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Photography Competition
Author: Lusi Solona
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

The rooftop had detained me for a while. Escaping in this place was my endeavor to stay away from Rein who acted weirdly recently. Actually, there was nothing wrong with what he did yet being around me would risk his life. To anticipate the obnoxious thing that might happen to him because of me, it would be better if I set my boundaries.

His depressing face emerged like real before me. The disappointment smeared his faint contenance when I handed the chocolate back to him. Getting my rejection hurt him. That rolled my stomach with displeasure, too.

"I do apologize but I can't have it." I tried to swallow the bitterness in my sentence.

"If you don't like it, just throw it away." The smile on his lips withered and changed into a cold expression. He turned his back on me, then strode away.

His response knifed my heart, not because his sarcastic words created the pain but my guilt stabbed me. The chocolate still lingered in my palm until I initiated to give it to the girl who passe
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  • Academy of Death   The Photograph

    "Rein…. What are you doing in the women's locker room?" Instead of his defense, I faced his impish smile. He set his body free from the pillar he put his back on upon hearing the grumbles of two girls who happened to be walking by his side. His fingers scratched his scap. "Speaking of which…. Do you have the book we discussed yesterday?" My eyebrows raised, querying what he meant. "I am coming for the book." I got where his conversation led to . He feigned to act out having an appointment with me under those girls' scrutiny who now spied on him. Male intelligentsia were forbidden to access this room. And for those breaching the rule would bear the consequence of physical chastisement. "Could you please wait outside!" He obediently did my instruction. Luckily those girls no longer dwelled in their place; they got busy with their activity afterward. I hastily strutted out of the building. Rein reclined by the pillar with his hands folded over his chest. "Dear friend…" his yell i

  • Academy of Death   Shane Dawson

    My eagerness to uncover the photographer of the mysterious photo which had now been perpetuated on my lens churned in my head. The only Dawson I'd ever heard of was my own father. Could it be him? But, who was the young woman in the picture? Was she her classmate or just a random girl from his past? Why did it feel like this woman was so familiar? The more I sank into it, the more frustrating all of this could be. My fingers unconsciously shuffled my hair in perplexity. To relax, I laid my weary body on the bed. I wasn't physically tired but mentally exhausted. I wished I could skip the hardest part of my life in this Academy or the graduation day would come tomorrow. Sleepiness didn't knock me down no matter how many times my mouth had gaped in yawn. Bunches of things still controlled my mind and forced my eyes to keep me awake. Unable to sleep, I yanked the camera and turned it on. The picture of a young woman lingered on it. Her uninterpreted smile taunted whoever dove

  • Academy of Death   Love Letter

    "No, they have passed away." Her confession in a cold tone left me with shock. She walked back to her seat. "I am sorry to hear that." My soft words might not get to her ears. If she heard of Shane Dawson, Lanzo might have more information about him. But, interacting with him often wouldn't be good. Besides, he would know that I was inspecting the photo in the art gallery. He never liked me to unravel the mystery of this academy. Before my head could think of someone who might help, the academic's footsteps messed up everything in my mind. That man in a shady tuxedo started the class. And I forced my focus on the lecture until Marin's touch on my elbow startled my gaze at her. "I am thinking of conveying my feelings for Lanzo." Her low voice sounded like a murmur. My brows arched. "It's time for him to know that I have a crush on him." The lecture kept going. The academic didn't pay his heed to us who were now in chats behind his back. "Since when have

  • Academy of Death   His Confession

    Marin's quick steps brought her away in a short while. Her body had disappeared when I got downstairs. I felt regretful for having no chance to explain the truth that nothing happened between me and Lanzo. Her cry indicated that she misunderstood the situation. I kept wandering around the corridor to seek for her and ignored Lanzo's yell of my name. The parking lot could be her destination as the dusk almost came. Quickening my paces, I didn't let Lanzo's shout out intimidated me. Marin was stepping onto the bus when I set my feet on the bus stop. "Marin… " I huffed, sprinting toward the bus. Unfortunately, the door was swiping closed and the bus was taking its leave. No one in the bus heeded me, not even the driver. They should have noticed my existence through the side mirror. But, the bus continued. All the seats might have been occupied. Feeling fatigue all over my legs, I lounged on the bench with the concern of Marin's misunderstanding on me. I had to meet Marin to explain ev

