I Killed The Main Characters

Chapter 50: Preparations For The Placement Exams [2]

Rylan and Xander exchanged amused looks, while Amy sighed, clearly used to dealing with Ariana's antics.

After a moment, Amy stood up, signaling that the meeting was coming to an end.

"Alright, let's keep our ears to the ground and figure out what's going on with the corrupted students.

We'll meet again in a few days to discuss what we've found."

As the student council meeting was coming to a close, the conversation naturally drifted towards the upcoming Placement Exams.

It was an unavoidable topic; the exams were looming closer with each passing day, and tension was in the air for everyone at the academy.

Amy, sitting confidently at the head of the table, was the first to bring it up.

"Well, we all know the Placement Exams are coming up soon," she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"It's going to be the real test of everything we've been working on this semester."

Xander nodded, leaning back in his chair.

"Yeah, it's a big deal. I've been hearing a lot of people stressing out about it already."

Rylan, who had been quiet for most of the conversation, smirked slightly.

"I'm not too worried," he said, tapping his fingers on the table.

"I just need to polish up on a few things, but overall, I think I've got it under control."

Amy raised an eyebrow at him.

"Confident, as always."

Rylan shrugged.

"Well, I've been training a lot.

My practical skills are solid, but I still need to brush up on the theoretical stuff.

I don't want to leave any room for error."

Xander chuckled.

"Knowing you, you'll be fine.

You've always been good at balancing both.

As for me, I'm feeling pretty confident too. Just need to make sure I don't slack off."

Amy smiled at that, clearly pleased with the general mood of confidence.

"I'm not too worried either," she said.

"I've been preparing for this for months, so I'm feeling good about it.

If anything, I'm just looking forward to getting it over with."

As Amy spoke, they all noticed Ariana had grown quiet, her eyes fixed on the floor.

She wasn't the type to boast, and her nervous energy was palpable.

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, nibbling on what was left of her chocolate ice pop.

Amy glanced at her and then asked gently,

"Ariana, how are you feeling about the exams?"

Ariana hesitated before answering, her voice soft and unsure.

"I'm… I'm not sure," she admitted.

"I'm nervous, to be honest.

I've been studying a lot, but I don't know if it's enough.

What if I mess up? What if I don't pass?"

There was a brief pause as the room digested her words.

Ariana wasn't usually one to show her insecurities, but the looming exams seemed to have gotten to her.

Xander, who had always been supportive of his friends, smiled warmly at her.

"Ariana, you're smart," he said, his tone reassuring.

"You've been working hard, and you've got a good head on your shoulders.

I'm sure you'll do just fine. Don't let the nerves get to you."

Ariana smiled weakly but still looked a little unsure.

"Thanks, Xander. I just… I don't know.

It feels like there's so much pressure, and everyone expects me to do well."

Rylan, sensing her worry, chimed in as well.

"You're going to be fine, Ariana," he said, his tone calm and confident.

"You've got the talent. Just trust in yourself and the work you've put in.

We've all seen how much effort you've been putting in."

Ariana gave a small nod, though the nervousness didn't completely leave her face.

Ariana let out a small sigh, grateful for their words of encouragement but still feeling the weight of the upcoming challenge.

"I'll try," she said quietly.

Rylan, ever the realist, grinned slightly.

"Hey, if all else fails, just think of it this way—at least it'll be over soon.

Then you can stop worrying and just enjoy life again."

That actually managed to get a small laugh out of Ariana.

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

Xander leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he gave Ariana a knowing look.

"And hey, if you need any last-minute help, we're all here for you.

We can cram together if it makes you feel better."

Ariana smiled a little brighter at that.

"Thanks, Xander. I appreciate it."

But deep down Ariana knew there was no study comfort better than one with Noah.

There was just something about it all.

And it made her body warm up everytime.

Amy tapped the table lightly, signaling that the conversation was nearing its end.

"Just a little more time, and we'll get through these exams."

Everyone nodded in agreement, though Ariana still looked like she had some butterflies in her stomach.

Ariana, now a little more relaxed, watched them banter and then quietly mumbled,

"Well, I guess I better start reviewing again tonight…"

As they left the room and started heading down the hallway, Amy turned back to the group with a final remark.

"Remember, guys, Placement Exams are just one part of the journey.

We've all got our strengths, so let's trust in that. And Ariana," she added with a grin, "save the ice pops for after the exams, okay?"

As they were walking down the hallway, Amy couldn't resist throwing in one more comment, her voice carrying a tone of playful arrogance.

She glanced at Ariana and smirked.

"Honestly, Ariana," Amy said, flicking her hair back over her shoulder with confidence.

"If you just followed my study routine, you wouldn't even have to worry about the exams.

I've already got this in the bag.

You know how it is when you're at the top."

Ariana blinked, unsure how to respond, her cheeks flushing slightly.

She felt a mix of admiration and intimidation from Amy's bold statement, but before she could even try to formulate a reply, Xander spoke up.

"Amy, come on," Xander said with a chuckle, lightly nudging Ariana's shoulder.

"Don't let her get to you. She's always like this.

Full of herself one minute, and stressing the next."

Amy gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart in mock offense.

"Full of myself? Please, Xander, I'm just confident. There's a difference!"

Xander just grinned, shaking his head.

"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, Ariana, don't worry about it. Just focus on doing your best, and ignore this one when she gets like that."

Ariana smiled weakly, feeling a little better.

Amy, still holding onto her pride, gave a playful roll of her eyes.

"Well, we'll see who's stressing on exam day."

She said, though her tone had softened a bit.

"But for now, I'll let you off easy."

Xander laughed, ruffling Ariana's hair.

"See? Nothing to worry about."