"Hey Faith! If it's not too much trouble, could you kindly guide me through these papers? " I courteously requested Faith, who was sifting through reams after reams. She grumbled and tossed the bundles to the side before turning to face me, a strained expression on her face.

So, basically, I was at the office of the student council going over the last formalities. Because I was new to all of this, I needed to rely on anyone's advice. Something wasn't quite right with the crowd, I noted. Everyone was uptight and worked like a robot. Seniors were supervising the gathering of students who had gathered around them. Almost everyone was preoccupied with their respective tasks.

I wonder, what's happening?

"Yeah, tell me," Faith came over to me, stretching her arms and stifling a yawn as I handed her my sheets. Before nodding, she took her time to read it.

"Come, I'll show you," she said as she ushered me over to the Seniors table. An anxious sensation settled in the pit of my stomach. As we got closer to them, my fingers toyed with the hem of my shirt.

"Excuse me, Senior Chase, just a minute, please," she stepped alongside him as he paused his work and gave her his whole attention. He nodded as she explained everything to him. His gaze shifted to mine, and his lips curved into a full-fledged smile.

"Hazel eyes?" He waved lightly, and I returned the gesture with a polite smile. A few heads turned to look at us, but they quickly went about their business. Senior Poker Face sat in the black leather chair, putting on his signature poker face. While he leaned against his chair, his fingers fidgeted with a sharp-pointed pencil. He seemed fully-focused as he rummaged through a stack of documents, making minor changes here and there.

"Are you even listening to me, Hazel eyes?" Senior Chase's abrupt voice jolted me out of my reverie. His voice had a sly, mischievous tone to it.

"Huh?" I faced him, my cheeks flushed with befuddlement and chagrin at being caught. Damn you, Senior Poker Face!

"So, as I said, check out these specific info's and make sure you've attempted all of these fields; in the meantime, we will assign you a task or two, and depending on your performance, you'll be picked for your next task by the Deans... " He re-explained everything to me in precise detail.

"I presume you got it, right?" He plonked himself down on the chair, next to Senior Aylwin, who, much to my dismay, hadn't spared me a glance.

Focus Soph! Do what you came for, and go back to your dorm. NO DRAMA! NO ATTENTION!

"Yeah, thanks a lot! " My eyes were drawn to the black oak table, which was draped in a glass covering.

"What's that?" I inquired, my fingertips flitting through the many brochures strewn over the surface.

"Oh, that! Well, we're picking out the perfect magazine cover for our university magazine. " He flicked through each booklet before calling Senior Aylwin, who simply hummed back. His dark, glinting eyes were still glued to the pages.

"Are any of these appealing to you?"

"No, I'm working on a few new ones right now." He moved his attention from the papers for the first time, meeting his friend's. He returned his focus to his task without acknowledging me.

Hello, I'm here, too! Ugh! SOPH, CONTROL!

Then, it struck me, "Cover? University magazine? "

"Well, I'll take it as you don't know about the upcoming event." I cocked my head and shook in denial.

"You don't read the Uni forum, do you? "

"Ah, if you're referring to that forum where Uni info's are shared less frequently than student gossips, then no, I haven't. Care to share, please, will ya? " He chortled, reclining against his chair and resting his arms on the chairs' armrests.

"Well, in October, our university will celebrate its 189th anniversary. So, there will be a spectacular celebration on this occasion, and we will also be launching our Uni magazine. Take a moment to read this. " Before handing me some documents, he took a breath and paused.

189 years, a long time, indeed! Who'd have imagined this university will perform such miracles in the near future? But have a peek around; we're right here! We're nearing the end of our 189-year journey, which has been both productive and exhilarating.

Chartered in 1831 by the New York State Legislature, NYU was founded by a group of New Yorkers led by then Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin. On April 18, 1831, the institution that would become NYU was established with the support of a group of prominent New York City residents from the city's merchants, bankers, and traders. Without a doubt, the trek was both magnificent and arduous; nonetheless, it was laden with warm memories of many individuals who joined us and then departed at specific stages.

In October 1832, the first classes began in rented quarters located downtown near City Hall, in contemporary subjects such as architecture, civil engineering, astronomy, chemistry, sculpture, painting, English and modern languages, as well as classical Greek and Latin which was attended by a few students of that time, and all were male. And today, with a total of 51,848 enrolled students, comprising 26,733 undergraduate students and 25,115 graduate students, NYU has become the largest private university in the United States by enrollment.

"Perstare et praestare" (To persevere and to excel), our motto, which has gained us renown and admiration all around the world. Every day, our university achieves new heights of success, but this achievement is mostly due to the efforts of our devoted students, who have never failed to make us proud. Students, I am proud of your performance both in scholastic and co-scholastic areas. Your outstanding performances have brought many laurels to the university.

