EIRA'S POV
I dashed into the college, my heart pounding. Oh God, I'm late! Please let the teacher not be here yet.
As I entered the classroom, I froze. Mr. Robert was already taking attendance.
"Sir, may I come in?" I asked breathlessly.
"Dear, you're late," he replied, his tone firm but not unkind.
"I'm sorry, sir. May I please come in?"
"Take a seat, dear."
Heat crept up my neck as I hurried to the back. The only empty desk left was right in front of Adrian. My chest tightened when our eyes met—he rolled his eyes with obvious annoyance.
"Dear, please hurry up," Mr. Robert urged.
With no choice, I sat, pretending not to notice Adrian's heavy gaze. He stared at the door, distant, lost in thought, as if I didn't exist at all.
The class ended quickly, and soon it was time for English.
"Hello, students!" our teacher began with a cheerful smile. "I know you're all stressed with the syllabus, so don't worry—I won't begin with dull lectures. Let's lighten the mood with something more spirited. How about a romantic play? Romeo and Juliet."
The class erupted in excitement.
"Who will be Romeo?" she asked.
"Adrian! Adrian!" voices chorused around me.
"And Juliet?"
"Victoria! Victoria!"
"Perfect. Let's begin."
Roles were handed out. I wasn't given a part; instead, I was asked to help behind the scenes.
"Eira, run away with me!" Tessy teased, leaning dramatically against my shoulder.
"I can't—I'm exhausted," I muttered, busy arranging snacks for everyone.
"Tessy, decorate the balcony! Hurry!" someone shouted across the room.
"Eira, please? Can you do it instead?" Tessy begged, her eyes wide and pleading.
I sighed. I wanted to refuse, but her expression melted me. "Fine, I'll do it."
"You're the best!" she squealed, hugging me tightly.
Climbing the narrow stairs, I began decorating Juliet's balcony. But suddenly, the world tilted. My vision blurred, my balance faltered—before I could steady myself, I felt the terrifying slip of my body leaning over the edge.
"Eira! Eira!" Tessy screamed.
Cold fear gripped me, and I squeezed my eyes shut. When I opened them again, I was staring into Adrian's face—his eyes filled with an emotion I had never seen before. Concern.
But before I could say a word, everything went black.
I woke to the sharp scent of antiseptic and the brightness of a white ceiling.
"Are you alright, dear?" A nurse hovered beside me, her brow furrowed.
"My head… Where am I?" I whispered.
"You fainted, sweetheart. Hypotension," she explained gently.
"What did I eat for breakfast?" she asked.
Shame prickled my skin. "I was late… so I skipped it."
"Skipping meals isn't good for you, dear. Don't let it happen again."
"I'm sorry. I won't," I promised softly.
She smiled, then leaned closer. "Do you know who brought you here?"
I shook my head.
"Your boyfriend," she teased, her eyes sparkling. "He was very worried."
My heart skipped. "He's not my boyfriend."
"Perhaps not yet," she laughed. "But he certainly cares." With that, she left the room.
Adrian. Cares? No—it couldn't be true. Yet I remembered his eyes, that fleeting worry. Why would he bring me here if he hated me so much?
A knock pulled me from my thoughts.
"Come in," I called.
Adrian stepped inside, silent. He set my bag gently on the table and turned to leave.
"Wait!" The word burst from me before I could stop it.
He paused.
"Why did you help me?"
His jaw tightened. "If it were any other girl, I would have helped her too."
"No," I whispered. "I saw the worry in your eyes."
"I was worried there might be another girl," he shot back dryly, moving toward the door.
"Why do you act like this around me?" My voice trembled. "I know it was you in the forest—the one who saved me. Just admit it."
He stopped. Slowly, he turned. His gaze locked onto mine, sharp and unyielding, as he stepped forward. Instinctively, I backed away until my shoulders hit the cold wall. I tried to move aside, but he braced his hands against the wall, trapping me between his arms.
"Do you really think I like you?" His voice was low, dangerous. A smirk curved his lips. "You're just desperate for my attention."
The words cut deeper than any blade. A tear slipped down my cheek as he pushed away and walked out, leaving me shattered.
Why did he hate me so much? What had I ever done?
ADRIAN'S POV
What is it about her that unsettles me? Why does her presence stir emotions I thought I'd buried? I hurt her just now, and yet… I couldn't stop myself. Maybe cruelty is the only way to keep her at a distance. I can't let her close.
Lost in thought, I didn't notice Drek leaning casually against my doorway.
"Hey, buddy."
"Hey," I muttered.
"What's wrong?" His eyes narrowed with suspicion.
"Nothing."
"Don't lie to me—I know when something's eating at you."
"I don't have time for your nonsense," I snapped.
"Fine. Where are Elisa and Mike?"
"They'll be here in a few days. Not today."
Drek raised a brow. "Alright… then what's your excuse for sulking alone?"
"Leave me alone."
"Not until you ask nicely," he teased.
"Leave!" I barked, louder than I intended.
He bolted out with a laugh, leaving me alone with the thoughts I couldn't escape—thoughts of her.