Study break

Josh sighed into his textbook, letting his mind wander from homework.

It has been two years since the Labeling had begun. It happens randomly, with no fanfare or anything. The poor victim just suddenly gains a Label. Initial cases were discussed on the news, and high profile victims trend online as their new Label becomes known, but the regular people have to make do with their support network and a small government payout to help through the change.

At least one of Josh's friends from highschool had been Labeled. Lucas had gotten Labeled as "Barista" and quit trade school as no construction crew wants to hire someone who is destined to make coffee for a living.

Tapping a pencil on his leg, he looked to the time on his phone, 5:12 pm. It'd be earlier than he usually gets dinner, but it's nice enough to take the long way to the dining hall. He needs a break anyway, having finally gotten it through his skull that cramming doesn't work.

Yeah, this was much better than the stuffy old library. Josh paused to watch a squirrel run along a handrail, enjoying the warmth of the sunny day.

Hearing footsteps behind him, Josh turns. Approaching him is a blonde girl he recognizes from his biology class. She's one of the few people who regularly answers the professor in class, is her name Emily?

The two students wave at each other, she must have recognized him too. "Emily, right?" A nod prompts Josh to continue. "Ah, good I got that right. Are you heading to dinner too?"

"Yep! You're... Jack?" She tried to recall his name.

"Josh, actually. I don't blame you, I don't talk much in class." Josh laughed. "Uh, we share bio lecture."

The two continue walking and talking, mostly about the upcoming exam. "I've got my textbook and stuff on me, if you want to study a bit over dinner. I always find it easier to talk through concepts," Josh offered, "no offense if you don't wanna, of course."

Emily was about to answer when a sudden bright light flashed, seemingly sourced from the young woman. A Labelling.