The bell rang, signaling the start of break time—the most anticipated part of the day for many students. For thirty precious minutes, they were free to eat, chat, wander, or just unwind, as long as they stayed within school rules.
Students spilled out of their classrooms, some already munching on snacks they'd brought from home. Carmela stepped out as well, planning to buy something from the canteen. As she made her way down the corridor, she noticed a few students glancing her way. The longer the looks lingered, the more self-conscious she became. *Do I have something on my face?* she wondered.
Trying to shake off the uncomfortable feeling, she spotted her cousin Jay leaving his classroom with Veronica, their pretty neighbor, and a few of their classmates. Relieved at the familiar faces, Carmela quickly joined them. Being with others, especially someone like Veronica—who drew attention effortlessly—was better than walking alone under the weight of stares.
Veronica, with her smooth fair skin, long black hair, and elegant features, was used to turning heads. Carmela figured if anyone could absorb the attention she was trying to escape, it would be her. They all headed together toward the canteen.
A long line had already formed when they arrived, and Carmela felt her enthusiasm for snacks quickly fading. Still, she joined the line. Oddly, most of the boys positioned themselves behind her, and the air shifted. Where there had been noise and chatter, there was suddenly quiet. The line straightened. People stood still.
She blinked. *Are they… calming down because of me?* The idea seemed ridiculous, but maybe her old student body president aura had followed her into college. Or maybe she just looked intimidatingly serious today.
But the calm didn't last. The boys behind her started pushing and shoving, and in the chaos, Carmela was nudged backward. She stumbled—then landed in someone's arms.
Strong, steady arms.
She looked up, only to find herself gazing into the eyes of Treize.
Her heart sank.
*Of all people, why him?*
Quickly, she straightened up and muttered a hurried, "Sorry."
"It's okay," he replied simply.
Carmela's thoughts were in disarray. Treize was the one person she had hoped to avoid—yet fate clearly had other plans. The whole scene felt like something out of a romantic drama, and she wanted no part of it. She had assumed her cousin and his friends had been the ones behind her. If she had known it was Treize, she would've gladly gone to the back of the line. But doing that would have been far too obvious.
The line moved fast, but not fast enough to calm her nerves. Her cheeks burned. She could feel herself blushing, and it made her all the more anxious. The moment she got her food, she rushed away from the canteen and sought a quiet place to eat. But every familiar spot was taken. Defeated, she returned to her classroom.
Time flew by. The bell rang again, marking the end of the break. Students slowly began filing back in. Carmela sat quietly, eyes fixed on the door, waiting for Darren, who had gone to buy water and offered to get one for her too.
But instead of Darren, the first person to appear was Treize.
Their eyes met.
Carmela immediately looked away, burying her gaze in her lap. Her face flushed again, and the memory of the canteen scene replayed in her mind, much to her horror.
---
Earlier that day, Treize had been filled with excitement. A new school year, new faces, a clean slate. He'd arrived early and had already made fast friends with a few of his classmates. As they stood in the school grounds, preparing for the day's first assembly, he chatted with his friend Luke—until Luke suddenly fell silent.
Treize followed his gaze.
There, crossing the grounds, was a girl unlike any he had ever seen. She wasn't flashy or exaggerated, but she carried herself with such quiet grace and confidence that he found himself frozen. Her charm wasn't in her looks alone—it was in the way she moved, the way she seemed untouched by the noise around her. She didn't walk fast or slow—just with purpose. Effortlessly graceful.
It wasn't just him who noticed. Every guy in sight did. Some looked impressed, others intrigued—and a few already looked like they were planning their next move.
But Treize had already made up his mind.
He had to be the one.
Meeting her again at the canteen wasn't something he expected, but when she stumbled into his arms, it felt like the world had handed him a golden moment. He held her gently, breathing in the soft scent of her hair, wanting to hold on—but knowing he couldn't. Not yet. Not like this.
So he let go, played it cool, and kept his response short. Any more words, and he might've given away what he felt too soon.
---