Furthermore, we would not be able to witness this day without the commitment and steadfast dedication of our diligent teaching and non-teaching staffs. As the President of NYU, I am thankful to each and every one of you for your unwavering support and tireless efforts.

I'm looking forward to the 189th anniversary celebration this year. I'm hoping that your efforts and preparations will continue to astonish me.

God bless you all,

President

"Oh, my gosh! Isn't that splendid? " I slid the page down, catching Senior Chase's attention.

"Yes, it is unquestionably wonderful. But there is a multitude of stuff to do, and I can tell you that being a member of student council is a lot of effort. Right now, we have a lot on our plates. You can only picture our President's state. " Senior Aylwin and Senior Kyla were engrossed in going over the paperwork. They were both weary, but they kept going. It was tiring, no doubt.

"So, what's the plan? I mean, programs, and events? " He let out a sigh and shifted in his seat.

"Well, there will be various programs from each club, and the best group from each club will perform there. But first, we have to submit a rough plan of the event, as well as a magazine, to the Deans, and then we'll go on to the next steps based on their direction. For now, we have to finish this magazine section, which, to be honest, is really-really tough and tiresome. I wonder when we'll finish it!"

"When you have to submit it?"

"Next month! "

"Damn, the time's less! "

"Guys, please choose a certain spot and work there; don't create a crowd here," I heard Ken's voice to my side. I stood there watching as everyone scurried from the table and sat in various corners of the room.

That's when I noticed Senior Aylwin and Senior Kyla were accompanied by a couple additional seniors. How had I gone so long without noticing them?

Exactly in the same way, how Senior Poker Face hasn't noticed me till now.

"Seniors, we just need one more member for the drama club; otherwise, everything is in place," Winter said.

Drama Club?

"Um... Ken, if you don't mind, I know someone who could be interested in joining the club; by the way, what's the plot of your play? " I said.

"Actually, our play is on the necessity for education in our society, especially for females like the tribes, and so on," he explained, "and since it is being performed on Uni Day, we are stressing the establishment of NYU, and its journey to here, which will feature the first lectures, and so on."

"Nice one! I'm sure everyone will enjoy it. Good luck! "

"Thank you!" Winter stated. "Actually, it's Senior Chase's plan; he's our in charge." Senior Chase returned my admiration with a grin and a wink.

I hesitated for a while, considering, before saying, "Um... Ken, just remember that each character is acknowledged by people. " I switched my focus to Senior Aylwin, who was writing something.

"Because there are some persons, who don't know how to acknowledge others, even when they are right in front of them," I hastily averted my attention, followed by Senior Chase's abrupt coughing. Perhaps he picked up on my double meaning!

"Are you all right, Senior Chase?" I murmured, and he seemed like he was trying hard not to laugh, which I couldn't blame him for. He shook his head and gave me a thumbs up gesture.

Ken exchanged a quizzical glance between us, however, nodded, "Sure thing, Pepsi Coal!"

"Ivy? " No response.

"Ivy? " Again, no response.

"IVY? " Silence. My last trick!

"Do you want to work with Senior Chase?" I heard a piercing scream, as she sat up straight quickly. Amazing!

With her brows wiggled, she offered me a sly grin. Then it was my turn to frustrate her. I feigned a yawn. "I'm very sleepy! Good night, Iv! " I said as I turned out the lights and drew the covers over my head. For a little while, I felt at ease, but my tranquility was quickly ripped away.

"SOPHRONIA JASPER, WAKE UP! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME! " I clamped her mouth shut, before she could say anything; and rupture my poor eardrums.

"You know, I've got a long life ahead of me, girl. Why making it so short by blowing my ears out? And, by the way, weren't you in a deep slumber, only a few moments ago? " As I took my hand away, she rolled her eyes. She plonked herself down beside me, "Ok sorry! Now, spill. "

"Condition darling, condition! " Crossing my arms, I smirked.

"Fine, I accept! " I smiled triumphantly as I fist bump in the air, flipping my locks. I told her about the drama club, and the plot of the play.

"Yay, how exciting! My wish has finally been granted. Oh, good God, how I adore you! You'll see, Soph, I'm going to give it my all and make everyone proud. "

There goes her exaggeration!

"You, the citizens of New York, must realize that we, the women, are not your slaves. We are God's creation, and unless you offer us equal rights, we will not listen to you. We shall rise up against it and create a new society that values women... " I cut her off giggling. 

"Ooh, the long-lost dubbed version of Olympe De Gouges, no need to get all revolutionary on us. Calm your ass down and go to bed quietly. 'We shall rise up against it...' Duh, can't even do your assignments without whining and vowing to mutiny. " I mocked her by imitating her.

She pouted, but it instantly transformed into a wicked grin. "Pillow Fight!"

"Ivy no! "

"Oh Ivy, yes! "