Theo's POV
It's the second day of college.
Technically, I shouldn't even remember her name. Yesterday, I told myself—loudly, firmly—that she wasn't going to matter. New year, new faces, new people to either ignore or tolerate. She's a fresher with awkward posture, hair that looks like it's always trying to escape whatever style it's in, and a way of avoiding people like they're the covid virus.
Not exactly the type to get under my skin.
And yet… here we are.
I almost mowed down some poor guy on a bicycle this morning because I was thinking about her—Madame Melina. It's my own little nickname for her, mostly to remind myself she's someone I shouldn't be taking seriously.
The smart thing would be to let her drift into the background noise of my life. Out of sight, out of mind.
Except when I roll into the parking lot, she's the first thing I notice.
The girls near the gym wave, tossing me the usual high-pitched greetings like I've just won a championship. Ellie is leaning against her silver hatchback, legs crossed at the ankles, wearing that smirk I know too well. We've… been involved. Nothing complicated, nothing labelled. Sex buddies is the term, but that makes it sound almost friendly. It isn't. It's transactional with just enough heat to keep it alive.
My friend group is gathered at our usual spot near the fountain. Damon's telling some ridiculous story involving a locked bathroom door, a faulty fire alarm, and a very angry janitor. Normally, I'd head straight there, but today… my eyes slide right past them.
And land on her.
Melina is sitting alone under the maple tree by the art block, half-hidden in the shade. Her hair catches the breeze, strands swaying like they've found some private rhythm. She's reading, completely absorbed, lips pressed into a small frown of concentration. Then—like the world decided to reward my patience—the frown melts into a soft, unguarded smile.
I glance at the book cover. Seems like a romance Novel. Interesting. A chuckle left my throat unknowingly and unconsciously. It's like this Girl is holding me captive under a damn spell. No way a Commoner like her could have an impact on me.
"No way you're looking at that okay-okay girl like she's a ten," Damon's voice breaks through my thoughts.
Externally, I don't react. Internally, I've just been caught red-handed.
"I wasn't," I say, clearing my throat so my voice doesn't betray me.
He smirks. "Yeah, and I love your sister."
I shoot him a look. He knows that's my line in the sand. And he also knows he'd never mean it—Damon doesn't do sisters. This is just him prodding for a reaction.
I sigh. Damon is the one person in our group of seven who can read me without trying. It's annoying.
"Oh, look," he says, nodding toward Melina. "This is gonna be dramatic."
I follow his gaze.
Ellie walking straight towards Melina.
Melina doesn't look up at first, too lost in her book. But when she does, her smile falters. Ellie leans in, says something I can't hear, her tone dripping with the kind of sweetness that usually means the opposite. Ellie to 'mess' with New students or Old students is not a big deal. I have done it too several times. We all do and it have been fun. But seeing Ellie approach Melina with probably to 'mess' doesnt sit well with me. I suddenly want to protect Melina from Ellie. Hm.. But i won't.
( a/n: It's about time the mighty theo find about the word " Bullying ")
I can watch both of them from where we are standing.
Melina's hand tightens on her book. She replies—short, clipped. Ellie laughs. Not the good kind.
I should turn away. This isn't my business.
But my feet shift forward before I've decided anything.
Damon catches my sleeve. "Ohhh, here we go. Theo's white-knight moment."
"It's not—" I start, but stop. Because I'm not sure if he's wrong.
From here, I can see the way Melina's jaw sets, the way Ellie's smile sharpens like a blade. And something in me moves before logic can hold it back.
" Is our mighty Theodore Frost going to save a chick? That too a Plain bland one?? "
Gregg, One among Us Seven Says as the rest Joins him in a laughing session.
" Come on, It's from Theodore Frost someone needs to be saved. He is not a savior. Am i right Frost? "
I shot Damon A Look, at this point he is clearly pushing me to say something he want to hear which is obviously related to Melina. No. I am not going to give anyone a taste of satisfaction.
" Shouldn't we get to our Music Club Hall Damon Cassius."
I shot a glance and Melina. She is not my business and never will be.
I stepped my foot away from there striding towards the Music Club Hall. The urge to turn towards Melina was so intense. It took everything in me to kill that need and walk away past them like none of it mattered to me.
Like Melina didn't mattered to me. She didn't... Right??...
________
To be continued