  • Academy of Death   Vanish

    Peering through the glass window, the view of Marin lying on the bed grabbed my sights. Her teary eyes gazed at the boy facing down at her; she implored that boy to stay."Please, don't go. I can't live without you." Her husky voice of pleading Lanzo's compassion pierced my ears. I couldn't even budge my mouth which restrained the sadness inside me. I swallowed the lump of guilt into my stomach."Marin, you need to rest. Besides, the doctor has alerted me to leave." Lanzo turned around but his step reached nowhere. Snatching Lanzo's wrist, Marin prevented him from moving. "If you dare to take one step away, you won't see me for the rest of your life." Marin's caution choked me with dismay. I abruptly squatted in my place, blocking them from noticing my presence. I didn't notice what was going on between them yet I could still hear their debate."Marin...please...don't do this!""I love you." Marin's hopeless words didn't seem to affect him. He stood his ground. "I don't deserve yo

  • Academy of Death   A Plan

    Gawking at my face in the mirror of the bathroom, the sorrow emitted out of my eyes. Marin's disappearance hauled me back to the bitter memory of losing Yura. Experiencing this nightmare a second time nudged me into the sea of unbearable woes. This burden weighs me that I sank in my place, unable to endure the grief invading my heart and soul. My arms plopped down, I kneeled with the tears pouring out my cheek. "Marin, where are you? Did someone kidnap you?" Those questions echoed in my head again and again. "Dylanesa, are you in?" The knocks on the door removed Marin out of my thoughts. From his frightened voice, it was Lanzo who was outside. How could he storm inside the women's restroom?I dabbed my cry and stood on my feet. I had to see him and thank him for saving me from plummeting down the stairs. When I frantically ran in search of Marin, the accident nearly transmitted me to the hospital if only Lanzo didn't snag my body at the right time. I switched the door handle and

  • Academy of Death   The Mysterious Academic

    The plan changed, but the mission remained. Hunting Anyhony might open the door to the clue of where Marin was. The darkness dimmed my shadow, slinking into the building. I kept my distance from Anthony who had taken the right turning to the stairs. His act of evading the lift seemed weird. Urgency might steer him to climb up the stairs. His shoes which drummed the tiles created noises, yet it wouldn't attract anyone's vigilance as no one lingered inside this building, except me. Minding my steps, I held my breath to prevent him realizing my coming. Walking in slow motion, I counted the floor. My hands resisted the sound that barely leaped out of my lips when Anthony scanned around before his hand unlocked the door of the laboratory on the fourth floor. What was he going to do in the lab at night?Like a detective, I spied on him. Unfortunately, the door restricted me from getting any access to the inside. Feeling dissatisfied, I grumbled while spinning around. I never had a chance t

  • Academy of Death   Found

    As his steps got closer to us, Lanzo's reddened face in rage appeared into view. Driven by my apprehension that Rein would be his next target of punch after Ron, I used my body as a shield to enlarge the space between them. Swallowing the saliva of my dread, I forced words out of my mouth to reconcile them."Lanzo… I beg your apology. I promise I'll go back to the infirmary. " I was glad that Rein left; he had another class to attend."That is what you should do, indeed." The red on his cheek perished. He cooled down. "By the way, I am here also to announce that Marin has been found safe and sound.""Are you serious?" I hoped my hearing did not go wrong. "I mean it." His assertion of Marin's safety filled my lungs with the oxygen of joy and relief that I could breathe without burden. "She is in the dorm now. So she locked herself in her bedroom and begged the maid not to tell anyone where she was.""Thank God," I whispered in relief. I intended to rest in the dorm but my vulnerable

