The first day of the new term arrived, buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The long summer holiday was finally over. Students reunited with friends, swapping stories of their summer adventures, while others hurried off to their classrooms, eager to begin the new academic year.
In the middle of the crowd, two figures stood out—Jovan and Jason. As always, their presence drew attention the moment they walked through the school gates. They carried that effortless charm that made people turn their heads.
Jovan and Jason were admired at Springfield High, not only for their intelligence but also for their good looks. So handsome that many students couldn't even decide who was better. Whispers and stares followed them wherever they went. Some girls giggled, some waved shyly, others simply froze with pounding hearts as the two boys passed.
"Why are they looking at us like that again?" Jason muttered under his breath.
Jovan shrugged. "Maybe they missed you."
Jason smirked. "Or maybe they just missed you."
Yet, despite all the attention, Jovan and Jason walked casually, as though none of it mattered. They had grown used to it, so much that it barely affected them anymore.
As they headed toward the corridor leading to their classroom, they exchanged a few more words, laughing lightly about the summer break.
But the calm of the morning was suddenly interrupted.
Footsteps echoed through the hallway, steady and sharp. Turning the corner ahead was Mr. Benjamin, the mathematics teacher—a man in his late forties, his stern face already set in its usual frown.
"Jovan! Jason!" his voice rang out, firm and commanding. The boys froze.
Mr. Benjamin was well known across the school for his strict, no-nonsense approach. Punctuality and discipline were his laws, and he expected every student to follow them without question.
"Why are you walking so slowly?" his voice bounced off the walls. "The bell is about to ring. You should be running to class, not strolling around as if you're in the park!"
Jason muttered quickly, "Relax, sir, we're almost there."
"Almost isn't good enough," Mr. Benjamin snapped.
Before Jovan or Jason could reply, the sound of a car engine roared through the school gate. Heads turned instantly, the noise pulling everyone's attention—even Mr. Benjamin's. Students scattered to the sides, whispering excitedly as the vehicle rolled to a stop.
The doors opened, and three figures stepped out, immediately captivating the crowd.
Angela was the first, average height, short black hair, calm and collected. Then Lisa, her laughter bright and easy, long black hair flowing as she walked. And finally Sophia, the one who silenced the hallway without saying a word.
Known across the school as "the Queen," Sophia carried herself with a grace that demanded attention. Her beauty was striking, her figure delicate, her background wealthy—one of the richest families in the city. People admired her not only for her looks but for the presence she commanded.
As the trio made their way down the hallway, whispers and stares followed them. But Sophia seemed lost in thought, her gaze scanning ahead, searching for someone.
Then her eyes found them.
Jovan and Jason, standing with Mr. Benjamin.
Her heart skipped. A smile touched her lips. It had been weeks since she had last seen him. Jovan.
Sophia had always wanted his attention, though he seemed determined to avoid her. Despite her popularity, her wealth, her beauty, she longed for the one thing she could never easily have—his eyes on her.
Every time they crossed paths, it felt like there was an invisible wall between them, a distance she couldn't bridge.
Now, as she walked toward him, Jason caught sight of her smile and nudged Jovan with a grin.
"She's looking right at you," Jason whispered.
"Don't start," Jovan muttered, straightening his shoulders.
"What are you two staring at?" Mr. Benjamin's sharp voice cut through the air. "And why are you smiling? I'm not finished talking!"
Jovan and Jason straightened immediately, trying to hide their reactions. They were used to the teacher's strictness, but his sudden outburst still carried weight. Mr. Benjamin's temper was known to turn even the most confident student nervous.
But Jovan and Jason were not the kind to cower under angry glares. They simply nodded, their faces calm, as Sophia continued her walk toward them.