From what Daniel and Amellia had agreed upon, approaching each other on the first day was a mistake. They were supposed to play it 'WE'RE STRANGERS'. This was to help Amellia make a name for herself at the academy, giving Daniel time to clear stench off his name, too.
However, when Daniel saw her, a crazy idea had slipped into his mind. Approaching her. He saw it as a way to pave their friendship so that by the time they would claim to be a couple, no one would think twice about it.
They would say, "Oh! Denied had a crush on her the very first day she appeared here."
"He was the first person who approached her. The person who introduced her to this school. No wonder she had developed feelings toward him in the process."
Maybe Daniel was wrong, but he knew this was better than just being strangers, claiming a relationship a few days later out of nowhere.
"Which class shall I take you to?"
It was Daniel.
"I'm here to model. Pro beginner."
Hearing Amellia's words, everyone was shocked once again. Not because she was talking to Daniel, or because she was a beauty. This time, it was the type of class she was attending.
At Elites Academy, talents were the principal subjects. Some students were in music classes like Daniel, others acting or modelling like Amellia. Though being a genius in science was also considered a talent, the students attending them were few. The very reason classes like mathematics and physics were subsidiary and compulsory, aiming to give students some logical thinking.
There was an entry test to determine the level on which a student joining the academy was on: novice B , Notion B and Pro B. B stood for beginner.
Currently, in modelling class, only two girls and one guy had managed to pass the test with a pro sign.
That's why everyone was shocked when Amellia revealed she was a pro. Even Daniel himself was shocked to know that Amellia had passed the entry test with such marks.
"You really are something," Daniel complimented her with a smile. Only Amellia and him knew the meaning of that smile.
"Thank you, Daniel!"
"She's very kind," Daniel heard the people around him gossiping. "She already is calling him by his name?"
Calling people by their names meant you didn't look down on them. That you take them as an equal. That you want to make friends with or already see them as your friends. Though inappropriate when the person you were talking to was your superior, that's how the culture at the academy was.
"Look at Denied ogling at her."
The gossips were still flying into Daniel's ears.
"Doesn't he have shame?"
Daniel felt like laughing at such words. If anything, those saying that were the ones whose eyes were about to pop out.
'Jealousy I guess!'
With this thought, Daniel gestured for Amellia, then took a step to lead the way to her class. Unfortunately, some people were not satisfied with his decision. They still wanted that red haired beauty with sapphire blue eyes to stay.
"Denied, what do you think you're doing?"
It was a female voice.
Daniel turned around to look at who it was. Aira. Billy, Daniel's former chubby friend, was standing beside her, giving Daniel a strange look. Was it... envy? shameful?
'Whatever!'
Aira was the girl whom Daniel was planning to propose to. The one who came in Billy's car without her underwear on. The very girl who made Billy turn his back on Daniel. What was she going to say then?
"You've already stained your reputation and want to drag that girl in the same pit? How shameless!"
Daniel chuckled at her words, his reply ready.
"Her reputation is already better than yours. I mean, much much better. You should be worrying about cleaning yours."
The crowd was like, "Oooh!"
Some people were enjoying Daniel's changed personality.
Aira glanced at Billy with an angry expression like he was the one staining her reputation.
Daniel was glad that no one else seemed to have what to say so he gestured for Amellia and took a step toward Pro Modelling Class.
He was still surprised at the fact that none of the OG gang had said anything after Amellia's arrival when it was in their blood to put themselves in the spotlight. Were they too captivated by her beauty to talk?
'Maybe they're bust brainstorming ideas on how to approach Amellia.'
It seemed like Daniel was wrong. Because, not even a second passed after he took a step, and Mr. Rom's voice assaulted his ears.
"Maybe Aira has a bad reputation. Does it give you the right to stain other people's reputation because those who are concerned about her have to first clean theirs?"
If this was a novel Daniel was reading, he would say that Mr. Rom's question was forced to keep the plot going. However, knowing him, that sounded like something he would ask.
The dude liked being in spotlight. Now that a beauty like Amellia was operating the camera, there was no way the dude would not want to be in the picture.
'Well, how do I answer him?'
Since Mr. Rom was famous and a crush for many girls, most people among the crowd considered his words logical. Daniel had to also give an answer that would sound logical lest he wanted to be laughed at.
While everyone was looking at him silently with an accusing expression, an alluring voice broke the silence.
"What are they talking about?"
Daniel didn't expect Amellia to say anything. Despite this, answering her was not something he needed to think so much about.
"Everyone hates me because I'm chubby." He played the victim. "That's why they don't want me to be near you since it can affect you."
Amellia turned her head here and there with a confused expression.
"Affect me?"
"Uh... no one will date you. That's what it means."
Danny was supposed to be talking to Amellia. However, he had made sure to raise his voice for everyone to hear.
At this, Amellia burst out laughing. Even Daniel who knew all of this was a somewhat of an act, he was impressed.
"If they don't date me, date me!"
Everyone gasped.
"Besides," she added. "Who said I'm here to date them or that dating me is that easy?"
Then, she grabbed Daniel's hand, shocking everyone. "Please, take me to my class! Their stupidity is suffocating me."