The morning air was crisp as Aria walked to Class A-3. Her bag swung lightly, but her mind was already on the confrontation waiting for her.
Her rival girl—sharp, calculating, and relentless—was leaning against the hallway lockers, a smug smile plastered on her face.
"So, Queen Aria," she said, voice dripping with mock sweetness, "ready to be humiliated in front of everyone today?"
Aria stopped, her eyes steady on the girl. "If your plan is to annoy me, you'll need more than words."
The hallway went silent. Students whispered, sensing the tension.
Before the rival could respond, a familiar deep voice cut through:
"You're testing the wrong person."
Lucien stepped beside Aria, hands casually in his pockets, eyes sharp and focused on the girl.
Aria's pulse quickened. She didn't need protection—but she didn't mind it either.
The rival's smirk faltered. "Oh, so she has a bodyguard now? How cute."
Lucien's gaze didn't waver. "She doesn't need one. But if you continue… I won't let this slide."
The girl swallowed, stepping back slightly. Aria seized the moment.
"I don't need anyone to fight for me," she said clearly, voice strong. "I can handle myself. And if you want to cause trouble, make sure you can deal with the consequences."
The hallway buzzed with excitement. Students admired her confidence. Even the rival girl's friends looked uneasy.
In class, the tension remained. Aria noticed the rival girl sneaking glances, attempting subtle jabs—paper tossed near her desk, whispered comments—but Aria responded with calm, witty remarks, making the girl's efforts seem trivial.
Lucien observed silently, occasionally offering a nod or small supportive glance. Each time their eyes met, Aria felt a spark—a mixture of excitement and something deeper she didn't want to name yet.
After class, Aria headed to the courtyard, trying to clear her mind. Her phone buzzed with a message from her idol group:
[Member1]: Queen Aria, you're unstoppable!
[Member2]: Don't let them get to you. We've got your back.
She smiled, typing back:
Thanks, everyone. I feel ready for anything.
Then she noticed him—Lucien, leaning casually against a tree. His gaze lingered on her longer than usual.
"You handled that well," he said quietly, approaching.
"I had to," she replied. "It's just words and games."
He smirked faintly. "Not for me. I don't like people putting their hands—or words—on what's mine."
Aria felt her cheeks heat up. "Yours?" she whispered, teasing but also curious.
Lucien's eyes glimmered with something unspoken. "You'll understand in time."
That evening, back at rehearsal, her group noticed a subtle change in Aria—more focused, more determined.
"Something's different today," one boy said, nudging her shoulder. "You're… glowing."
She smiled softly. "Just feeling confident."
But inside, she couldn't stop thinking about Lucien's words, the intensity in his gaze, and the way he seemed to notice everything about her.
School may be full of challenges, she thought, but maybe… some things are worth the distraction.