CYNTHIA's P O V

‘‘The journey to the hot springs is purely for the sake of relaxation, thus it is entirely up to you whether or not you choose to come...’’ Mr. Benigni addressed the enormous number of students in the room with a booming voice.

I saw Julian, watching and listening intently while sitting with the other professors at the round table, when his eyes began to roam around the room, and before he could even catch me looking at him, I looked away and focused my attention on Mr. Benigni.

Melanie suddenly raised her hand but began speaking before she was given the opportunity to do so. ‘‘There's...