Ch. 34
Cheering Duty and Unwanted Attention
The academy grounds were buzzing that Monday morning. Banners hung from every corner, students rushing around with paint, balloons, and megaphones.
Intramural five days away.
Even the air felt lighter... or maybe louder.
Selene, on the other hand, wasn't exactly thrilled. Their class president, a tall guy with the energy of a golden retriever, stood in front of the room holding a clipboard like it was a sacred script.
"Alright, class! Since Intramurals is coming up, everyone's expected to join the cheering squad for the basketball team! Attendance is required!" he announced, voice too cheerful for a Monday.
Half the class groaned. Selene leaned on her arm, expression blank.
Cheering squad? Seriously?
The president continued, "We'll also have poster-making and coordination practice this Wednesday. Oh! And please wear something matching, like blue or white shirts it's our school color theme!"
Someone at the back whined, "Can't we just donate snacks instead of cheering?"
"Nope," the president said firmly.
"Support is part of school spirit. Especially since our basketball team's playing against Montclair Academy for the opening!"
Selene's eyebrow twitched.
Montclair Academy? You have got to be kidding me.
It's not like she had anything against their rival school... except for the fact that Jaxen Montclair himself went there the same guy who almost ran her over, argued with her, and now somehow had dinner with her family last week.
Fate, apparently, loved to mess with her.
"Selene," the president called, snapping her from her thoughts. "You'll join the front group, okay? We need balanced height for the cheering line."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"Can I just be in charge of coordination?"
"Nope! Everyone needs to participate."
Selene exhaled through her nose, trying to maintain patience.
"Fine."
At least, she thought, it couldn't get any worse. Until she saw Raze stroll into the room.
He wasn't even from her class but since the music club was tasked to provide sound for the event, he'd been going around coordinating with different sections. His red hair and carefree grin drew attention instantly, making some girls whisper.
"Yo, Valen."
His voice was casual, tone teasing.
Selene didn't look up from her notebook.
"Shouldn't you be in the music room?"
"Just checking sound schedules." He leaned against the doorframe, clearly enjoying himself.
"Didn't think I'd find you here at this gym... cheer practice suits you."
Her head snapped up. "Excuse me?"
"You know, loud, colorful, full of energy...totally your thing." Raze smirked.
"Do you want me to hit you with a pom-pom?" Selene stared at him flatly.
The class president blinked between them, nervous laughter breaking out around the room.
"Oh wow, you two know each other?"
"Unfortunately," Selene said dryly.
"You wound me, Princess." Raze chuckled.
A few students gasped, they all heard that.
"Wait—Princess?" someone whispered.
Selene's jaw tightened.
She could already feel unwanted eyes on her.
"Don't call me that here."
Raze only raised a brow, pretending innocence.
"What? It's fitting."
She sighed, standing up and grabbing her things.
"I'm going to the club room. Tell the cheering squad, I'll participate— later."
As she walked out, she caught a few girls giggling behind their hands, whispering something that sounded suspiciously like:
"Are they... dating?"
Selene's eye twitched.
Outside, she walked faster, muttering to herself.
"Why does every time guy shows up, rumors start multiplying?"
She was about to turn the corner when a familiar voice called after her.
"Hey wait, Valen."
She stopped.
Raze was a few steps behind her, holding a bottle of water he'd snagged from somewhere.
He offered it casually.
"You look like you need this."
Selene eyed it warily before accepting.
"...Thanks."
"Don't mind them," he said after a pause, tone surprisingly serious.
"They talk about everyone."
She sipped quietly, studying his expression.
"You're used to it, huh?"
"Comes with the face." He shrugged.
That earned a small snort from her almost like she didn't mean to laugh.
"Cocky much?"
"Confident." He grinned.
Selene shook her head, turning away.
"Whatever."
As she walked off, Raze called out again, voice playful.
"Don't forget cheer practice tomorrow, Princess!"
Selene didn't turn around, but she raised her hand in a very subtle, very deliberate middle finger behind her back.
Raze saw it and laughed out loud.
The afternoon sun slanted lazily through the gym's glass panels, casting golden light over the scattered students. The sound of sneakers squeaking, laughter, and the rustle of pom-poms filled the air.
