Zain The Vain

KELANI POV

The Mystic Harmony Championship program seemed like a big deal, judging by the excitement on the students' faces and the teachers. Despite the apparent thrill for everyone, it was the opposite for me. My partner didn't want me, and I didn't particularly want to be with him either, but I had no choice.

Headmaster Kendrick made it clear that I didn't have a say in the matter, and he had warned me earlier never to reject my partner. I had even laughed and assured him I wouldn't. I had assumed I would be paired with Riley until Mrs. Periwinkle made the unexpected announcement.

Now, I would prefer Lia's partner over mine. Despite his habit of doing disgusting things like picking snorts out of his nose, I would still prefer him over Vesper. I could feel the anger radiating off him, even though I hadn't done anything to provoke it. It seemed like the mere sight of me made him furious.

Perhaps he would erase me from existence if given the chance without hesitation.

Clutching the pa