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The day’s surprises never seemed to end because, for the first time since arriving at Lunaris Academy, Violet found herself sitting with her roommates for breakfast.

Although Daisy and Ivy were polar opposites with the first being the classic nerd and the latter, the social butterfly with a sharp tongue, they stuck together, just as Lila and Violet shared an unexpected camaraderie.

Hence it was always both of eating together, just as Lila and Violet preferred their time together.

But as Violet and Lila walked in, it was Ivy who shockingly waved them over to their table for the first time. After all, Ivy had made it obvious her displeasure on Violet always going head-on with the elites, especially Elsie. In her language, she could never associate herself with such a person.

At the same time, Violet surprisingly, didn’t dismiss the offer as she was used to doing to other students whenever they displayed any unusual inclusivity.

Violet wasn’t interested in joining any clique who probably intended to gain something from her as a result of her newfound fame — which she barely exercised. In one word, Violet willingly choose to be a social pariah.

Since Ivy was not an elite, it meant their

table was on the lower floor with the common students, a setting which Violet preferred. Not to mention, the attention wasn’t solely on her, unlike other times when students would cast curious and often creepy glances her way. And it was because of the party tonight.

The buzz of conversation filled the hall to the point it was nearly a nuisance but no one dared to interfere. Everywhere, students chattered excitedly about the party, their voices laced with anticipation and gossip.

Seated with her roommates, Violet listened as Lila turned to Ivy with a question.

"What are you wearing to the party?" Lila, ever the fashion enthusiast, couldn’t help but ask, having known Ivy’s taste for all things glamorous.

Ivy smirked, leaning back with an air of arrogance. "Oh, just a little something from Bellamy Noir’s new collection."She dropped the name casually, but it landed like a bomb.

Lila’s jaw dropped. "Bellamy Noir?" she gasped. "You mean the Bellamy Noir? That’s my favorite brand as well!" She giggled, excitedly high fiving Ivy as if they were kindred spirits who just found each other.

Although Daisy was left out, her smile was genuine, as she already imagined the dazzling, likely scandalous outfit Ivy would pull off tonight.

Ivy grinned, basking in the admiration. "What can I say? A girl’s gotta look the part."

Then, Ivy turned her sharp gaze to Violet. "And what about you, Violet? What are you wearing?"

The question seemed innocent enough, and all eyes turned to Violet, waiting expectantly for an answer.

Without hesitation, Violet shrugged and replied, "My normal clothes."

"What?" Lila and Ivy were horrified.

The table fell silent as an awkward silence descended upon them. Ivy especially found it hard to believe that Violet with her new found fame could not dress up for her first time party tonight?

Even Daisy, who came from the poorest district had managed to put together a decent outfit for the party. Hence, the idea that Violet, who carried herself with such confidence, had no plans to dress up was simply unbelievable.

Ivy scoffed, "Please tell me you’re joking."

But Violet’s expression remained the same.

Ivy arched an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed as she said, "Are you trying to be a party pooper on purpose?"

But Violet was unaffected by the judgment.

"I didn’t come to this school to party," she stated matter-of-factly. "But since I’ve been forced to sacrifice my time for something so frivolous, I’ll wear whatever comfortable thing I can find in my wardrobe."

Asher had forced this party on her and if he expected she’d be a doll, then he was in for a huge disappointment.

However, her roommates did not know her reasons and Lila, seated next to her, cleared her throat uncomfortably. She knew all too well what Violet’s definition of "comfortable" entailed.

Violet’s wardrobe was a sea of dark, emo, and sporty pieces. There was hardly anything resembling party attire. There wasn’t a single cute, glamorous, or sexy outfit in sight, and the thought of Violet showing up in her usual style made Lila inwardly cringe.

Lila leaned in, suggesting an alternative lightly, "Maybe I can lend you something? You’re taller and, uh, bustier, but I bet I can find something that—"

"Don’t bother," Violet interrupted, her voice cold.

The air became heavy with the rejection and it was not hard to see the hurt on Lila’s face.

Even Ivy and Daisy shared a look. Lila’s well-meaning offer had been dismissed so coldly that even Ivy, who often reveled in sarcastic banter, seemed taken aback.

Although they had their opinions about Violet’s attitude, they quietly returned to their meals, the tension still lingering.

However, Violet was not as emotionless as they had assumed and right now, she was feeling guilty. She hadn’t meant to wound them, but as she glanced around the table and saw their subdued expressions, she realized she had.

For the first time, her roommates offered to help her fit in, and she’d effectively swatted it away. It became clear to Violet that her walls, while protective, sometimes isolated her more than she intended.

"I’m... sorry," Violet said so softly they almost didn’t hear her.

"What?" Ivy said.

Violet took a deep breath and confessed, "I know I come off as bold and aggressive sometimes, but... I’m not really a party person. And honestly, I’m just comfortable in my own clothes."

Lila, who had been quietly fiddling with her fork, looked up and smiled warmly. "Fine," she said, nudging her, as though offering an olive branch.

Ivy and Daisy both shrugged. Whatever.

"I guess we’ll have to respect you looking like whatever you want to look like ," Ivy said with a touch of exasperation, but there was no malice in her tone.

"Yeah," Daisy added. "It’s your decision. We have to respect it nonetheless."

They began to relax, the tension dissipating slightly, but Violet wasn’t done.

"Although," She said, her voice shifting slightly, "there’s something else I would need your help with."

And one should have seen the way Lila’s eyes lit up.