I jumped out of bed, quickly throwing on my uniform. Today was the day the exam results would be posted. My heart raced, a mix of nerves and anticipation swirling inside me. I’d been waiting for this moment for what felt like forever, and today would decide which clinic I’d be placed at. It was a huge opportunity, and I could feel the tension in my chest.
As I opened the door, I found Callista standing there, looking surprised. She was holding her coffee, her curly red hair was a mess, still wearing her robe, clearly not having gotten much sleep.
"You look excited," she said, her voice still a little groggy.
"Results are coming out today!" I replied, barely able to contain my excitement.
Her eyes widened, and she gave me a warm smile. "I’m rooting for you, hon."
"By the way, I’ll be out this weekend," she added.
I raised an eyebrow. "My parents wanted to see me," she explained, catching me off guard.
It was the first time she’d ever mentioned her parents to me.
"Is something wrong?" I asked, sensing a shift in her tone.
"Not really. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you when I get back," she said, stifling a yawn.
I softened my expression. "Good luck. If you need anything, just let us know, okay?"
She smiled back at me. "I know I can count on all of you. Good luck with the results!"
I nodded, then rushed out the door, realizing I had just 15 minutes left to get to class.
As I walked, a sophisticated, leather-scented breeze brushed past me, filling the morning air.
"Good morning, Zaira."
It was Thorne, looking every bit the professional in his long-sleeved button-up shirt and perfectly fitted trousers, holding his coffee and a stack of papers—probably the results. Still in his usual grumpy-natural expression, his brows raised as our eyes meet. 
"Good morning," I replied.
"I see you're excited about the results?" he asked, his calm demeanor making me feel at ease.
"Kind of, but a little nervous too," I admitted.
He smiled as we walked together toward the classroom. "I’m sure you’ll do great."
"Thanks, Professor," I said, my voice warmer than I intended.
"What did I tell you about calling me professor?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.
"I’m still getting used to it," I answered, trying to sound casual.
"I liked your essay from the other day," he said, referring to the paper I had handed in. It was the same day I’d spotted him with that curvy, beautiful woman.
I smiled. "It was Caden’s idea, but I worked on the explanation."
"I see," he said, offering a small nod.
A memory flashed within me about him and that woman, Astrid, it's been a day after getting over that thought. But meeting and talking to him today feels so awkward and I don't even know why. 
We fell into a comfortable silence until we reached the classroom. I quickly took my seat and caught Caden’s thumbs-up from across the room, returning the gesture before Thorne cleared his throat, signaling the start of class.
"Good morning," he greeted everyone, sitting down and unwrapping the papers.
"I have the results from the test," he said, his voice firm. "The students whose names I call have passed."
He paused before adding, "There are five students with the highest scores. Those five will be joining me at my clinic. The rest will be assigned to some of my colleagues, all highly respected in this field. Trust me, they’re the best."
"Is that understood?" he asked, his gaze sweeping over the class.
Everyone responded in unison, murmuring their agreement. Thorne began calling out names. I closed my eyes, praying for my name to be one of them.
"Thompson, Anderson, Taylor—Keegan."
I glanced at Keegan, who sighed in relief and smiled at me. My heart pounded as I continued to wait. 
"Coffey."
My eyes flew open, and my heart raced as if time had stopped. I had done it! I passed!
He continued calling names and then paused.
"Congratulations to those who passed. For those who didn't, I'll be meeting you after class," he said.
He then added, "There are five students with the highest grades who will be under me. These students are: Coffey, with the highest average."
My eyes widened, and my body froze. I could hardly believe it! I had done it!
"Congratulations," Thorne said, glancing at me before returning to his papers.
He continued, "Keegan, Vale, Rune, and Lyric, congratulations on being among the highest. I look forward to working with all of you."
"For the others," he said, "I'll be posting the names of the doctors you'll be assigned to for your upcoming clinical experiences."