Latest Chapter

  • Academy of Death   

    Epilogue

    It was winter. The white snow rolled down from the sky. Like a kid, I caught it with my hands, the habit I used to do with my mother when I was a little girl. Ten years passed upon graduation day. I will be 28 years old this year. And for the last ten years, not even once, I was able to forget his face, Lanzo. If he were alive, he would be 33. I rose at my feet while wiping the tears on my cheeks.The snow fell on my head and scarf. Despite freezing me, I didn't intend to shift from my spot. It was only through its cold temperature, I could stir my yearning for Lanzo away. I faced up the sky with my eyes closed. Giggles that came from a child drew my chin to my chest. He just threw a ball at me. That round object glid near my feet. He innocently pointed to the ball. Smiling at him, I bent, picked the ball and tossed it to him. He happily snatched it. "Thank you," he said in a cute tone. I just responded with a slight nod and a small smile. That kid joined his parents and played

  • Academy of Death   

    Final Verdict

    The same bed welded my body. The ceiling above scrutinized me in a pity. However this time, Sue didn't puncture my skin with that injection of the substance which I had no knowledge of. To make sure I was unable to go anywhere, she buckled me on the bed with the knots roping my wrists and ankles. Undergoing this moment, I willed to turn back the time to my childhood period where I only lived a happy life with my mother. Her beautiful voice when singing a song for me resounded in my ears like it was real. It was merely my imagination on the verge of my yearning and loneliness. My mother would never appear before me. Locking my sights, I surrendered to whatever fate was destined for me even though the hope of being able to survive still thrived."Anthony is surely the one I can rely on. I am proud of him because of his dedication and loyalty to the academy." Sue talked to herself; from the level of her voice, she was near me. But, I didn't hear the sound of her shoes knocking the ti

  • Academy of Death   

    Another Surprise

    "She just passed out," Brad whispered. "She will regain consciousness in an hour. Lanzo will take you out of here." There was a gleam of happiness in my eyes if only Brad could read that. "You didn't even react. Wait! I will inject the antidote serum so that your senses will work normally." He needled the syringe onto my arm. Unlike the pink poison, the antidote was clear liquid. "Done." It was like he just stung my skin with something hot that burned the whole me. Gratefully, it only lasted five minutes. The rest, chill bathed over me. "Unfortunately, it took one hour for you to be fully conscious. I'll ask someone to carry you away from this place." I couldn't even blink my eyes yet. But, at least I could breathe in relief.Two men in hoodies hesitated duckling inside. Ensuring that the area was clear, they took off their hoodie. I glanced at them in surprise; Lanzo and the head of the academy were the ones who managed to slip inside the room. "Lanzo, carry her." An instruction

  • Academy of Death   

    Grudge

    Sue"So, they're married." Reading the article, the tips of my lips stretched a grudge smirk. "She is mine and will be forever mine. No one deserved to possess him but me." My right hand wringed the newspaper in my palm to crumple. That girl, Maurie, successfully planted the seed of hate in my heart. After one year, it grew a tree of resentment. Maurie had ignited the fire of war. She would never be able to predict what I could do to maintain mine. If I could not be with Shane, then no one would be on his side.Yanking the telephone receiver, I dialed someone's number. One sentence from my mouth was enough to annihilate a person. "It's the time." I elegantly plopped on my seat upon putting the receiver back to its place. "You can now enjoy the show, Maurie. Your turn will come soon."***I was watching TV when Mike arrived with the news I'd been looking forward to. Shane died in a terrible accident last night. On TV, the news anchor broadcasted the incident that occurred to the youn

