Thalassa gasped for air, gripping the school gate like her life depended on it. Her breaths came in uneven bursts as she tried to speak.
"You ran so fucking fast… what are you!? A dog!?"
Ivy tilted her head, a faint smile on her lips.
"Maybe because I am."
Thalassa rolled her eyes. "Whatever." She tossed money right in front of Ivy and stormed off, leaving her to scramble while counting cash and trying to catch up.
Her shoes clicked against the marble floor as she angrily pushed open the classroom door and flopped into her seat. Ivy slid in beside her, casual as ever.
"You're one euro short," Ivy said with a smirk. "Gimme more."
Thalassa's eyebrows furrowed. Forget being angry, she just didn't give a fuck anymore. She pulled another euro from her wallet and throwed it on Ivy's desk.
Suddenly, a blonde-haired girl slid into the seat across from Thalassa. She smiled briefly before speaking in that soft, practiced tone.
"Ivy always wakes up late on Wednesdays, right?"
Ivy paused, putting the money under her desk.
"She is," Thalassa replied.
Chasselette covered her mouth with a soft giggle. Ivy's gaze stayed glued to her; they'd been best friends for years, yet Chasselette's laugh never changed.
Then someone called her name.
"Chasse, come here for a sec."
Chasselette's expression frozes, she paused and turned her gaze to them, before smiled sweetly, stood, and walked over to the person calling her.
Ivy leaned slightly toward Thalassa. "Isn't it strange? She's perfect at everything."
Thalassa squinted at Chasselette's uniform. Not a stain. Hair perfectly in place. She scoffed.
"That's Chasselette. How many times do you wanted to ask the same question over and over again?" Thalassa rolled her eyes and pulled out her book.
The classroom slowly quieted as the teacher stepped in, heels echoing against the marble floor.
"Take your seats." The teacher spoke firmly, opening the textbook and beginning the lesson. The class settled into its normal rhythm, but Ivy's gaze never left Chasselette.
Then the teacher asked a question.
"Can anyone explain the structure and function of the pelvic bone, and why it's important in the human body?"
She pointed at Thalassa. Her eyes widened as she frantically searched the textbook.
"Uh… the pelvic bone is… like… the part here," she gestured vaguely near her waist, frowning slightly. "…it kinda connects the upper body to the legs."
Her hands began to sweat with anxiety.
"I think it protects… some organs? Like the bladder and… yeah, that stuff. And it also helps you… stand properly? And walk?"
She glanced down at her book quickly.
"I don't really remember all the parts, but… yeah, that's the main thing."
The teacher sighed before crossing her arms. "Imagine you're in an emergency room, and your doctor was like this."
She adjusted her glasses before asking again. "Anyone wants to answer?"
A brief silence fell. Chasselette raised her hand gently.
"The pelvic bone, also known as the pelvis, is a ring-like bony structure located at the base of the spine. It is composed of three fused bones: the ilium, ischium, and pubis. These bones form a stable structure that connects the axial skeleton to the lower limbs."
She paused briefly, though her gaze remained steady. Her tone stayed even. Precise.
"Functionally, the pelvis serves multiple purposes. It supports the weight of the upper body when sitting and standing, and transfers that weight to the lower limbs during movement. It also protects internal organs such as the bladder and reproductive organs."
"Additionally, in females, the pelvic structure is broader and more adaptable to facilitate childbirth, which highlights its role in both mobility and biological function."
She lowered her hand slowly.
"In conclusion, the pelvic bone is essential for structural support, organ protection, and movement efficiency."
She hadn't glanced at her textbook once.
The classroom went silent. Then one of them clapped, followed by the others. Chasselette smiled proudly. The teacher smiled lightly before praising her.
"Amazing as always."
The clapping slowly faded. Thalassa frowned, muttering under her breath.
"Chasse… that bitch. She's a genius." Thalassa cursed, even though slightly impressed by Chasselette's intelligence but it was mixed with irritation.
Ivy didn't answer, eyes still glued to Chasselette. Then she finally looked at Thalassa and slowly asked,
"Isn't that… off? She's always been so unnaturally perfect."
Thalassa crossed her arms. "This is the fifteenth time you've asked that this month. Sixteenth if you count earlier today. Stop overthinking."
"Yeah, yeah.." Ivy muttered slowly. Thalassa sighed heavily and finally focused on the textbook in front of her.
The class continued till the bell rang, Miss Mary called, "That's all for today. Make sure you do your homework," before walking out with her books and papers.
Thalassa stood and looked at Ivy. "Cafeteria?"
Ivy nodded.
Chasselette came with a smile
"Look at you, you're not mad at Ivy anymore."
Thalassa side eyeing Ivy, while tidied up her desk. "There's no use being mad at her."
Chasselette paused, she decided that it was funny and chuckled
Thalassa asked if she wanted to come to the cafeteria. She nodded, smiling that classic, effortless smile as she followed Thalassa.
Ivy stayed quiet, silently following behind them.