Chapter 92: Weekend

The next day was the weekend, when there weren’t any formal classes or lessons, but freedom for the students to recreate and rest whenever they wanted. It was still morning, with sunlight streaming down from the sky in a golden glow that spread over the atmosphere and revealed the peacefulness of the school grounds.

The usual rush of students moving from one classroom to another was absent, leaving the compound unusually calm.

The school grounds looked almost different without the pressure of lessons hanging over everyone. The pathways were less crowded, the classroom buildings stood quietly in the distance, and the occasional sound of birds could be heard from the trees scattered around the compound.

Some students had already gathered in small groups, talking, playing games, or simply enjoying the rare opportunity to do whatever they wanted without having to worry about a teacher calling them back into class.

Jack sat with Sofia on a bench beside a springing water fountain structure in the school compound as they both chatted in a friendly manner. The fountain continuously pushed clear water upward before allowing it to fall back into the wide basin beneath it, producing a soft and soothing rhythm that blended naturally with the morning breeze.

Some others caught sight of them along the way, and they knew better than to even look for longer than a split second or ask any questions whatsoever. This was due to the known presence of Jack, who was not someone to be messed with. Most students had heard enough about him to know that unnecessary curiosity could quickly turn into trouble, so they simply continued on their way while pretending they had seen nothing.

Sofia had one leg crossed over the other as her gaze remained fixed on Jack’s, which was steady as they conversed. She sat comfortably against the back of the bench, with the gentle breeze occasionally moving a few strands of her hair across her face. The peaceful environment seemed to make their conversation feel more personal than the noisy atmosphere of a regular school day ever could.

"This is really a nice starting view. I remember when I was little and my mom always carried me over to an ivory water fountain at the square of our town, just like this. The sound of the water splashing and flowing beautifully with the breezing wind around was so surreal. It was cool and peaceful, and I always wanted to cling to that particular moment."

Jack listened quietly, his eyes occasionally shifting toward the fountain as the memory settled into his thoughts. The water continued to rise and fall in front of them, catching the morning sunlight before breaking into countless tiny reflections.

A slight smile appeared at the corner of his lips. "And today doesn’t seem different from that time, you know. It still made up for the moment."

Sofia returned his smile before glancing up. Her voice was casual, but there was a faint warmth behind it. "That’s a really great moment you had during your childhood. Moments are one of the basic elements that make up a person’s childhood. I loved seeing places like Wonderland Recreational Park."

She turned her gaze over to him again, her expression carrying a small spark of curiosity. "I’d love for us to try the place out."

Jack nodded. "Anytime. This is just the starting point of our incredible hangouts that we both won’t forget. It’s gonna be interesting and marvelous, even for a child’s dream. You could try that exclusive game store, the pet stores, and even roller coasters."

He spoke with growing enthusiasm as he listed the possibilities, occasionally moving his hands while explaining. Sofia listened with a faint smile, seemingly entertained by how easily Jack became excited whenever he talked about places they could visit together.

"The school’s prom is still on the calendar, and many would really be eager to have fun. For now, the school’s next activity is the sporting season of inter-house schools alongside international schools that’s coming," he continued with a confident smile.

The thought of upcoming school activities seemed to brighten his mood even more. The weekend had already given him a sense of freedom, and having something else to anticipate made the remaining school days feel slightly less tedious.

Sofia studied him for a bit before leaning back on the bench. She crossed her arms loosely and looked toward the fountain as though considering what he had said. "I would look forward to that by the time it comes."

She paused slightly before turning her attention back toward him. Her expression became more serious.

"You didn’t tell me that you were under detention classes, but you hid it between us. This is a crack between us."

Jack blinked with surprise as he sat up. His previous relaxed expression disappeared for a moment, replaced by the look of someone who had been caught off guard.

"No, it’s not what you think. I’ve been thinking about how to tell you, but I was hesitant for it to ruin the vibes. I’m sorry about it."

Sofia shrugged slightly with a firm smile over her face. "Fair enough. I think I’ll take the excuse. But I don’t like to tolerate any harbored secrets or lies, in my opinion. I also think that I have a solution to your case that I can fix."

Jack stared at her for a moment.

"Really? For real? Oh, sorry, but I’m stunned to hear this. I mean, it’s really great and I want it. I’m tired of staying around with other jerks, keeping an eye on a boring teacher whose lectures make my ears sting. I’m off feeling like a kindergarten kid reciting anthems, acts, and their moral lessons."

Jack began to scratch the back of his head when he caught himself from spilling too much. His enthusiasm had made him speak faster than he intended, and he suddenly realized that he had almost exposed more of his personal frustrations than he wanted to.