>>1962162[Part 3]
Stephanie had maintained a low profile thus far, and wanted it to stay that way. She'd just have to get out of sight and enter when the rest did. A nearby tree suited her needs nicely. She moved away from the gate, shifting off to the side of the main path with her back to the trunk. Unless someone came around, there would be no noticing the unfamiliar student's location. It wouldn't be long that she'd have to stay hidden. Once the gate opened, she would just move into the crowd and blend in with the nearest group of boys, and none would be the wiser to her presence.
Sure enough, it wasn't much of a wait before the telltale sound of a bell signified the gate's opening. Soon afterward, the sounds of footsteps followed. A sidelong glance confirmed her expectations. First a couple, then a few, then a dozen... many, many unfamiliar male students heading down the path and through the gates, nearly all of whom were in uniforms that matched her own. Some had differing traits, of course. A few had undone shirts, some left theirs partially unbuttoned... others still had *completely* undone tops. She shook her head, returning her attention ahead. It felt like her heart was racing, whether because of the risks she was about to undertake or simply being around that many unfamiliar boys. Whatever it was, Stephanie willed herself to stay calm. Any minute and it would be her ideal time to move out of hiding.
"One, two... three." She clutched her satchel in one hand, moved the other to rest against her opposite leg, and broke into a stride for the gate, moving in a perfect rhythm behind a group of students. Stephanie tried to stave off the temptation to toy with her appearance. Was her uniform properly worn? Did her hair appear normal enough? Was she blending in adequately?
