My eyes found hers before I even realized it. She also sat down.
Seat 220.
The girl from the bus stop.
For a moment, I tried to remember every detail.Her face,her posture,the way she had looked me before.Something about that brief encounter lingered, stubborn and impossible to place.
I couldn't look away.
Around us, the hall buzzed with quiet murmurs and stuffing feet. But my focus was locked.
Who was she really?
Why did her presence feel... familiar,yet completaly unreadable. I could swear I'd seen her somewhere long ago... in a place I cant recall.
''What are you staring at?''
My chest tightend. Her tone wasn't angry, it was calm, sharp, and unnervingly dirrect.
Before I could say something, a firm voice echoed from above.
''Welcome, newcomers,'' the woman announced, stepping onto the upper platform. Her presence dominated the room.
The woman added.
''Students who achieved high scores in the general exam have been selected by the system for this position and are now exempt from academic studies.''
High score? well, I didnt expect that from myself. Woman added.
''Your duty is to preserve and determine the fate of the country.Well, why kids? you might say. The reason is simple: to select the most intelegent and shape them into a masterpiece''
The room went silent. It felt as if everyone had just realized the truth. A council member raised his hand and spoke.
''So...that means we wouldn't be able to see our home ever again right? well, why wasn't this mentioned in the email from the start?''
The woman's gaze swept across the hall. Calm, unwavering, she replied.
''The living spaces inside the complex have been designed with meticulous care for each of you. Comfort, safety and effciency were prioritized. Nothing is left to chance.''
Her word left little room for argument. The silence returned, heavier this time.
I followed my gaze at 220. She sat motionless, expression unreadable, her presence like a shadow against the dim light of the room.
The woman started speaking again. But this time, her voice was straightforward. Woman firsty scanned the room. sharp and deliberate.
''Now let me show you where you stay'' she said. A sliding screen prepared to lit up and displayed the results of the general exam.
Gasps and murmurs echoed throughout the hall. Some council members leaned forward, eyes wide. Others exchanged anxious glances, struggling to process the numbers before them.
I quickly scanned the top of the list. Number 1...220. My heart skipped a beat. And bellow her, number 2...104. number 3...369.....
A cold dread ran through me. Number 518... at the very bottom last.[1]
220 remained composed, eyes forward. Looks like she isn't paying attention at all. And behind me, I quickly glanced 104. He sat silently, a faint twitch of a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth.
The woman's voice cut through the tension, firm and unwavering.
''These rankings are not just numbers. They determine your roles, your responsibilities, and the expectations you will carry inside this complex. Excellence is recognised. Failure is... noted''
What did I do wrong? I glanced at 220. She sat perfectly still.Like none of this mattered.
''Annoying.'' I murmured.
She didn't react. Or maybe, I just didn't notice.
''Anyway'' The woman said. Her voice sharp and serious. ''Now I will explain a very important rule you must follow every time you enter here.''
Murmurs ripped through the hall, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
''This is not a playground. This is the absolute boundary of order. Those who fail to respect this boundary, are kept outside''
A few council members exchanged uneasy glances. Whispers died down almost immediately.The woman continued.
''Every entry is recorded. Your ID cards belong to you--they are your identity; your authority, and your trace.''
Council members straightened when they heard this. Some of them swallowing hard. Woman added This words afterwards.
''No sitting without scanning your card. No speaking without scanning you card. Without you card, you are ignored. Lose it, and you cease to exist.''
The hall went silent when these words are heard. A few swallowed quietly. And a low hum of unease ran through the crowd.
''The rules are simple. You are not forced to follow them--but you will bear the consequences.''
A faint clatter echoed as some shifted nervously in their seats. Eyes darted and cards were gripped tighter.
Then, a voice --calm and mechanical, announced the start of the lunch break
''Lunch period has begun. your estimated time is 1 hour and 20 minutes''
The meeting room seemed a bit relaxed when we heard the news. Most of the council members stood up and left.
But my eyes still on hers and couldnt look away.
I felt selfish somehow.
Well, thats natural I guess.
After all, envy had always been my only companion.
[1] the end of the portray of envy