  • Academy of Death   

    Graduation Day

    SueHis face danced in my head. Shane made my days. His presence had brought another level of happiness to my life since our first meeting. I could not deny that I smiled more often these days. Mike finally noticed the change in me. That made him wonder what I'd been through that I acted differently. I thought of sharing with him about how I felt. However, considering that my father would find out, I decided to keep it for myself. As a stringent person who wanted me to dedicate my life to education only, he wouldn't agree that I had affairs with any men in the academy during my study even if it was just a friend. It was only Mike, the one he supported, to have a relationship with me as a companion. "You don't have any class today?" I was startled with Mike's abrupt coming. "Do you have free time?" The last few days, I was so busy with my study and photography class that I had no time for my friend."I have one more class but I am free now.""What about having lunch together?" Hone

  • Academy of Death   

    First Meeting

    SueThe door intimidated me through its silent stare. I was supposed to be in my class ten minutes ago but the trouble on the way to school impeded me from coming on time. The professor must have been inside, giving the lecture. I could sense the quietness in the room; no one had intrepidity to make a noise in his class. Lateness was the worst of all mistakes. I dropped my gaze to the floor in front of the door, hesitating whether to stay or leave. Compelling to bark into the classroom meant that I had to take the risk of being punished and scolded; the professor wouldn't easily let me free of the punishment. On the other hand, my father would label me as a loser if I missed this class. He was so strict that I couldn't even breathe under his surveillance. Doing anything as he required was compulsory. That weighed me down like putting piles of stones on my shoulders. However, as his daughter, obeying him was a must. There was no time for me to complain as the time was running. I had t

  • Academy of Death   

    SUE

    That psycho woman's sneer clouded her striking red lips which mumbled her name in a cold tone. "My name is Sue." It was as though even her name could summon the evil to confine me in the darkness. Completing her introduction, she didn't take her eyes off me. Her glare bewitched me. The horror reflected from her pupils shot me with a shiver that coursed through my spine. That lasted for a few minutes before she fished something out of her robe's pocket, a needle with pink liquid inside it. I could imagine the syringe flanked between her fingers needled my whole being, impeded the oxygen from my lungs, and left me lifeless. Even imagining it, I felt like throwing up with a severe headache. The effect of the substance she previously injected even still immersed my body into numbness. What prevailed was only my despair. Death flashed in front of me, hunting me like a shadow. The rhythm of my heart beat irregularly as a response to the hazard I might encounter in a second as now Sue

  • Academy of Death   

    Beauty Laboratory

    The megaphone no longer bombarded me with that woman's huge voice; I removed my palms from my ears and subconsciously flopped on the freezing floor. Who brought and detained me here actually? Who was that woman and what was her intention? If it was the head of the academy's idea to trap me in this remote place, why could he do this to me? Imagining how cruel he was, kidnapping and imprisoning me in this remote place churned my abdomen with terror and loathe at the same time. No matter what, I wouldn't let this situation suck all my hope; there had to be a door to flee as there was a way to take me into this room. Having this thought, my motivation to look for a clue of getting out of this room boosted. With my right hand propping my shivering body, I kneeled to stand on my feet. I did it in my third attempt. Feeling mentally exhausted, I wobbled close to the wall so that my hand could grope on it to help me keep stable. I carefully followed my feet ' lead with my palms sticking on

  • Academy of Death   

    Unexpected Surprise

    "Is it you, Mom?" With my palm on my mouth, I walked toward that woman whose body kept moving forward. "Mom…" I called her again but no response I heard from her. Nevertheless, her smile hadn't gone even until our distance was only one meter away."I am not your mother, darling." Her smirk frightened me even though she did nothing which could harm me. "You must be yearning to meet your mother so much that you hallucinated.""No, your face….""My face? Sometimes, someone's face can outwit people, darling. I may look like your mother. But, I am not her." I stuck where I was in silence, enchanted by her words. Then, her hand gradually groped jer face, peeling something from it. She wore a mask. In less than a minute, that mask unsealed and revealed her real face. A woman with purple orbs popped up. I moved backward. "Who are you?" "Does it matter for you to know who I am?" Her eyes dilated while her head leaned toward me. It was as if her mouth wanted to gulp me whole alive. This woma