Amaris' POV
When I arrived at the classroom, I quietly scanned the space and found a seat in the back corner of the room—furthest from the teacher's desk, away from the noisy center, and far from anyone particularly recognizable. I placed myself at the left side of the room, tucked neatly behind a student who obscured my view of anyone sitting directly across from me. It offered just enough privacy.
Towards our table at the far right, though still out of direct sight, I could hear the faint chatter of Kira and Ethan. And based on the louder, less filtered voice, I assumed Conner was seated on the opposite end. That was… unfortunate. But at least I wasn't in their immediate circle.
Before I could settle in fully, the classroom door opened, and in stepped Dr. Tommy Oliver.
'Yes. That Dr. Oliver.'
He greeted the class warmly, his voice calm yet commanding. The students replied in a chorus of hellos. He scanned the room—and our eyes met. I quickly straightened my posture, already anticipating what would happen next.
"We have a new student today," he said.
'Please, no.'
"Miss Shin, would you mind standing and introducing yourself to the class?"
I blinked rapidly. Even though I should have been expecting it, the weight of everyone's eyes shifting toward me still made my heart skip.
Still, I stood with practiced grace. I placed my right hand gently over my chest, bowed slightly, and offered a polite smile.
"My name is Amaris Shin. It is a pleasure to meet you all."
A few students murmured a quiet "cool" or "nice"—though I did not dare look toward where the main cast sat.
Dr. Oliver smiled and gave me a nod. "You may take your seat."
"Thank you, sir," I said softly and sat down.
No sooner had I taken my seat than my classmate beside me leaned in slightly. "That was really formal," she said with a half-smile. "Are you, like, a princess or something?"
"Ah, not at all," I replied. "I was simply raised this way. But thank you."
She laughed a little and nodded, thankfully leaving it at that.
I focused on the lesson as best I could. Dr. Oliver was talking about geological eras, and I couldn't help but find it ironic, given the context of my reincarnation. It felt strangely personal.
Time passed. Classes continued. Lunch break arrived.
With my schedule in hand and a bag neatly slung over my shoulder, I made my way to the cafeteria. Though I'd brought a packed lunch, I still wanted to see the inside of the school cafeteria. It was as noisy as I feared.
After finishing my meal in solitude, I endured the rest of the day through the remaining classes. Thankfully, Reefside High School only had five classes per day. Once they concluded, I had some free time.
Now, I was at a crossroads.
I wanted to explore Reefside a bit. More specifically, I wanted to visit Hayley's Cyberspace. It had been a recurring setting in the show—filled with music, energy, and memories of episodes I'd once watched as Mark. I knew I was foolish to tempt fate by going there, but… I wanted to see it.
I did not know its exact location, but a kind student I asked showed me the way.
"Thank you very much," I told him with a polite bow. He looked a little surprised, maybe even flustered, but nodded and walked off.
And there it was.
Hayley's Cyberspace.
As I entered, I saw Kira on stage setting up to perform. I paused, contemplating whether I should turn and leave. But the scent of pastries and the soft hum of music from the speakers kept me still.
I walked to the counter and ordered a pastry and a drink. While waiting, I glanced around for available seating.
Unfortunate.
The only vacant spot was at a table near the main cast. I considered asking other students if I could sit with them, but the mere thought of approaching strangers made my stomach twist. So, with great reluctance, I approached the lone seat.
'Please don't notice me.'
As I sat down, my order arrived, not from an ordinary server, but from someone quite familiar.
"One violet berry tart and lavender tea?" Trent asked, holding the tray.
My breath caught. Of course. 'Of course it was him.'
I offered a composed smile. "Yes, thank you. That is correct."
He smiled gently and moved on to the next table.
I tried not to overthink it as I sipped my tea. Kira began her performance, her voice rich and genuine. The song… felt familiar.
'Oh. This must be the beginning of the "Diva in Distress" episode.'
I tried to stay composed and enjoy the performance quietly. But then, she looked directly at me.
Our eyes met.
I blinked, startled.
She blinked back and then turned her gaze toward someone playing at the arcade games nearby.
'Thank goodness.'
I exhaled in quiet relief and applauded softly when she finished.
Once she wrapped up her performance, I gathered my bag and stood up to leave. I wanted to retreat home where it was quiet and safe.
But fate had other plans.
"Miss Shin?"
My entire body tensed. I turned slowly.
Dr. Oliver.
The main cast were also looking in my direction.
"Y-yes, Professor?" I responded, praying that the slight tremble in my voice went unnoticed.
"Are you here alone?" he asked.
"Yes, sir. I wished to explore the town after class and happened upon this place. I was just about to return home."
He nodded approvingly. "That's good. Take care, alright?"
I offered a polite bow. "Thank you, Professor. I shall."
I turned and walked out of Hayley's Cyberspace as calmly as possible.
Once I was out of sight, I pulled out my phone, called the driver, and sent my location.
A few minutes later, our family car pulled up, and the driver opened the door for me.
"Thank you," I murmured, climbing into the back seat.
He nodded with a quiet "Miss" and closed the door.
As we drove home, I leaned back and allowed the day to sink in. My heart was still racing, but I could finally breathe.
Perhaps it had been foolish of me to tempt fate by visiting such an important location.
But deep down… I was glad I did.
I looked down at my phone and frowned at the clunky keypad. I sighed softly.
"I should begin designing a modern smartphone prototype for Father. These buttons are dreadfully inconvenient."
Oh, but should I get involved with the donkey-like monster incident tomorrow? It was tempting, but I decided to wait and think about it for a while.
I was simply too tired.
And in need of quiet once again.