Noelle couldn't help but notice how attentive he was, how natural it seemed for him to make space for her, check she wasn't jostled or casually brush away a stray strand of hair from her face. It felt like he genuinely wanted to make her feel comfortable and her heart gave a quiet flutter at the thought.
Yet when a few girls glanced his way, whispering and giggling, Ren's expression shifted slightly. The playful warmth hardened into a sharp, almost intimidating gaze, reminding Noelle that this sunny, cheerful guy also had a presence that commanded attention: one that could make others hesitate before approaching him.
She caught herself smiling nervously, realising he had been quietly ensuring she felt safe and included all along. Gentlemanly, attentive and just the right mix of approachable and formidable. Ren was a puzzle she was already curious to unravel.
As they navigated the cafeteria, Ren never let go of the tray until they reached an empty table near the window. He set it down carefully, then pulled out the chair across from her with a small bow, grinning as if performing some grand, invisible gesture. "Your throne," he said lightly. "Only the best for first-day royalty."
Noelle laughed softly, her nerves easing as she settled into her seat. There was something effortless about the way he carried himself. Ren comes across as sunny and open, yet quietly aware of his surroundings. He seemed to notice everything, from the awkward kid dropping a stack of books to the group of seniors eyeing them from across the room, yet he never let it intrude on their conversation.
Throughout lunch, Ren peppered their chat with small jokes, teasing observations about the cafeteria's mystery meat and the questionable choices in the dessert line. Every so often, his hand would brush hers when he handed her a napkin or passed a salt shaker, casual enough to seem unintentional, yet enough to make Noelle's pulse quicken. She caught herself stealing glances at him, noticing how his smile lit up his sharp features, how his dark eyes sparkled with genuine amusement.
Despite his easy-going demeanour, there were moments when his expression shifted. A flash of seriousness when another student dared approach their table. It was subtle, almost imperceptible but it sent a thrill through Noelle, this mix of warmth and quiet intensity.
By the time lunch ended, she realised he had led her around the campus, showing her shortcuts and introducing her to classmates, all while keeping the conversation light and breezy. Every gesture, every smile, was just enough to make her feel noticed, included, and somehow… special.
As they parted near the library, Ren gave her a casual nod, one eyebrow raised in his familiar teasing way. "See you at practice tomorrow?" he asked. "Or are you going to get lost on the way again?"
Noelle laughed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll manage. Probably."
His grin lingered as he walked away and Noelle watched him go, a strange flutter in her chest. He had been so bright, so present, so careful to make her feel at ease. And yet, beneath it all, she sensed the sharp edge of his popularity, the kind that could make other girls falter. That duality, one part: sunny and approachable and another: fierce and untouchable, pulled her in, leaving her both captivated and slightly bewildered.
Later, Ren caught up to Noelle as she was walking past the sports field, her books tucked under her arm. He leaned casually against the fence, soccer ball at his feet, and grinned. "Hey, Noelle. Got a minute?"
She paused, a little surprised, but nodded. "Sure. What's up?"
He kicked the ball gently toward her, catching it again before it rolled away. "So, I was thinking… since you're new and all, maybe I could show you some of the city after school. Nothing formal, just hanging out. Maybe grab a drink or some ice cream."
Noelle blinked, caught off guard, and a soft blush crept across her cheeks. "Oh… um, yeah, that sounds… fun. Can't say no to ice cream."
Ren's grin widened, his eyes sparkling. "Awesome. I'll swing by after the last bell. You won't regret it, I promise."
As he waved and jogged off to practice, Noelle found herself smiling, heart fluttering in a way that was equal parts nerves and curiosity.
After the final bell, Noelle spotted Ren waiting near the school gate, leaning casually against the railing, his phone in his hands. He wore nothing more than a plain white t-shirt and dark jeans but somehow the simplicity only made him stand out more. The shirt clung just enough to hint at the lean, athletic build beneath, his posture relaxed yet quietly commanding. His short, slightly spiky hair caught the light, giving him a boyish energy that contrasted with the sharp lines of his jaw and the confidence in his stance.
As she approached, he glanced up from his phone. Their eyes met, and a slow, easy smile spread across his lips. It wasn't rehearsed or flashy, just natural but it carried enough warmth to make her pulse quicken. He spotted her instantly and waved, grinning like the sun itself had just risen. "Ready for our grand adventure?"
Noelle laughed softly, sliding her bag more comfortably onto her shoulder. "I guess so."
Ren led the way, chatting easily about random things, how the cafeteria was always chaotic at this hour, which ice cream flavours were overrated and the ridiculous antics of his teammates during practice. Noelle found herself laughing more freely than she had in months.
When they reached the small artisanal ice cream shop he had insisted on trying, Ren held the door open for her with a flourish. "After you, milady," he teased, and Noelle felt her cheeks warm.
They wandered among the colourful display of flavours, Ren letting her pick first. "You've got good taste," he said approvingly when she settled on a scoop of salted caramel. "Classic but with a little twist. Kind of like you."
Noelle blinked, caught off guard, and looked down at her ice cream. "I… uh, thanks," she murmured, a flutter in her chest she didn't quite understand.
They found a small bench outside and sat side by side, their shoulders brushing lightly as they dug into their cones. Ren talked about the city, his favourite hidden cafés, and his soccer matches, but there were little moments when he leaned slightly closer to point out a street performer, or when his laughter caught her attention that made her heart race without her even realizing it.
"Honestly," Ren said, tilting his head as he licked a bit of melting chocolate from his cone, "I'm glad you said yes today. It's nice… having someone to wander around with who doesn't immediately run off in the opposite direction."
Noelle smiled, feeling the warmth of the afternoon sun on her face and the easy comfort of his presence. For once, she didn't overthink it, didn't measure this against anyone from the past. She simply let herself enjoy the moment, the unexpected sweetness of ice cream and companionship, and the cheerful, unassuming charm of Ren.
As they walked back toward the school for her ride home, Ren nudged her gently with his shoulder, a playful spark in his dark eyes. "Same time next week?"
Noelle's heart fluttered again. "Sure," she said, and meant it.
As they finished their ice cream and made their way toward the bus stop, the late-afternoon streets pulsed with holiday traffic and chatter. At the curb, Ren glanced both ways, then turned to Noelle with a crooked grin. "Careful here. The drivers don't slow down for anyone."
Before she could react, his hand reached for hers. His palm was warm, his grip firm and his hands seemed to envelop hers completely as he guided her across the street. The contact was effortless, natural for him but for Noelle, it was as if her whole body jolted to attention.
Her breath caught, cheeks flushing as she tried to focus on the traffic but all she could register was the strength and security in his hold. The world felt too loud, too bright and yet her senses tunnelled down to that one point of touch.
Ren didn't seem fazed. He just strode forward with easy confidence, keeping her close until they reached the other side. Only then did he release her hand, as casually as if nothing had happened. "See? No casualties," he said with a playful wink.
"Y-Yeah," Noelle managed, her voice thinner than she intended. She forced a laugh, hoping he wouldn't notice the way her heart was still racing.
But as they walked side by side, her fingers still tingled with the memory of his touch.