"Your clinical exposure will begin next week," Thorne continued. "I'll provide you with the requirements you'll need to meet. Since I won't be meeting you again before then, I expect you to complete and submit these requirements before your clinical duties."
"Am I understood?" he added, his voice echoing through the room.
We all agreed, though I could still feel my heart pounding like a thousand drums. This is amazing!
A few minutes later, I ran to the cafeteria and spotted my friends.
"Zaira! Over here!" I heard Stella's voice and saw her waving at me. I hurried over to them.
"You look happy. Did something happen?" Ainsley asked.
"Yes! I passed! I passed the test!" I exclaimed.
Their eyes widened, and Stella hugged me. Ainsley and Callista joined in.
"We're so proud of you!" Stella said.
"I knew you could do it! Way to go!" Ainsley clapped.
"This calls for a celebration! Sleepover later tonight? What do you say, girls?" Callista suggested.
"That sounds great! I'm in!" I said.
"I am too!" Ainsley agreed.
"Ditto!" Stella exclaimed with excitement.
"Since I have a lot of free time today, I'll be buying the food for us later," Callista volunteered.
"I'm coming too; I need to check the prices for my requirements next week," I said.
Callista nodded.
"Well, we'll trust you. We can't come since we still have classes after this. I'll see you later then?" Stella asked.
We all nodded in agreement.
A few hours later, Callista and I decided to go out, but we didn’t want anyone to recognize us as students. We dressed like civilians to blend in.
I wore a white long-sleeved dress with blue stockings and boots. To avoid being spotted, I draped a blue cloak over my shoulders and wrapped a cloth around my nose and mouth. Callista opted for a dress with a worn white bodice and a leafy green skirt, topping it off with an old cloth around her hair and face.
We looked like ordinary people strolling through the market. The school was just a short walk away, and the market was bustling with activity—shops lining the streets, vendors calling out their wares, men hauling heavy wood, and children running around with wooden swords.
Callista held my hand as we entered a food store, which smelled of sweet pastries, salty chips, and candy. Callista immediately pulled down her hood.
"Edwin!" she called.
A man emerged from the storage room, wearing an old brown vest and carrying a wooden box. "Is that my favorite customer?" he said with a grin.
Callista chuckled. "Sure I am."
"What can I get for you today?" he asked.
"A cake for my friend here," Callista said, gesturing toward me. Edwin gave me a warm smile but didn’t question the cloak.
I kept it on. It was too risky to reveal myself.
"A shy one, huh? I just baked a fresh strawberry cake. What’s the occasion?" Edwin asked.
"She passed her test," Callista said, "and we’re celebrating with a girls' night."
Edwin chuckled. "Well, congratulations!" he exclaimed.
I simply nodded in response, scanning the shop as they continued their easy banter, their laughter filling the air.
"Here you go. And take these chocolate chip cookies; my wife baked them," Edwin said.
"How much?" Callista asked.
"Don’t worry about it," Edwin said, shaking his head. "Consider it a gift for passing the exam. I know you students are working hard."
He knew.
"Aww, thanks, Edwin. You’re the best!" Callista said, taking the boxes. "See you soon!"
I helped her carry the cakes and cookies as we left.
"Looks like you come here a lot," I said.
"Pretty much. I like the fresh ingredients, and the people are great," Callista said.
"I can tell," I replied.
"Come on, let’s check out the wine shop," she said, pulling me along.
My eyes widened. "Aren’t we not allowed to bring alcohol into the dorms?" I asked.
Callista grinned. "If you’re trying to get us caught, that’s on you. Trust me, I’ve done this before."
I sighed and followed her. We entered a cozy wine shop, where customers sat at tables, sipping and chatting softly. The gentle melody of piano music played in the background.
"Hey, Georgina," Callista greeted the bartender.
Of course, she knew the bartender.
A plump girl with a mole on her cheek and thin eyebrows looked up in surprise. "Oh! Callista! What a nice surprise!"
They hugged, exchanging pleasantries for a while.
