The cafeteria incident didn't fade. It spread.
By the next morning, whispers chased them like shadows.
Some called it a rivalry, others swore it was something else entirely — a story written in every stare, every clash of words, every too-close moment.
Ayan walked the corridors like he owned them, chin up, expression untouchable. But beneath that perfect composure, his ears caught everything — the hissing whispers, the soft giggles, the blatant stares.
"Is he really an Omega?"
"Bold enough to stand against Kairo? No way."
"Maybe that's exactly why Kairo can't stop—"
Ayan's gaze snapped to them, sharp as a blade. Silence. Heads turned.
On the other side of campus, Kairo was eating it up. His teammates teased him openly.
"Already tamed by an Omega?"
"Bet he's got you on a leash, captain."
Kairo only smirked, leaning back in his chair like a king amused by the gossip.
"Keep betting," he said lazily. "You'll all lose."
But when his eyes caught Ayan's across the courtyard, the smirk faltered — just for a second. Something unguarded flickered before he looked away.
By afternoon, the rumors had grown so wild even teachers noticed the tension. Notes with their names passed hand to hand. Students stared openly when they crossed paths.
That was when it happened.
Ayan turned into the quiet stairwell to avoid the crowd, and Kairo was already there, leaning against the railing like he'd been waiting.
"Running away from your fans?" Kairo asked, voice dipped low.
"Hardly," Ayan replied, stepping past him, ignoring the brush of Kairo's sleeve against his own.
But Kairo caught his wrist, gentle but firm.
"You like it, don't you?" he murmured, eyes narrowing. "The way they look at you now. Like you're untouchable."
Ayan tilted his head, lips curling in that dangerous little smile.
"And you don't?"
For a heartbeat, the air was thick — too close, too sharp, too much.
Then, both their phones buzzed at once.
Principal's Office. Tomorrow. Both of you.
The silence after was heavier than any rumor.
Ayan pulled his wrist free slowly, eyes locked on his.
"See you there, Alpha."
He left Kairo standing in the stairwell, smirk gone, jaw tight.
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