The Plaza

The plaza lay right in the middle of the campus, with a big ornate fountain at its centre. She could imagine they had put her clothes there. It would certainly be a statement. It was such a public and open space too. If they wanted to have her be caught, that might well be the place to ensure just that.

With a racing heart, Lia peered out the window, spotting the fountain in the distance. She took a deep breath and stepped back into the hallway, her eyes scanning for any signs of her classmates or onlookers. If her clothes weren't at the fountain, she could move on to the dorms, and if not there, the assembly hall. The fountain really was a likely spot for her clothes to be hidden though, given its central location and the tendency for her classmates to choose high-visibility areas for their dares. She cautiously approached the doorway of the building, her eyes darting around to ensure she remained unseen. The lush bushes nearby offered a glimmer of hope for concealment. She took a deep breath, her heart racing as the sound of distant laughter echoed through the corridors of the campus.

Gently pushing the door open with her back, she stepped out into the sunlight, the contrast making her wince. She took a moment to get her bearings, spotting the fountain in the center of the quad. The path to it was clear, but she knew that she couldn't just sprint across the open space. Instead, she tiptoed closer to the bushes, her skin prickling with the sensation of leaves and branches brushing against her bare flesh. The scent of freshly cut grass filled her nose as she moved stealthily, the coolness of the soil beneath her feet a stark contrast to the warmth of the sun.

The fountain grew closer, but so did the sounds of approaching voices. Panic began to set in as she realized she had no time to dart back into the safety of the building behind her. The only option was to hide as best she could. The cool water beckoned, offering a potential hiding spot. With a sudden burst of speed, she dashed the last few steps, her breath coming in short gasps. As she reached the fountain, she spotted a group of students heading right her way. In a split second decision, she dove into the fountain, the cool water enveloping her body and offering a temporary reprieve from the prying eyes. The shock of the cold water made her gasp, and she immediately submerged herself to avoid drawing any more attention.

The students passed by, their conversations and laughter fading as they continued on their way. Despite the initial rush of adrenaline, Lia's heart sank as she realized her clothes were not in the fountain. She had to keep moving, so she climbed out of the fountain, her skin glistening with water droplets.