---
*Ariana's pov*
After Kyro helped me with my registration and handed me my timetable, I glanced through it quickly.
I checked my timetable. First class—*Advanced Biology*. Just my luck.
Kyro gave me a quick rundown of where the class was and had to bounce to his own. I was still adjusting my books when I bumped into someone.
"Oh my gosh! You're new, right? You're so beautiful," the girl said with a dazzling smile.
I blinked, surprised. "Uh… yeah. Thanks. I'm Ariana Belle."
"Naomi Wells. I love you already," she said, looping her arm through mine like we'd known each other forever. "And your style? Iconic. You give baddie with brains."
I smirked. "I try."
Naomi talked the entire walk to class—fast, sassy, and surprisingly hilarious. We found out we shared almost all the same classes.
---
After biology class, Naomi hooked her arm through mine like we'd known each other for years.
"So," she said, flipping her hair dramatically, "you're officially stuck with me now."
I laughed. "Could be worse."
Naomi grinned. "You have no idea how lucky you are."
As we walked down the hallway, she leaned in like she was about to spill a secret. "Okay, real talk—I'm a cheerleader. One of the famous ones, actually."
I raised a brow. "Of course, you are."
She nodded proudly. "Crestwood's finest. We're called *The Vixens*. Flawless, fierce, and slightly dramatic—but in a hot way."
I chuckled, but the idea sparked something inside me. Dancing had always been a favorite thing of mine—fluid, freeing, and kind of addictive. Maybe cheer was my vibe too?
Naomi caught the look on my face and smirked. "You like dancing, don't you?"
"I kinda love it," I confessed.
"Well, then it's fate," she grinned. "We need one more girl to complete our lineup. It's like the universe is screaming 'Ariana Belle'!"
I laughed, but something told me this was actually a big deal. "Fine. I'll do it."Naomi squealed, practically jumping. "YES! Okay, we're going to meet the girls now. And trust me, they're a lot—but you'll love them."
We made our way to the cafeteria, and the moment we walked in, I could feel the buzz. It was *massive*—high ceilings, rows of tables, and students scattered everywhere in cliques like mini kingdoms.
Then we reached *that* table.
It was different. Sharper. More polished. Like it had its own soundtrack playing in slow motion.
Naomi nudged me. "That's them."
---
The moment we reached the table, all eyes snapped to me.
Six girls. All gorgeous. All staring like I was some new shiny accessory they weren't sure whether to love or roast.
Naomi, completely unbothered, beamed and said, "Ladies, this is Ariana Belle."
She pointed one by one. "Lexi Rae — our fearless, perfectionist leader. Tiana Cruz — quiet but deadly. Sky Monroe — queen of TikTok. Zuri Blake — mysterious as hell. And well… you already know your favorite girl: me."
She threw her arms wide. "Together, we're *The Vixens*."
I gave a small smile. "Nice meeting you all. I'm Ariana Belle."
They all nodded or smiled back—except Lexi, who just… glared. If looks could kill, I'd be a headline.
Naomi leaned over and whispered, "Don't mind her. She just naturally hates stunning girls."
Before I could respond, Naomi tugged Lexi aside, saying she needed "a word."
I sat down with the others, feeling slightly out of place until Sky leaned in with a grin. "Okay, be real. What cream do you use? You're *glowing*, girl."
Tiana nodded, "And that scent? Is it vanilla or... sexy goddess?"
Zuri, sipping her juice like she owned the world, simply said, "You've got a vibe."
I smiled, "Just regular skincare, nothing special."
They all fake-gasped in unison like I just told them I bathe in gold.
A minute later, Naomi and Lexi returned.
Lexi stood in front of me like she was running a courtroom. "So… I hear you want to join *The Vixens*?"
I met her gaze. "Yes, I do."
Sky clapped softly. "Yesss! Finally, a new energy."
Zuri actually smiled. Tiana gave me a thumbs-up.
But Lexi just smirked. "Fine. You'll register for the cheer competition coming up this Wednesday. If you impress us, you're in. If not…" she let the sentence hang with a dramatic pause.
Naomi rolled her eyes. "She'll be fine."
Lexi turned away. "We'll see."
I just smiled. Challenge accepted.
---
After the little cheerleader drama, Lexi stood up with her usual strut and left with the rest of the girls. Of course, Naomi stayed back with me — loyal bestie energy already.
She decided to give me a quick tour of the school. And honestly? I enjoyed it. Crestwood was big, modern, and definitely had that "only in movies" vibe. Naomi, as usual, kept me laughing the whole time — from her sassy commentary on the teachers to her dramatic reenactment of her first cheer fail in freshman year.
But as we walked past the gym, my mind wandered… to Blaze.
Wait… I didn't even come across him today.
Why am I thinking about him?
Ugh. That arrogant, cocky, stupid-faced boy.
The memory of the other night flashed through my head — the way he pushed me, his sharp words, and that intense glare that looked like it could eat me alive. A chill ran down my spine.
He's dangerous. And I hate that my brain is still giving him screen time.
I blinked out of my thoughts when Naomi tapped my arm. "Girl, I've been calling you for like ten seconds straight. You okay?"
I gave a small smile. "Sorry, spaced out. I need to use the restroom."She nodded and waved me off dramatically. "Don't fall in. These toilets are suspicious."
I chuckled, then made my way to the restroom. Did my business, washed my hands, and stared at myself in the mirror for a second. My reflection looked fine, calm — but my mind?
A mess.
And it's all because of Blaze freaking Hunter.
---
The moment I pushed open the restroom door, I froze.
Right there—just a few feet away—was Blaze. And he wasn't alone.
His lips were locked with some girl I'd never seen before, their bodies pressed together like a damn romance movie. My brows shot up. Wow. Of all places.
The second they heard the door creak, they jolted apart. The girl practically ran out like her shoes were on fire, avoiding eye contact like I was about to drag her.
I didn't even blink. Didn't flinch.
I just rolled my eyes and walked past Blaze like he was invisible. I wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. I did what I came to do—used the restroom like a queen on a mission.
But as I came out and moved toward the sink to wash my hands, I noticed something.
He was still there.
Blaze stood by the wall, arms crossed, staring at me with that unreadable gaze of his. Not cocky, not angry… just intense. Like he was trying to figure me out—or waiting for me to say something.
I met his eyes in the mirror, raising a brow.
"What?" I asked flatly, drying my hands.
He said nothing.
Just stared.
And somehow… that silence was louder than anything he could've said.