Author's POV
The next morning, Irene woke up earlier than usual. She couldn't explain why, but her mind kept drifting back to the events of yesterday. No matter how many times she told herself it didn't matter, the name "Adrian Blackwood" echoed stubbornly in her thoughts.
She sighed, pushing herself out of bed. It's just a new student. That's all. Nothing important.
Still, as she brushed her teeth and pulled her hair into a neat ponytail, a strange anticipation brewed in her chest. She dressed simply, slipping into her favorite pale blue blouse and a pair of fitted jeans. She had never cared about impressing anyone before—so why was she suddenly checking herself twice in the mirror?
By the time she met Anna and Elsa at the school gate, they were already gossiping.
"Did you see the way he looked at you yesterday?" Anna asked immediately, not even bothering with a hello. Her tone was filled with excitement, the kind that only Anna could carry this early in the morning.
Elsa giggled, flipping her hair. "Please, I noticed it too. Irene, don't you dare play dumb. Adrian was practically glued to you."
Irene frowned, hugging her books closer to her chest. "He wasn't glued to anyone. He just needed a partner, and I was there. That's it."
"Sure," Elsa teased with a smirk. "And I suppose the way he stared at you during lunch was also nothing?"
Irene rolled her eyes. "You both are hopeless."
But deep down, their words unsettled her. She remembered it clearly—the weight of his gaze, the way it felt different from anyone else's. Not hungry, not desperate, not flirtatious… just focused. Too focused.
When they got to English class, Irene tried her best to act normal. She sat in her usual spot between Anna and Elsa, flipping open her notebook. She told herself she wouldn't look toward the windows. She told herself she didn't care.
And then, against her will, her eyes drifted up.
There he was.
Adrian Blackwood sat at the far end, near the window, the sunlight painting sharp lines across his face. His expression didn't change when their eyes met—no smile, no flinch, nothing. But for some reason, her stomach tightened, and she quickly looked away, pretending to scribble something in her notes.
The class dragged on, though Irene barely remembered a single thing the teacher said. Every few minutes, she felt the pull of his gaze again, steady and unrelenting. She tried to ignore it, but it was like trying to ignore the sun when it burned directly on your skin.
When the bell finally rang, Anna and Elsa rushed off to gossip with the cheer squad, leaving Irene behind to gather her things slowly. She didn't notice Adrian until she turned around—almost bumping right into him.
She stumbled back, her books nearly slipping from her arms. "Oh!"
His hand shot out, steadying her before she could fall. His grip was firm but careful, and for a moment, their eyes locked at close range.
"Careful," he said, his voice low and calm.
Irene swallowed, pulling her arm back quickly. "Thanks." She adjusted her books against her chest, hoping he didn't notice the slight tremor in her hands.
"Why are you always…" The words slipped out before she could stop them. She caught herself mid-sentence, biting her lip. "Never mind."
His gaze sharpened, curious but unreadable. "Always what?"
Her throat tightened. She wasn't sure why it was so hard to say the word. Finally, she whispered, almost too softly to hear, "Different."
The air between them felt heavier. He tilted his head slightly, as if weighing her answer, but he didn't press further. Instead, he stepped aside, allowing her to walk past.
Irene's heart pounded as she hurried down the hall. She didn't even understand why she said it. Why she cared. Why he made her feel this way.
But the truth was impossible to deny: Adrian Blackwood was different. And she wasn't sure if that difference scared her… or drew her in.