With each passing day, I found myself gradually feeling better. The lingering memories of Felix no longer consumed me entirely, though they still hovered at the edges of my thoughts. 

Despite the progress I had made in getting back on track, I woke up at my usual time of 8 am, only to notice that classes seemed to be starting later than usual that morning.

I quickly grabbed whatever clothes were easily accessible, shoved my bag with a random assortment of books, and seized the key to my electric scooter.

I arrived at school, having enough time to savor the sandwich my mother had prepared. I took off my helmet as I walked onto lobby, feeling a bit more relaxed than usual. 

A sense of urgency washed over me as I approached the nearly closed school gate, but the school was unusually abuzz with activity, as clusters of students milled about outside the classrooms, even though it was already 8 am.

I was suddenly tapped on the shoulder, jolting me out of my thoughts. I whipped around quickly, surprised by the unexpected touch.

"Nina?"

Nina let out a small chuckle, folding her arms in front of her chest. 

"Looks like you're running late again, huh? Maybe you need a new alarm clock, Kate. You've been late a lot lately," she observed, her tone slightly surprised by my recent tardiness.

I cracked a smug smile, revealing my deliberate decision to arrive late. 

"I was enjoying the morning air, it's quite pleasant," I explained. Then, I turned to Nina, casually asking, "What are you doing still outside the classroom?"

Nina explained, "Today is our second day to paint. The artworks will be displayed in the school lobby. If I remember correctly, the school owner's son is visiting today as well."

I nodded, feeling a pang of frustration at my memory lapse. 

"Yes, you're right. We need to focus on that painting this week. And you're right, the school owner's son is visiting today," I confirmed, my voice tinged with a hint of irritation at my own forgetfulness.

I followed Nina's gesture, my eyes locking on the fancy car parked in front of the school's main lobby. Frustrated with myself, I slapped my forehead, the realization of my own scatterbrained mood sinking in.

I glanced around, looking for Brittney. "So, where's Brittney?”

Nina exclaimed, her tone laced with a mix of frustration and resignation. "Oh, Moon Goddess, why do I have to deal with this? Brittney went out with Jay to get some brushes and watercolors. I swear, this task is so annoying!"

After a moment, I suddenly remembered that Brittney had mentioned needing a modified pencil today. Frustrated, I let out an irritated sigh and turned to Nina, noticing the ID hanging around her neck.

My brow furrowed in confusion as I asked, "Did the school owner's son give you that ID card?"

"Felix is a student council member and he gave me the ID card. Yesterday, when he tried to give the ID to you, you ignored him," she explained, her voice calm and composed. I let out a sigh, feeling a bit guilty as she handed me the card.

Nina smiled as she handed me the ID card, her tone lighthearted. 

"And I got you the ID card with the pink hanger, since I know it's your favorite," she added, holding up the card for me to take.

I couldn't help but snort at Nina's gushing, feeling a pang of annoyance. I hoisted my backpack onto my back and slowly started walking away from her, eager to escape her endless comments about Felix and me.

Brittney sprinted towards us, her arms filled with a bag of painting supplies, panting slightly as she arrived. She quickly handed us each a drink before addressing the group, her voice breathless but cheerful.

I looked at the drink in my hand, curious about what it might be. 

"What is this?” I inquired, lifting the beverage up to inspect it.