AMARA'S POV
Walking into a new school is already a level-99 side quest.
Walking into an all-boys class?
Yeah… God clearly clicked "hard mode" on my life settings.
I stood outside Grade 12 – Section E, clutching my file like it was some kind of holy shield. My heart was doing that same shit of brusting out again,my brain was buffering whatever as if i even have brain no well i do have brain ok gosh see i have gotten crazy that's what happens i do really need therapy, and my soul? My soul already wanted to go home, eat Maggi, and delete myself from existence.
"Okay, Amara. Breathe. You're brave. You're strong. You're—"
I looked up at the door.
Reading
**"SECTION E"**
"—you're probably going to die, but that's fine."
I pushed the door open.
---
The Class
The moment I stepped inside, every single boy turned to stare at me.
Thirty pairs of eyes.
Thirty boys.
One me.
Zero brain cells working.
Silence.
Like someone pressed the mute button.
The class looked like a pack of wolves who had just spotted a very confused… goat.
A stylish goat, though
Well what to say I have great style like someone who wears shoes with gowns
But we'll now I am in my school uniform ok well leave it
Well then
. Hopefully.
I smiled awkwardly. "Hi?"
No response.
Just… blinking. And judgment. So much judgment.
And then, I saw him.
---
Zayden Hale
Last bench.
Window side.
Legs stretched like he owned the place.
Black hoodie, hood down.
Messy hair that somehow looked perfectly messy—like he fought a tornado and won.
Jawline sharp enough to slice bread.
One AirPod in.
Chewing gum like the world moved at his pace only.
He didn't even bother sitting properly.
He sat like a king, lounging, slouching, ruling.
Everyone else looked shocked to see a girl walk in.
But him?
He lifted his eyes—slowly—gave me one long, bored, borderline irritated stare…
…and then looked away.
As if I was a dust particle floating near his kingdom throne.
Excuse me?? Hello??? Sir???
I am a human being??? Such arrogant idiot what does he think is he a king huh??
I blinked at him, offended.
He blinked back, equally offended.
What was that look even supposed to mean?
'Why is this creature here'?
'Who sent this worm'?
'Return to sender'??
Bro didn't even TRY to hide it.
---
My Inner Thoughts (aka Panic Mode)
Wow… rude.
Who even are you?
Why are you looking at me like I stole your lunch?
And why are you chewing gum like you're the brand ambassador?
Did I know him?
Nope.
Did he act like I personally ruined his life?
Yes.
I swear his eyes said,
"This class was fine until YOU walked in."
And I'm like,
"Bestie, I haven't even breathed properly yet."
---
The Classroom Vibe
Every boy whispered something to the next.
I caught words like—
"Another one?"
"She won't last."
"Bet she'll transfer in a week."
"No girl survives Section E."
Wonderful.
Amazing.
Just what I needed.
A class with a reputation worse than my math marks.
I looked around desperately for a seat.
Of course, the only empty seat in the entire room was the one right beside Zayden Hale.
Of. Freaking. Course.
My destiny clearly hates me.
I started walking toward it—slowly—like I was approaching a lion.
Zayden didn't move.
Didn't blink.
Just flicked his eyes at me again.
A small, judgmental once-over.
Sir, why??
---
Teacher Arrives
Just when I was about to sit (and mentally write my will), the door slammed open.
"Good morning, class!"
The teacher walked in, saw me, brightened, and announced:
"Ah! Our new student, Amara Reyes. Everyone behave."
Everyone: stares in feral.
Zayden: chews gum louder, stares at window like life is boring.
Me: internally screaming.
I bowed a little.
Why?
Idk.
My brain lagged.
The teacher looked proud.
The boys looked confused.
Zayden looked… annoyed??
---
Sitting Down (aka Hell Begins)
I slid into the seat next to him.
He shifted—not away, but like he was making space while still silently saying,
> "Don't talk to me."
Fine dude.
I wasn't planning to propose marriage.
My hands were shaking as I opened my notebook.
From the corner of my eye, I saw him look at me again.
Not a soft look.
Not curiosity.
Just… judgmental confusion.
As if wondering,
"Why is she breathing in my oxygen supply?"
I looked back at him, whispering in my head,
I don't want to be here either, Zayden. Calm down.
He raised one eyebrow.
I looked away immediately.
Great.
First day and I already embarrassed myself telepathically.