Ch. 23
After playing the piano, Selene decided she'd had enough sentimentality for one day. She stood, brushed off her skirt, and left the music room pretending she hadn't just almost cried over a piano piece.
Okay, Let's see what other clubs this place has to offer. she thought.
The hallway outside buzzed with energy. Students were taping colorful posters on the walls. Drama Club, Science Organization, Debate Society, Dance Troupe.
Selene stopped at each one, scanning curiously, though half her mind was already disinterest. She sighed and continued walking. Eventually, the echo of bouncing balls and loud cheers drew her attention.
The gym.
She followed the sound until she reached the large gymnasium. The doors were open, and students filled the bleachers, screaming encouragement to players darting across the court.
Selene stepped inside just to take a peek but before she could even look around, someone bumped into her.
"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry!" said a girl with soft features, bright eyes, and a bottle of water clutched tightly in her hands.
Selene blinked.
She's... pretty. Must be one of those kind types everyone likes.
"No, it's fine. I wasn't looking."
The girl smiled shyly, bowing before hurrying away toward the court. Selene's gaze followed her, noticing how the girl's cheeks turned a bright pink as she stared at one of the players.
Eh?
She's blushing? Over a guy who's just playing basketball?
Selene frowned a little, amused. The guy she was looking at wasn't even that good his shots kept missing.
She crossed her arms and muttered under her breath.
He keeps missing, and she's still smiling like that?
The ball hit the rim again and bounced away. Selene tried not to laugh, but her lips curved up anyway.
The atmosphere inside the gym was electric students from first year to fourth year filled the bleachers, cheering, clapping, shouting names. It felt more like the Intramurals had already begun, though it was just a practice game.
Selene glanced around, taking in the noise, the sweat, the excitement.
So, this is what school spirit looks like, huh? Kinda... loud.
Then it happened.
One of the fourth-year players caught sight of her from the court. He froze mid-pass eyes widening slightly. The ball flew right past him.
"Bro! Focus!" someone yelled, but he didn't even move.
His teammates groaned while the audience laughed, whispering among themselves.
"Who's that girl?"
"Wait— is that Selene Valen?"
"She's gorgeous!"
Selene, completely unaware of the commotion, just tilted her head.
"Did he just trip over his own feet?" she murmured, sounding genuinely puzzled.
That tiny comment was calm, bored, and unbothered somehow made half the people nearby snicker. The fourth-year player turned red, but even then, he couldn't take his eyes off her.
Selene blinked, confused but unfazed. She simply crossed her arms and continued watching unknowingly becoming the center of everyone's attention.
Because to them, she wasn't just another student. She was the gorgeous transfer girl with that quiet, almost intimidating grace standing in the corner of the gym like a queen bored of her own kingdom.
And even without trying, Selene Valen had managed to turn an ordinary basketball practice... into a school-wide spectacle. Selene just sighed, shaking her head lightly.
Basketball, huh? Not my thing.
And with that, she turned around to leave completely unaware that she'd just caused chaos inside the gym... simply by existing.