We were all still stunned, tension hanging in the air after Bryce's answer.
"Good afternoon, Ma'am," he said, giving a slight nod to Prof. Then he looked around the classroom like he was hosting a show. "Good afternoon to all of you… future tech disruptors of BS Computer Engineering." He grinned. "—Ah, right. It's already afternoon. My body clock is totally wrecked."
Prof cleared her throat. "And you are…?"
"Bryce. Alcaraz. Transferee from—" he paused like he was thinking, "somewhere colder than here. Both literally and emotionally."
He walked in, still holding the strap of his backpack. His stride was confident—like he wasn't even late.
What a bold move, right? He really just walked in unannounced, like he owned the place.
"BS Computer Engineering as well," he added coolly. "I don't really have any special talents… but there was this one time I got locked inside a restroom for two hours because the doorknob wouldn't turn. I tried debugging it with just my brain… didn't work."
I glanced around.
Some laughed. Others forced a chuckle. Some were just silent, probably still gauging how to react to him.
But regardless of how anyone reacted—one thing was clear: all eyes were on him now.
Even though he came in late, he somehow stole the spotlight. It was like attention naturally shifted to him, away from those who had been actively participating earlier.
And even if he wasn't trying, his presence was overpowering. The kind that made you feel him, even when he wasn't speaking.
He was handsome. Sharp nose, defined jawline, and those thick eyebrows—made him look serious even when joking.
Kind of intimidating in a way that makes you unsure if he's ever being real or just playing with you.
And he looked smart—not arrogant, but as if he knew something no one else did.
His aura? Like he was never used to being left behind.
And to be honest… it stirred something.
You know that feeling when you were just starting to get comfortable, then someone walks in and completely shakes things up?
That's what it felt like.
Another attention magnet. Another one who clearly wasn't just anyone.
I looked at Zayden. Silent. But I could tell—we were thinking the same thing.
Looks like someone else just joined the game of wits.
"Anything else you'd like to add, Mr. Alcaraz?" Prof asked.
Bryce nodded slightly, pretending to think. "Hmm…" then gave a mischievous smile. "Nothing else, Ma'am. Unless you want to know how I caused a commotion outside earlier… because of my devastating good looks."
Some laughed—including Prof Villanueva. But others stayed serious, even frowned.
"You're quite the joker," said Prof, shaking her head but clearly amused. "Alright then, Mr. Alcaraz. As I was saying, I'm Professor Villanueva. I'll be handling your Data Structures subject. You may take your seat—welcome to the class."
"Thank you, Ma'am."
He glanced around, looking for a seat—and walked straight to the empty one… right next to me.
Once seated, he still hadn't moved on from his grand entrance—grinning like he was proud of his cinematic debut.
Then he turned to me.
"Hi, seatmate!" he said, nudging me like we were old friends. "Wow, this place is intense—just got here and it's already a flex-fest. Seems like only the smart ones get to breathe in this room!"
He paused for a second, pretending to think, then leaned closer, whispering,
"…Good thing I'm not just handsome—I've got brain cells too."
Then he flashed a ridiculously charming grin.
Cocky, I thought to myself.
But even if I didn't want to admit it… he had a point.
If he wasn't this full of himself, I probably would've already had a crush on him.
But no. That's not happening.
He's clearly trouble… but damn, he's good-looking. Tsk.
"What's your name?" he asked, grinning with a mix of amusement and interest. "That exchange earlier—next level. It wasn't just recitation. It felt like you and that guy had some unfinished business, and you decided to settle it in syntax."
I looked at him—one of those looks that says "don't mess with me." A forced smile with a warning behind it. I was about to answer, but—
"Kiera!" a familiar voice called. It was Anton, just stepping out of the classroom with a pack of SkyFlakes and iced tea in hand. Chill as always, like stress didn't exist in his world.
Then he looked at the crackers in his hand. "You want some?" he asked, offering the SkyFlakes. "Take it. You need to recharge. That battle between you and Zayden earlier—felt like a final boss fight. Speaking of… where is that guy? Didn't wait for me again."
I smiled, about to accept the SkyFlakes—
But Anton noticed Bryce beside me.
They'd just met, but it was like they were already best friends. Instant chatter. Nonstop. No brakes. And yes, right in front of me.
They left me hanging.
The worst part?
The SkyFlakes that was supposed to be mine… instead of handing it to me, he gave it to Bryce.
I was literally robbed. Of a biscuit. And of attention.