The next day.
(Mailen's POV)
I woke up unusually early for school today. Got ready, grabbed my bag, and headed out.
At school...
I stepped into the classroom—it was still empty. I placed my bag on the corner bench and lay down, closing my eyes for a bit. After 10–15 minutes, Ally arrived, followed by the others.
"Ally, why so late?" I asked in my sleepy voice.
"I'm not late. You're just too early," she replied casually. I gave her a disappointed look.
Just then, a student entered and said,
"Square group—Ally, Mailen, and Mani—please come down for the event."
"Aahhh, not again!!" I groaned in irritation. Mani and Ally dragged me down forcefully.
Later, it was our lab period. As usual, I sat at the corner table with Ally. But then… Ryu came and took the seat beside me. And Alvik sat right beside him.
I internally screamed.
I seriously want to switch places, but my iPad is here!
So I stayed.
"Mailen!" Ryu suddenly called.
Oh no. Not now. I decided to ignore him.
"Mailen!!" he called out again, louder.
I finally turned to look at him, staying silent. He showed me pictures of a BLACKPINK member on his iPad. So random. So unnecessary. It was clear—he just wanted a reason to talk.
I didn't know how to respond, so I awkwardly said,
"Haaaan..."
...and quickly turned to Ally's side.
Moments later, I heard someone call my name again. Ignored it. But then a louder call followed—this time, unmistakably Ryu again, outshouting Alvik.
"Would you like to join our game?" he asked loudly.
That line… it was clearly meant to be said by Alvik, but Ryu jumped in—jealous, trying to block whatever was about to happen.
I didn't want to join. I wanted to indirectly show Ryu I wasn't interested. I turned to Ally and tried signaling her to say no.
She didn't get it.
She said yes.
I was shocked. Confused. But now… I had to go along. So, we played the game together.
(Lab class ends)
Walking back to class with Ally, I stomped my feet, annoyed and completely lost in thoughts. We reached our bench. The Maths teacher entered and began the lesson.
Suddenly, a friend from behind rushed toward me, full of excitement. She squeezed between me and Ally.
"AAAHH Mailen! Just look at Alvik! The way he's staring at you—with his hand under his cheek and those dreamy eyes on you!! Aaahhh, Mailennnn!"
I gave her an awkward smile and told her to go back.
(Bell rings)
Everyone jumped up, scrambling and shouting to form the queue.
Ally leaned toward me and whispered,
"Come on, Princess of Prince Alvik, let's go home."
My cheeks turned red instantly. I couldn't help but blush. She grinned and dragged me toward the stairs.
(On the stairs...)
I saw Ryu standing downstairs. He looked up… and smiled at me.
Confused, I turned to Ally. "He just smiled at me…"
We reached the ground floor. And just because Ryu smiled, Alvik smiled too. Out of jealousy.
What the heck is happening?! WHY?! This isn't right!
This shouldn't be happening!!
"Mailen!!"
I turned around and saw them.
Ryu and Alvik—standing together.
God, please no... not the love triangle!
They both called out,
"Heyy! Come here!"