The atmosphere around the seven of them was warm and cheerful. They sat close to the campfire, sharing stories and laughter.
Valerie and Austin sat side by side, their hands gently clasped, chatting with Rhea and Sheldon. A little distance away, Jimmy, Averis, and Taya were deep in conversation about their classes and teachers.
Then, out of the blue, Jimmy turned toward Valerie and asked, "Senior Valerie, can I ask about your time as the Disciplinary Officer?"
The question seemed to come from nowhere for those on her side of the fire, but the trio had been talking about the student council, so for Jimmy—now a disciplinary officer himself—it was a natural curiosity.
Valerie tilted her head, thinking back to those early days. "I… made my name during the enrollment trials. That's why I was chosen. But not everyone liked it. Some students didn't take kindly to me patrolling the halls."