"No problem at all," Georgina said with a wink before rushing off to grab two boxes of wine.
"That’s too much," I whispered to Callista as Georgina returned.
We left shortly after, concealing the wine in a long box that originally held shampoo. It was a clever move—if the guards saw it, they’d think we were carrying shampoo, not alcohol.
"You said you needed to pick up some things, right?" Callista asked.
"Yeah, do you know a place?" I asked.
After a few minutes of walking, we stopped in front of a small shop with a green door.
"I’ll stay out here," Callista said. "I’ll just wait."
"Why?" I asked.
"We’re not exactly in a good spot," she replied with a nervous laugh. I nodded and entered the shop alone.
The inside was tidy and filled with medical supplies. It was the perfect place to gather what I needed.
"Can I help you, miss?" a man with long white hair asked, eyeing me curiously.
"I’m looking for these items," I said, handing him the list.
"Yes, the stocks just arrived," he replied. "Let me get them for you."
As I waited, the bell above the door jingled, and my heart skipped a beat.
Thorne. 
What was he doing here? It didn’t matter; I was covered, and he shouldn’t recognize me.
I stood still, pretending not to notice him.
"Have you seen someone here, miss?" Thorne asked in his husky voice from behind me.
My heart raced. I glanced around and quickly adopted a different tone and an accent "Y-yes, he’s in the storage room," I stammered and secretly glanced at him. 
He remained unbothered and cold, he replied with a bored tone. "I see," His voice fading as he moved toward the counter.
A few moments later, the man returned with my items, but his expression shifted when he saw Thorne.
"Thorne! What a pleasant surprise," the man greeted.
"I’m here to buy this," Thorne said, handing over his own list.
The man raised his brows. "Got an operation today?"
"Yes. Do you have it?" Thorne asked again, his tone more insistent.
"Just a second, miss," the man said, turning to me. "Your order is ready."
I stood there, trying to keep calm. But then he asked, "You’re a student, miss?"
Shit.
"U-uh, no, it’s for an errand," I said, my voice shaking.
I could feel sweat forming on my palms.
"I’m guessing… Hipocralis Academy?" he asked, his gaze lingering.
"Y-yes," I stammered, barely able to keep my composure.
He stepped closer. My chest tightened. I couldn’t meet his gaze—not now, not when everything felt like it was about to unravel.
"Have we met before?" Thorne asked, his voice lower than usual.
Keep calm. Keep calm.
"I don’t believe we have, s-señor," I managed, my voice trembling.
He sighed, as if disappointed with himself. "I guess I’m mistaken," he muttered, stepping back.
The man returned with my order, and I quickly paid, then hurried out of the shop, my heart pounding in my ears.
Once outside, I ripped the cloth from my face, breathing deeply.
"Hey, Zai—"
I grabbed Callista’s arm and yanked her away from the entrance.
"We have to get out of here," I said, panic edging my voice.
"W-what happened?" she asked, alarmed.
"Professor Thorne was there," I whispered urgently.
We made our way back to the Academy, breathless from the rush.
"Did he see you?" Callista asked, still worried.
I shook my head. "He thought I was a tourist."
Callista let out a relieved sigh. "Thank goodness. Let’s get back to the dorms before anything else happens. The girls will be here soon."
To my surprise, the guards didn’t question the large shampoo box we were carrying, and we got inside without incident. I helped Callista set up the living room with blankets draped like tents, surrounded by pillows and the spread of food and drinks on the table. Just as we were finishing, there was a knock at the door.
I opened it quickly, and Stella's voice rang out, full of excitement.
"READY FOR GIRLS NIGHT!" she shouted.
Ainsley handed me a bag. I opened it to find rum and various snacks.
"You—" I began, but Ainsley winked and stepped inside, a grin spreading across her face.
I laughed and quickly locked the door behind her. The girls, already in their pajamas, were buzzing with excitement. I joined them, relieved to finally be able to unwind, ready for a fun and carefree night.