Author's Note:
Hey readers! 👋 I realized I forgot to include the Prologue when the story first started. Don't worry — it's now added in the Auxiliary Volume as "The Smile Before the Storm." I am sorry for inconvenience things!.
It gives a glimpse into Elina's world before the main story begins — her quiet thoughts, her first brush with curiosity, and a hint of the mysterious events to come.
If you want the full experience, I highly recommend reading it before diving into Chapter 1. Happy reading! ✨
---Chapter One
Title: The Bench Chronicles – Chaos, Crushes, and Classroom Drama
⛅
Sunlight spilled through the half-open classroom windows, glinting off dusty floors and scattering across the desks. The chatter of students bounced off the walls—laughter, whispers, the occasional sneeze.
A gentle breeze fluttered the curtains, teasing Elina's hair and making the pages of her notebook dance.
"Great… another normal school morning," Elina muttered to herself.
She glanced at Amara. "Hey, you'll be back in two minutes, right?"
Amara smiled innocently. "Yeah, yeah… just a sec!"
Fifteen minutes later, Amara was gone again, laughing with her other friends.
Typical Amara… Elina thought, resting her forehead on the desk. I run after her like I'm auditioning for 'Best BFF Ever,' and yet, making friends is like rocket science. Seriously, God, not cool! Why do I even try?
She'd never had a real best friend before Amara. On the first day of school, Elina had watched everyone pair off, whispering secrets, sharing snacks. And herself? She just… existed. When Amara finally let her in, Elina thought she'd finally found someone she could count on.
Or maybe I'm the only one who thought so…
The homeroom teacher entered, clipboard in hand.
"Alright, everyone. Olympics exam forms! If anyone is interested, submit to Lucas."
Immediately, chaos broke loose. Papers flew, boys shouted, desks screeched. And, of course, leading the chaos—Draven. The teacher dropped a stack of forms on the front desk.
Lucas, the class monitor, tried to restore order: "Alright, distribute these properly!"
Draven scoffed, grabbing forms: "Properly? When have we ever done anything properly?!"
The class burst into laughter. Papers flew, chairs screeched, and Draven turned it into his personal circus.
A soft breeze slipped through the open window, fluttering Elina's hair and the curtains.
Even the wind's mocking me now… she muttered under her breath.
Draven strolled over, a smirk on his face, a stack of forms in hand.
"Here, catch!" he called, stretching his hand toward her bench.
Elina offered a fake, polite, practiced smile. "Thanks—"
But before she could even blink, he pulled the form back and handed it to the girl sitting behind her.
Elina froze mid-air, her hand still raised.
"What the—?!" she whispered, stunned. What the heck is wrong with this bastard dog?!
He kept walking, laughing with his friends, tossing more papers.
Draven snickered: "Careful, don't drop them! Oh wait, you're too perfect for that!"
Lyric, one of Draven's friends, shook his head. "You're such an idiot, Draven!"
Elina gritted her teeth, forcing herself not to throw her pen at his head.
"Unbelievable…!" she hissed in a low, irritated voice. "First, a bad morning, and now this brainless buffalo, this idiot, this dirty dog is acting up again."
He walked past her bench—again!—still pretending she didn't exist.
Does he even know what 'gentleman' means? Ugh… probably not!
Then, from across the room, Lyric—kind, tall, and, thank God, sane—raised his hand.
"Hey, she didn't get one yet!" Lyric said. He walked over and handed Elina a form, smiling like an actual human being.
"Here. You should have one too."
Elina offered a genuinely grateful smile. "Thanks, Lyric! You're the best."
Ahh, my pretty, handsome brother, you are the best boy! she thought.
He laughed softly and walked away. Elina looked at Draven again—still grinning, still loud.
"Disgusting lunatic…" she sighed, exasperated.
She dropped the form on her desk and leaned back, whispering to herself. "This bench has seen it all… anger, frustration, admiration… and now pure emotional damage."
Elina leaned back in her chair, staring at the sunlight fading across the desk.
"Anger, chaos, admiration… all in one morning. Great," she muttered.
She watched a dust mote float lazily in the golden light, as if even the air was mocking her.
Tomorrow… I'll survive this madness. Maybe.