The school courtyard was alive with chatter as students gathered for lunch. Aria carried her tray carefully, scanning for an empty spot.
Her rival girl had clearly noticed her presence and was already smirking across the way, whispering with a few friends.
This is getting tiresome, Aria thought, but she kept her expression calm.
Aria sat at a quiet corner of the courtyard, pulling out her notebook to revise some notes. Lucien appeared shortly after, sliding into the seat across from her.
"You're here early," she remarked casually.
"I like to make sure you're safe," he replied, voice low, but with that quiet intensity that made her chest tighten.
She looked up, meeting his eyes. "Safe from her?"
He smirked faintly. "Safe from anyone who tries to make your life difficult."
A moment of silence passed. Lucien's gaze softened as he studied her. Aria felt her cheeks warm.
The rival girl, frustrated by her previous failures, decided on a more public display. She stood up and called out, loud enough for half the courtyard to hear:
"Hey Aria! Is being an idol really that impressive when you can't even survive in school?"
A few students snickered. Aria's pulse quickened—but she didn't panic.
Lucien's hand brushed hers under the table, subtle but grounding. "Ignore her," he murmured.
Aria smiled faintly, feeling a spark of confidence. "I can handle this," she said softly.
She stood up, walking calmly toward the girl. "If you want attention, you don't need to try so hard. Confidence is far more impressive than jealousy."
The rival girl froze, clearly caught off guard by Aria's calm demeanor. Some students whispered in admiration.
Lucien's eyes met hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to narrow to just the two of them.
After the confrontation, Lucien walked with her to the quieter side of the courtyard.
"You handled that well," he said softly. "Calm, composed… impressive."
Aria felt a flutter in her chest. "Thanks. It's easier when someone has your back," she admitted, her voice quiet.
Lucien paused, brushing a strand of her purple hair behind her ear again, closer this time. "Not just anyone," he murmured.
Her heart raced. "I… I know," she whispered, barely above a breath.
The moment lingered—long enough to feel intimate, yet delicate, leaving both of them aware of the growing connection between them.
That evening, back at rehearsal, Aria's group noticed her quiet smile.
"Someone's thinking about school more than usual," one of them teased.
Aria laughed softly. "Maybe a little. But it's nothing to worry about."
Her friends grinned knowingly. "Lucien, huh?"
She felt her cheeks heat but couldn't hide it. "Maybe," she admitted.
The group laughed and teased, but Aria felt a warm reassurance. Between school challenges, rival conflicts, and the stage, she had people who truly cared—and someone who noticed her more than anyone else ever had.
Life is chaotic, she thought, but maybe that's what makes it exciting.