this man immediately, however, she needs to be by his side to keep her real identity. "Sit!", she commanded. Nathan quickly did what he asked and sat sideways, giggling. Then Zitrey starts to pedal.

"Wow! Lumiere Academy is really amazing. They contain thousands of hectares: with rivers, lakes, forests, and mountains. That's why they implemented an eco-friendly environment. Woah this school has three departments. First, the academe, in the black uniform with the owl logo. Then, the sports department in emerald uniform with the snake logo and the Art and Entertainment Department in the crimson uniform with the Phoenix logo. This school also contains dormitories and most of the students stay here that's explain why no students than us are in the entrance. Woah! So, a lot of famous people came from this school. And all departments, excel on their own. Prestigious school indeed. " He said and closed the small and thinned book Julliana give to him. 

Nathan miraculously could read without any interruption nor feared to fall from the ride. Zitrey noticed this, and thought, ''What a skill.''

"Big bro Zitrey, according to this tiny book. There are only three departments, and the uniform was only: black, emerald, and crimson, but why does Miss Julliana wear a white uniform? Moreover, it has an albino crow logo." 

Zitrey suddenly stops, causing Nathan to bump towards her back. "If you don't want to walk, shut up! Babbling now and then makes me want to throw you up!"

Nathan, hearing this instantly straightened his back and closed his mouth. Yet, he thought, " Not long ago, it's hard for me to make him talk, but now, I made him utter a long sentence without forcing him. But really I'm curious why she-" his train of thoughts stops when a reddish-orange with yellow pigment fell from his palm. ''Maple Leaves?''

 He looked around in wondering and saw Maple trees lining up along the roadside. He didn't notice this awhile ago because he was to focus on reading. Suddenly, a light and gentle cold wind passed through them causing the Maple leaves to fell slowly and continuously at them. He took a glance at Zitrey's, who also looking at the scenery, and thought, "If I'm with a girl, this scene feels romantic... Really romantic."

After a long silence, Zitrey starts to pedal once again.

Every student in the room is busy doing their things, without a teacher the classrooms were a bit in chaos. "Hey guys, watch this... watch! This news is trending online. " One of the male students said while holding a phone. 

After he said it, a group of male students surrounds him. They watched the video attentively.

"Woah! These thugs robbed and killed the cashier brutally and worst. This station was near our district!"

"Yea, this happened just three days ago, and the police didn't yet catch them. So, it's better to stay in the dormitory for a while."

"Yea... yea," most of the students agreed. "But if that happened in our district. I'm sure this case will last a day!", a girl seated in the corner of the room who's just minded her own business, interrupted them. 

"Huh?! ", the students were taken aback by the not familiar voice of a girl. This girl was rarely opened her mouth and spoke to them.

 "Why?!", they asked. "Of course! We have Officered Kate! An excellent woman who brings down a lot of dark organization, and put them inside the jail!", when she said this, her pair of gray eyes are shimmering. Her behavior was easy to understand that she idolized this officer deeply.

 The group of male students was dumbfounded. Hearing no response. Nikka infuriated, he grasped someone's collar and pulled him over choking him. "What?! You don't know her?!"

The male students horrified, "Of course we know her. Right? Right? " The one who holds the phone immediately respond, and his companion just nod. 

"Stop it Nikka! Professor Shen will come sooner. If you won't stop, I will report it and deduct you a point." the class president threatened her. 

Nikka let go, and tidied her victim's disheveled uniform, patted his shoulders gently, and came back to her seat, took a nap once again. Nikka was usually quiet but if something triggers her interest, she will start to talk, however, if you accidentally switch an unknown mode, she became a beast. That's why her classmates better don't mingle with her.

The lady class president sigh a relief, "Now, come back to your seats. Professor Shen, will come here sooner with the new student." she stated. Her classmates obediently followed what she said.

"Good morning!" a slender and handsome young man in his 20s entered the room. The students also greeted their teacher and fell into silence. These students respect and idolize their professors greatly.

"Before we start the class, I have an important announcement." Professor Shen said. 

Outside the classroom, Nathan stood there nervously. "It's okay, I'll be fine, just a simple self-introduction and then I can go to my seat. I can do it! " Nathan thought, calming himself.

 "Come in." Professor Shen ordered, looking at them. He and Zitrey entered the room. All eyes are at them, in shock. Then the students start to whisper, "It's my first time to witness that Zitrey was with someone else, who is she? "

"I don't know, I'm more shocked that Zitrey came late and I didn't notice that he's not here. He always came early and stays silent. "

"Yea, you're right! "

"That new student was beautiful. Do you think he had a boyfriend?"

"Who knows?"

Professor Shen fake a cough. The students are instantaneously quiet. "Zitrey take your seat. I will not deduct your points; as you accompanied the transfer student to come here. However, there will be no next time, please be early."

Zitrey nod and took his seat. "Now, please... " Professor Shen added while looking at Nathan. 

"A-ah! Yes." Nathan bowed and said, "Hello Everyone, my name is Nathan Colfer. Please take care of me." he smiled after saying the last sentence.

"...."

''Why they're in silence? Is there anything else I have to say?'' he wondered.

"What brilliance. Her smile was like a sun emitting a warm and gentle heart. Nevertheless, she could melt a frozen mountain." a wannabe poet student said.

"Gilbert, I'm afraid I have to cut your wide imagination. But the lady you're referring to is actually a man." Professor Shen said. 

"What?!", Gilbert and the others shouted, dumbfounded. "Sorry for that Nathan." Professor Shen said apologetically.

Nathan waves his hands. "No, no Professor that's fine. I'm used to it and thanks."

Nathan faces his classmates, "Fellow classmates, even though I have long hair and...' he scratches his head, ''Ahm short, but I'm a straight man!", the corner of his mouth turned upward, showing his white teeth.

 "You're really warm and... Beautiful!" Gilbert said with a blush on his face. "Ehhh? ", Nathan was taken aback by this straightforward compliment. He didn't want to be an apple of attention, this made him uncomfortable. In this, he subconsciously said, "Big bro Zitrey is more beautiful!" 

Then suddenly, the room fell into silence and only breath could be heard. Cold air surrounds the room, and a sharp glare from the person at the corner pierce through Nathan.

 "Alright! That's enough. Nathan, please take your seat." Professor Shen said breaking the silence.

Nathan looked around, and see the two vacant seats between the two scary persons inside the room. One seems to want to murder someone while the other one seems didn't care what happens around her and in deep slumber. The students were worried about Nathan's situation. It was like, a sheep is lost and about to devour by wolves. But for Nathan, he considered this lucky. A vacant seat was near to his big bro!

Professor Shen noticed something was missing in this new student. "Nathan, where are your things?" he asked worriedly.

"Ah! My bag?! They'd snatched?" he laughed awkwardly. ''I can't tell them those embarrassing moments.''

Professor Shen seems not convinced by his answer but seems Nathan said it without a trace of worry on his countenance; it's not worth it to ask more, he said, "Please be careful next time." 

Nathan hurriedly seated near Zitrey, "Big bro, we're seatmate! Hehehe." he excitedly said with twinkle eyes, leaning towards Zitrey. But Zitrey just looked at him in his death glare, telling, "Back off!"