Chapter 2 – The New Student
Kai stepped into the school building, his hands tucked into his pockets.
Today is the day I dread the most…
The day he had to leave his idol life behind and start over in a place where he knew almost nothing and almost no one.
As he walked further in, whispers began to rise.
Girls turned.
Some stared.
Others pretended not to, but still watched.
It wasn't surprising.
Kai was tall and well-built, his presence naturally drawing attention. His sharp, cat-like eyes and defined features gave him a striking look, both soft and strong at the same time. His blonde hair fell lightly over his forehead, and his calm expression only made him more attractive.
It was the kind of face people remembered.
"Kai!"
He turned.
"Felix? Hey, Felix!"
Felix rushed over and pulled him into a hug.
"Hey, buddy! You made it!"
"Yeah."
They broke apart, both smiling.
"I'm really glad you're here," Felix said. "It's been years."
"Same here."
Kai exhaled softly.
At least I'm not completely alone.
"So," Felix continued, "want a quick tour before class starts?"
"Sure."
"Alright, come on."
Felix grabbed Kai's backpack and slung it over his own shoulder as they walked.
Classroom
Felix pushed the door open.
"So, this is our class. What do you think?"
Kai glanced around.
"Spacious."
Felix raised a brow.
"Just spacious?"
Kai shrugged slightly.
"Rowdy."
Felix laughed.
"Trust me, it gets worse when everyone's here."
Before Kai could respond, a girl approached them.
"Hi, Felix."
"Hey, Jaden. What's up?"
"I'm good."
Felix turned slightly.
"Kai, this is Jaden, a close friend of mine."
But before he could finish, Jaden stepped closer to Kai, her eyes shining.
"Hi! I'm Jaden Smith, the class bag monitor."
Kai blinked.
"Oh, nice to meet you, I'm…"
"Levi Kai. I know."
He paused.
"You do?"
"Of course! You're an idol model. Everyone knows you. I follow you on TikTok, Instagram, everywhere."
Kai gave a small smile.
"Wow, I didn't realize I had that many fans. Thanks."
"It's nothing," she said quickly. "Let me help you with your bag."
Felix raised a brow but handed it over anyway.
"Oh, thanks."
Jaden carried the bag to an empty seat and placed it down carefully.
"I'll see you around," she said, smiling brightly.
"Sure."
She walked back to her seat.
Felix turned to Kai, smirking.
"You know, I was worried you'd have trouble fitting in on your first day."
Kai leaned back slightly.
"What can I say? I make hearts flutter wherever I go."
Felix scoffed.
"Wow. You must be very proud."
"Well," Kai shrugged, "it comes with the face."
They both laughed.
A few minutes later, math class began.
Kai sat in the middle row.
The perfect spot to stay unnoticed, but somehow, he became the center of attention instead.
Whispers filled the room.
Eyes followed him.
Some girls didn't even bother hiding it.
"Aarina! Aarina!"
The teacher's voice cut through the noise.
Aarina jolted up from her seat.
"Yes, Mrs. Kelia!"
"I'm sorry to interrupt your little fairytale," the teacher said dryly, "but if you're going to stare at the new student forever, you might as well come to the front for a better view."
The class burst into laughter.
Aarina lowered her head in embarrassment.
"I'm sorry, ma'am…"
"Come here."
She slowly walked forward.
"Here," Mrs. Kelia said, handing her a marker. "Solve this."
Aarina froze.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. I won't do it again. Please don't make me solve it."
"Oh? It was just explained. Or were you not listening?"
"I… I…"
"Does anyone want to help her?"
Silence.
"Exactly. Then solve it yourself."
Aarina swallowed.
"But…"
"If you fail, you'll receive an F for the upcoming test."
Her eyes widened.
"But it's the first day. How can you fail me already?"
Mrs. Kelia crossed her arms.
"I'm the math teacher. I decide who passes and who fails."
Aarina opened her mouth, but no words came out.
"Return to your seat."
She blinked.
"That's an F."
Aarina walked back, completely embarrassed, and dropped into her seat.
She rested her head on the desk.
"Are you okay?" Asha whispered.
Aarina didn't look up.
"Why didn't you help me?"
"I didn't know the answer."
"Lies. Everyone knows you're the math genius."
Asha sighed softly.
"Being a genius doesn't mean I know everything."
"Whatever. I'm not talking to you."
She turned away.
Asha slowly looked forward.
Her eyes landed on Kai.
Her heart skipped.
It's really him…