The first-year cheer practice had officially begun though thankfully, it wasn't actual cheering. Just rhythm coordination and waving pom-poms for the upcoming game.
Selene stood among the crowd, a shiny blue pom-pom reluctantly dangling from her hand. She stared at it like it personally offended her.
This has got to be the most ridiculous thing I've done in this academy, she thought, exhaling deeply.
"Selene! Over here!"
She turned and there came Liana Cerez, bright smile, long brown hair bouncing as she jogged toward her, waving a pom-pom like it was the happiest day on earth.
"Don't tell me you're joining this too," Selene said, arching a brow.
"Of course!" Liana grinned, slightly panting.
"I can't let the others have all the fun. Plus..." she twirled her pom-pom proudly.
"...I kinda moved on already."
"Moved on?"
"Yeah!" Liana said with a playful wink.
"Remember that basketball player I confessed to? The one who splashed water on me? Yeah, that one. Total jerk! So, I decided he doesn't deserve my tears—or my time!"
Selene tilted her head, impressed.
"Huh. Took you long enough."
"You're so mean sometimes!" Liana laughed, elbowing her lightly.
"I'm just being honest."
"Well, honesty suits you. You're like... my own personal truth serum." Liana only grinned wider.
That earned a soft chuckle from Selene rare, but real.
"You talk too much."
"And you talk too little. Perfect balance!" Liana shot back.
Their teacher clapped her hands, calling everyone to form a line.
"Alright, class! Let's go through the formation again. Remember, it's just a simple wave-and-chant routine for the opening. Smile and move in rhythm!"
The music started. The first few beats echoed through the gym. Liana swayed her pom-poms with energy that could power a city. Selene... did her best to follow.
"Come on, Selene!" Liana whispered, trying not to laugh. "You're supposed to wave with the beat, not at it!"
"I'm waving," Selene deadpanned.
"Like a robot!"
"I'm a graceful robot," she replied dryly.
Liana burst out laughing, nearly dropping her pom-poms.
"Oh my gosh, you're hopeless!"
The teacher turned their way.
"Miss Valen, Miss Cerez, less talking, more cheering!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Liana said quickly, grinning sheepishly. Selene just nodded silently, but her lips twitched in amusement.
Halfway through practice, the gym doors opened and in came several students from the music club, carrying sound equipment. And among them—Raze.
Selene's eyes flickered toward him for a second, then back to her routine.
Raze noticed her immediately. That small, infuriating smirk appeared as he leaned against the wall, arms crossed, clearly entertained.
Liana followed Selene's gaze and gasped.
"Wait– isn't that Raze? The red-haired guy from the music club? He looks kind of scary."
"He is scary," Selene muttered under her breath.
But Liana wasn't convinced. "Scary but cute."
"You have terrible taste." Selene rolled her eyes.
"Excuse me?" Liana gasped dramatically. "I have varied taste."
Before Selene could reply, their teacher clapped again.
"Great work, everyone! That's it for today's practice. We'll meet again two days before the opening ceremony."
As the students dispersed, Liana stretched and sighed in relief.
"Ugh, my arms feel like jelly."
"You swing like you're fighting demons," Selene teased, setting her pom-poms down.
"Ha! Coming from the girl who waved like she was warding off mosquitoes?"
Selene snorted softly.
"Fair."
Liana beamed, looping her arm around Selene's.
"You know what? I'm really glad we're friends."
"Friends?" Selene echoed, slightly caught off guard.
"Yeah. You're cool in your own scary way."
Selene pretended to sigh but didn't pull away.
"You talk too much, again."
"And you listen too well," Liana teased, grinning ear to ear.
Across the gym, Raze watched them for a moment, amused by the rare sight of Selene actually smiling. When she noticed, she gave him a cold, warning stare one that clearly said, Don't you dare say anything.
He only lifted his drumstick slightly in greeting, smirking as he walked away.
"Great. The universe just loves to embarrass me." Selene groaned softly.
"You mean he really does." Liana giggled.
Selene didn't answer but her faint blush was enough of a giveaway.