They entered another building which had been filled with soundproof rooms and recording booths. It never ceased to amaze Jessica how much money had been put into the academy as it catered for everyone’s artistical and musical preferences.

Jessica followed Xinling and Xiaolei as they walked through the halls lined with emerald-colored double doors. Xinling particularly stopped before one of the rooms and carefully pushed open one of the doors, motioning for Jessica to come and see what was inside.

A nostalgic melody began to diffuse from the room that Xinling opened, further sparking the new transfer’s curiosity as she went closer. Jessica noted two girls, holding mics in their hands, standing in the middle of the room. One was swaying to the melody while the other had her eyes closed. They were facing one another and singing a Cantonese song, as far as Jessica’s hearing could identify.

Xiaolei had quietly entered the room, unabashed as she sat on one of the bean bags to enjoy the music. Xinling ushered Jessica into the room as well, despite the latter’s reluctance since she was more than shy and fearful of ruining the two girls’ practice session. Xinling took Jessica’s hand and led her to the other bean bags beside Xiaolei.

Taking a closer look at the two singers, Jessica finally recognized one of them to be AhSa, the mischievous student who pretended to be her roommate when she had first arrived at the dorm. Jessica could not believe seeing AhSa so serious and passionate about singing and having a great singing voice too.

Xinling leaned closer to her, “That’s AhSa and the other one is AhJiao. Together, they’re called the TWINS. They’re a package deal and are famous for their duets. I got into the academy around the same time as them.”

“Wow. Their voices blend so well. I have met AhSa when I arrived at the dorm. She was quite the troublemaker.” Jessica whispered. Xinling chuckled quietly, “AhSa’s quite the prankster in school. But she’s really fun to be with. AhJiao’s the one who keeps her in check if things get out of hand. It’s funny how they’re sort of like polar opposites but they’re both attached to the hip.”

“They’ve been together since way before they got into the academy. I guess first loves do exist.” Xiaolei jie added, confusing Jessica.

“First love?” Jessica questioned, not really getting what the senior meant.

“The TWINS are in a relationship is what Xiaolei jie’s trying to say. They’ve been each other’s halves since before they entered Phoenix Academy.” Xinling explained.

“Oh,” Jessica remarked, finally understanding.

The song ended and Xiaolei jie did not hesitate to give the two singers a loud round of applause laced with compliments as she approached the TWINS and engulfed them in a bear hug.

“Jiejie, you’re crushing us…” AhJiao muttered as she squirmed in Xiaolei’s tight embrace.

“Yes, jiejie, can you let go now?” AhSa added, struggling to get away from Xiaolei’s vice grip.

Seeing how powerless the TWINS were in Xiaolei’s hold, Xinling stood up from her seat to save the two singers while Jessica made a mental note to find ways on how she could escape Xiaolei’s tight grip.

“All right, jiejie, let’s not forget that we still need to show Jessica around campus.” Xinling said to Xiaolei before turning to the TWINS, “And you two are perfect as always! I believe AhSa has already met Jess-”

“Oh, I did!” AhSa grinned, waving to Jessica who had stood up to properly greet them, “Hello, Jessie. This is my AhGil.” AhSa pulled the shy AhJiao closer to her.

“Hi.” AhJiao greeted meekly, “I’m Zhong Xin Tong, but everyone here calls me AhJiao.”

“N-Nice to meet you, I’m Jessica Zheng Xiuyan. I love your duet.”

“Thank you. AhJiao and I had composed this song when we were younger.” AhSa said as she pulled AhJiao in for a hug.

“Whoa, you’re both very talented.” Jessica complimented.

“They’re also studying acting with me.” Xiaolei jie added, furthering Jessica’s admiration for the two older girls.

“These two are quite the all-rounders here.” Xinling said, before patting AhJiao’s back, “but we will have to cut the introductions here since Jess still has places to see. Thank you for having us, AhSa and Ahjiao!”

The TWINS waved at them, “And thank you for stopping by! See you around!”

When the trio had left, AhSa turned to AhJiao.

“I wonder whose league she’ll join.”

“Who knows, we will find out once school starts.”

+++