The morning sun poured over the campus as Aria walked toward Class A-3, her backpack swinging lightly at her side.
Whispers followed her as usual. Students still couldn't stop talking about the new transfer student who dared to sit beside the untouchable Lucien Cross.
"Did you hear?" one girl whispered. "She's not just smart… she's… intimidating."
Aria smirked slightly. She had learned early not to care what people said.
Inside the classroom, she found Lucien already seated, his eyes casually scanning the room. He looked up as she approached, and a small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Good morning," he said softly.
"Morning," she replied, keeping her tone calm, though her heart fluttered.
Before she could settle, a girl with a sharp, calculating look blocked her path.
"So, you're the famous idol everyone's whispering about?" the girl said with a thin smile. "Sitting next to Cross already? Bold move."
Aria raised an eyebrow. "Is that a problem?"
The girl's smile widened, a hint of malice in her eyes. "For some people, yes. And I happen to be one of them."
Aria clenched her jaw slightly. She remembered her promise to her mother: no fighting for at least a week. She inhaled slowly, keeping her calm.
Lucien's voice cut through, cold and sharp: "Step aside."
The girl's eyes widened as he stood, towering slightly. "She's with me. Consider yourself warned."
Aria's heart beat faster—not out of fear, but admiration. Protective, silent, and firm—he was exactly the kind of person who made her want to challenge him… or impress him.
During the lecture, Aria noticed the rival girl glancing at her constantly, whispering with other students, and trying to undermine her subtly. Papers shifted near her desk, small smirks exchanged, but nothing that could truly hurt her.
Lucien noticed everything too. His hand rested lightly on the edge of the desk closest to her, just enough to make a presence known without being obvious.
He's… watching me, she realized. Her lips curved in a small, amused smile.
After class, Aria went to the courtyard, seeking a moment of peace. Her phone buzzed:
[Member1]: How's the new school life treating our Queen?
[Member2]: Watch out for haters. You know we've got your back!
She typed back quickly:
Nothing I can't handle. Don't worry.
And then she saw him—Lucien, leaning against a tree, looking casually powerful.
"You're quiet today," he said, walking closer.
"Observant, aren't you?" she replied with a teasing tone.
He smirked. "I've been noticing you since day one. Don't think you can hide anything from me."
Aria felt heat rise to her cheeks. "Is that a threat or a compliment?"
"Depends on how you take it," he said softly, eyes locking with hers.
That evening, back at rehearsal, her group teased her mercilessly.
"Did you notice him yet?" one of them asked, wiggling his eyebrows.
Aria laughed, shaking her head. "He's… complicated."
"Complicated?" another said. "Queen Aria, complicated is exactly why you're obsessed!"
She rolled her eyes, smiling. Even with teasing and pampering, her friends had a way of making life lighter, balancing out the tension at school.
Tomorrow, I'll face her again, she thought, and maybe… he'll notice more than I expect.