The school gates stood open, but the atmosphere inside was far from ordinary.
It was exam day.
The usual noise of laughter and chatter had been replaced by something quieter—more focused. Students walked quickly, clutching their admit cards, whispering last-minute revisions, their faces reflecting a mix of anxiety and determination.
And into this environment—
Jacob Elordi stepped in.
The moment his polished shoes crossed the entrance, a few students instinctively turned to look.
Some recognized him instantly.
Some whispered.
Some simply stared.
Because even without introduction—
He stood out.
His presence carried weight.
Authority.
And something else—
A quiet intensity.
Before he could take another step, a familiar voice called out.
"Jacob!"
William approached him with a warm smile, his arms slightly open in greeting.
Jacob mirrored the gesture politely and shook his hand.
"How are you, Jacob?" William asked.
"I'm fine," Jacob replied, offering a composed smile. "How are you?"
"I'm doing well too," William said, though a hint of hesitation flickered across his face. "I'm really sorry, Jacob… we couldn't manage the event today."
Jacob's expression didn't change.
"Actually," William continued, "the children have their exams."
For a brief second, silence passed between them.
Then Jacob shook his head gently.
"Oh, that's completely fine," he said calmly.
And he meant it.
Because the event—
Was never the reason he came.
"I actually wanted to discuss something with you," Jacob added.
William's curiosity deepened.
"What is it?"
Jacob gestured slightly toward the building.
"Please come. Let's sit down and talk comfortably."
Inside the school, the corridors felt longer today.
Quieter.
The sound of footsteps echoed more than usual.
But somewhere else—
In another corner of the building—
Energy was building again.
Julia came running down the hallway, her footsteps quick, her expression lit with excitement.
She spotted Melissa near the lockers and rushed toward her.
"Do you even know who's here?" Julia asked, slightly out of breath.
Melissa looked up, confused.
"Who?"
Julia leaned closer, lowering her voice—but not her excitement.
"Your admirer—Jacob."
Melissa's brows lifted slightly.
"I think he came here just to see you," Julia added with a teasing grin.
For a moment, Melissa didn't respond.
Then—
A small, soft smile appeared on her lips.
"Yeah," she said lightly. "You might be right."
She leaned back casually against the locker.
"Otherwise, why would he plan an event during exam time?"
Julia laughed.
"Exactly! So come on—let's go see him!"
But Melissa shook her head.
"Not now."
Julia blinked.
"What? Why not?"
"The exams are about to start," Melissa replied calmly. "We'll see him after."
Her tone was gentle—but final.
Julia sighed dramatically.
"Fine… but you're missing a moment."
Melissa only smiled faintly.
"Maybe."
Without another word, the two of them turned and walked toward their examination halls.
Focused.
Composed.
As if nothing unusual had happened.
Back in the principal's office—
Jacob and William sat across from each other.
The room was quiet, filled with the faint ticking of a clock on the wall.
Jacob leaned slightly forward, his fingers resting lightly on the table.
"Actually," he began, his tone thoughtful, "I saw your post yesterday."
William nodded.
"I noticed that the student who topped this year is quite impressive," Jacob continued.
A small pause.
Then—
"I want to personally give them an award."
William's expression brightened.
"That's a wonderful idea."
"Along with a scholarship," Jacob added, "and some gifts."
William smiled, clearly pleased.
"I'll definitely try my best to make it happen."
"I'd like to do it today," Jacob said.
William hesitated slightly.
"Today?"
"I stay very busy most of the time," Jacob explained calmly. "This is the only chance I have."
William considered it for a moment.
Then nodded.
"Yes… I understand."
He stood up slightly, already thinking ahead.
"I'll announce it right away—that the top student will receive a reward from Sir Jacob."
Jacob gave a small nod.
But then—
"One more thing."
William paused.
"Yes?"
Jacob's gaze remained steady.
"I want to give the award to the Top 1 student personally."
A brief silence followed.
"They must have worked extremely hard," Jacob continued. "All the major gifts will be for them."
He leaned back slightly.
"You can give the awards to the Top 2 students."
William didn't question it.
"Of course," he said. "No problem at all."
Jacob nodded once.
"I'll wait here."
William blinked.
"Here?"
"Even if it takes four hours," Jacob said calmly. "It's fine."
There was no hesitation in his voice.
"I can manage my work," he added. "I just need this room to be empty when the Top 1 student arrives."
That line—
Carried something unusual.
But William, trusting him, simply nodded.
"As you wish, sir."
Minutes later—
An announcement echoed through the school corridors.
"Attention, students."
The voice cut through the quiet like a ripple.
"Among all of you, the student who secured Top 1 position this year will receive an award, a scholarship, and gifts from Sir Jacob."
Students exchanged surprised looks.
Whispers spread instantly.
"After the exams," the voice continued, "please report immediately to the Principal's Office."
Inside the examination halls—
Pens paused.
Eyes lifted.
Curiosity sparked.
Melissa glanced toward Julia, raising an eyebrow slightly.
Julia smirked.
"Told you."
Melissa didn't respond immediately.
But something in her expression shifted.
Subtle.
Almost unreadable.
And somewhere else—
In another hall—
A girl sat quietly.
Focused.
Her pen moved steadily across the paper.
Unaffected.
Unbothered.
As if the announcement—
Didn't matter.
Back in the principal's office—
Time moved differently.
Jacob sat alone now.
The room silent.
Still.
The ticking clock grew louder with every passing minute.
But he didn't move.
Didn't check his phone.
Didn't distract himself.
Because for him—
This wasn't about an award.
Or a scholarship.
Or even the school.
This was about her.
His mind replayed everything.
The pool.
The rain.
The hallway.
Her voice.
Her presence.
That strange, unexplainable feeling—
That refused to leave him.
He leaned back slightly, exhaling slowly.
"Let's see…" he murmured.
Outside—
The exams continued.
Time passed.
Slowly.
And with every second—
The moment drew closer.
Because soon—
The Top 1 student would walk into that room.
And Jacob Elordi—
Would finally stand face to face with the mystery he had been chasing.